How pessimistic has this place become?

[Direckshun]

I've gotta be the guy who posts WF's prediction that the Chiefs win.

http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2012_01early.php

Atlanta Falcons (0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)
Line: Falcons by 2.5. Total: 42.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Preseason): Chiefs -1.

ATLANTA OFFENSE: This was supposed to be a great matchup. An improved Matt Ryan and a dominant Julio Jones versus a Kansas City defense that shut down Aaron Rodgers last December? Sign me up. Several weeks ago, this seemed like THE battle to watch on opening Sunday.

That's not the case anymore, unfortunately. Elite pass-rusher Tamba Hali has been suspended because of a marijuana arrest. Top cornerback Brandon Flowers will be a game-time decision because of an ankle injury. Stud inside linebacker Derrick Johnson should be able to play, but won't be 100 percent because of his own ankle malady.

With all of that in mind, it's difficult to envision the Chiefs having much luck against Atlanta's dynamic passing attack. Matt Ryan figures to have tons of time to throw without having to worry about Hali, and he'll easily connect with Jones on multiple occasions, thanks to the presumed absence of Flowers. Running the ball won't be much of an option because Michael Turner is completely finished, but the Falcons won't need to do that because their offense is now primarily aerially based.

KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: The Chiefs will have some issues defensively this week, but they should be able to move the chains pretty efficiently. They're going to run the ball as good as anyone this season, thanks to the dynamic tandem of the currently healthy Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, as well as a bolstered offensive line with Eric Winston as a massive upgrade over the inept Barry Richardson at right tackle.

The Falcons were 12th in the NFL against the run last year, but that ranking will likely drop, thanks to Curtis Lofton's departure. Replacement Akeem Dent struggled a bit in the preseason, so I'm expecting the Chiefs to rip off big gains on the ground.

This will open up play-action opportunities for Matt Cassel, who will need them because he's not a good quarterback. He should at least be protected well, making the daunting task of battling cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Asante Samuel a bit easier. It also helps that starting receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin have a very healthy size advantage over Atlanta's two corners. And not to be forgotten, Dexter McCluster is finally being utilized correctly out of the slot. I think he could be a PPR monster this year.

RECAP: This is a tough spot for the Falcons, who aren't nearly as good in outdoor games. Following this matchup against the "crappy" Chiefs, they have to deal with Peyton Manning's Broncos, Philip Rivers' Chargers and Cam Newton's Panthers. They won't be completely focused, especially now that Hali is out. And yes, teams do look past Week 1 games.

Despite missing Hali and possibly Flowers, I feel like the Chiefs are underrated. They run the ball extremely well, while Romeo Crennel is still a defensive mastermind who will have something up his sleeve for Ryan. I'd like Kansas City as my September NFL Pick of the Month if they were completely healthy, but this is still a multi-unit play for me.

The Psychology. Edge: Chiefs.
The Falcons have the Broncos, Chargers and Panthers after this battle against the Chiefs, who weren't any good last year. They may not be 100-percent focused.

Opening Line: Falcons -1.
Opening Total: 41.

Week 1 NFL Pick: Chiefs 20, Falcons 17