New Orleans at Tennessee

New Orleans didn't win many games or cover the spread much last year. One game in which I like them a lot was their opener after Katrina in which I felt the emotional edge they'd have would carry them to a win. It did. I like them in their 2006 preseason opener too. After Katrina and a bad season, they are motivated to start strong here. Another new coach and new starting QB combination spells motivation and possibly increased starter playing time. This team is no stranger to playing on the road as their entire 2005 campaign was away from home. New HC Sean Payton will want to send the city of New Orleans a message - a new sheriff is in town and he knows how to win. He'll be trying hard here as he knows he has one chance to get people on his side and that chance is now. He can be hero or part of another "here we go again" season in the Big Easy. He's got some hope with Pro Bowler QB Drew Brees coming over from San Diego and Reggie Bush signing to complement Deuce McAllister. How bad was Tennessee last year? They won four games. Take out victories agaisnt Houston and San Francisco and they notched just one meaningful win. They lost Steve McNair too so it could be a rough 2006 for the Titans. Billy Volek will start here and we should see a healthy dose of Matt Muck and/or Vince Young. And while Young has great potential, at this time neither of these two backups instill fear in opposing NFL defenses. Drew Brees could get some extra reps as he needs them in his new offense. I don't think Todd Bouman can do much damage but Jamie Martin can (he was 4-1 last year as a starter with the Rams). I like the underdog in this one.