Update: Catch live updates of the game tonight over at SBNation.com
The 2011 NFL season officially kicks off tonight when the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers meet at Lambeau Field for Thursday Night Football. It's tradition for the defending Super Bowl champ to host the first home game of the year on the Thursday before the rest of the season starts.
This should be a pretty awesome game. I attended the last two Super Bowls -- won by the Saints and Packers -- so I know these teams somewhat well.
The Packers, believe it or not, should be even better this year assuming they don't have a run of injuries like they did last year. QB Aaron Rodgers is a favorite for the MVP and the Packers are expected to make a deep playoff run.
The Saints should once again be one of the league's elite teams. QB Drew Brees is as good as ever and I'd expect the Saints have as good of a shot as any to make another Super Bowl run.
The Packers are four point favorites depending on where you look. Check out my Week 1 NFL picks for more predictions. All the action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) tonight on NBC. We'll have an open thread here for the game.
It's. Finally. Football. Season. (Games that count, too!)
What are you doing for the game tonight?