With the season now officially underway I am proud to introduce a full on version of your weekly Last Minute Heroics. This week's edition offers; In the Books - Week 1, the Game of the Week, Week 2 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It, The Ten, and the Hero of the Week.

In the Books - Week 1

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

The Redskins have better take another look at their QB situation because Jason Campbell can manage a game well enough but he certainly isn't a game changing QB. I see Colt Brennan on the sidelines and think about how much greater of a weapon they have in him, he gives the team a spark when he is at the helm and while he lacks experience and may make more mistakes he also could have generated a lot more chances to win. The Giants defense played better than I expected and Plaxico Burress certainly showed them he was worth his new contract. Eli Manning managed to salvage a rough game and while I still think New York is not going to be a threat come playoff time, they certainly should be competitive throughout the year. I believe Washington has more than they showed in them but they need a QB that is going to make things happen.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Actual Winner: New York Giants (1-0)

Final Score: WAS, 7 - NYG, 16

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta looks a lot more like a contender than I would have ever guessed and I think I underestimated Michael Turner who certainly looks like the real deal and with Jerious Norwood the Falcons may have the most impressive one, two punch at RB in the league. Matt Ryan's debut was taken slowly but the accuracy he has and the confidence this game had to have given him is exactly what could help him make Atlanta a serious contender. Detroit couldn't seem to stop the run at all and that doesn't give them much hope when going up against Minnesota twice a year, we'll see if they can bounce back this week against the Packers.

Predicted Winner: Detroit Lions

Actual Winner: Atlanta Falcons (1-0)

Final Score: DET, 21 - ATL, 34

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

The Bengals didn't do anything very well, the fact that this even looked like a close game is due to a lackluster Baltimore offense. The Ravens had decent play from rookie starter Joe Flacco but the truth is neither team is very much of a threat to their division in their current state.

Predicted Winner: Cincinnati Bengals

Actual Winner: Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Final Score: CIN, 10 - BAL, 17

Seattle Seahawks @ Buffalo Bills

Buffalo look like a team ready to make their run at the playoffs while Seattle looks even worse than I thought they were. The Bills dominated the game in style with great play on both sides of the ball. Seattle looked lost and the injuries they suffered didn't help the effort. The Bills should make a strong run at winning the AFC East.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

Actual Winner: Buffalo Bills (1-0)

Final Score: SEA, 10 - BUF, 34

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

In one of the very entertaining games of the week Brett Favre showed up on the field ready to lead his new team. Likewise former Jets QB Chad Pennington had his Dolphins geared up and the clash ended in a close finish with Favre's Jets edging the much improved Miami Dolphins.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Actual Winner: New York Jets (1-0)

Final Score: NYJ, 20 - MIA, 14

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

The AFC East was busted wide open after Tom Brady left this game early with a knee injury that turned out to be a season ending one. The Chiefs almost took advantage but Matt Cassel managed to pull the Patriots through to a victory, the rest of the schedule might not seem so easy for the Pats anymore.

Predicted Winner: New England Patriots

Actual Winner: New England Patriots (1-0)

Final Score: KC, 10 - NE, 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints

In a very tight game with a lot of excitement Tampa Bay and New Orleans each made their case to be the best team in the NFC South but the emergence of the Falcons and Panthers has made this division look like a powerhouse. New Orleans earn a tooth and nail victory while the Bucs took the back seat in the South.

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

Actual Winner: New Orleans Saints (1-0)

Final Score: TB, 20 - NO, 24

St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

It was no surprise to see the Rams fail to churn up points but the way the Eagles played was enlightening. Donovan McNabb looks like the guy who won an NFC Championship again and he'll need to be that guy in the NFC East this year.

Predicted Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Actual Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Final Score: STL, 3 - PHI, 38

Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh looks like they are back to form and they may once again be the team to beat in the AFC. Willie Parker had a great game thanks to excellent blocking by his offensive line. Houston didn't look terrible, just over-matched and they couldn't find consistency in the running game. 

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Actual Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

Final Score: HOU, 17 - PIT, 38

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

Chris Johnson arrived for the Titans and running like he did against Jacksonville I look forward to seeing how he fairs against lesser teams. The Jags never found a rhythm running the ball and without it they can't expect Garrard to make the plays they need.

Predicted Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Actual Winner: Tennessee Titans (1-0)

Final Score: JAX, 10 - TEN, 17

Dallas Co wboys @ Cleveland Browns

Cleveland still looks like a very good team, but they were simply over-matched against a Cowboys team that appears ready to return to the glory days. Dallas was able to handle Cleveland with more ease than I expected and they might just be the best of the NFC East. 

Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Actual Winner: Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

Final Score: DAL, 28 - CLE, 10

Carolina Panthers @ San Diego Chargers

The Panthers looked impressive on the field against a team I really doubted they could beat. The Chargers looked great but when it counted they couldn't pull off the big stop. Both teams should have solid seasons ahead of them.

Predicted Winner: San Diego Chargers

Actual Winner: Carolina Panthers (1-0)

Final Score: CAR, 26 - SD, 24

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

The Cardinals didn't impress against a 49ers team that was as bad as advertised and the NFC West looks to be the weakest division in the history of the NFL to my recollection. Someone had to win it and who it was wasn't exactly a shock.

Predicted Winner: Arizona Cardinals

Actual Winner: Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Final Score: ARI, 23 - SF, 13

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts

The Bears were impressive in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI, Kyle Orton was impressive as was Matt Forte. The Colts were surprisingly flat and it will be interesting to see how they do this season in the Brady-less, wide open AFC.

Predicted Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Actual Winner: Chicago Bears (1-0)

Final Score: CHI, 29 - IND, 13

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers was definitely impressive in his debut as he managed to pull out of a tough match with a victory. The Vikings running game looks good but without a decent passing game they get left behind in a game like this. Both teams should be fairly good this year but only time will tell.

Predicted Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Actual Winner: Green Bay Packers (1-0)

Final Score: MIN, 19 - GB, 24

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders

How do the Broncos respond to a game without Brandon Marshall? With the most explosive offense Week 1 had to offer is the answer. Jay Cutler showed great maturity on the field and his young line was solid for him. The surprise to the rest of the world was rookie Eddie Royal who shouldn't have been a surprise to the informed Broncos fan, what was surprising is how he handled DeAngelo Hall who often seemed offended by the rookie who simply outplayed him. Royal looked like a guy who used to wear number 80 out on that field and seems to be the perfect compliment opposite Brandon Marshall who returns next week. The Raiders couldn't handle the Broncos and they couldn't handle the rules judging by all the yellow flags out there.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

Actual Winner: Denver Broncos (1-0)

Final Score: DEN, 41 - OAK, 14

Game of the Week

Jake Delhomme leads the Panthers to a last-second victory.
Photo by Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

This game went down to the wire, each team had it's moments and neither team gave up. Despite a scoreless first quarter the lead bounced back and forth seven times. While Carolina didn't quite have the offensive power of the Chargers they made key plays on defense and special teams to stay in the game and when they needed it most the offense pulled through with an amazing drive that came down to the last second.

There are moments in a season that make you believe anything is possible this game was full of those moments. Philip Rivers orchestrated a 6 play scoring drive late in the game to pull within 3 points. Just three plays later Shaun Phillips recovered a fumble on the Carolina 28 that lead to another 6 play scoring drive by Rivers to take a 4 point lead. The Chargers seemed to have snatched victory from the hands of defeat.

With 2 minutes and 27 seconds left Carolina got the ball back and Jake Delhomme took the field at the Carolina 32. After driving the field admirably and failing his second 3 and 7 attempt of what was a 10 play drive, Delhomme was in position for a 4th and 1 play with 2 seconds left and 14 yards to go. Delhomme took the snap and sent the ball to Dante Rosario in the endzone and as San Diego held their breath Rosario hauled in the catch to win the game. This could very possibly be the best game played all year.

Week 2 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It

Sunday, September 14th

Green Bay Packers (1-0) @ Detroit Lions (0-1)

After Green Bay won the battle against the Vikings, the Lions should be a cake-walk but it will be interesting to see how Rodgers handles his first road start. The LIons were picked apart by the Falcons and they will need to step up big if they have any hope of rebounding against their rival Packers.

Predicted Winner: Green Bay Packers

Chicago Bears (1-0) @ Carolina Panthers (1-0)

The Bears stunned Peyton Manning and the Colts after The Panthers shocked Philip Rivers and the Chargers. In Week 2 one of these teams has to be an unexpected 2-0 and the other will get that loss they shockingly avoided. Carolina beat a team with a lot of fight and they should be able to pull it off again.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

New York Giants (1-0) @ St. Louis Rams (0-1)

New York got a big division win against Washington and they seem to have some swagger left. The Rams are rolling over, looking nothing remotely like "The Greatest Show on Turf." I don't see the Rams getting any wins the way they are playing.

Predicted Winner: New York Giants

New Orleans Saints (1-0) @ Washington Redskins (0-1)

New Orleans pulled out a hard fought victory over Tampa Bay while Washington struggled against the Champions. The Saints could have been a lot more convincing but the Skins need to shake things up to show up and this won't be their game.

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

Buffalo Bills (1-0) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

Buffalo looked hot last week and The Jags couldn't stop the run at all. Unless the run defense of the Jaguars steps up this is no contest if it does it will be a great game but the Bills have something special on their side so I think they'll do well.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

Tennessee Titans (1-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

Chris Johnson and the Titans opened up some eyes and Carson Palmer's Bengals looked like a train wreck out there. If the Titans play their cards right they could top the division wth that running game of theirs and this game will not be a hard place to pick up where they left off.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

Oakland Raiders (0-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

Oakland got demolished by the Broncos while Kansas City got edged by Matt Cassel and the Patriots. I would normally think that Kansas City would be the team in this one but the Raiders might not be as bad as they looked, especially if Javon Walker shows up.

Predicted Winner: Oakland Raiders

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

Neither Indianapolis or Minnesota looked as fierce as they seemed. The Colts have a chance to rebound and history tells me to put money on the team that has a balanced attack which the Vikings don't.

Predicted Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

Atlanta looked very impressive tearing the Lions apart while Tampa Bay wasn't without it's moments against the Saints. I think Atlanta has a chance to emerge as a threat in this division and this is where they start.

Predicted Winner: Atlanta Falcons

San Francisco 49ers (0-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (0-1)

The 49ers looked bad but as hard as it may be to believe they may have looked better than Seattle who were thumped by Buffalo. I think the 49ers will continue to have trouble and Seattle will be able to put one in the win column.

Predicted Winner: Seattle Seahawks

San Diego Chargers (0-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-0)

The Chargers suffered heartbreak against the Panthers while the Broncos put on a show against the Raiders. The Chargers played well but The Broncos played fantastic and with the return of their most explosive player, Brandon Marshall, the Broncos are set to go nuclear on the field.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

New England Patriots (1-0) @ New York Jets (1-0)

New England will have to move on without star QB Tom Brady but they won't be able to find any easy wins. Brett Favre has the Jets flying smoothly and they should prove to be better than the Patriots of today can handle.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) @ Houston Texans (0-1)

Houston was smashed by the Steelers and the Ravens managed to squeek by a terrible Bengals team. Baltimore may improve over the weeks but the Texans are not going to be out-gunned this week.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

Miami Dolphins (0-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Miami looked like a new team with Chad Pennington under center and the Cardinals struggled with the 49ers in what should have been a far easier game. I think the Cards can turn the tables and turn up the volume against Miami in a close game this week though.

Predicted Winner: Arizona Cardinals

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) @ Cleveland Browns (0-1)

This should be a heck of a matchup between AFC North rivals. Pittsburgh crushed Houston while the Browns fell to the Cowboys but these teams should be more evenly matched. Even so I think Pittsburgh will continue to roll as the Browns find themselves in an unfortunate early hole.

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Monday, September 15th

Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

The beasts of the NFC East will rumble on Monday Night Football. Dallas was impressive in their victory over a very good Browns team and Philadelphia breezed by the hapless Rams. I think we see the Cowboys make a huge statement in primetime.

Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys

The Ten

1. Dallas Cowboys (1-0) - They took it to Cleveland and cemented their contender status.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) - The Texans didn't know what hit them but no one will be surprised when this team strikes next.

3. New York Giants (1-0) - The champs aren't letting down just yet.

4. Carolina Panthers (1-0) - The prowling cats are ready to prove they are for real.

5. Tennessee Titans (1-0) - Taking down the Jags was a crucial start to a what should be a very good season.

6. New Orleans Saints (1-0) - They fought hard for their win and will have to do it again in Washington.

7. Chicago Bears (1-0) - Beating Peyton Manning will always boost your confidence.

8. Denver Broncos (1-0) - Cutler's machine is roaring and the Chargers are in his line of fire.

9. Buffalo Bills (1-0) - These guys have heart and they have power to back it.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) - Donovan McNabb might just be back the big test comes Monday against Dallas.

The Ten is based on performance and strength of opponent, positioning on the list is taken into account as teams rise and fall.

Hero of the Week

This week's hero is Jake Delhomme of the Carolina Panthers who's last minute heroics gave the Panthers a huge win over the San Diego Chargers. The Panthers were longshots by anyone's standards but they persevered and overcame a Chargers comeback run late in the game. This game was one of many in Week 1 that opened the AFC to more than just the "elite." Delhomme's comeback victory represents everything the NFL is all about and while it may only be the first week his win will matter come Week 17.

What's Next?

Last Minute Heroics returns next week in its weekly Tuesday spot. It will include the following:

• In the Books - Week 2

• Game of the Week
  

• Week 3 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It
  

• The Ten
  

• Hero of the Week
  

I hope everyone enjoyed this week's edition of Last Minute Heroics; I welcome any feedback and/or suggestions to be left as a comment below or sent by email to LoveHopeHero@gmail.com. It's been a pleasure, thank you for reading.

P|L|H

- Love Hope Hero -