Are you ready for some football?

I am. NFL kicks off tonight with the Raiders coming to Gillette to take on the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.

Lots of changes this year, with Charlie Weis and Romeo Crenel exiting as offensive and defensive coordinators, Ty Law now on the Jets, Teddy Bruschi out for the season and maybe forever, and Ted Johnson's sudden retirement. Plus we have by far the most difficult schedule in the league, playing every AFC playoff team from last year.

My official prediction: 11-5, winning the AFC East as the #3 seed, where they go on to win their third straight SB. I could be wrong, and if so, so be it. Crap, I've seen three Super Bowls the last four years. Everything else is cake now.

By the way, the Jets' Jonathon Vilma was on the Budweiser Hot Seat yesterday. Asked the Patriots' odds of repeating as Super Bowl Champs, he responded "A billion to one."

Yes, a billion to one. According to Mr. Vilma, the defending Super Bowl champions have as much chance winning the Super Bowl as you do of winning the lottery while getting hit by lightning.

Two reactions:

1. Can I make a $5 wager with you, Mr. Vilma?
2. You think a soundbite of that statement won't be looped over and over in the Patriots' locker room when they play the Jets? Think again.