The KC Chiefs were down but not out in the second half of the last Super Bowl. Having picked them to win, I was only a little worried when they were down by two scores to the SF 49ers. Both teams were there because of explosive offenses, and KC's offense was just getting hot. There is no shame on the SF defense. We are in the era of the offense, and when one of these talented teams gets rolling, no defense is good enough.

The Chiefs will take on another red-hot offense this Thursday night. Is anyone surprised that mobile QBs are all the rage? Deshaun Watson of the Texans. Lamar Jackson of the Ravens. Trubisky, Wilson, Murray, Prescott, Newton — and more. In the era of offense, it helps to have a triple-threat QB. But football is also a chess match, and some old chess masters in the NFL are also formidable: Brady, Rodgers, Cousins, Roethlisberger, Brees, Ryan, Taylor, Rivers, Fitzpatrick — and more.

Defenses will need to both stay healthy and take chances to get turnovers, because the days of 10-7 NFL final scores are in the history books.

It is for that reason that I ranked offense-oriented NFL teams higher than defensive-minded ones. Among the teams I expect to make the playoffs, those with hot offenses dominate.

My 12 playoff picks

NFC:  Falcons, 49ers, Eagles, Vikings, Saints, Bucs.

AFC:  Chiefs, Ravens, Patriots, Titans, Browns, Raiders.

There is far more uncertainty about this season than any that I remember. However, if injuries and illnesses were to even out, this is how I would expect the season to unfold: the Falcons challenging the Chiefs in December — and again in February in Tampa. Meanwhile, let's start with what's right in front of us. I certainly hope you get a kick out of the season opener and Sunday's fun lineup, regardless of who wins.

THURSDAY!                   My Picks
Texans at Chiefs              Chiefs

SUNDAY
Jets at Bills                      Bills
Packers at Vikings          Vikings
Eagles at Washington    Eagles
Browns at Ravens          Ravens
Colts at Jaguars              Colts
Raiders at Panthers        Raiders
Bears at Lions                 Lions
Seahawks at Falcons      Falcons
Dolphins at Patriots        Patriots
Chargers at Bengals       Chargers
Cardinals at 49ers          49ers
Buccaneers at Saints      Saints
Cowboys at Rams           Rams

MONDAY
Steelers at Giants          Giants
Titans at Broncos           Titans

I've got my beer cooling down. Do you?