The slate is clean and every team believes they have a chance at football's ultimate goal in September. Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati, the Denver Broncos come into Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Bengals.

Last season, Denver collapsed with just four games remaining and missed the playoffs. So they felt a need to make a change. And changes they made. The Broncos fired longtime head coach Mike Shanahan and replaced him with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Today, NFL odds makers are calling the Bengals home favorites. Cincinnati is at -5 with the total in the game sitting at 42.

The Bengals hope to have quarterback Carson Palmer back for the entire season. Palmer missed most of 2008 due to injury. With a healthy Palmer in the line-up, the Bengals have a chance to be a very goof team. However, in a tough AFC North they will need a little luck making the post season.

Denver now has Kyle Orton as their starting quarterback. With Jay Cutler gone, Brandon Marshall pulling his antics and no more Mike Shanahan, the Broncos are shell of their former selves. However, their biggest problem will be their defense. Last season, Denver couldn't stop anyone.

There is no indication that they have gotten any better. The Broncos will be bad this season. If they win 5 games I will be surprised.

Carson Palmer is going to light up the Broncos defense.

Take the Bengals and give the points.