It is no secret we are not big fans of Phillip Rivers. But he is high on the list of predictably unpredictable. Off a season that was bad even by his highly overrated standards, he all of a sudden enters very underrated.

Also returning are last year leading rusher, Ryan Mathews as well as eight-time Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates. With my former neighborhood mate Ken Whisenhunt taking over the offense, look for Rivers to come out of the gate quickly.

Houston Texans safety Ed Reed will not start Monday night's season opener against the San Diego Chargers.

Rivers is 2-0 against Texans and has seven TDs, one INT and 140.3 passer rating. Dwight Freeney will make Charges debut after spending previous 11 seasons with Indianapolis.