Remember when we just thought Peyton Manning was a nerdy playbook geek with pinpoint throwing accuracy?

Now, he is still all of those things but thanks the dozens of TV spots he’s been in (Mastercard, DirecTV, Sprint/Nextel, Saturday Night Live) he has placed himself into the category of the most entertaining athletes in the world.

He’s shown his lighter side and if you haven’t already seen the NFL Kickoff promo with Reggie Bush, you’d better take a look (above).

We can all give thanks for having football back in our lives. Tonight’s game should be entertaining… having Reggie Bush, Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne in the game means I’m rooting for a 70-75 win by… anyone. Just give the aforementioned the rock.

Brees will not miss a beat, the Saints’ O will remain tops in the league. Peyton’s livin’ on the high that is the Super Bowl victory and soon-to-be newly risen banner in The DOME. Still, they’ll be better on D but my pick is: Saints win, 35-28.

The rest of Week 1 picks will come tomorrow.