NFL Week One Pick ‘Ems

As I debate getting more into sports blogging, I’ve decided to start with my picks for week one of the NFL season.  I realize I probably should have done this earlier, but for what it’s worth, I would have picked the Giants.

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons

I feel bad for anyone watching this game.  At least Matt Ryan gets to start off against a bad team.  Of course, he has no weapons, and anyone on the Lions, however bad, will still be better than anyone he faced in college.  I have to go with the Lions in this one, only because their offense is better.

Seattle Seahawks @ Buffalo Bills

The Seahawks get to debut their three-headed monster running back system of Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris.  Should be interesting to see how that goes.  Hasselbeck is still a top NFC QB, and I wish he had an elite WR instead of an oft-injured Deion Branch.  Much like how I wish Lee Evans actually had a QB to throw to him.  Bills are on the rebound, but still far away.  Taking the Seahawks.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

While neither Vince Young or David Garrard have any receivers to throw too, the Jags have a much better ground game and defense.  They will take the game, and overtake the Colts for the division.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins sucked last year, and have gotten worse.  The Jets revamped their O-Line and added Brett Favre.  This is a great starter game for Favre to use to help learn the offense, in case he isn’t there already.  I feel really bad for Bill Parcells.  Jets in a blowout.

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

Oh come on.  My question isn’t who will win, but will the Chiefs stay within 21?  I doubt it, even if Brady isn’t 100%.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints

I’m sure Drew Brees is happy to have Jeremy Shockey to throw to, adding another dangerous target to his arsenal.  A healthy Reggie Bush and Duece McAllister make up a heck of a running game.  Should be fun to watch if Earnest Graham can pick up this season as strongly as he left off last season, as I’m sure many fantasy teams are ridding on it.  The Bucs have a good squad, just not better than the Saints.

St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles

I actually think that the Rams will be much better this season than last, and I’m not sold on the Eagles.  After having McNabb on my fantasy team for a few years, I wish him an 0-16 season (and I got my wish with Culpepper, as he retired, albeit a bit late for me).  The Eagles are going to go as far as Westbrook, and possibly Kolb, take them.  The Rams take this one, behind Bulger’s arm.

Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers

The Texans are a much improved team in a very good division.  The Steelers, as everyone knows, have to keep Ben on his feet.  Willie Parker isn’t the main back, but can still break out a big run.  Andre Johnson and Mario Williams will have to be game changers for Houston.  Texans win, but it will be close.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

Like the Falcons, the Ravens have their rookie QB at the helm with no real weapons at receiver.  The defense is good, but a year older, while McGahee is banged up.  The Bengals have a strong offense, but still have no defense.  Cincy takes this one, but only because the Ravens have nothing going offensively.

Carolina Panthers @ San Diego Chargers

LT is LT, and an overrated Panthers defense isn’t going to stop him.  Even if Merriman is completely unable to play, the Chargers defense is still good.  Delhomme is coming off surgery, and won’t have game breaker Steve Smith.  On the other side, Philip Rivers is ready to go, and Vincent Jackson has some confidence after last years postseason.  Chargers take this one.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

It’s going to be another long year for San Fran.  J.T. O’Sullivan isn’t going to be any better than Alex Smith, who has had to learn a new system every year since being drafted.  At least the Cards know the system, have great wide receivers, and Kurt Warner won’t hurt them.  Edge will be better than last year too.  Cardinals win this one.

Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns

While I, like a lot of other people, think the Browns are going to have a heck of a year, it’s not starting here.  The Cowboys are too strong, and the Browns defense is too week.  Dallas should have no problem winning this one.

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts

This could get interesting.  A hurt Indy O-Line against a strong Bears D could be fun to watch.  But the lack of offense for Chicago is going to kill them in this game.  It way work against NFC teams, but it won’t completely stop the Colts.  Indy will wear them down.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

The Aaron Rodgers era begins against the team that almost housed the end of the Brett Favre era.  The Packers are a consistent team, and that shouldn’t change too much.  But the Vikings just might be a better football team – a tough defense, and one of the games best running backs.  If the Vikes loose, it will be because of a Tavaris Jackson mistake.

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders

Some people think the Raiders are in for a big year.  i think the Raiders are improved, but not a top tier team yet, and certainly not better than the Broncos.  Let’s not pass judgement on McFadden until after his played a real game.  I don’t think Jay Cutler will be the only Bronco to have a big year.  Look out for TE Tony Scheffler.  The Raiders are going to start the McFadden Era 0-1.

Recap:

Lions over Falcons: Dead Wrong

Seahawks over Bills: Wrong (Alright, the Bills are for real)

Jaguars over Titans: Wrong

Jets over Dolphins: Correct (I thought this was a gimme until Pennington remembered he can play)

Patriots over Chiefs: Correct

Saints over Bucs: Barely

Eagles over Rams: Not even remotely close

Texans over Steelers: See above

Bengals over Ravens: Wrong

Chargers over Panthers: Wrong (I was convinced Delhomme was getting sacked after his pump)

Cardinals over 49ers: Correct

Cowboys over Browns: Correct

Colts over Bears: Wrong

Vikings over Packers

Broncos over Raiders

Of course, after the games are over, I’ll be sure to come back and reflect on how wrong I was.

Results: 5-8 Pending Monday Night