Alright, so you’re going to have to trust me that I picked the Colts to beat the Saints on Thursday night, but I honestly did. You could ask the Intern but that might require him actually writing something for the site which seems a bit out of a stretch for him now-a-days. So, without further ado, the rest of my Week One picks, against the spread to make it a bit hard on myself. By the way, I fully expect to go sub-.500 on the season, so don’t put too much faith this way. Home teams are in Caps.
TEXANS (-3) over Chiefs
How sad is your franchise when you’re the underdog to the Texans? With L.J. only seeing limited time and Damon Huard starting at QB for the Chiefs, this game almost looks like a lock. Also, Houston’s D-Line this year is going to be good. It looks like they’ve built something good there; now they just need almost everything else.
Steelers (-4.5) over BROWNS
This game may very well determine the seasons for both clubs. Pittsburgh could be right there in the Super Bowl contender hunt or they could be somewhere near the bottom of the division, possibly leap-frogged by the Browns. I don’t have an ounce of faith in the Browns (which could make them a viable sleep) but I’m not putting money on them until Brady Quinn gets the ball and starts his career. As a side note, I am fully all-out rooting for the Browns to go winless this year, if only to get God’s team (Dallas) the number one pick next year.
JETS (+6.5) over Patriots
This line is too high, especially with the Patriots setbacks on defense right now. I can actually see the Jets taking this one straight up. While New England has their new, over-the-top offense, I’m not exactly sure how they’re going to play all together. This could actually be game-of-the-week calibre. Also, I’m actually kind of interested as to why Chad Pennington is on the injury report, listed as probable with Pelvis in brackets.
Dolphins (+3) over REDSKINS
I know quite well that the Dolphins are going to stink up the joint this year. It’s completely going to happen, there’s no sleeper potential here. Why am I picking them (on the road no less)? The way I see it, shouldn’t the rule of the underdogs have some sort of carry-over? This is my test subject.
Broncos (-3) over BILLS.
It would seem kind of dumb for me to put money on J.P. Losman (even at home) and that new offensive line the Bills have assembled when I’m actually taking the Broncos to win the Super Bowl. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that this new O-Line that the Bills have thrown together is actually over-rated and when you see how bad they actually are and what people have already been saying about them, you’ll know why I’m not stoked on picking Buffalo.
Titans (+6.5) over JAGUARS
Some of the Sports Guy’s Ewing Theory potential here with the Titans and Pacman Jones (not quite as much as Atlanta though) and this line is too much to give up. David Garrard didn’t start any of the preseason games and, ergo, hasn’t faced any body’s starters yet. I don’t think he’ll be too sharp. But then again, the Madden curse could kick in and Vince Young could get his ACL shreded this week.
Falcons (+3) over VIKINGS
It’s the Vikings and Tavaris Jackson is the quarterback. Also, you’re giving three points. Would you wager money on that?
RAMS (-1) over Panthers
I actually picked the Panthers to win it all last year. This year, I wouldn’t beat on them in a close game against the Rams, especially in St. Louis. No way they’re coming away with a win.
CHARGERS (-6) over Bears
Firstly, I don’t think that Cedric Benson is going to be very good this year with the heavier work load. Secondly, Rex Grossman is still Rex Grossman. Thirdly, this San Diego team is going to put up A LOT of points this season and their Merriman anchored defense is going to get their stops. Come playoff time though, I’m not so sure about the Chargers.
RAIDERS (-2) over Lions
Let’s remember that the Raiders actually had a very good defense last year. Let’s remember Detroit actually has quite the high-powered pass attack assembled. Let’s also remember this is the Raiders and Lions we’re talking about here. When the Raider’s offense is on the field, it might look a lot like the movable object vs. the stoppable force.
COWBOYS (-6) vs. Giants
Note the “vs.” instead of “over.” I don’t pick Dallas games, I would have absolutely no objective judgement.
Ravens (+2.5) over BENGALS
I liked the Ravens last year and I like them even more this year with my boy, Willis McGahee. The loss of Adalius Thomas will hurt their defense but not as much as you’d think.
NINERS (-3) over Cardinals
If this Niners team is as good as everyone’s built them up to be, they should have no problem with the perennial sad-sack Cards. The city of St. Louis sure did upgrade when the Cards left and the Rams came in.
This Week: 1-0
This Season 1-0