Thank God football is back. I had the Seahawks and John had the Packers on Thursday nights opener. Looks like a trend.
Here are this weeks' picks:
1.) Atlanta Falcons at home (-3.5) vs. New Orleans Saints
The Saints score half as many points on the road, but the Falcons have a porous defense. 2nd year WR Kenny Stills is out giving rookie WR Brandin Cooks an opportunity to show off his speed. I expect Rob Ryan to have his defense playing at a higher level.
PREDICTION: SAINTS
2.) St. Louis Rams at home (-3.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer should've had a head coaching job years ago and Norv Turner is a superior offensive coordinator, if not a head coach. Matt Cassell vs. Shaun Hill isn't an electric matchup, but both head coaches can dial up a defense. Adrian Peterson along with verticle dynamite in WR Cordarelle Patterson makes all the difference.
PREDICTION: VIKINGS
3.) Pittsburgh Steelers at home (-7) vs. Cleveland Browns
The Steelers have finally jettisoned many of their elderly on defense but it remains to be seen if the young ones will make the grade. In the midst of the overhyped QB controversy is the play of a very young and talented Browns defense. The history of this rivalry and that young defense make seven points difficult to stomach.
PREDICTION: BROWNS TO COVER
4.) Philadelphia Eagles at home vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have their franchise QB in Blake Bortles (not Johnny Manziel) and when he starts there will be real excitement in NE Florida, but Chad Henne gets the start. If the Jags can run the ball successfully and keep the Eagles defense on the field then this game could get interesting. But I have no faith in Toby Gearhart and Henne can't go point for point with Nick Foles.
PREDICTION: EAGLES
5.) New York Jets at home (-5.5) vs. Oakland Raiders
Under no circumstances would I if I were Rex Ryan entrust my job security to Geno Smith. NOT ON MY LIFE. Butttt, the Raiders are flying to the east coast and starting rookie Derek Carr at QB (not Johnny Manziel either). Maybe Rex can get Matt Schaub? If the Jets lose this game Rex will resemble a pig at a pig roast.
PREDICTION: JETS
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6.) Baltimore Ravens at home (-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ehhhhh. Not point analyzing. Bengals run wild.
PREDICTION: BENGALS
7.) Chicago Bears at home (-7) vs. Buffalo Bills
E.J. Manual looked awful in preseason and the stress is showing. No way I take them to win on the road.
PREDICTION: BEARS
8.) Houston Texans at home (-3) vs. Washington Redskins (yes, Redskins)
If RG III shows up the Redskins win, and Ryan Fitzpatrick does not inspire confidence. I'll go with the QB with the upside.
PREDICTION: REDSKINS
9.) Kansas City Chiefs at home (-3.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
This might be an upset all around, but the Titans defense is awful and even an ailing Chiefs offense can score enough to cover.
PREDICTION: CHIEFS
10.) New England Patriots (-4.5) at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins don't have enough.
PREDICTION: PATRIOTS
11.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home (-3) vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have too many question marks beginning with the health of Cam Newton.
PREDICTION: BUCCANEERS
12.) San Francisco 49ers (-4) at Dallas Cowboys
If you a team plagued by a myriad of both on and off the field controversies then get down on your knees and thank God you get the Cowboys defense as your first opponent.
PREDICTION: 49ERS
13.) Denver Broncos at home (-8) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning has been waiting seven months to vent those Super Bowl frustrations out on an opposing defense. Good luck Colts.
PREDICTION: BRONCOS
14.) Detroit Lions at home (-6.5) vs. New York Giants
The Giants are a mess. The Lions have a newer and better coach who will get the talent playing at a higher level.
PREDICTION: LIONS
15.) Arizona Cardinals at home vs. San Diego Chargers
Andre Ellington is out and that is all the difference.
PREDICTION: CHARGERS
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