Here are my picks for Week one of the NFL Season
1) Colts -6 over Saints in Indianapolis.
This ought to be a shoot out. Both have serious issues on Defense, but Colts are good for a touchdown victory. Look for very high scoring game. I'll take Colts
2) Houston -3 over Chiefs in Houston
Houston may be on the rise, but we'll see. Chiefs seem to be in freefall. Defense is unimproved, Trent Green is gone & Larry Johnson isd destined to be overworked. Texans are improved on paper with Matt Schaub, but blocking is still an issue. Tough call, but I'll go with the home team on the rise (Texans) over the team on the decline (Chiefs). I'll take Texans
3) Denver -3 over Bills in Buffalo
This is a gut feeling. The Bills have lost Takeo Spikes, London Fletcher,Nate Clements & Willis McGahee. The Broncos have serious problems with the defensive line ass Mike Shanahan doesn't put much value there. I think Buffalo will run the ball well, eat up the clock & Denver seems to sleep in the first week under Shanahan. I'll take Bills.
4) Pittsburg -4 1/2 over Browns in Cleveland.
This may seem easy, but it's not. This is a rivalry that defies point spreads, especially in Cleveland. I look forward to Mike Tomlin having a great future with the Steelers. This time the Browns still don't have enough talent to compete. I'll take Steelers.
5) Jacksonville -6 1/2 over Titans in Jacksonville
I can't stand the Jags. They're inconsistent & unpredictable & over rated. Vince Young has lost some weapons & the Titans defense is suspect, but although originally dubious, Vince Young is a natural leader & lifts his teammates. I'll take Titans.
6) Rams -1 over Panthers in St Louis.
This line is inconceivable. Carolina is an enigma & not one to score many points. The Rams have a high powered offense, enhanced by Drew Bennett in the slot & Randy McMichael at TE. This looks like a slam dunk. I'll take RAMS
7) Eagles -3 over Packers in Green Bay
This is a good early test for the Eagles. The Packers have a young, aggressive defense that will turn some heads, but there are doubts about their ability to score points. The Eagles defense is full of question marks, especially at DT where they were mauled last year. The linebacking corps is young & inexperienced & may over pursue, making them highly vulnerable to big play misdirection and screen passes. The Eagles have had reliable Special Teams, but have a new coach there. Also, long snapper Mike Bartrum & Holder Koy Detmer are no longer around & that may affect Akers' performance. They have no return game to speak of. That being said, they will score a lot, especially if they reduce their pass-run ratio to the degree they did when Jeff Garcia took over last year. Mcnabb will stay healthy as long as 65 % of plays are not passing plays. Look for Westybrook to run more & take pressure off McNabb. They do have the best offensive line in football. I'll take the Eagles.
8) Minnesota -3 over Falcons in Minnesota
The Falcons are in freefall, but the Vikings don't seem to have much offensive firepower. Even so, I don't see the Falcons winning on the road. I'll take Vikings.
9) Redskins -3 over Dolphins in DC
Tough pick. Redskins have a lot of talent, but under acieve. The Dolphins have scarred Trent Green, little offense & being on the road, the Redskins defense will get a couple turnovers here to make the difference. I'll take the Redskins.
10) Patriots -6 1/2 over Jets in NJ
This is easy. This is one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports. They usually get decided by a field goal or less. Take away Rodney Harrison & Richard Seymour and the Jets should cover if not win outright. I'll take the JETS
11) Seahawks -6 over Tampa Bay in Seattle.
The Seahawks are flying under the radar. Matt Hasselback & Shaun Alexander are in full health. They added Patrick Kerney, and dropped malcontents like Darrell Jackson & Jerramy Stevens. THe Bucs are young and a giant question mark all around. They're average AT BEST and Jeff Garcia doesn't have enough in the tank to win on the road. I'll take the Seahawks.
12) Chargers -6 over Bears in San Diego.
Blowout. The Chargers have too much firepower for the vaunted Bears defense & the Chargers defense is every bit as good, if not better. Rex Grossman will be the Chargers best friend. Chargers in a blowout.
13) Raiders -2 over Lions in Oakland.
Crappy game. Josh McCown is starting for the Raiders. The Lions will be competetive under Rod Marinelli, but the Raiders defense makes the difference. I'll take the Raiders.
14) Cowboys -6 over Giants in Dallas
My best guess is that the Giants will stink. Tony Romo must be consistent for the Cowboys to contend. That's a tall order, but not tall enough that he can't help defeat a punchless Gia nts team playing for a lame duck head coach. I'll take the Cowboys
15) Bengals -2 1/2 over Ravens in Cincinnati.
The Ravens have an inconsistent offense, but a great defense. The Bengals are chomping at the bit to get their offense going, and I'm betting they win. I'll take the Bengals.
16) 49ers -3 over Cardinals in San Francisco.
The 49ers are rising fast & the Cardinals will surprise no one with another 6-10 season & a top ten draft pick. I'll take the 49ers.
