NFL PICKS - WEEK 1

NFL is finally back. Last season left such a sour taste in my mouth with the fluke Giants putting together a miraculous run. They needed (1) a drop from Patrick Crayton (and Jessica Simpson perhaps???); (2) Brett Favre to literally freeze on the field; (3) the Patriots to completely overlook them; and (4) the luckiest escape/catch in NFL history to squeeze out a 17-14 Super Bowl win. As previously stated, I believe the Giants are still a mediocre team at best. I still do not have confidence in Eli and I think they will have a let down year.

Giants -4 (I had the Giants (see WendySue Fanpool/Yahoo Pickem)
Rams +7.5
Texans +6.5
Lions -3
*Seahawks +1
Bengals -1.5
*Jaguars -3
*Jets -3
Patriots -16.5
*Saints -3
Chargers -9
49ers +2.5
*Cowboys -5.5
Colts -9.5
Vikings +2.5
Raiders +3

*Best Bets

Rams + 6.5 @ Eagles: Truth is I really like the Eagles to win this game. After watching the offenses perform (or not perform) last night I'm not ready to lay that many points to a team without any receivers.

Texans +6.5 @ Steelers: The Texans might surprise people this year because they have potential to score and the defense has improved. The Steelers won't lose a home opener but this game could be close.

Lions -3 @ Falcons: Until the Falcons win a game this year pick against them. This is a good place for rookie Matt Ryan to start his career but the Lions can still score in bunches.

Seahawks +1 @ Bills: Trend of taking road teams continues. If this game were later in the year when cold outside I might reconsider. The Bills will be a good team this year but Seattle is always overlooked.

Bengals -1.5 @ Ravens: The Ravens are starting rookie Joe Flacco (like Ryan - good place to start career against a bad defense) and their defense is aging. While I don't like the Bengals too much this season the Ravens are in for an even longer year.

Jaguars -3 @ Titans: If this game were played later in the year the Jags would be favored by more than a touchdown. This line makes no sense to me. The Jaguars are going to have a great year and I am very down on Vince Young and the Titans.

Jets -3 @ Dolphins: The Jets should be able to come out and really control this game. Many expect the Jets to contend for the playoffs this year and a loss to the lowly Dolphins before they play NE and SD in weeks 2 and 3 would be devastating.

Patriots -16.5 vs. Chiefs: I would be slightly concerned about the Pats covering this big a line if Larry Johnson is healthy and plays well. I also do not think the Pats will be looking to blow teams out this year. Rather, the main focus is on winning and staying fresh. Despite all that, I cannot go against the Patriots in week 1 at home against a bad team. The Pats will put up 30+ points and cover.

Saints -3 vs. Bucs: Big divisional game right off the bat. The Saints were very disappointing last year and will get off to a much better start this season.

Chargers -9 vs. Panthers: This spread is very high but without Steve Smith, the Panthers do not have many weapons this week.

49ers +2.5 vs. Cardinals: By some miracle, the 49ers actually beat the Cards in the opener the last 2 seasons. Now they have an offense (maybe) to go along with a good defense.

Cowboys -5.5 @ Browns: The Cowboys should have a field day offensively against the Browns defense. This game could get into a shootout but the Cowboys pass defense will be much improved if Adam Jones' return is successful.

Colts -9.5 vs. Bears: Peyton Manning will not be rusty despite missing the pre-season. He knows how to prepare for games and the Bears cannot score anyway. Game will be over at halftime.

Vikings +2.5 @ Packers: Aaron Rodgers in his first start at home on a Monday night. He'll be too nervous this week against a very strong Vikings defense. Expect a close, low scoring game.

Raiders +3 vs. Broncos: I like the Raiders at home in night games. They will probably split with Denver this year which each team winning its home game. Debut of McFadden will excite the Raider fans and it will be a tough game for the Broncos.