Week 1 NFL Picks

Alright, here we go. The start of what will no doubt be another awful season of predicting games. My goal every year is to get 75% of the games right. I don't think that's asking too much, considering half of the games are pretty easy to predict. That means as long I get half of the tough-to-guess games, then I'm in great shape. But every year, I let myself down. But hey, it's the end of a decade. Maybe, THIS is the year (God, I sound like a Browns fan).

Anyways, here are my picks for Week 1. Criticize and enjoy.

Thursday, September 10th
Tennessee @ Pittsburgh: PITTSBURGH - Between the Steelers having not lost an opener is so long and the emotion is bringing the Lombardi trophy to Pittsburgh, there's no way Pittsburgh loses this game

Sunday, September 13th
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis: INDIANAPOLIS - While I think this will be a closer game than many may expect, the Colts prevail with yet another Peyton Manning game-winning drive
Detroit @ New Orleans: NEW ORLEANS - You might as well call this preseason game #5 for the Saints. Welcome to the NFL Matthew Stafford.
Dallas @ Tampa Bay: TAMPA BAY - The Cowboys may be the better team but there's something about this game that screams letdown for them.
Philadelphia @ Carolina: PHILADELPHIA - The Panthers are in trouble. Their rush defense is in shambles and the offense struggled during the preseason. I just don't see any way they can win this game.
Kansas City @ Baltimore: BALTIMORE - The Chiefs will get better as the season goes on. But in game one against a Ravens defense at home, forget about it.
New York Jets @ Houston: NY JETS - I'm a big Matt Schaub/Andre Johnson fan. And I think Mark Sanchez will get sacked by Mario Williams 3 times. But until the rest of the Houston defense decides to show up, I'll take the Jets in a close one.
Miami @ Atlanta: ATLANTA - The Falcons pass defense is not good but the Miami pass offense isn't good either. Expect the Falcons to come out firing on all cylinders on offense though.
Denver @ Cincinnati: CINCINNATI - This will be Carson Palmer's coming out party. Kyle Orton and Knowshon Moreno are banged up too.
Minnesota @ Cleveland: MINNESOTA - You couldn't ask for a better first game for the ageless Brett Favre. On the other hand, tough first game for Brady Quinn, playing one of the league's best defenses.
Washington @ New York Giants: NY GIANTS - Eli is out to prove that the huge contract he just got was worth it. Oh, and the whole team is out to prove that they can win without Plaxico.
San Francisco @ Arizona: ARIZONA - The Cardinals offense will score, but it won't be easy against an improved 49ers defense under Mike Singletary
St. Louis @ Seattle: SEATTLE - The Seahawks are going to be one of the most improved teams this season. Not to mention Seattle is one of the toughest places to play, especially in an opener.
Chicago @ Green Bay: GREEN BAY - Aaron Rodgers + Jay Cutler = plenty of passing and maybe touchdowns. But with no real wideouts for Cutler, Rodgers has the advantage.

Monday, September 14th
Buffalo @ New England: NEW ENGLAND - No one in their right mind can think the Bills, who just fired their offensive coordinator, can possibly score with the likes of Brady and the Pats. This one will be close...at the opening kickoff.
San Diego @ Oakland: SAN DIEGO - The Monday night doubleheader ends with another bloodbath as the Chargers offense run up and down the field and the defense shuts down a Raiders offense that will be eventually get better.

So there they are. Now, let's see how good or bad I do. Bring on NFL Sunday!