NFL Week 5 Picks

Week 4 proved to be a week of excitement as the Chiefs upset the Broncos, the Redskins shocked the Cowboys, Favre threw of six touchdowns in a dominating victory, and someone in Ohio finally won a game. With all the excitement of upsets and big plays, wouldn’t you know it, I picked many of the wrong ones. Oh well. This finishes my Week 4 with a record of 8-5 on the straight wins and 9-4 against the spread and brings my season totals up to 36-24 or 36 of 60 (.600) on the straight and 31-28-1 (.517) against the spread. Numbers I will once again be looking to improve as we go ahead and advance into Week 5.

---Picks in red against the spread---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns

Sunday, October 5^th, 2008

Tennessee Titans(4-0) at Baltimore Ravens(2-1) 1:00PM

After giving very little emphasis to the Ravens wins over the unimpressive Browns and the floundering Bengals, I have to admit they were off to a manageable offensive start and dominating defensive start against the Steelers, but mistakes can kill you in this league and the change of momentum did the Ravens in. This week they face what I consider to be an even tougher team (and less banged up) in the Titans, who have looked strong this season with their 4-0 start.

Titans continue to add to their win streak

(Titans no line)

Kansas City Chiefs(1-3) at Carolina Panthers(3-1) 1:00PM

The Chiefs finally broke their losing streak last week against the formerly undefeated Broncos, but I wouldn’t start calculating up a win streak for this team. Larry Johnson has habitually dominated Denver’s defense, and four Denver turnovers proved to be extremely beneficial to the Chiefs as well.

Panthers put an end to Chiefs extremely short lived winning streak

(Panthers -10)

Chicago Bears(2-2) at Detroit Lions(0-3) 1:00PM

No doubt the Bears will be the favorite in this match up, but do I smell upset? For all intents and purposes the Bears should walk out of Detroit with another win, and I would be hard pressed to show otherwise. I’ve just got this feeling…nope, I can’t do it.

Bears add to the Lions losing streak

(Bears -3.5)

Atlanta Falcons(2-2) at Green Bay Packers(2-2) 1:00PM

Last week, I thought the Falcons just might be lighting a spark that would have carried them past the Panthers in an upset win…OK, I’m over it.

Packers bounce back with a win at home

(Packers no line)

Indianapolis Colts(1-2) at Houston Texans(0-3) 1:00PM

Houston has continued to fall short against tough teams, first losing to Pittsburgh and Tennessee before losing a close game by a field goal to Jacksonville. They’re putting up a fight against tough opponents, but failing to finish.

Texans finally finish in an upset over Indy

(Texans +3)

San Diego Chargers(2-2) at Miami Dolphins(1-2) 1:00PM

The Dolphins have had a week to celebrate their stunning victory over New England, but they’ve also had a week to allow any possible momentum to go cold. The Chargers will be looking to continue their win streak and upright the rough start to their season.

Chargers improve to a winning record

(Chargers -7)

Seattle Seahawks(1-2) at New York Giants(3-0) 1:00PM

The Giants should be well rested and ready to pick up where they left off before going into their bye week, while the Seahawks only spark of life has come against the Rams, who could be the worst team in the league this season.

Giants continue to remain undefeated

(Giants -7.5)

Washington Redskins(3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles(2-2) 1:00PM

It almost feels like a trap to pick the Redskins after their impressive win over Dallas last week, but Campbell looked confident, and the Skins didn’t look like a team with any doubt in their abilities as they stood toe-to-toe with a team that could be arguably one of the NFC’s best. Can they repeat such an impressive road win?

Redskins continue to turn heads in the NFC East

(Redskins no line)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(3-1) at Denver Broncos(3-1) 4:05PM

The Broncos will look to regroup this week as they return to Denver following a stunning upset. Let’s face it, very few games are won after four turnovers. I doubt the Buccaneers can look forward to a back-to-back performance of that nature on the Broncos home field. The Bucs will definitely enjoy some offensive success against the porous Denver defense, but can they outscore the offensive fire power of the Denver offense?

Broncos rebound with a high scoring win in the fourth quarter

(Broncos -3.5)

Buffalo Bills(4-0) at Arizona Cardinals(2-2) 4:15PM

Cardinals will be looking for redemption this week after being torched by Favre and the Jets last week. Unfortunately for them, the Bills have been making waves with their currently undefeated run. This Bills run won’t last forever, but will it be the Cardinals that end it?

Bills continue to impress while adding to their win streak

(Bills -1)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-4) at Dallas Cowboys(3-1) 4:15PM

Not much needs to be said here. The Bengals have been just plain awful, and the likelihood of the Cowboys losing two games in a row at home are next to none.

Cowboys brutalize the Bengals

(Cowboys no line)

New England Patriots(2-1) at San Francisco 49ers(2-2) 4:15PM

The Patriots were dominated by Miami prior to their bye week, and have had more than enough time to regroup. No longer the machine without Brady, they will be looking to rebound strong and show they are still a team to be reckoned with. They might not be blowing anyone out of the water this week, but they will be expecting a win.

Patriots take a win in the Bay

(Patriots -3)

Sunday, October 5^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars(2-2) 8:15PM

A Steelers team that opened the season in dominating fashion against the Texans has since barely defeated the unimpressive Browns, been manhandled by the Eagles defense, and then barely pulled a win by the skin of their teeth in front of their home crowd against the Ravens. They may be three and one, but a trip to Jacksonville to play a tough Jaguars team can only add to the woes of the battered and bruised Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jaguars advance above .500 in a smash mouth style victory

(Jaguars no line)

Monday, October 6^th, 2008, Monday Night Football

Minnesota Vikings(1-3) at New Orleans Saints(2-2) 8:30PM

The Vikings defense will have to successfully slow the Saints offense if they intend on letting their own offense remain in this game. However, the Saints defense won’t be letting the Vikings off with an easy night. Peterson will need to have one of his big games to keep Minnesota in this match up.

Saints shine on Monday Night.

(Saints -3.5)

And with that, we come to yet another conclusion of yet another week’s pick of NFL games. Upsets are flowing and no one can boast a 100% guarantee on any game, but then again, that’s why we love this game.

NFL Week 4 Updates

Quick update: Since all the lines where not up the day I posted my picks ATS, I have included the update below to show all my picks against the spread.

Arizona Cardinals(2-1) at New York Jets(1-2) 1:00PM
Cardinals rebound from Week 2 to maintain a winning record
(Cardinals No Line) (Cardinals +1)

San Diego Chargers(1-2) at Oakland Raiders(1-2) 4:05PM
Chargers even up their record to .500
(Chargers No Line) (Chargers -8)

Philadelphia Eagles(2-1) at Chicago Bears(1-2) 8:15PM
Bears take advantage of a battered Eagles team.
(Bears No Line) (Bears +3)

Baltimore Ravens(2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers(2-1) 8:30PM
Steelers slug it out for the win
(Steelers No Line) (Ravens +6)

NFL Week 4 Picks

Just when you think things can’t get any wilder in the NFL the down and out Dolphins display a stunning upset over the long undefeated regular season Patriots, the Jaguars edge out over the Colts, the Bills make a narrow escape against Oakland, Tampa barely manages to get out of Chicago alive, and the Chargers finally turn their luck around in a firework finale that lit up their home scoreboard. And to think we’ve only finished Week 3!

So, a quick look at the number before moving on to this week’s picks. For Week 3 I finished 10-6 in my straight up picks and only managed a break even week ATS with an 8-8 finish. That will calculate my totals up to 28-19 or 28 of 47 (.596) straight up and 22-24-1 (.468) ATS. Plenty of room left here for improvement as we move into Week 4, so let’s get it started.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots

---Picks against the spread in red---

Sunday, September 28^th, 2008

Atlanta Falcons(2-1) at Carolina Panthers(2-1) 1:00PM

The Falcons have shown some impressive wins against a few unimpressive teams. That’s not to say they aren’t improving. I’m going to say the Falcons contribute to this weeks upsets.

Atlanta gets it done on the road in Carolina

(Atlanta +7)

Cleveland Browns(0-3) at Cincinnati Bengals(0-3) 1:00PM

The battle of the Undefeated completely defeated! The good news here is that one of these teams has to win…don’t they? A tie here could be painful.

Bengals defend the home turf

(Bengals -3.5)

Houston Texans(0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars(1-2) 1:00PM

There have been some doubts revolving around the Jaguars lately and they probably aren’t as dominate as many might have first perceived. However, Tennessee and Buffalo, the two teams they have lost too, have been proving themselves to be tough teams to beat.

Jaguars even up their win/loss record

(Texans +8)

Denver Broncos(3-0) at Kansas City Chiefs(0-3) 1:00PM

Come climb aboard the Cutler Marshall connection! This Broncos offense is HOT, HOT, HOT…unfortunately, their defense is NOT, NOT, NOT!!! If the Chiefs are going to mount any kind of offense this year, a home game against this defense would be it.

Broncos offense continues to be too hot to handle

(Broncos -10)

San Francisco 49ers(2-1) at New Orleans Saints(1-2) 1:00PM

The 49ers have been showing signs of life with back-to-back wins 30+ points on the scoreboard, but the Saints aren’t strangers to the scoreboard themselves.

Saints march this one on in at home

(Saints -6)

Arizona Cardinals(2-1) at New York Jets(1-2) 1:00PM

Kurt Warner Vs Brett Favre, a battle of veterans. Both these quarterbacks have had their glory and both these quarterbacks have had their day, but neither are leading the same teams they once dominated with. What does this mean? Absolutely nothing!

Cardinals rebound from Week 2 to maintain a winning record

(Cardinals No Line)

Green Bay Packers(2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(2-1) 1:00PM

The Packers are coming off the loss to Dallas at home while the Buccaneers will be returning home after pulling off the overtime victory over Chicago. Both teams have a chance of walking away with this game, but I’m going to say winning momentum and home field advantage take it.

Buccaneers get it done at home

(Buccaneers -1)

Minnesota Vikings(1-2) at Tennessee Titans(3-0) 1:00PM

The Vikings finally got over the hump and finished out a game with a win. Unfortunately for them, they have to follow up that performance with a road trip in to Tennessee to face the Titans, who are looking pretty well rounded after moving past Vince Young.

Titans continue to remain undefeated

(Titans -3)

San Diego Chargers(1-2) at Oakland Raiders(1-2) 4:05PM

Regardless of their record, the Chargers are a dominate team. This may be a Divisional rivalry that the Chargers will have to face on the road, but the fire’s been lit, and I don’t think the Raiders have what it takes to extinguish it.

Chargers even up their record to .500

(Chargers No Line)

Buffalo Bills(3-0) at St. Louis Rams(0-3) 4:05PM

The Bills showed some weakness last week in their close call against Oakland…or is Oakland starting to show signs of life? Either way, St. Louis might be better off substituting in the 4-0 Timberland High School Football team. I hear that their RB Montee Ball is something else.

Bills remain among the undefeated teams

(Bills -8.5)

Washington Redskins(2-1) at Dallas Cowboys(3-0) 4:15PM

Although the Cowboys would seem to be the easy pick in this match up, a Division rivalry of this nature can never be an easy pick. Do we have an upset in the works? Or do the 3-0 Cowboys go 4-0 at home.

Cowboys avoid any surprises and finish off another win

(Redskins -11)

Sunday, Sunday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles(2-1) at Chicago Bears(1-2) 8:15PM

While the Bears defense will look to shut down the Eagles offense, the Bears offense will hope to get something done against the Eagles defense. Fortunately for the Bears, the Steelers have already nicked up this team a bit for them.

Bears take advantage of a battered Eagles team.

(Bears No Line)

Monday, Monday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens(2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers(2-1) 8:30PM

Although the Ravens are 2-0, they have yet to play a winning team. This match up should be a better test of their ability to compete this season, and with the possibility of Big Ben nursing an injured hand, and Willie Parker already listed out for this game, they might find some beneficial opportunity. But then again, this is in Pittsburgh, and these are the Steelers.

Steelers slug it out for the win

(Steelers No Line)

And that concludes yet another week of NFL picks. After last week’s excitement, I can only hold my breath with anticipation for the up coming week end. On second thought, holding my breath that long might not be a good idea. Are we ready for some FOOTBALL!!!

NFL Week 3 Picks

Week 2 is now a week of football passed by and the only improvement seen in my straight up picks is one less loss. Of course, we had one less game as well. Finishing the week at 9-6 straight up and 8-6-1 ATS I’ve managed to increase my averages by a fraction of a hair to 18-13 (.580) and 14-16-1 (.452) ATS.

What a wild week number two brought us! High scores, big games, and big controversies! Several 0-2 teams are still considered contenders, while some of our 2-0 teams are more than likely pretenders. Will Week 3 begin balance to the scales? Only the game ending buzzers can tell us that. Let’s have a look at how I see things playing out.

---Picks against the spread in red---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, September 21^st, 2008

Kansas City Chiefs(0-2) at Atlanta Falcons(1-1) 1:00PM

After losing to the Raiders at home last week, the Chiefs are beginning to look like they’re in for a long season. Not that Atlanta is a juggernaut, but if the Chiefs can’t get the job done at Arrowhead…

Falcons add more woes for the Chiefs in a home win

(Atlanta -5)

Oakland Raiders(1-1) at Buffalo Bills(2-0) 1:00PM

Although no game in the NFL can ever be considered a lock, the performance of the Bills over the last two weeks should make this pick a no brainer.

Bills continue to add to their win streak

(Bills -9.5)

Arizona Cardinals(2-0) at Washington Redskins(1-1) 1:00PM

While Arizona has mounted back-to-back wins, not to much should be read into it. They’ve come against less than stellar teams. With Washington’s apparent regrouping in last weeks match up, look forward to Redskin home coming.

Redskins mount another win at home

(Redskins -3)

Houston Texans(0-1) at Tennessee Titans(2-0) 1:00PM

Although the Texans have had a week off already, I’d hardly say that it was an enjoyable time of rest. While Houston will look to get back into their game, the Titans will be looking to continue with their forward momentum.

Titans tear through the Texans for a win

(Titans -5.5)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-2) at New York Giants(2-0) 1:00PM

Giants are HOT! And, well… the Bengals are not. Bring this game into Giant Stadium and how can you pick otherwise?

Giants continue to roll in win over Bengals

(Giants -13.5)

Miami Dolphins(0-2) at New England Patriots(2-0) 1:00PM

Miami has had a history of throwing a wrench into the Patriots works, but that was before they became the worst team in the league last year, and so far, Parcells revamped team has yet to draw blood from anyone.

Patriots continue to find ways to win without Brady

(Dolphins +13)

Carolina Panthers(2-0) at Minnesota Vikings(0-2) 1:00PM

A tough match up to call as the Panthers continue to find ways to win in the 4^th, while the Vikings continue to fall below expectations.

Panthers find way to finish out fourth quarter…again

(Panthers +3.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(1-1) at Chicago Bears(1-1) 1:00PM

This is another tough game to call. The Buccaneers haven’t looked as good as they were thought to be and the Bears haven’t looked as bad as they were thought to be. If the game were in Tampa, I’d go Tampa without question, but put this game in Chicago and I’ve got my doubts.

Bears defense capitalizes on enough mistakes to seal a home victory

(Buccaneers +3)

New Orleans Saints(1-1) at Denver Broncos(2-0) 4:05PM

The high powered offense of the Broncos will continue to light up the scoreboard as Cutler will continue to connect with Marshall…and Royal, and Scheffler, and Stokley, and Graham…however, the question remains…where is Denver’s Defense?

Broncos continue to out score their opponents

(Broncos -6)

St. Louis Rams(0-2) at Seattle Seahawks(0-2) 4:05PM

Ouch, where do I go here? 0-2 was an expectation for St. Louis, but the Seahawks lack of a win is…um, not shocking, but unexpected.

Seahawks finally squeak on out

(Rams +10)

Detroit Lions(0-2) at San Francisco 49ers(1-1) 4:05PM

While Detroit might have the weapons to move the ball down the field, they also have the distinct ability to shot themselves in the foot. I’m sure that traveling to San Fran for a win is a possibility, but this is really a coin flip.

49ers find another win as they return home

(Lions +4)

Pittsburgh Steelers(2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles(1-1) 4:15PM

After proclaiming the Steelers the team to beat in the AFC last week, I’m going to take a step back; too many words spoken too soon. As strong as the Steeler defense has proven to be, I simply don’t thing they will be any match for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. As long as DeSean Jackson doesn’t decide to drop the ball on the goal line again this week, I’d be looking for the Eagles to walk away with this one.

Eagles return home for a crowd pleasing win

(Eagles -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(0-2) at Indianapolis Colts(1-1) 4:15PM

The Colts finally showed a spark of life last week in the fourth quarter to comeback for the win. Personally, I think that was all they needed. I’d be looking for Peyton and the Colts to start looking like the team we know, while the Jaguars still need to figure out some way of regrouping their faltering offense.

Colts start looking more like the team we know and defeat the Jaguars

(Colts -6)

Cleveland Browns(0-2) at Baltimore Ravens(1-0) 4:15PM

While some expected a big season from the Browns, others have called them highly overrated, and I would have to agree. Not that I’m willing to put much stock in the Ravens either. When in doubt, take the home team.

Ravens join the 2-0 teams…a week late

(Ravens -2.5)

Sunday, September 21st, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys(2-0) at Green Bay Packers(2-0) 8:15PM

Last season this match up received huge publicity, and after a Favre injury, Aaron Rodgers entered the game looking well composed for a back up that had no expectations of playing when he suited up before the game. This season all that has changed. Rodgers is entering this game in the drivers seat and man has he been a stud so far this season.

Rodgers leads Packers to victory as he continues to shine

(Packers +3)

Monday, September 22^nd, 2008, Monday Night Football

New York Jets(1-1) at San Diego Chargers(0-2) 8:30PM

Even with Favre, the Jets simply aren’t the team many would like them to be, or not be if you enjoy watching them flounder. Chargers on the other hand will be playing with a chip on their shoulder this week. I don’t think I would pick any road team entering Qualcomm Stadium for this Monday Night game.

Chargers blast forward for a big win at home

(Chargers -9)

And there you have ‘em once again, my Week 3 Picks. Love ‘em, hate ‘em, they’re there for all to see. Bring on the weekend already, I’m ready for some Football!!!

NFL Week 2 Picks

With Week 1 complete, there is plenty to talk about. How will the Patriots fair without Brady? What happened to the Colts? Can the Bills be good this year? Will the Jaguars regroup their offense? Will the Packers continue to win without Favre? Will the Jets continue to win with Favre? All questions only a season can answer.

As for my picks last week, I finished with a very weak 9-7 (.563) on my straight up picks and might as well be heading to the poor house with a disgraceful 6-10 (.375) against the spread. Let’s look to improve those numbers this week.

---Picks against the spread in red---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, September 14^th, 2008

Chicago Bears(1-0) at Carolina Panthers(1-0) 1:00PM

Bears showed they still have a sign of life and that they can still get it done on defense, but the Panthers showed there is life outside of Steve Smith.

Panther continue to find a way to win

(Panthers -3)

Tennessee Titans(1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals(0-1) 1:00PM

The Titans look solid in their season opener, the only question mark seems to be Young’s impact for this team. Is it good or bad? Could a switch to Collins solidify this team?

Titans take another victory

(Titans +1)

New Orleans Saints(1-0) at Washington Redskins(0-1) 1:00PM

Redskins looked awful on offense in their opener, while the Saints came out on top against a tough division rival.

Saints march out of town with a win

(Saints -1)

New York Giants(1-0) at St. Louis Rams(0-1) 1:00PM

The Rams may be in for a long season if they intend to keep playing the way they opened their season. There shouldn’t be any Super Bowl hangover for the Giants in week two.

Giants dominate in victory

(Giants -9)

Indianapolis Colts(0-1) at Minnesota Vikings(0-1) 1:00PM

The Colts…um, Peyton Manning…um…the Bears…I still don’t know what to make of that game. The Colts looked awful. I’m sure the Colts fans are hoping this is a short term problem, but I’m looking for a second upset with what’s likely to be an unpopular pick.

Vikings take the “W” in their home opener.

(Vikings +2)

Oakland Raiders(0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs(0-1) 1:00PM

After the beating that the Raiders took at home in Week 1 against the Broncos, a trip to Arrowhead Stadium doesn’t forebode well for the Oakland.

Chiefs chop down a Division rival at home.

(Chiefs -3.5)

Buffalo Bills(1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars(0-1) 1:00PM

The Bills defense was relentless last week and will look to be the same in Week 2. The question is going to be whether or not the Jaguars can match that intensity after the lousy play of their offensive line in Week 1.

Jaguars bounce back with a victory.

(Bills +5.5)

Green Bay Packers(1-0) at Detroit Lions(0-1) 1:00PM

Is it my imagination or did Aaron Rodgers look like he knew what he was doing in that pocket against the Vikings? The Packers are a good team, and although the loss of Favre is painful, Rodgers seems to be a decent pain reliever so far.

Packers show no worries going 2-0 to start the season

(Packers -3)

San Francisco 49ers(0-1) at Seattle Seahawks(0-1) 4:05PM

The Seahawks were dominated last week as they faced off against the Bills, but I’ve always seen the Seahawks as a bad road team. Look for them to bounce back this week.

Seahawks even up their win/lose record

(49ers +7)

Atlanta Falcons(1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(0-1) 4:05PM

Do my eyes deceive me or did Atlanta actually play a dominating game last week against the Lions? I won’t deny the Falcons look like a much improved team, but against Tampa, in Tampa?

Buccaneers satisfy the home crowd.

(Buccaneers No Line)

New England Patriots(1-0) at New York Jets(1-0) 4:15PM

Upset pick of the week? Before Brady went down this pick would have been just that, but without Brady, this team’s dominance has come into question. Don’t expect the Patriots to be down for longer than a week…maybe two. This team has talent, but this week Favre’s Jets will take advantage of Cassel’s inexperience behind center.

J. E. T. S., Jets, Jets, Jets!

(Jets -1.5)

Baltimore Ravens(1-0) at Houston Texans(0-1) 4:15PM

Texans looked sloppy last week as the Steelers tromped all over them. Look to see them bounce back on their own home turf.

Texans manage to hold onto a win at home.

(Ravens +4.5)

San Diego Chargers(0-1) at Denver Broncos(1-0) 4:15PM

Call me a Homer, but Cutler has been looking fantastic! Subtract Merriman from the Chargers defense, add Brandon Marshall back into the line up along side the rookie wonder who lead the league in receiving yards, Eddie Royal, and the Broncos will shouldn’t have an issue putting numbers on the board. It’s going to be a question of whether or not the Denver defense can contain LT enough to hold onto a win.

Broncos continue to lead the AFC West after Week 2.

(Broncos +1.5)

Miami Dolphins(0-1) at Arizona Cardinals(1-0) 4:15PM

It’s hard to say where both these teams are at this point. Even after losing, the Dolphins looked much improved against the Jets…, but how good are the Jets? Then the Cardinals won against the 49ers…, but how impressive should that be?

Cardinals take advantage of home field and take the win.

(Miami +7)

Sunday, September 14^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(1-0) at Cleveland Browns(0-1) 8:15PM

Big Ben and the Steelers looked phenomenal in their season opener. With the lack lust performance of the Colts and the loss of Brady in New England; this team could be the team to beat in the AFC.

Steelers dominate the Browns on their own turf.

(Steelers -6)

Monday, September 15^th 2008, Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles(1-0) at Dallas Cowboys(1-0) 8:30PM

Both teams dominated in their season opener, so this match up should be explosive. Given that the Cowboys have the home field advantage, I’m going to have to lean toward Dallas.

Cowboys win in home opener.

(Eagles +7)

And that about wraps it up for the pick heading into Week 2. It looks to be another weekend full of excitement and non-stop action. Ahh, it’s good to be back in football season!

NFL Week 1 Picks

Alright, Football season is upon us once again and it’s time to start picking games. I hope everyone will forgive me. My schedule has become more hectic than ever and I simply don’t have the time to give the in-depth analysis that I’ve tried to give in the past. However, I couldn’t just give up this ongoing pick thread. So, I’ve decided to continue to make my picks, I’m just going to have to shorten the commentary. Enough with the gab, lets get this season started.

--Picks against the spread in red---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Washington Redskins(0-0) at New York Giants(0-0) 7:00PM

The Giants finished off last season on top of the world. Can’t say that means much for this season, but they’ll get off on the right foot.

Giants open the season with a win

(Giants -4)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Detroit Lions(0-0) at Atlanta Falcons(0-0) 1:00PM

I’ve got some question marks around these teams and don’t know whether the Falcons will have improved.

Lions pull off a road win.

(Lions -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(0-0) at Tennessee Titans(0-0) 1:00PM

I expect this to be one of the greater match ups of the week. Both teams battle it out hard on the gridiron.

Jacksonville upsets the Titans in their season opener.

(Jaguars -3)

Houston Texans(0-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers(0-0) 1:00PM

Houston continues to improve, but the Steelers won’t let them finish on top.

Steelers hold down the home field.

(Texans +6.5)

St. Louis Rams(0-0) at Philadelphia Eagles(0-0) 1:00PM

Eagles will keep their fans happy this week with a great start to the season.

Eagles start out in the winner’s bracket

(Eagles -7.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(0-0) at New Orleans Saints(0-0) 1:00PM

Looks like the Saints will be able to keep this game at home. Unfortunately I don’t think they’ll be bringing something to cheer about with them.

Buccaneers win on the road.

(Buccaneers Even)

Kansas City Chiefs(0-0) at New England Patriots(0-0) 1:00PM

Patriots have rarely lost two games in a row over the last few seasons. After losing the Super Bowl, Brady and the Patriots will look to light up the scoreboard.

Patriots chop down the Chiefs.

(Patriots -17)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-0) at Baltimore Ravens(0-0) 1:00PM

Injuries, suspensions, and name changes. The Bengals have got a few issues, but the Ravens are sporting a rookie quarterback behind a terrible offensive line

Bengals start the Ravens down a long season.

(Bengals -1.5)

Seattle Seahawks(0-0) at Buffalo Bills(0-0) 1:00PM

The Bills are continuing to improve, and the Seahawks don’t like road games.

Bills battle off the Seahawks

(Bills -1)

New York Jets(0-0) at Miami Dolphins(0-0) 1:00PM

New coaches, new players, same losing record, OK, maybe not quite as bad this year, but don’t be looking for a playoff team in Miami this year.

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets…go Favre.

(Jets -3)

Carolina Panthers(0-0) at San Diego Chargers(0-0) 4:15PM

L.T. is getting older, but he’s not done yet.

Chargers pummel the Panthers

(Chargers -9)

Dallas Cowboys(0-0) at Cleveland Browns(0-0) 4:15PM

Cowboys should be able to run up the score board, question is whether the Browns can keep up.

Cowboys defeat the Browns

(Browns +6)

Arizona Cardinals(0-0) at San Francisco 49ers(0-0) 4:15PM

Leinart or Warner, that is the question. Half of me says 49ers, half says Cardinals. Anyone got a coin?

Cardinals pull out the win in the Bay.

(Cardinals -2.5)

Sunday, Sunday Night Football

Chicago Bears(0-0) at Indianapolis Colts(0-0) 8:15PM

The Bad New Bears are really bad. Depending on how Manning feels, the Colts will win by a little or a lot.

Colts bash the Bears.

(Colts -10)

Monday, Monday Night Football

Minnesota Vikings(0-0) at Green Bay Packers(0-0) 7:00PM

It’s still hard to picture the Packers without Farve. This game should be the first of some growing pains for Green Bay.

Vikings leave Packers questioning Rodgers.

(Vikings +2.5)

Denver Broncos(0-0) at Oakland Raiders(0-0) 10:15PM

Tough rivalry, but as a Denver homer, I’m a firm believer in the beginning of the Cutler era.

Broncos escape the Black Hole with a win.

(Broncos -3)

So there you have it folks. The week 1 picks. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited!!! Let’s get ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!