Just like last year I'll make picks for every week this year, other than the Thursday games. I'll pick straight up winners for all the games along with three or fours spreads that I like, maybe sprinkle in a little fantasy football stuff. Read it, don't read it but get used to me posting this on Facebook and Twitter every Sunday.
Steelers 20, Titans 14 --- I don't know if the first game of the season can be considered a must win but I think it is for the Steelers. There is no way they can lose to the Titans at home to start the year. They did lose to the Titans last year 26-23 so it is certainly possible that they will lose. Last year they had a habit of playing to their level of competition. That needs to change if they want to go anywhere this season.
P.S. If the Steelers do lose this game. Hello 5-11 season.
Patriots 38, Bills 21 --- The Bills have only beaten the Patriots two times since 2001. I don't think they get their third win in E.J. Maunel's debut. He will most likely make a few rookie mistakes, while Lord Brady will do his best to match Peyton's performance on Thursday night. Patriots will win their opener easily.
Bengals 24, Bears 17 --- CIN +3 I'm not too sure why the Bears are the favorites to be honest. Sure they are at home but it will be Marc Trestman's first game as DA BEARS coach. I think the Bengals are a proven regular season team. As long as Andy Dalton doesn't have any bad turnovers the Bengals should be able to control this game and get a win in the Windy City.
Browns 17, Dolphins 14 --- CLE -1.5 Over the past two or three weeks I have started to believe that this Browns team isn't horrible. The Dolphins would like to start their season off with a win but playing in the Dawg Pound might be a little bit difficult this year. I'm not saying the Brownies are going to the playoffs but they are going to be a tough team to beat this year. If they can run the ball successfully with Trent Richardson they should win this game because their defense will be able to keep Mike Wallace and the Dolphins offense under wraps.
Vikings 27, Lions 24 --- The Vikings won both meetings last year thanks to Adrian Peterson running for 273 yards. If last years MVP can run wild it could be a long day for the Lions. However if Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson start off the year hot they will be able to outscore the Vikings. I do think that the Vikings are a bit underrated this year and if they can control the clock they will start 1-0.
Colts 35, Raiders 16 --- It is going to be a very long year for the Raiders. Terrelle Pryor could be exciting playing QB but I doubt it will always look pretty. Andrew Luck on the other hand should have no problem torching the Raiders defense to start his second season in the NFL. Colts will win this one big.
Saints 30, Falcons 27 --- Even though the Falcons are my Super Bowl pick, I do not think they start the year with a win. The Saints have always been tough to beat in the SuperDome. Now that Sean Payton is back as the head coach, New Orleans wants to prove that they are still the team to beat in the NFC South despite their 7-9 season last year. A win against the Falcons can help set the tone for a good season.
Bucs 26, Jets 13 --- TB -3.5 Just because they are the Jets I have a feeling Darrelle Revis gets at least one interception in his return to JetLife Stadium. Although it would be quite the story if Geno Smith plays really well and gets a win or even just keeps them close. That would make the return of Nacho Sanchez a complete debacle.
Seahawks 23, Panthers 17 --- I know the Seahawks aren't great on the road but you have to think their defense has the capabilities to stop Cam Newton considering they face Russell Wilson everyday at practice. The Seahawks are one of the elite teams in the NFC and if they want to win the West they need to win games on the road. A win at Carolina would be a good start.
Chiefs 31, Jaguars 20 --- The start of the Andy Reid era begins with an easy opponent on the road. If Alex Smith is as good as he was before he got hurt last year the Chiefs should not have a problem beating the Jags in the opener. He will probably throw the ball 80 times since Big Andy doesn't run the ball, so who knows what kind of year Jamaal Charles will have.
Rams 17, Cardinals 10 --- Both teams are pretty good defensively so this could be a low scoring game but Carson Palmer could come out flinging the rock around for Arizona. Either way the Rams should get the win at home.
49ers 34, Packers 27 --- The Niners have the edge in this match-up due to their ability to get to the QB. The suspect Packers O-Line will have a hard time protecting Aaron Rodgers from Aldon Smith. Plus Colin Kaepernick torched this Packers defense in the playoffs last season for 45 points.
Giants 31, Cowboys 28 --- NYG +3.5 The G-Men have never lost in Jerry World. They are 4-0 so far and I think they should be able to spoil the Cowboys home opener tonight. If the Giants can get to Tony Romo they will force him into a few bad decision that Eli Manning should be able to capitalize on, preferably to Hakeem Nicks to help out my fantasy teams.
Redskins 38, Eagles 34 --- We finally to see two things in this ballgame. How healthy RGIII really is and what Chip Kelly's offense will look like in the NFL. It should be an interesting and high scoring game. I'll give the edge to the Redskins at home but if RGIII isn't 100% and Mike Vick looks comfortable in the new offense it could be a different story in DC.
Texans 30, Chargers 17 --- It could be a long year for the Chargers and opening up against the defending AFC South champs is no easy task. The Texans should be able to score often and also be able to stop Phil Rivers. Those are the two keys to a football game normally. Texans win.
There it is. Enjoy the games. Football really is the best. Go Steelers.
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