Wow, has it really been that long since our last blog?
We’ve been going through a lot of changes related to the new website, so I’m going to use that as an excuse.
In any case, I’m introducing a weekly blog focused on the NFL, which starts tomorrow.
I’m going to predict every NFL game for the entire season.
But let’s just focus on the first week for now.
Thursday
Titans at Steelers: Pittsburgh could challenge New England as the team of the decade. They’ve been more than solid for a long time now. And they’re returning just about everybody from last year’s Super Bowl-winning team. That’s why I like Pittsburgh in this one.
Sunday
Dolphins at Falcons: Michael Turner came from out of nowhere last year and made Atlanta one of the best running teams in the league. Couple that with the improvement of second-year quarterback Matt Ryan and Atlanta should beat Miami.
Broncos at Bengals: Wake me up when this one is over. Denver is boring, although Cincinnati could be headed back to where it was a couple of years ago: Really good offense, terrible defense. I’ll take the Bengals.
Vikings at Browns: Brett Favre!!!!! If everyone stays healthy, I see the Vikings making the Super Bowl. They’ll beat the Browns.
Jaguars at Colts: This one intrigues me. Jacksonville usually fields a tough team. But with everyone healthy (finally) on Indianappolis, and considering they’re playing at home on that turf, I’ll take the Colts.
Lions at Saints: This one could be embarrasing. Saints will win, and could do so by a large number.
Cowboys at Buccaneers: I’ll take America’s Team in this one. The Bucs recently fired their offensive coordinator. That’s never a good sign this close to the start of regular season. Plus I like the Cowboys better this year with Terrell Owens.
Eagles at Panthers: This should be a good game. Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams was unbelievable last year, racking up 20 total touchdowns. They have a competent passing game and good defense. But Philly has a lot of weapons and a better defense. I’ll take the Eagles, but expect a good game.
Chiefs at Ravens: I don’t like Kansas City at all this year. There’s nothing to like. I’ll go with Baltimore in this one, especially at home.
Jets at Texans: The New York Jets are starting a rookie quarterback and really don’t have a lot of options on offense. Houston is the opposite. Look for a big win by the Texans this week.
Redskins at Giants: Hmm. I’ve never been on the Giants bandwagon. I think I’ll make this my upset pick of the week. Give me the ‘Skins.
49ers at Cardinals: For some reason, people are overlooking last year’s NFC champions. Maybe they think it was a fluke. There won’t be anything flukely about Arizona’s win over San Francisco.
Rams at Seahawks: Seattle is back, baby! Although I’ll openly be rooting for Steven Jackson to slice and dice the Seahawks’ defense (he’s on a couple of my fantasy teams), I think Seattle should be in for a rather easy win.
Bears at Packers: I really like Green Bay’s offense this year. Aaron Rodgers is becoming one of the better quarterbacks in the league and Greg Jennings is his most explosive receiver. For some reason, though, I like Chicago too. I’ll take the Packers, just because they’re at home.
Monday
Bills at Patriots: This one won’t be close. New England is back. Pats by a lot.
Chargers at Raiders: Like it has for most of the decade, San Diego will field a pretty explosive offense, and it should be enough to take care of Oakland.
OK, that took a little more time than I originally thought it would. Expect shorter blogs in the weeks to come.
But these are my picks, and I’m sticking to them.
