Week 4

Last Week: 9-7
Season: 26-22

Things are moving right along in the NFL, I'm off to a 1-0 start again this week and the refs are back. There was one somewhat questionable helmet to helmet call on Thursday but otherwise the refs were on.
We have three teams going for a 4-0 start; the Falcons, Texans, and Cardinals. The Browns lost again last night and are the only 0-4 team but the only other winless team (Saints) travel to Green Bay this week. Hard to believe we only have two winless teams, and after Week 2 there were 22 teams that were 1-1, goes to show you never know who will win in the NFL these days. Okay, here we go into Week 4

Carolina Panthers(1-2)at Atlanta Falcons(3-0)- The Falcons are on an absolute roll and the Panthers just don't look up to par. Cam Newton says his team is better than they looked against the Giants, we shall see. I'm liking ATL to get to 4-0 with a 27-23 win.

New England Patriots(1-2)at Buffalo Bills(2-1)- The Bills look better but won't have C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson may be back and playing with Choice. The Pats don't look right, they definitely don't look like the AFC Champs from last year. Buffalo will give that NE defense a problem, they have a hard time holding leads. Brady will have to be on point and his receivers perfect, the Pats need 30 points to win. I'm taking the Pats to pull it out 33-27.

Minnesota Vikings(2-1)at Detroit Lions(1-2)- Have the Lions slipped back into mediocrity? Are the Vikes an upset special? Maybe both are true. Christian Ponder has better numbers than Stafford this year. Not in yards but in completion percentage and he has 0 ints to Stafford's 4, Ponder also has 4TD's to Stafford's 3. I guess the Vikes are better than we all thought. They just beat the Niners but how much trust do I put in them? I still think they can't score like the Lions can, but can play a somewhat decent defense..ugh. I'm still taking Detroit 26-20.

San Diego Chargers(2-1)at Kansas City Chiefs(1-2)- San Diego is coming off a beat down from what may be the best team in the NFC and the Chiefs just beat a former great NFC team. The Chiefs D doesn't look how it has in recent years but the offense looks better than it has in a while. The Chargers are still a question mark, and I don't really know the identity of either of these teams. Winning in Arrowhead is hard and the Chargers don't travel well, Chiefs 21-16.

Seattle Seahawks(2-1)at St.Louis Rams(1-2)- I'm somewhat impressed by both these teams. I know the Rams have just one win but they don't look awful, and Seattle should have one win but they did hold Dallas to 7 and GB to 12. I'm thinking Seattle in a ugly win. 17-16.

San Francisco 49ers(2-1)at New York Jets(2-1)- I just don't see the Jets winning this at all. San Fran had a hard time running last week but they'll be fine against the Jets porous line. The Jets don't have Revis and that's big, it changes how they can blitz and will make the LBs drop into coverage. Meanwhile, the Jets have no offense and the Niners are a nasty defense. Could be low scoring but SF won't need a lot of points. SF 23-12.

Tennessee Titans(1-2)at Houston Texans(3-0)- Texans will be 4-0, they won't get lit up like the Lions did. It is a divisional game, so rules are out the window but Texans prevail. 30-24.

Oakland Raiders(1-2)at Denver Broncos(1-2)- Manning's return hasn't been great but he's had to face three tough defenses. I like this matchup better. Meanwhile, Palmer has not delivered for Oakland. Division game..Manning...eh Broncos 28-20.

Miami Dolphins(1-2)at Arizona Cardinals(3-0)- The Cards are 3-0?? This could be a fast start/slow finish team but this defensive unit has something going. Part of me sees an upset, hey, why not? Against my gut I'll take Arizona to also be 4-0 but don't be shocked if the Cards end up a 7 win team. Cards 24-13.

Cincinnati Bengals(2-1)at Jacksonville Jaguars(1-2)- Jones-Drew is back on a roll and he has a perfect opponent to run against. The Bengals have been horrible at stopping the run but can score and fortunately for them the Jags aren't a good team outside of Jones-Drew. I like the Bengals 26-21.

New Orleans Saints(0-3)at Green Bay Packers(1-2)- Who saw this matchup being like this? We all expected to see two 3-0 teams here. The Packers did nothing on offense last week, and the Brees has had the Saints moving the ball but he can't do it all. They need a coach, a real coach, and without one they can't beat the Packers. Green Bay offense wakes up 38-31.

Washington Redskins(1-2)at Tampa Bay Bucs(1-2)- The Redskins are racking up points and yards but so are their opponents. The Bucs aren't exactly tearing things up but I saw them move the ball well against the Giants. I'll take the Skins to rack up some points and win 29-17.

New York Giants(2-1)at Philadelphia Eagles(2-1)- Vick has been his old sucky self so far this year, showing again that he's not a very good QB. Maybe hits and age are taking their toll. The Giants have secondary issues, Corey Webster will play but with a cast on his broken right hand so don't expect and INTs from him. I like the JPP vs Vick matchup, Jason is one of the most destructive defensive ends I've ever seen. I think it comes down to mistakes, and who makes the most of them. If the Giants defense plays with the same intensity they did against the Panthers they will romp the Eagles. Close game, but Giants win 28-24.

Chicago Bears(2-1)at Dallas Cowboys(2-1)- Both team have been inconsistent, both have looked great at offense one week and horrible the next. Complete coin flipper here....let's say Chicago, why not? Bears 24-20.
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Thursday Football

Knick knack the refs are back! All it took was for the Packers to lose a game on a bogus call. What a nightmare. Well, this Thursday we have what looks like another snoozer game in which one team is far and away better than the other...

Cleveland Browns(0-3)at Baltimore Ravens(2-1)- The Ravens won a wild one at home against the Pats and the Browns, well, they are still the Browns. I just can't see a huge battle here, maybe Cleveland hangs tough for a few quarters but if the Ravens get out to a fast start forget about it. I've seen the Browns lay up some points against another division rival and these games are always close but the Ravens are just too good. Ravens 30-20.
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Recap and Top Ten

The top 10 was very hard to do this week. We know the top three is still Atlanta, Houston, and San Fran but where does it go from there? The Patriots have to come off because they are 1-2 and I need room for newcomers like NYG, Cincy, and Seattle.

Now, as far as Seattle goes...I know they are truly only a one win team, but you have to give huge credit to this defense for shutting down the Packers. The record says they are 2-1 but c'mon really. Unfortunately because of how bad they looked and the fact they didn't win I have to take Green Bay off the list for now. Can a win over the 0-3 Saints get them back on? We shall see.

1. Atlanta Falcons (2)
2. Houston Texans (3)
3. Arizona Cardinals (10)
4. San Francisco 49ers (1)
5. New York Giants (unranked)
6. Baltimore Ravens (7)
7. Cincinnati Bengals (unranked)
8. San Diego Chargers (4)
9. Seattle Seahawks (unranked)
10. Dallas Cowboys (8)

Teams on the cusp: Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings

It was hard to place the Niners, I still feel they are the team to beat in the NFC but the Cards are undefeated and just crushed the Eagles. I had to just edge the Giants over the Ravens because the only loss NY has is to another top ten team and the Ravens lost to a unranked Philly team, and just slid by a falling New England team.

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Close, no cigar

I think they actually called this against the Patriots last night
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Good stuff

I don't know if Sam Adams is sold nationwide but great stuff. Bought the Harvest Pack with Sam's Octoberfest, love it.
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That's more accurate

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Week 3

Last Week: 10-6
Season: 17-15

I'm off to a 1-0 start thanks to an absolutely dominating performance by the New York Giants. Offense, defense, special teams; New York just kicked the Panthers asses all over the field. Its been a long time since NY has given their fans a laugher and this was a great team to have one against. The NFL Network has had two absolute non games so far and next weeks Ravens/Browns shouldn't be any different. I'm just so pumped at how has Eli continually made no name receivers look like stars, really. What is Boss doing now? Manningham? Smith? Ballard? Year after year I've seen tight ends and wide outs going for big money after Eli made them big names and they never work out on other teams. Here's a tip: it isn't you, it is Eli, stay in NY and win.
Okay, on to Week 3

St.Louis Rams(1-1)at Chicago Bears(1-1)- The Rams gave the Lions a hell of a time, then beat the Skins. The Bears are coming off a beat down at the hands of the Packers. Both of these teams were questions coming in and still are. I like how the Rams came back against the Skins, and maybe I'm nuts but I going to take them to upset da Bears. Rams 23-20.

Buffalo Bills(1-1)at Cleveland Browns(0-2)- The Browns have a shot in this game, they can move the ball with Richardson but the secondary and linebackers are sketchy at best. I'm thinking Buffalo has an offense that can move easily in the air past the Browns. Bills 27-21.

Tampa Bay Bucs(1-1)at Dallas Cowboys(1-1)- Dallas is already too up and down, per usual. Week 1 they kicked the Giants ass, week 2 they let the Seahawks beat them down. The Bucs looked excellent against Carolina and in the first half against the Giants but they do have holes. Toss a coin as to which Dallas team shows up...heads. Dallas 30-27.

Detroit Lions(1-1)at Tennessee Titans(0-2)- Remember when Chris Johnson was a great running back? The Lions haven't looked very impressive yet but they will this Sunday. They need to beat up a team and get that mojo from last year back. The Titans are rebuilding and have taken steps back, the Lions have to pounce on that. Lions 31-20.

Jacksonville Jaguars(0-2)at Indianapolis Colts(1-1)- Jags are not a good team, Colts are on the rebuild. Jacksonville can give the Colts more trouble than they should, Jags may even lead at the half or with 5 mins to play. Close game but Colts 17-14.

New York Jets(1-1)at Miami Dolphins(1-1)- Either the Phins shocked me last week or the Raiders did. I don't think this is a big game, I still think NY is at most an eight win team and Miami has already won more games than I thought they would all season. The Jets are better on paper, but Miami always gives them an absolute fit. Jets 20-19.

San Francisco 49ers(2-0)at Minnesota Vikings(1-1)- What can I say? SanFran will be 3-0, they are right now the best team in the NFL, they play all three phases better than anyone. SF 28-13.

Kansas City Chiefs(0-2)at New Orleans Saints(0-2)- Okay Brees, let me down again and I'm done picking your team. (S)aints 28-17.

Cincinnati Bengals(1-1)at Washington Redskins(1-1)- The Skins have some injuries on a weak defense right now, and it showed in the second half against the Rams. They can move the ball, Bob Griffin has shown that, but he can also be stopped. The Bengals are not a bad team, they aren't great, not even contenders for a title but they are good. I think the Skins just caught the Saints at the right time, and they have a very good coach, but I'm taking Cincy. Bengals 33-27.

Philadelphia Eagles(2-0)at Arizona Cardinals(2-0)- Neither team is as good as their record shows, and Vick looks just awful (haha). Could Philly fall into the trap and overlook the Cards in anticipation of their shot at the champs next week? I think the Pats did last week, brushing off Arizona and looking at Baltimore. The Cards have the home field and the focus. Cardinals 24-21.

Atlanta Falcons(2-0)at San Diego Chargers(2-0)- Nice looking matchup here as the Falcons continue their tour of the AFC West. I have to admit, I don't know a lot about the Chargers they were on nobody's radar and its only two games in but they look good. The Falcons seem to be as close to the full package as you can get, they have a good QB, HB, and WR plus have a pretty good defense. I think they can hang with the Niners, and San Diego? I still don't trust Norm Turner. ATL wins again 30-21.

Houston Texans(2-0)at Denver Broncos(1-1)- The Texans are very good the Broncos have not looked good defensively. Houston should be able to run very well on them and eat a lot of clock. The Texans know Manning and know how to beat him, I think Denver is just out muscled here. I expect a better game from Peyton but Houston is too good. Texans 28-23.

Pittsburgh Steelers(1-1)at Oakland Raiders(0-2)- I really wanted to see the Raiders make an impact this year but they just don't look like they are building on last year. Maybe they wake up this week looking at an 0-3 start. Pitt is banged up on defense but I think they can handle Oakland. Steelers 23-17.

New England Patriots(1-1)at Baltimore Ravens(1-1)- Both teams are coming off upsets, the Pats more surprisingly than the Ravens. Brady does not often lose two in a row, but going into Baltimore on Sunday night? I'm going Ravens here, after the AFC Championship debacle and the fact that it is in Baltimore where the Ravens never lose. Ravens 30-28.

Green Bay Packers(1-1)at Seattle Seahawks(1-1)- I know Seattle looked good against Dallas last week, and made Romo look horrible but can they really beat the Pack? The Packers need another big defensive game like last week, and get that running game going. The Seahawks can run and manage the clock, and play a decent defensive game. The Packers have become one dimensional and have got to change that if they're going to succeed this year, that defense has got to stop the Seahawks on third down and get turnovers, sounds basic but that's what wins games. I think they can do it, they can carry that fire over from last week. Seattle will be good, they will fight like hell, but in the end...Packers 27-23.

There's the picks, hoping for another 10 win week if not more.
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Thursday Football (Week 3)

Last Week: 10-6
Season: 17-15

I just barely managed to get over .500 on my picks and it doesn't get any easier this week. Once again the NFL Network gets a good game in Giants/Panthers, these teams haven't really been rivals, but have been a thorn in each others side for a few years. In 2005 Eli and Tiki Barber led the Giants to the playoffs and lost the Wild Card to Carolina 23-0. In 2008 the Giants were 11-3 taking on the 11-3 Panthers for what would be the NFC's #1 seed. The Giants won by 3 in OT. Two years later the Giants played their last game in Giants Stadium by being blown out by the Panthers 44-6. The next year the Giants went to Carolina in their home opener Week 2 and won an ugly game. Here they are again, two 1-1 teams. The Giants a defending champ, the Panthers looking to prove they are back.

New York Giants(1-1)at Carolina Panthers(1-1) - On paper this seems like a even match. The Giants and Panthers can both move the ball and rack up yards and points. Neither defense plays the pass all that well. The Panthers have a QB that moves out of the pocket well, can run, and has a big arm. The Giants have the best comeback QB in the league, and there's a reason for that...his defense can't win for him. Eli has so many comebacks because he has to. The advantage I give to the Giant defense is they have playmakers on the line that Carolina just doesn't have. Unlike most pass rushers, JPP does not over pursue. That's what makes him the one of the best DE's in the game, he can make open field tackles.
Based on that, I give the Giants the advantage and the win. It will be close and high scoring but NY wins it 34-28.
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Recap and Top Ten

Another crazy week in which we saw some dominant play, upsets, and a big comeback.
First, I have to give props to my QB Eli for righting himself and after a horrendous first half just being totally lights out in the second half. That is something big brother has not been able to do consistently. We saw the Manning's throw 6 INTs this week, but only one prevailed. I was shocked by how bad the Raiders are, they just look bad. And happy to see the Bills look how I thought they would look this season. The Eagles have nine turnovers in two games and are 2-0, figure that out. The Packers seem to be back to form in dominating the Bears, and the Saints? Well, they need a coach bad.

Okay, the top ten was very hard to do this week because so many of the teams that were on it from last week lost, and I had to look at performance to figure who stays on and who goes off. I have a few teams right on the cusp too. I kinda wanted to put Seattle on there but I had to put on Arizona after a huge upset and I can't yet add the Giants or Carolina because both were dominated by Tampa Bay. They play on Thursday so one may earn a spot for next week. A few big jumps and some slides but here's what I have.

1. San Francisco 49ers (1)
2. Atlanta Falcons (6)
3. Houston Texans (9)
4. San Diego Chargers
5. New England Patriots (3)
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Baltimore Ravens (5)
8. Dallas Cowboys (2)
9. Washington Redskins (4)
10. Arizona Cardinals

Teams on the rise: Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles

Even though the Eagles are 2-0 and beat the Ravens, I can't put them on there because of how bad Vick has played. I don't expect the Cards and Skins to stay on there long, and the Steelers should be getting a spot next week. I expect the Packers to keep rising as the weeks go on,but the NFL is crazy you never know what will happen.
The top spot Niners play the Vikes next week and the Falcons are in San Diego for their third straight AFC matchup. Isn't that weird? The Falcons have not played a NFC team yet. Green Bay is in Seattle and should win that to move up, and Tampa at Dallas could be a chance for the Bucs to make the list. I know every team in the NFL is just waiting to find out where I rank them.
Oh, plus the Pats and Ravens next week. Good games lined up for Week 3.
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Oh, you can't get anything past those teabaggers!

Sharp as a tack they are.


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Week 2

Last week: 7-9
Season: 7-9

I'm off to a better start already this week by taking Green Bay to get a win. The Pack dominated the Bears, they were still a little off balance on offense but a fake FG helped things along. Okay, here we go...

Tampa Bay Bucs(1-0)at New York Giants(0-1)- The Bucs defense looked pretty good against the Panthers, and the running game was a success too. Meanwhile, big blue looked flat and gave 0 effort against Dallas in the season opener. I have got to believe the Giants will show more fury against a highly inferior Tampa team. Could still be a defensive close game, but NYG wins 23-16.

Kansas City Chiefs(0-1)at Buffalo Bills(0-1)- Both teams expected better defense last week, both failed. I'm still thinking the Bills are the better team. Bills 21-17.

Cleveland Browns(0-1)at Cincinnati Bengals(0-1)- The Browns almost beat the Eagles, but that was more the Eagles sucking than the Browns being good. I still believe in Cinci making some noise in the North. Bengals 21-14.

Minnesota Vikings(1-0)at Indianapolis Colts(0-1)- The Vikes are not a good team, and even as a team rebuilding the Colts are better. I do like seeing how Luck handles another team that can stop the run and makes him throw. I'm taking the Colts at home 27-13.

Oakland Raiders(0-1)at Miami Dolphins(0-1)- The Phins suck, I don't expect a great fight or a classic 70's style Raiders/Dolphins game here, I think Oakland does a fair job against a weak Miami team. Raiders 28-17

Arizona Cardinals(1-0)at New England Patriots(1-0)- There isn't much to say here, except for Fitzgerald tearing up the Pats DBs I don't see the Cards giving much of a problem. Pats 31-20.

Baltimore Ravens(1-0)at Philadelphia Eagles(1-0)- The Eagles are the only team that looked worse than the Packers, Saints, and Giants in week 1 and still won. The Ravens are too much for them to handle. Baltimore 29-24.

New Orleans Saints(0-1)at Carolina Panthers(0-1)- Boy did the Saints stink last week. How do they respond without Payton to rally the troops? The Panthers looked equally as bad, and they had high expectations of themselves also. As strange as it sounds this one is a coin flipper because of all the unknowns....ugh. I'm going with the Saints, just because. Saints 33-31.

Houston Texans(1-0)at Jacksonville Jaguars(0-1)- No contest here, and let me just say there are some real snoozer games this week. I think the game of the week was on Thursday. Anyway, Texans 30-17.

Washington Redskins(1-0)at StLouis Rams(0-1)- The Skins are on my top ten right now and should stay for another week at least. Not that beating the Rams would be a big deal but they should beat up on them nicely. The Rams are a better team than last year but the Skins are more improved than them. Washington 28-19.

Dallas Cowboys(1-0)at Seattle Seahawks(0-1)- Dallas looked like the 13 win team from 2007 last week in dismantling the champs, the Seahawks looked like chumps against the Cards in letting a lead slip away in the final minutes. Seattle is a tough place to play but if Dallas carries that fire...Dallas 24-17.

New York Jets(1-0)at Pittsburgh Steelers(0-1)- The Jets don't have a good history in Pitt and the Steelers will have a slight advantage with Revis gone. Pitt still has O line issues, and maybe RB issues if Mendenhall is still out. I like the Jets secondary a lot but Revis was the key to it. Going black and gold..Pitt 20-14.

Tennessee Titans(0-1)at San Diego Chargers(1-0)- The Chargers are a team that nobody is talking about, they used to be a playoff lock every year but that has dropped off. The Titans are a team much like San Diego now, a team you expect to win 8 or 9 games and bow out after one playoff game. The Titans didn't show much last week and I know they are a better team than that but I'd still take the Chargers. San Diego 24-20.

Detroit Lions(1-0)at San Francisco 49ers(1-0)- This should be a good match, and although I expected the Lions to take a step back this year they are still a good team. The 49ers are just better. Detroit has a better QB and WR but San Fran is better everywhere else. The Lions defense should be more challenging than Green Bay, especially with that defensive line, so I expect less rushing yards from the 9ers. Stafford has a tougher challenge with that San Fran rush, and those LBs that cover the middle field so well. San Fran 20-16.

Denver Broncos(1-0)at Atlanta Falcons(1-0)- Peyton proved he was back last week in a win over Pittsburgh, the Falcons proved they can put up big numbers. To me, this comes down to the Broncos defense and how they handle a pass and rush attack from the Falcons. Both offenses are about even, but Atlanta should be able to put up more points than the Broncos. Atlanta wins a shootout 35-31.

I'm hoping for better results this week to get me above .500 for the season.
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Top Ten

I'm thinking of doing a top ten every week for the NFL. The league is so up and down I think it would be interesting to see how teams move. If I did one after Week 1 it would probably look like this...

1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. New England Patriots
4.Washington Redskins
5.Baltimore Ravens
6.Atlanta Falcons
7.New York Jets
8.Chicago Bears
9.Houston Texans
10. Denver Broncos

I know Houston is low but they beat up on a crappy team and they didn't really look all that great doing it. I put SF and Dallas on top because of who they beat and how dominant they were doing it. I still have to put the Pats over the Skins, just barely. Of course we see the NFC's top three teams not in there after each one was dominated.

After Thursday's game, Green Bay will be in the top 10, and the Bears won't.
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Thursday Football

Last Week 7-9
Season 7-9

I don't get a very good chance to redeem myself this Thursday as we have the Bears in Lambeau. Why must it be so tough?

Chicago Bears(1-0)at Green Bay Packers(0-1)- The Bears looked great last week, but that was against a rookie QB and a poor defense. Now they face a top QB and a poor defense. The Packers looked just as off rhythm in the opener as they did when we last saw them in the playoffs. Let's just call a spade a spade; the Niners crushed them. I am taking the Pack in this game, purely for the fact that I cannot see this team going 0-2, Rodgers will not allow it. Would a Chicago win lead to the changing of the guard in the North? Maybe, but I've seen two teams start 0-2 and win the Super Bowl so don't panic. It is a moot point, Packers win 27-21.

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The writers at ESPN.com are bored as hell

I just checked out espn.com for the first time today. The cover story is a cartoon of a monster wearing a 49ers helmet and the title: "After the 49ers upended the Packers, Gregg Easterbrook ponders if Green Bay is done or if San Fran is simply the next NFL beast."
It is one game! I realize going into last year the Pack have lost 2 in a row, and they have running and D issues but still....
You can also read about Joe Flacco's season of change. Again, they played one game.
They are also ready to declare RGIII the greatest rookie QB ever. They did that after Week 1 with Cam Newton last year.
I put no stock at all into Week 1. I don't think the Jets will get 4 ints and 48 points every week, I don't think the big three in the NFC being 0-1 is a big deal, and I definitely don't think the Colts will regret taking Luck over Griffin.
Everyone just calm down and rate the teams at Week 8.
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So far, not so good

Three games left for this insane Week 1, but I have majorly missed on some picks and game predictions.

The Redskins? Really? The Niners played big offense against a still weak Packers D? And the Jets put up 48??

I suck.
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Week 1 in the NFL

Okay, here we go! Football came back with the Giants and Cowboys on Wednesday night, but it just didn't feel right, it still felt like exhibition. Sunday football returns and we have some great early games to kick things off.
This is the hardest week to pick games and I'm 0-1 so far, hopefully that isn't a trend.

Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears- I saw and liked what Luck did this preseason, he looked good, but that was preseason. Actually, my concern for Indy in this game I isn't their offense but the defense. I think Luck and Wayne can hook up against the Bears, even with Peppers ready to welcome the rookie QB with some sacks. I just think Chicago's offense will prove too much. I'm taking the Bears at home, but close, 23-17.

Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns- I hate to see Philly win ever, but, I don't see the Browns giving them any problems. Eagles should roll decently 28-10

St.Louis Rams at Detroit Lions- I don't know about those Rams, but I do know what Stafford and Johnson can do. I think with a new coach we will see an improved Rams team but that defense leaves something to be desired, and they don't have DC Greg Williams anymore. Gotta say Lions here, 30-21.

New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans- Brady and co. are ready to defend that AFC title and they have all the ingredients on offense to do it. The Titans can hang, no doubt about that but the Pats are too much for them to handle. Pats 27-24.

Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs- This is a do or die year for the Falcons, and they have the fire power to do. The Chiefs do have a very good defense and an even better home field advantage. I think I like an upset here...I do. I'm going with KC to start 1-0 with a nail biter 17-16 win over ATL.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings- The only big thing about this game is one team will know they won't go 0-16. I don't think the Jags are a very good team this year, maybe 5 wins, but I don't like the Vikes and won't be picking them often. They still have some tough players on D but so do the Jags. Taking Jacksonville 20-12 over Minn.

Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints- Welln, at least NY won't be the only 0-1 team in the East. RG who? Who dat? Sorry Bobby, there's only room for one standout QB in New Orleans on Sunday and his team also has blitz happy Spags coaching defense. Saints romp it up, 30-17.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets- The Bills are my wild card pick this year, the team that gives everyone a fit. To counter that, the Jets are coming in with a very nice looking defense. This game could be ugly. Fitzpatrick will have a fit dealing with Revis, Cromartie and Landry but what can the Jets do on offense? Maybe one trick offensive play gets things going for them but I think Buffalo will keep Sanchez and Tebow under wraps. Buffalo 13-9.

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans- The Dolphins are going to perform an amazing act this year, something that defies physics...they will manage to both suck and blow this year. I can't see this team winning 3 games, let alone one in Houston. Texans 24-6.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers- Ah, the NFC title game that didn't happen. The last time the Pack stepped onto the field at Lambau they stunk, they collapsed in the second half and let a big NYG offense make big play after big play. They used their first 6 draft picks for defense and look to suck much less in pass coverage this year. I don't watch them enough, so I don't know if the issue was the db's or that they got no pressure on the QB. I do know that Eli had all day to hit wide open receivers in that playoff game so maybe it was both. The 9ers meanwhile, don't play a big offense but have the nastiest D in the NFC and they will keep it close. But, my gut is with GB in a good game. Packers 27-20.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals- The Seahawks could be a surprise team this year and really give SF a run for their money in the West. The Cards are still looking for the QB to replace Warner. I like Seattle to start out fast this year with a 24-13 win in Arizona.

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Bucs- Many sports writers are taking the Panthers as the team on the rise this year. I've seen some pick them to win the South! Over the Saints and Falcons!? Yeah, I don't think so. I do think they are worlds better than the Bucs, who can play a very nice defense but just don't have that punch to win when it counts. The Bucs could be a 6 win team and even get a nice upset or two, but not here. Panthers 20-14.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos- The Broncos shocked Pitt in the playoffs and they no longer have the QB that did it...instead they have Peyton Manning. The Steelers don't have their explosive running back, but we also don't know the strength Manning has in that arm. Close, close game but with Peyton anything can happen. He can and has picked apart the Steelers D when needed but can he handle 50 pass attempts still? I'm going with Manning, and this could go either way because of the unknowns. Denver 23-21.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens- The NFL schedule makers have really packed Week 1 with must see games and it continues on Monday night with two talented division rivals. I don't think Cincy was a fluke last year, they had a nice 9 win season BUT they went 0-4 against division kings Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Ravens were seconds away from facing NY in the Super Bowl last year and they are one of those teams that dominates every year then struggles in post season, so it is tough getting a feeling on them. I do like the Ravens at home, always. They are a team that can go 8-0 at home, and I think they did last year...hmm, I'm 99% sure they did. Anyway, the good times continue but Cincy shows some muscle. If you love defensive football you must see this game. Ravens 19-14.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders- What to say? I don't know. I just don't know. Flip a coin for me on this one, heads for Raiders, tails for the Bolts......Heads. I'm not sure about Carson tho, he didn't seem like himself but I like the Raiders D and running game. The Raiders 27-23.

I'm just hoping to get above .500 for this opening week. If the games are this good in Week 1 it is going to be a great season.
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Funny, but I still don't like Leno

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Giants/Cowboys...

I had to take some cool off time before recapping this game. First let me put forward this one request....

Dear Victor Cruz,

Please don't be a one hit wonder. I have looked deep into my soul and forgiven you this time but you are nearing thin ice.

Thanks, Bryan

Okay. Now. What the fuck is Cruz's problem? Three passes that any NFL receiver should catch and he drops them? The next issue was the Dallas D was way more pumped than the Giants offense, Dallas was in mid season form and ready for the Giants two breakout WR's.
I'm not going to do what I did last year. After NY lost the season opener to Washington last year I freaked out, called the season over, I was obviously wrong. I did not like the confused looking offense, or the three huge drops by Cruz, or the non existent running game, but I know how this team rolls, they get better as the season goes on.
At least, I hope they will.

Tampa next week, I expect to see a much better effort against a much lower opponent.
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Giants vs Cowboys

I am pumped to be putting up the first pick of the 2012 NFL season, and even more pumped that it is Giants/Cowboys. A great way to start the year. I'll have the rest of week 1 up on Saturday.

Dallas Cowboys(0-0)at New York Giants(0-0) - I have to say first, that I am very concerned about the Giants defensive back injuries. They have had to put Thomas on the IR (again) and Prince Amukamura is iffy, but, with a healthy crew of three bad ass Defensive Ends a lot of pressure is taken off the corners. Dallas also has some issues at DB, and they will have their hands full with Nicks and Cruz. The Giants have to get the running game going, they were very one dimensional last year and were not good with the run until the playoffs. If Bradshaw stays healthy and the O line plays well that should change this year. Dallas can run and pass, they can put up big yards but Romo has had a hard time pulling the trigger when the game gets close. I see a very close game here, but with Tuck,Osi, and JPP the Giants have the advantage. Oh, and they have a QB who loves pressure situations and plays better when he's down.
New York 31 Dallas 26
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