Washington vs. NY Giants (-4)
The Giants should be fired up, will jump out to a huge lead 21-3. The Skins will get it close, thus all Giant fans will fall back into their pre-Superbowl self-loathing. The Giants will hold on to win and cover.
GIANTS 27-20.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3)
If this was being played in Florida, I’d pick the Buccaneers. In th Dome, Brees should have some fun. He better enjoy Shockey now, before he starts to get hurt. Take the Saints minus the points.
SAINTS 34-20
St. Louis at Philadelphia (-7.5)
Don’t look for a blowout, in fact, there will be plenty of points (so take the over). In the end, the Eagles are better and they’re at home, but take the points, especially if you can get that extra half point.
EAGLES 35-30
Houston at Pittsburgh (-6.5)
Another game where if the location was reverse, I’d pick differently. The Steelers should think run first and then run it again. With a banged up backfield, the Texans will be flinging it around. While I’m tempted to take the points with the Texans, in the end, I won’t.
STEELERS 28-17
Detriot at Atlanta (+3)
The Falcons will be riding high with a new coach, new rookie quarterback and a new running back. Don’t be surprised to see them jump out early. However, the Falcons have no answer for the Lions passing game. I normally like home dogs, but not this one.
LIONS 23-13
Seattle at Buffalo (+1)
The Bills are a popular upset pick and I can’t agree more. They’re at home, they’re healthier than the Seahawks, they can run. Take the upset and the points.
BILLS 19-17
Cincinnati at Baltimore (+1.5)
A tough game to call and if you can avoid laying money down on it, I would. The Ravens O is being lead by rookie QB and the defense has been living off its rep for a while now. I like the Bengals to show up for this one. At 1.5, the cover will be easy.
BENGALS 21-6
Jacksonville at Tennessee (+3)
The Jags are a popular Superbowl sleeper (can you really be a sleeper if you’re popular?), but they’re also doing their best Bengals’ off-season imitation. The Titans are not great and Young is not a stud, but the Titans can run the ball and they know how to defend their own backyard. I love the upset, so obviously, I love the points.
TITANS 20-16
NY Jets at Miami (+3)
Talk about tough game to pick, especially since more Jet fans will show up in Miami, than the Dolphin fans. My heart says take the Jets, but my heart says, the Fins will pull it off. A low scoring affair finally ends with a last second touchdown pass. Then the Fish will win only three more games all season.
DOLPHINS 13-10
Kansas City at New England (-16.5)
Tom Brady loves playing with a chip on his shoulder, even if he has to create reasons to feel disrespected about. This time around, he’s out to prove he’s healthy and the pre-season is meaningless. Luckily for him, the Chiefs are around and they’re looking to land Tim Tebow next year. If you can find someone will to let you take the Pats with any kind of points, take it quickly.
PATRIOTS 42-10
Carolina at San Diego (+9)
It’s only week one, but the Chargers, after last season’s slow start, are looking to make a statement. The Panthers were a popular pick in the Spring, but have lost some of their luster since. No reason to think this one will be close. Take the Bolts all the way.
CHARGERS 31-9
Arizona at San Francisco (+2.5)
Another game I would not touch with a ten foot betting slip. The Cardinals are road favorites and that’s probably pretty accurate. You have SF using a rookie QB, with Mike ‘what’s a running game’ Martz calling the plays.
CARDINALS 27-10
Dallas at Cleveland (+5.5)
Despite suffering a rash of receiver injuries, the core players; Owens, Crayton, Witten, Barber and Jones are all healthy. The Browns have their own solid core off talent at the skilled position, but they don’t have the Cowboys D. Normally I’ll always take the largest home dog, but not this one.
COWBOYS 38-27
Chicago at Indianapolis (9.5)
Manning vs. Orton. Now thats a match up I’d pay to see. I actually expect Manning to be a little rusty and the Bears D will be a solid top-five defense this year, but in the Dome, the Bears don’t have a real shot. Indy with the win, but I would consider the Bears with the points (especially if it reaches 10)
COLTS 21-13
Minnesota at Green Bay (-2.5)
It’s easy to forget how good the Packers were last year and I can understand why many feel like it was Favre who made them good. But trust me, Aaron Rogers is good too. In fact, in 2008 he’ll be better. The Pack will roll up nine to the line to stop Peterson and Rogers will look good.
PACKERS 24-17
Denver at Oakland (-3)
The Raiders have no business winning this game, but I have no faith in the Broncos when they face a good D that can slow down the offense. The Raiders defense is underrated and they’ll perform Monday night. Take the upset here.
RAIDERS 20-14
