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Getting off to a good start + Week 1 picks

Nothing’s more important than getting off to a good start when picking games. There’s also nothing harder.

Although we’ve all read so much analysis, predictions and previews for the season, there’s no real to tell what’s going to happen when the real games start.

The pre-season is nice, but there’s no substitute for the real thing.

And when you’re making your opening picks, just remember that a loss in Week 1 in no way dooms a team. Always remember that we’ve only seen two teams run the table in the history of this league and it’s getting harder and harder every year to do so.

Also, never forget that there’s always one or two teams that come out of nowhere with a big upset. See if you can pick the right dog this week.

The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPS.

New Orleans -3 over ATLANTA

While it is risky taking a road favourite in a rivalry game, the Saints have earned some deserved respect and should continue to improve on defence.

Minnesota +3.5 over ST. LOUIS

The Vikings are going to surprise some people this season and it will start with an upset over Shaun Hill and the Rams. Also, I’m betting AP doesn’t score a TD on his first carry of the season.

PITTSBURGH -7 over Cleveland

While some would love to take the points, this should be nothing less than a typical Steelers-run-over-the-Browns blowout.

Jacksonville (+10.5) over PHILADELPHIA

I really like the Eagles this season, but I also think that the Jags could do well enough defensively to keep this in single digits.

Oakland +5.5 over NEW YORK JETS

I hate taking a west-coast team in a 1 p.m. ET start, but why should we trust this Jets team to take care of business?

BALTIMORE -1 over Cincinnati

The Ravens are historically a great home team and the Bengals are still adapting to two new co-ordinators.

CHICAGO -7 over Buffalo

If the Bears want to show the world they are contenders, they have to beat up on the lowly Bills.

Washington +3 over HOUSTON

I’ll bet that new Washington coach Jay Gruden has something up his sleeve to deal with the Texans ferocious pass rush in Week 1.

KANSAS CITY -4 over Tennessee

The Chiefs’ home-field advantage isn’t something to be messed with. And we’re not sure how good the Titans defence will be yet.

TAMPA BAY -2 over Carolina

The Panthers best offensive weapon, Cam Newton will be playing hurt and wearing a flak jacket. The Bucs will be fired up to play under a coach they actually like.

San Francisco -4.5 over DALLAS

Even with the 49ers suspensions on defence, you have to feel they can hold the Cowboys off even with what they have.

DENVER -8 over Indianapolis

The Broncos are going to be mad after that last game they played. You know, the Super Bowl. Expect them to run it up on the poor Colts.

New York Giants +5.5 over DETROIT

Hmm, the Lions have a crappy secondary and the Giants are switching to a disciplined passing system. I’ll take the points please.

San Diego +3 over ARIZONA

I feel like I’m missing something as to why the Cards are favoured here. The Chargers are the better team while Arizona

This week: 1-0

This season: 1-0

2013 season: 119-125-9

2013 playoffs: 3-4-3

2012 season: 132-116-8

Follow me on Twitter @danbilicki

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