After a great defensive battle last night, we’re officially into football season. That’s right, no more having to watch the college or, God forbid, Canadian brand of the game. The real deal is here.
There were two things I noticed from the game last night could be telling signs of the season to come for the Titans and Steelers. Tennessee really needs a top flight receiver to be crowned as a true Super Bowl contender. It was no more evident than when late in the game, Kerry Collins wasn’t able to find an open man on a key third down. A better player would have found the way. On the Steelers side of the ball, without Troy Polamalu in the lineup, they looked really susceptible. If the Titans offence can exploit it, anybody can.
On to this weekend’s picks
Dolphins (+4) over FALCONS
Both these teams will take a step back this season, but I see the Falcons stepping back more and I like getting the points here.
RAVENS (-13) over Chiefs
Baltimore’s defence is still among the tops of the league, despite losing their defensive co-ordinator while the Chiefs just fired their offensive co-ordinator last week. Plus, Matt Cassel is only 50-50 to play.
Eagles (-1.5) over PANTHERS
The Panthers are probably a bit over-rated because of Deangelo Williams’ fantasy explosion at the end of last season. The Eagles will want to win their first game for the late Jim Johnson.
Broncos (+4) over BENGALS
Denver could surprise some people if they sleep on them. The biggest story of the Bengals’ season will be about Chad Ochocinco’s Tweets.
Vikings (-4) over BROWNS
This might be the lock of the week. Do you really think that Brett Favre won’t win his debut, that Adrian Peterson won’t have a big day and that the Vikes defence can’t shut down these sad sacks?
TEXANS (-4.5) over Jets
This should be a really good game, but Houston has all the gamebreakers on offence.
Jaguars (+7) over COLTS
It’s always a close game when these two rivals play.
SAINTS (-13) over Lions
It may be a wide margin but this is the Lions we’re talking about.
Cowboys (-6) versus BUCS
When you hand pick an offensive co-ordinator, then fire him during the same off-season, what exactly does that say about your decision making as a head coach, Raheem Morris?
49ers (+6.5) over CARDINALS
Fact: Of the past 10 Super Bowl losers, only one has covered the spread in their first game of the next season.
GIANTS (-6.5) over Redskins
New York took the season opener against Washington last season by a nice margin, why shouldn’t they do it again?
Rams (+8.5) over SEAHAWKS
Secretly, I think this one could be one hell of a shootout. Seattle should win, but only by a TD.
Bears (+3.5) over PACKERS
If you don’t think a field goal will win this game or that it will be a really tight one, then I’m not sure how much you know about these two teams.
PATRIOTS (-10.5) over Bills
Bet the over on this game and take the Pats to run up the score on a team that will have trouble moving the ball. Seriously, the coach wanted a Pop Warner offence? Maybe they fired the wrong guy in Buffalo.
Chargers (-9.5) over RAIDERS
San Diego always kills the Raiders and this one won’t reverse that form. And really, a 10:30 p.m. start on the east coast? How could anybody stay up for that game’s end?
This season: 0-1
Last season: 126-101-8
Last playoffs: 5-5