Sunday, 1:00
Ravens @ Tampa Bay(3)
I’ll believe in the Ravens’ offense when I see it. This should generally be low-scoring but I like the Bucs here.
Saints @ Cleveland(3)
I see in my Yahoo! group that I picked New Orleans, but I can’t remember why…
Falcons @ Carolina(5)
I’m a little sour on the Falcons this year. I think teams will play eight or nine in the box all the time, spy Vick, and try to make him beat them with his arm–the formula the Panthers used on them last year with great effect. So I’ll give the points.
Seahawks(6) @ Detroit
Detroit is going to suck again this year. Even if the offense gets better, which won’t happen overnight, their defense is still pathetic. Seattle all the way.
Eagles(4.5) @ Houston
I think the Texans will be better this year, though that’s not saying a lot. However, I also think the Eagles will be better, and there’s no way the Texans keep this within a TD.
Jest @ Tennessee(3)
I have no reason to think these won’t be two of the worst teams in the NFL this year. That said, I see the Jest as possibly the worst. Give the points.
Broncos(3.5) @ St. Louis
Everything new for the Rams, and this is the Broncos team which ran up that gaudy record and knocked off the champs in the playoffs last year. That’s enough for me, I’ll take Denver.
Bengals @ Kansas City(2.5)
I don’t get this spread at all. KC lost two of the best O-line guys in the league, still have no defense, and the Bengals return basically everyone, including Palmer, who looked awesome in his return. I love getting points here.
Bills @ New England(9)
Man, that’s a truckload of points. That’s just waaaay too many… oh, right, it’s the Bills. Yeah, I’m taking New England.
Sunday, ~4:00
Cowboys @ Jax(2.5)
Some people seem to like the Cowboys this year because of T.O. Whatever, Mr. Distraction has already messed up the team. I like the Jags at home.
Bears(3.5) @ Green Bay
I would be unsurprised if the Packers never got past midfield in this game. Bears win 6-0 on two field goals, unless Jones just happens to break one off.
Niners @ Arizona(7.5)
The Cards are the glamour pick right now with Edge and the new stadium and all, and the Niners ache. However, that’s too rich for my blood this early.
Sunday NBC
Colts(3.5) @ New Jersey Giants
The Manning Bowl, of course. The difference? Sign me up for Team Tiki!
MNF
Vikings @ Washington(4.5)
Again, the Vikings may not cross midfield in this game. Not that I’m enthralled with the Redskins offense, especially with Portis dinged up, but the Vikings on the road is just not my cup of tea.
Chargers(3) @ Oakland
Let the Rivers Era begin. Look, the Raiders will just plain suck. Even if the Chargers aren’t quite as good because of Rivers, IIRC, they completely decimated the Raiders twice last year, and I’m not convinced the Raiders will be any better. Go Bolts!