NFL games might be the most difficult to predict. It is a mixture of parity, razor thin differences between a big play and a no-play, injuries, ever-changing playbooks, etc. With all of those excuses, er … reasons … here are my picks for Week 1:
Titans v Steelers: Vanilla offense v stifling defense for both sides. This will boil down to playmakers and the Steelers have more. My pick: Steelers.
Dolphins v Falcons: Both teams have essentially the same starting units on offense as last year. The Dolphins tried to improve their pass defense but I just don’t think they can stop the Falcons. My pick: Falcons
Broncos v Bengals: Two teams in transition; one perpetually. It will boil down to game-readiness and the Bengals have much more stability on both sides of the ball. My pick: Bengals.
Vikings v Browns: Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas, meet Jared Allen. The Browns have 10 new starters on offense and defense. My pick: Vikings.
Jaguars v Colts: The Jaguars seem to have a lot of missing pieces on and off the field. The Colts are pillar of stability – even with a change at head coach. My pick: Colts.
Lions v Saints: Looks like a match up from the Roman Empire era. The Lions will be competitive, but the Saints simply have more talent. My pick: Saints
Cowboys v Buccaneers: The Bucs are in a mad rush to expand their playbook after firing their OC – plus they are putting in a brand new defense. My pick: Cowboys
Eagles v Panthers: The Eagles seem highly over-rated. The Panthers have 20 of 22 starters back from last year. My pick: Panthers
Chiefs v. Ravens: The Chiefs look like an expansion team with issues at nearly every position. My pick: Ravens
Jets v Texans: The Texans are everyone’s sexy sleeper, but Schaub is made out of glass. Of all the teams with a new head coach and QB, the Jets have the best chance at a play-off berth. My pick: Jets
Redskins v Giants: The Giants are my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They are probably the deepest team in the NFL. The Redskins are the Redskins. My pick: Giants
49ers v Cardinals: It’s games like this that the Cardinals used to lose. They have better talent, but have they truly changed their culture. I say yes. My pick: Cardinals
Rams v Seahawks: The Rams will be better under Spags, but the Seahawks simply have more weapons. Plus Mora’s enthusiasm and non-wonkish football attitude will be refreshing for the Hawks. My pick: Seattle
Bears v Packers: Talk about a test to see what you really are. Bears are breaking in a new QB; the Packers, a new defense. I will go with the team with more stability on offense. My pick: Packeras
Bills v Patriots: The Bills were the most aggressive team in the off-season. Unfortunately, they have to open against my pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. My pick: Pats
Chargers v Raiders: There will be better tackling and hitting in the stands. The Raiders are the 50 year old actor who had success in the 70s and 80s but still thinks he’s cool with his fake tan and hair inplants. My pick: Chargers
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