Are you ready for some football?
After months filled with labor disputes, a free agent frenzy, and a condensed offseason, the NFL is finally back. Below are my Week 1 selections. Home teams in CAPS:
Season: 1-0
Week 1: 1-0
Steelers (+1) over RAVENS
Joe Flacco has never beaten the Steelers. This rivalry kicks off the 2011 season with another hard fought battle. Pittsburgh pulls out a narrow victory.
BUCCANEERS (-1) over Lions
Detroit is the consensus pick to make a big jump in the standings this season. While I believe the Lions will be much improved, lets not discount Josh Freeman and the Bucs. Tampa pulls out a nice home win to start the season.
Falcons (-2.5) over BEARS
Even question marks in Atlanta’s secondary shouldn’t slow the Falcons down in this matchup. I expect the Bears to take a step back this season starting today with a home loss to Atlanta.
CHIEFS (-5) over Bills
Speaking of teams that will take a step back, I expect the Kansas City Chiefs to step back from their 2010 success. However Quarterback Matt Cassell will start with a rib injury and the Chiefs should be able to take care of Buffalo to start the year.
Colts (+9) over TEXANS
The Colts season took a major blow this week when Peyton Manning had a second surgical procedure performed on his neck. But Indianapolis won’t be the 4-12 team that many are predicting. Houston finished last year 2-8 and with Arian Foster out due to a hamstring injury, I think the Colts will cover.
RAMS (+4) over Eagles
The Eagles have more talent but there are simply too many question marks surrounding their makeshift offensive line and new acquisitions to know how the team will gel together during week one. If St. Louis uses a heavy dose of Stephen Jackson up the middle and attacks the Eagles up-front, they should have success. I could easily see the Eagles pulling out the road victory but I’ll take St. Louis and the points.
BROWNS (-6.5) over Bengals
The condensed offseason really hurt Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland seems to be on the up swing and should start off the 2011 season with a decisive home victory.
Titans (+1) over JAGUARS
Any time a team releases their starting quarterback on the eve of the season there has to be a lot of uncertainty surrounding them to start the season. Although Chris Johnson’s workload is unclear after missing the entire offseason, I expect Tennessee to be much improved from their 2010 debacle.
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
The Giants have already lost half of their starting defense to injury before the season even started. That being said the Redskins are starting REX GROSSMAN at quarterback. What a mess. I’ll go with New York on the road.
CARDINALS (-7) over Panthers
Kevin Kolb will make his Arizona debut memorable with a decisive win over Ron Rivera, Cam Newton, and the rest of the Carolina Panthers. I expect Carolina to improve as the season progresses.
Seahawks (+5.5) over 49ERS
Tavaris Jackson against Alex Smith… is there anyway I could pick neither team? 5.5 points seems like too big a spread against the NFC West “division champions” from a year ago. I’ll reluctantly go with Seattle in this matchup.
Vikings (+8.5) over CHARGERS
San Diego is notorious for getting off to slow starts in September. They are clearly the more talented team but I think Minnesota will keep it close. Donovan McNabb will be better than people think in Minnesota and Adrian Peterson should have a big afternoon coming off of his new extension. The Chargers will win but the Vikings will cover.
NY JETS (-6) over Cowboys
The Ryan brothers kick off the 2011 season with a bang on Sunday Night Football. This should be a very good game with the Jets pulling it out by a touchdown.
Patriots (-7) over DOLPHINS
The Patriots just have the feel of a team ready to explode (in a good way) to start the 2011 season. I think Tom Brady and the Pats make a statement on Monday Night Football down in South Beach.
Raiders (+3) over BRONCOS
The Raiders are a mess but they did go 6-0 in the division last season. The Broncos aren’t anything to write home about this season. Oakland covers in an ugly game.
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