* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Philosophical Pick
THURSDAY
Tennessee (+6.5) @ Pittsburgh (-6.5)
I’m sorry, 6.5 points? Pittsburgh is going to be an absolute force again this year, and they will be as difficult a defending super bowl champion as they come. But have we really all completely forgotten how dominant the Titans were last year? Losing Albert Haynesworth hurts, no doubt, but this team started 10-0 last year and still has most of the same pieces on defense and the top-notch running back duo of Johnson and White. Pittsburgh may win this one, but I’m looking for a grind, not the comfortable victory everyone seems to be chalking up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
(^I know onthewhat will say this doesn't count since I didn't post it, whatever, I forgot. There are plenty on here that get my newsletter, including Smogs, that can vouch for me. I've never lied about my record, why would I start here?)
SUNDAY
Kansas City (+13.0) @ Baltimore (-13.0)
I really wanted to take Kansas City here as I hate the idea of laying so many points like this in week one. But I just couldn’t find a way to. Baltimore should be just as dominant as usual on defense, and with a more experienced Joe Flacco and the addition of rookie Ray Rice, the offense should be even better than last year. All of Baltimore’s losses last year came against elite opponents; this team doesn’t drop its guard against weak opponents, and while Kansas City should be improved this year, going into Baltimore will not be any fun.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Baltimore
Philadelphia (-2.5) @ Carolina (+2.5)
Here’s another game that I wanted to take Carolina in, but I just couldn’t find a good reason to. All of the Vick drama aside, this Philadelphia team looks really strong, especially if it can stay healthy. Asante Samuel VS. Jake Delhomme looks like a pick-6 made in heaven, doesn’t it? Philly starts the season off right.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia
Minnesota (-4.0) @ Cleveland (+4.0)
No week is going to go without a complete “what the @#$#” game, especially week one. Might as well be the Favre circus. This Browns team doesn’t have a whole lot of redeeming qualities on paper, but they do tend to pull out a really tough game every now and then; why not this one? If they cheat run all game and force Favre to beat them… well, I’ll take my chances. I’m still just completely baffled as to why Minnesota made this move, but that’s a whole different newsletter.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cleveland
Miami (+4.0) @ Atlanta (-4.0)
Personally, I don’t think that the huge step back that everyone is predicting for the Dolphins will be that… huge. This should still be a competitive football team this year. That said, Atlanta looks poised to do huge things this year, and “competitive” won’t be enough to steal the home opener away from a deadly Matt Ryan and Michael Turner combination.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta
Detroit (+13.0) @ New Orleans (-13.0)
Much like the Baltimore game that I didn’t want to lay this kind of chalk, what choice do I have here? IN New Orleans? This could be the year it all finally comes together for the Saints, and even if it isn’t, not a whole lot of teams are going to be able to stop them from putting up 35+, and the Lions certainly aren’t one of the teams that will. Just can’t see Detroit keeping up or slowing this juggernaut offense down.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New Orleans
Jacksonville (+7.0) @ Indianapolis (-7.0)
Maybe I’m giving Jacksonville too much credit, but 7 points seems like way too many here. The Colts will do just fine this year, but there is a lot of turnover on this team. Head Coach Tony Dungy, Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore, Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd are all retired, and Manning’s go-to guy Marvin Harrison is gone as well. Jacksonville had a very nice draft and I think they will bounce back a bit this year; it starts with a nice effort against a Colts team that will be working out the kinks on their new identity.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
Denver (+4.0) @ Cincinnati (-4.0)
The Bengals had one of my favorite drafts this offseason, and a healthy Carson Palmer always makes them a heck of a lot more likely to be relevant on Sundays. The Broncos are going in the opposite direction completely; this just looks like an awful football team, and you have to wonder if they are regretting parting ways with Mike Shanahan. After seeing the video of Brandon Marshall completely screwing off at practice, and now getting word that they are trying to lock him down long term? Really? If this were the Raiders, we’d be hearing about how completely stupid Al Davis is and what a joke the organization is. Instead, it’s a non-story. But I digress, that’s neither here nor there; Cinci wins by a TD+
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
Dallas (-6.0) @ Tampa Bay (+6.0)
This one hurts me so, so bad. There is just absolutely nothing to like about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here. 82% of the public is on Dallas on the spread, and 88% are on Dallas on the moneyline. Every part of me wants to take Dallas as this looks like the easiest pick on the board this week; but isn’t that exactly what PHILOSOPHICAL PICKS are all about? It’s going to hurt going against the grain all year, but it has treated me very well for the last four years (63% winners in 148 picks), and there really isn’t any reason on paper that Dallas shouldn’t be a double digit favorite. Tampa Bay it is.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas
N.Y. Jets (+4.5) @ Houston (-4.5)
Love the Jets decision to go with Mark Sanchez, and wish him all the best. I actually think he’ll do fine this week, but I’m expecting a nice season from the Texans; the pieces seems to be in place for good things to happen, and at home against a rookie quarterback, I’ll lay the chalk.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Houston
St. Louis (+9.0) @ Seattle (-9.0)
Seattle is a prime candidate to bounce back this season after what was a very disappointing season in 2008. With Hasselbeck back healthy, the addition of T.J Houshmandzadeh, and a year of valuable experience for the young players on last year’s team, they may challenge for the NFC West if Arizona leaves the door open. That said, I’m not quite comfortable banking on them for a double digit victory without seeing it all come together on the field first. They win the home opener, but I have to take the points with the Rams at this point in time.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle
Washington (+6.5) @ N.Y. Giants (-6.5)
Very interesting game here. Definitely strikes me as one of those “I’m going to lose no matter what I pick” type of games. I take Washington banking on their solid defense, and the Giants solve it and go crazy on offense. I take the Giants, and it ends up being decided by a field goal. So it goes. In New York, I just have to bank on the Giants coming out strong, especially on defense; and doing enough in this one to cover.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants
San Francisco (+6.0) @ Arizona (-6.0)
Another toughy. San Francisco played teams so tough down the stretch last year that it really looks like Mike Singletary can find a way to keep his unit competitive against anyone. 6 points could prove to be too many, but until Arizona gives me a reason to believe the offense won’t be as high powered as last year, I’ll have to run with them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona
Chicago (+3.5) @ Green Bay (-3.5)
Two very, very intriguing teams this year. With the Brett Favre circus taking all of the media attention away from the rest of the division, these two teams have somewhat flown under the radar; especially Green Bay, who might really have a special season if it all comes together for them. Need to know a lot more about both of these teams on the field before I can really get a feel for them, but I can’t help but think about how much more dominant Matt Forte can be this year with a QB like Jay Cutler under center. This should be a great one to watch that could go either way; I’ll take the points and the upset, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago
MONDAY
Buffalo (+10.5) @ New England (-10.5)
I know what you might be thinking, philosophy pick, right? Well, the Patriots don’t exactly play by the rules. I haven’t forgotten how they went straight up video game style on the league in 2007… and that was when the offense was just getting used to each other. The Patriots holes on defense will expose themselves at points this season; but this won’t be one of them. And the offense? Pull out your PS3 or XBOX controllers and see if you can keep up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England
San Diego (-9.0) @ Oakland (+9.0)
And here it is, the absolute philosophical pick slam dunk of the week. No one in their right mind is giving Oakland a chance, no one at all. We all saw what happened in the preseason against the Saints. We’ve all seen how easily teams run over the Raiders; what answer will they have for Tomlinson and Sproles? How will they slow down Rivers passing attack?
And then the Seymour trade. The guy doesn’t show up, which on any other team the media would be picking on the player. But it’s the Raiders. What a joke of an organization. What a stupid trade. Hahahaha.
Remember last year on Monday Night when the Denver Broncos completely undressed the Raiders 41-14? The Raiders haven’t forgotten. Being humiliated on your own turf on opening night Monday Night Football is not something you are going to let happen two years in a row.
On paper, this one looks like a 45-7 San Diego victory. But on the field, the Raiders will see what they can do about getting everyone to stop laughing.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^*Oakland
Good luck!
^ - Indicates Philosophical Pick
THURSDAY
Tennessee (+6.5) @ Pittsburgh (-6.5)
I’m sorry, 6.5 points? Pittsburgh is going to be an absolute force again this year, and they will be as difficult a defending super bowl champion as they come. But have we really all completely forgotten how dominant the Titans were last year? Losing Albert Haynesworth hurts, no doubt, but this team started 10-0 last year and still has most of the same pieces on defense and the top-notch running back duo of Johnson and White. Pittsburgh may win this one, but I’m looking for a grind, not the comfortable victory everyone seems to be chalking up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
(^I know onthewhat will say this doesn't count since I didn't post it, whatever, I forgot. There are plenty on here that get my newsletter, including Smogs, that can vouch for me. I've never lied about my record, why would I start here?)
SUNDAY
Kansas City (+13.0) @ Baltimore (-13.0)
I really wanted to take Kansas City here as I hate the idea of laying so many points like this in week one. But I just couldn’t find a way to. Baltimore should be just as dominant as usual on defense, and with a more experienced Joe Flacco and the addition of rookie Ray Rice, the offense should be even better than last year. All of Baltimore’s losses last year came against elite opponents; this team doesn’t drop its guard against weak opponents, and while Kansas City should be improved this year, going into Baltimore will not be any fun.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Baltimore
Philadelphia (-2.5) @ Carolina (+2.5)
Here’s another game that I wanted to take Carolina in, but I just couldn’t find a good reason to. All of the Vick drama aside, this Philadelphia team looks really strong, especially if it can stay healthy. Asante Samuel VS. Jake Delhomme looks like a pick-6 made in heaven, doesn’t it? Philly starts the season off right.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia
Minnesota (-4.0) @ Cleveland (+4.0)
No week is going to go without a complete “what the @#$#” game, especially week one. Might as well be the Favre circus. This Browns team doesn’t have a whole lot of redeeming qualities on paper, but they do tend to pull out a really tough game every now and then; why not this one? If they cheat run all game and force Favre to beat them… well, I’ll take my chances. I’m still just completely baffled as to why Minnesota made this move, but that’s a whole different newsletter.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cleveland
Miami (+4.0) @ Atlanta (-4.0)
Personally, I don’t think that the huge step back that everyone is predicting for the Dolphins will be that… huge. This should still be a competitive football team this year. That said, Atlanta looks poised to do huge things this year, and “competitive” won’t be enough to steal the home opener away from a deadly Matt Ryan and Michael Turner combination.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta
Detroit (+13.0) @ New Orleans (-13.0)
Much like the Baltimore game that I didn’t want to lay this kind of chalk, what choice do I have here? IN New Orleans? This could be the year it all finally comes together for the Saints, and even if it isn’t, not a whole lot of teams are going to be able to stop them from putting up 35+, and the Lions certainly aren’t one of the teams that will. Just can’t see Detroit keeping up or slowing this juggernaut offense down.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New Orleans
Jacksonville (+7.0) @ Indianapolis (-7.0)
Maybe I’m giving Jacksonville too much credit, but 7 points seems like way too many here. The Colts will do just fine this year, but there is a lot of turnover on this team. Head Coach Tony Dungy, Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore, Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd are all retired, and Manning’s go-to guy Marvin Harrison is gone as well. Jacksonville had a very nice draft and I think they will bounce back a bit this year; it starts with a nice effort against a Colts team that will be working out the kinks on their new identity.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
Denver (+4.0) @ Cincinnati (-4.0)
The Bengals had one of my favorite drafts this offseason, and a healthy Carson Palmer always makes them a heck of a lot more likely to be relevant on Sundays. The Broncos are going in the opposite direction completely; this just looks like an awful football team, and you have to wonder if they are regretting parting ways with Mike Shanahan. After seeing the video of Brandon Marshall completely screwing off at practice, and now getting word that they are trying to lock him down long term? Really? If this were the Raiders, we’d be hearing about how completely stupid Al Davis is and what a joke the organization is. Instead, it’s a non-story. But I digress, that’s neither here nor there; Cinci wins by a TD+
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
Dallas (-6.0) @ Tampa Bay (+6.0)
This one hurts me so, so bad. There is just absolutely nothing to like about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here. 82% of the public is on Dallas on the spread, and 88% are on Dallas on the moneyline. Every part of me wants to take Dallas as this looks like the easiest pick on the board this week; but isn’t that exactly what PHILOSOPHICAL PICKS are all about? It’s going to hurt going against the grain all year, but it has treated me very well for the last four years (63% winners in 148 picks), and there really isn’t any reason on paper that Dallas shouldn’t be a double digit favorite. Tampa Bay it is.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas
N.Y. Jets (+4.5) @ Houston (-4.5)
Love the Jets decision to go with Mark Sanchez, and wish him all the best. I actually think he’ll do fine this week, but I’m expecting a nice season from the Texans; the pieces seems to be in place for good things to happen, and at home against a rookie quarterback, I’ll lay the chalk.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Houston
St. Louis (+9.0) @ Seattle (-9.0)
Seattle is a prime candidate to bounce back this season after what was a very disappointing season in 2008. With Hasselbeck back healthy, the addition of T.J Houshmandzadeh, and a year of valuable experience for the young players on last year’s team, they may challenge for the NFC West if Arizona leaves the door open. That said, I’m not quite comfortable banking on them for a double digit victory without seeing it all come together on the field first. They win the home opener, but I have to take the points with the Rams at this point in time.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle
Washington (+6.5) @ N.Y. Giants (-6.5)
Very interesting game here. Definitely strikes me as one of those “I’m going to lose no matter what I pick” type of games. I take Washington banking on their solid defense, and the Giants solve it and go crazy on offense. I take the Giants, and it ends up being decided by a field goal. So it goes. In New York, I just have to bank on the Giants coming out strong, especially on defense; and doing enough in this one to cover.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants
San Francisco (+6.0) @ Arizona (-6.0)
Another toughy. San Francisco played teams so tough down the stretch last year that it really looks like Mike Singletary can find a way to keep his unit competitive against anyone. 6 points could prove to be too many, but until Arizona gives me a reason to believe the offense won’t be as high powered as last year, I’ll have to run with them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona
Chicago (+3.5) @ Green Bay (-3.5)
Two very, very intriguing teams this year. With the Brett Favre circus taking all of the media attention away from the rest of the division, these two teams have somewhat flown under the radar; especially Green Bay, who might really have a special season if it all comes together for them. Need to know a lot more about both of these teams on the field before I can really get a feel for them, but I can’t help but think about how much more dominant Matt Forte can be this year with a QB like Jay Cutler under center. This should be a great one to watch that could go either way; I’ll take the points and the upset, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago
MONDAY
Buffalo (+10.5) @ New England (-10.5)
I know what you might be thinking, philosophy pick, right? Well, the Patriots don’t exactly play by the rules. I haven’t forgotten how they went straight up video game style on the league in 2007… and that was when the offense was just getting used to each other. The Patriots holes on defense will expose themselves at points this season; but this won’t be one of them. And the offense? Pull out your PS3 or XBOX controllers and see if you can keep up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England
San Diego (-9.0) @ Oakland (+9.0)
And here it is, the absolute philosophical pick slam dunk of the week. No one in their right mind is giving Oakland a chance, no one at all. We all saw what happened in the preseason against the Saints. We’ve all seen how easily teams run over the Raiders; what answer will they have for Tomlinson and Sproles? How will they slow down Rivers passing attack?
And then the Seymour trade. The guy doesn’t show up, which on any other team the media would be picking on the player. But it’s the Raiders. What a joke of an organization. What a stupid trade. Hahahaha.
Remember last year on Monday Night when the Denver Broncos completely undressed the Raiders 41-14? The Raiders haven’t forgotten. Being humiliated on your own turf on opening night Monday Night Football is not something you are going to let happen two years in a row.
On paper, this one looks like a 45-7 San Diego victory. But on the field, the Raiders will see what they can do about getting everyone to stop laughing.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^*Oakland
Good luck!
, glad to see that won't be repeated.
. Pending Patriots & Chargers
.
