We're at the quarter pole of the season and starting to learn what to expect from most teams. I had a good week last week let's see if we can keep the good mojo going.
New York Giants @ Washington
Gave this pick out last night on Twitter, road teams were 0-3 but I forgot to incorporate the inevitable "Kirk Cousins hype train flying off the tracks" potential. 0-1 to start the week hopefully I can recover.
Winner: Washington (WRONG!!!!! Thanks Kirk)
Green Bay @ Chicago
If the Packers can't get the running game going against this Chicago D I don't know who they will be able to get going against. This one's at Chicago, but the Bears are on a short week. Rodgers I have a six letter word for you: S-T-U-P-I-D as in don't make me look stupid.
Winner: Green Bay
Detroit @ New York Jets
I said it last week with the Jets, the run defense is great, the secondary is suspect. Coincidentally the Lions like the passing game. And I have 0 let me be clear 0 trust in Geno Smith. Even factoring in the "Lions losing a game they shouldn't" potential I'm taking Detroit.
Winner: Detroit
Buffalo @ Houston
These two teams I really don't like the QB's. Fun fact: EJ Manuel is actually completing a smaller percentage of his passes than Ryan Fitzpatrick this year. But Ryan Fitzpatrick looked putrid last week. Ugh I'm flipping a coin.
Winner: Buffalo
Tennessee @ Indy
The Titans have scored 17 points since putting up 26 in Week 1. That's almost Jaguars-esque. Indy should probably be 2-1 and I think they'll even the record this weekend.
Winner: Indy
Carolina @ Baltimore
Remember when Steve Smith said this: "there's gonna be blood and guts everywhere". There's legitimate blood shed potential here. I don't put anything past Steve Smith. Dude's crazy.
Winner: Baltimore
Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh
Tampa has to play better this week right? I mean there has to be some kind of pride. (Thinking) You're right this is the Bucs we're talking about.
Winner: Pittsburgh
Miami @ Oakland
Technically a home game for Oakland, but it's in London. The Raiders have actually not played terribly through the first 3 weeks while Miami is looking to go into "dumpster fire" mode early this year with Coach Joe Philbin refusing to name Ryan Tannehill the starter.
Winner: Oakland
Jacksonville @ San Diego
We'll get to see Bortles for his first start in a meaningful game. Problem is, he can't play defense too.
Winner: San Diego
Atlanta @ Minnesota
Teddy Ball-game gets his first start as well with Cassel out. He was good last week in relief and Atlanta's D hasn't been stellar (I'm ignoring the Bucs game because they're barely an NFL team after last week). But the Falcons offense is scary.
Winner: Atlanta
Philadelphia @ San Francisco
Will I continue to pick against the Eagles in hopes that I can trick the universe into reverse psychology wins? Yep I will. Plus San Fran can run the football which the Eagles have apparently forgotten how to stop this year.
Winner: Niners
New Orleans @ Dallas
Normally I pick against the Saints on the road but the good news for Brees and company is they will be playing in basically a dome. This one could be in the 40's as neither D is great.
Winner: New Orleans
New England @ Kansas City
Is Brady still an elite QB? Hasn't looked like it so far this year. I do like the Pats D though and KC is pretty vanilla on offense.
Winner: New England
This Week: 0-1
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 17-15
Friday, September 26, 2014
Friday, September 19, 2014
Week 3 NFL Picks
Last week had more of the usual "Everything we thought we knew about the NFL isn't actually true" games. That said, not a terrible week of picks for yours truly. And my pick for last night's Thursday Night Football game was correct after about 10 minutes of the first quarter of play. Side note: I'm pretty positive what the Falcons did to the Bucs last night qualifies as a crime in at least 8 states. I mean good God. Anyway we've started the week 1-0 let's get to the rest of the picks.
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Already covered this but had to add this nugget. Tampa's defense was actually able to post positive points last night in some fantasy leagues. Isn't fantasy football wonderful?
Winner: Atlanta
Green Bay @ Detroit
Questions abound in the NFC North. Will the Packers O-Line be their downfall? Can the Lions get 14 games of good Matt Stafford the rest of the way? I could keep going and I have no idea what to make of this division right now. I remember the Thanksgiving game in Ford Field last year. So do many Packers fans. But Rodgers is back and I think that he will do just enough to get the Pack a victory.
Winner: Green Bay
Washington @ Philadelphia
The Eagles have been outscored 34-6 in the first half and outscored their opponents 58-10 in the 2nd half. Kelly's offense seems to wear teams out late in games but the Eagles are living a dangerous life digging themselves holes like that. Washington's defense is better, but I hesitate to put too much stock in last week's 10 sacks considering the opponent. I do think their running game will be a problem for the Eagles D. I think DeSean Jackson has a big game in his return to Philly.
Winner: Washington (Yes I'm trying to use a reverse jinx continually on the Eagles by picking against them and having them win. Don't judge me)
San Diego @ Buffalo
It's always difficult for the West Coast team to travel cross country and play the 1pm game. I like what the Bills have done so far this season. Despite the travel I'm going to take San Diego. Phillip Rivers continues to revitalize his career in Mike McCoy's offense.
Winner: San Diego
Dallas @ St Louis
The Cowboys were able to prove me wrong last week with a commitment to the running game. That needs to continue this week since in two career games against the Rams Demarco Murray has run for over 400 yards. The 'Boys D should be able to stop Austin Davis.
Winner: Dallas
Houston @ New York Giants
Anybody else terrified for Eli Manning this week? JJ Watt against an offensive line that has questions all over the place? Eli might be the unluckiest guy in the league over the past couple years with the number of tipped INT's he's had. Houston's D stops the Giants and Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't lose them the game.
Winner: Houston
Minnesota @ New Orleans
How did the Saints lose to the Browns last week? We laughed at the Bucs defense last night but statistically through two games (even including last night's 56-14 thumping) the Saints D has been worse. New Orleans has allowed an average of 446 YPG. Eww. But the plus for them is they get a Vikings team led by Matt Cassel who looked awful last week. Brees and the offense in the Superdome outscores Cassel and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Winner: New Orleans
Tennessee @ Cincinnati
The Bengals defense might actually be better this year than it was last year with noted defensive wizard Mike Zimmer at the helm. Giovani Bernard is a swiss army knife in the mold of a Darren Sproles. Meanwhile the Titans laid an egg after looking great week 1. I'm taking the Bengals and The Red Rocket at home.
Winner: Cincy
Baltimore @ Cleveland
The Browns upset the Saints last week by looking competent on offense against one of the worst defenses in the league. Baltimore stomped the Steelers despite the turmoil surrounding the squad. Bernard Pierce needs to continue his strong running from last week.
Winner: Baltimore
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
In the last 6 quarters the Jags have been outscored 75-10. That is all.
Winner: Indy
Oakland @ New England
A bad Raiders team heading into Gillette to take on Belichick? Is there any way this game has under a 14 point margin of victory?
Winner: New England
San Francisco @ Arizona
The Cardinals defense (especially the secondary) is terrifying. They're 3rd in the league against the run which means Mr. Kaepernick will have to beat them with his arm. If he's the same guy from last week that doesn't bode well. But the Cards look like they will be starting Drew Stanton against a very opportunistic Niners D. That won't end well.
Winner: Niners
Denver @ Seattle
We all know the story lines. Classic revenge game. The 12th man. The Legion of Boom vs. Manning and Friends. Here's what I need to know. Where are they playing? Seattle? Yep okay I'll take the Seahawks in a closer game than it was in February.
Winner: Seattle
Kansas City @ Miami
The Chiefs are 2-8 since starting last season 9-0. Miami had a dud performance after a great start in Week 1. This is a coin flip. I'll take Miami at home.
Winner: Miami
Pittsburgh @ Carolina
The Panthers look like they're on a mission to prove me wrong for picking them as the regression team for this season. Even without Greg Hardy they are able to put pressure on the QB. Roethlisberger's protection hasn't been great and the D continues to look old.
Winner: Carolina
Chicago @ New York Jets
The Jets lost in the most Jets way possible last week. Having a 21-3 lead only to blow it and then have the tying TD negated by a timeout? Unbelievable. The Jets run defense is great once again (1st in NFL) and the Bears are terrible against the run (24th in NFL at 160 YPG). But, I think the Bears with an extra day's rest for Marshall and Jeffery will find a way to get it done on the road.
Winner: Chicago
Last Week: 7-9
This Week: 1-0
Season: 8-9
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Already covered this but had to add this nugget. Tampa's defense was actually able to post positive points last night in some fantasy leagues. Isn't fantasy football wonderful?
Winner: Atlanta
Green Bay @ Detroit
Questions abound in the NFC North. Will the Packers O-Line be their downfall? Can the Lions get 14 games of good Matt Stafford the rest of the way? I could keep going and I have no idea what to make of this division right now. I remember the Thanksgiving game in Ford Field last year. So do many Packers fans. But Rodgers is back and I think that he will do just enough to get the Pack a victory.
Winner: Green Bay
Washington @ Philadelphia
The Eagles have been outscored 34-6 in the first half and outscored their opponents 58-10 in the 2nd half. Kelly's offense seems to wear teams out late in games but the Eagles are living a dangerous life digging themselves holes like that. Washington's defense is better, but I hesitate to put too much stock in last week's 10 sacks considering the opponent. I do think their running game will be a problem for the Eagles D. I think DeSean Jackson has a big game in his return to Philly.
Winner: Washington (Yes I'm trying to use a reverse jinx continually on the Eagles by picking against them and having them win. Don't judge me)
San Diego @ Buffalo
It's always difficult for the West Coast team to travel cross country and play the 1pm game. I like what the Bills have done so far this season. Despite the travel I'm going to take San Diego. Phillip Rivers continues to revitalize his career in Mike McCoy's offense.
Winner: San Diego
Dallas @ St Louis
The Cowboys were able to prove me wrong last week with a commitment to the running game. That needs to continue this week since in two career games against the Rams Demarco Murray has run for over 400 yards. The 'Boys D should be able to stop Austin Davis.
Winner: Dallas
Houston @ New York Giants
Anybody else terrified for Eli Manning this week? JJ Watt against an offensive line that has questions all over the place? Eli might be the unluckiest guy in the league over the past couple years with the number of tipped INT's he's had. Houston's D stops the Giants and Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't lose them the game.
Winner: Houston
Minnesota @ New Orleans
How did the Saints lose to the Browns last week? We laughed at the Bucs defense last night but statistically through two games (even including last night's 56-14 thumping) the Saints D has been worse. New Orleans has allowed an average of 446 YPG. Eww. But the plus for them is they get a Vikings team led by Matt Cassel who looked awful last week. Brees and the offense in the Superdome outscores Cassel and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Winner: New Orleans
Tennessee @ Cincinnati
The Bengals defense might actually be better this year than it was last year with noted defensive wizard Mike Zimmer at the helm. Giovani Bernard is a swiss army knife in the mold of a Darren Sproles. Meanwhile the Titans laid an egg after looking great week 1. I'm taking the Bengals and The Red Rocket at home.
Winner: Cincy
Baltimore @ Cleveland
The Browns upset the Saints last week by looking competent on offense against one of the worst defenses in the league. Baltimore stomped the Steelers despite the turmoil surrounding the squad. Bernard Pierce needs to continue his strong running from last week.
Winner: Baltimore
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
In the last 6 quarters the Jags have been outscored 75-10. That is all.
Winner: Indy
Oakland @ New England
A bad Raiders team heading into Gillette to take on Belichick? Is there any way this game has under a 14 point margin of victory?
Winner: New England
San Francisco @ Arizona
The Cardinals defense (especially the secondary) is terrifying. They're 3rd in the league against the run which means Mr. Kaepernick will have to beat them with his arm. If he's the same guy from last week that doesn't bode well. But the Cards look like they will be starting Drew Stanton against a very opportunistic Niners D. That won't end well.
Winner: Niners
Denver @ Seattle
We all know the story lines. Classic revenge game. The 12th man. The Legion of Boom vs. Manning and Friends. Here's what I need to know. Where are they playing? Seattle? Yep okay I'll take the Seahawks in a closer game than it was in February.
Winner: Seattle
Kansas City @ Miami
The Chiefs are 2-8 since starting last season 9-0. Miami had a dud performance after a great start in Week 1. This is a coin flip. I'll take Miami at home.
Winner: Miami
Pittsburgh @ Carolina
The Panthers look like they're on a mission to prove me wrong for picking them as the regression team for this season. Even without Greg Hardy they are able to put pressure on the QB. Roethlisberger's protection hasn't been great and the D continues to look old.
Winner: Carolina
Chicago @ New York Jets
The Jets lost in the most Jets way possible last week. Having a 21-3 lead only to blow it and then have the tying TD negated by a timeout? Unbelievable. The Jets run defense is great once again (1st in NFL) and the Bears are terrible against the run (24th in NFL at 160 YPG). But, I think the Bears with an extra day's rest for Marshall and Jeffery will find a way to get it done on the road.
Winner: Chicago
Last Week: 7-9
This Week: 1-0
Season: 8-9
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Week 2 NFL Picks
Welcome to the picks post, the first one of the year (yes I was completely slacking week 1 I know). Let's get right to the picks for this week.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
This game is just getting underway as I am typing this. We all know the turmoil surrounding the Ravens team right now and I just don't know how that will affect them. I know that their offense didn't look good last week in the opener and I don't know how much better it can get.
Winner: Pittsburgh
Detroit @ Carolina
I didn't like the Panthers coming into the season. I thought the offense would regress and that the defense would too with a bad secondary. Week 1 they looked exactly like last year's team so I could be completely wrong about this team. But I still think they're going to take a step back and I like the Lions new look offense.
Winner: Detroit
Miami @ Buffalo
The Bills and Dolphins are both feeling good coming off wins last week. I like Miami's pass rush and think Ryan Tannehill with a better offensive line continues to improve. EJ Manuel still hasn't shown me that much.
Winner: Miami
Jacksonville @ Washington
I said this in my recap of last week, I think the Jags will surprise some people this year. This week could very well be that first surprise against a bad Washington team. I'll stick with Washington but I don't feel good about it in the least.
Winner: Washington
Dallas @ Tennessee
I fully admit this pick is probably an overreaction to Week 1. Now that that disclaimer is out of the way, the Cowboys defense actually looked better than their offense last week which is a bad sign if you're a Dallas fan. Tennessee was another team that surprised me a bit in their first game, not the win necessarily but the fashion in which they did it. I'm going to give the Titans this one at home.
Winner: Tennessee
Arizona @ New York Giants
The Giants looked awful in Detroit on Monday. Eli Manning still seems to be struggling with the new offense and the O-line is shaky at best. A shaky offensive line is not what you want against a team like Arizona. The Cards start the year 2-0.
Winner: Arizona
New England @ Minnesota
Mike Zimmer already seems to be working his defensive magic in Minnesota and has plenty of playmakers to work with on offense. Even average QB play like they got from Cassel last week will be enough to get them a few more wins than last season. That all said, the last time the Patriots started 0-2 in a season was in 2001 the first year of Tom Brady's starting career.
Winner: New England
New Orleans @ Cleveland
Cleveland has some things I like, the defense continues to get better, rookie running back Terrence West looks like a solid starting back after 16 carries for 100 yards, and Brian Hoyer has shown by now that he's a capable quarterback. However, New Orleans offense has just too many weapons and adding Brandon Cooks (early OROY candidate) just made it even more difficult for opponents to stop. If not for a Marques Colston fumble in OT the Saints may have started 1-0. They'll get their first win here.
Winner: New Orleans
Atlanta @ Cincinnati
This one is tough because both teams looked impressive in Week 1. The Bengals defense didn't seem to take any steps back after losing Mike Zimmer to the Vikings and Atlanta's offense was prolific with a surgical Matt Ryan and his full complement of receivers against New Orleans. I don't feel good about this pick already because I'm waffling back and forth. Bengals at home!
Winner: Cincinnati
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
The Rams should probably just pack it in and hope to get a franchise QB in next year's draft after cutting Sam Bradford at season's end. Shaun Hill/Austin Davis won't win you many games. The Bucs got better as the game against Carolina went on, they'll continue that momentum this week.
Winner: Tampa Bay
Seattle @ San Diego
After what we all saw Week 1 how can you pick against the defending champs? Percy Harvin adds a whole different dimension to their offense. The Chargers had a tough loss against Arizona Monday night and it'll be an 0-2 start for Phillip Rivers and Co.
Winner: Seattle
Houston @ Oakland
One thing that Week 1 reconfirmed. JJ Watt is an absolute animal. Even with the loss of JaDeveon Clowney, the Texans defense will be fine as long as Mr. Watt is in the game. Derek Carr had a good first start but I don't think there's enough in Oakland to help him just yet.
Winner: Houston
Kansas City @ Denver
The Broncos offense picked up where it left off, the only thing that scares me with them is the lack of an ability to just run the ball to run out the clock once they have a big lead. I don't think that will matter against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Winner: Denver
New York Jets @ Green Bay
Jets fans are excited after Week 1 mainly because the Patriots are in last place currently. The ground game was also impressive. That bodes ill for a Green Bay team that was shredded by the run last year at times. The Packers line also scares me, but I have to think at home in Lambeau they find a way to get it done.
Winner: Green Bay
Chicago @ San Francisco
Talking with a Bears friend of mine after the Bills game, it wasn't even a question, "Well that's an 0-2 start to the season." At first I thought it was one too many adult beverages and he didn't realize it was only the first game, then I saw the 49ers on the schedule. Even worse for Chicago it's on the road in the Niners new stadium. I have to agree with my buddy here.
Winner: San Francisco
Philadelphia @ Indianapolis
The Eagles allowed 17 points in the 1st half to Jacksonville last week with Chad Henne at QB and Allen Hurns as the #1 receiver. I have 0 confidence in this defense's ability to stop a team with as many weapons as Indy has for Andrew Luck. It'll be a shootout but Luck and Indy win late.
Winner: Indianapolis
Enjoy Week 2!
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
This game is just getting underway as I am typing this. We all know the turmoil surrounding the Ravens team right now and I just don't know how that will affect them. I know that their offense didn't look good last week in the opener and I don't know how much better it can get.
Winner: Pittsburgh
Detroit @ Carolina
I didn't like the Panthers coming into the season. I thought the offense would regress and that the defense would too with a bad secondary. Week 1 they looked exactly like last year's team so I could be completely wrong about this team. But I still think they're going to take a step back and I like the Lions new look offense.
Winner: Detroit
Miami @ Buffalo
The Bills and Dolphins are both feeling good coming off wins last week. I like Miami's pass rush and think Ryan Tannehill with a better offensive line continues to improve. EJ Manuel still hasn't shown me that much.
Winner: Miami
Jacksonville @ Washington
I said this in my recap of last week, I think the Jags will surprise some people this year. This week could very well be that first surprise against a bad Washington team. I'll stick with Washington but I don't feel good about it in the least.
Winner: Washington
Dallas @ Tennessee
I fully admit this pick is probably an overreaction to Week 1. Now that that disclaimer is out of the way, the Cowboys defense actually looked better than their offense last week which is a bad sign if you're a Dallas fan. Tennessee was another team that surprised me a bit in their first game, not the win necessarily but the fashion in which they did it. I'm going to give the Titans this one at home.
Winner: Tennessee
Arizona @ New York Giants
The Giants looked awful in Detroit on Monday. Eli Manning still seems to be struggling with the new offense and the O-line is shaky at best. A shaky offensive line is not what you want against a team like Arizona. The Cards start the year 2-0.
Winner: Arizona
New England @ Minnesota
Mike Zimmer already seems to be working his defensive magic in Minnesota and has plenty of playmakers to work with on offense. Even average QB play like they got from Cassel last week will be enough to get them a few more wins than last season. That all said, the last time the Patriots started 0-2 in a season was in 2001 the first year of Tom Brady's starting career.
Winner: New England
New Orleans @ Cleveland
Cleveland has some things I like, the defense continues to get better, rookie running back Terrence West looks like a solid starting back after 16 carries for 100 yards, and Brian Hoyer has shown by now that he's a capable quarterback. However, New Orleans offense has just too many weapons and adding Brandon Cooks (early OROY candidate) just made it even more difficult for opponents to stop. If not for a Marques Colston fumble in OT the Saints may have started 1-0. They'll get their first win here.
Winner: New Orleans
Atlanta @ Cincinnati
This one is tough because both teams looked impressive in Week 1. The Bengals defense didn't seem to take any steps back after losing Mike Zimmer to the Vikings and Atlanta's offense was prolific with a surgical Matt Ryan and his full complement of receivers against New Orleans. I don't feel good about this pick already because I'm waffling back and forth. Bengals at home!
Winner: Cincinnati
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
The Rams should probably just pack it in and hope to get a franchise QB in next year's draft after cutting Sam Bradford at season's end. Shaun Hill/Austin Davis won't win you many games. The Bucs got better as the game against Carolina went on, they'll continue that momentum this week.
Winner: Tampa Bay
Seattle @ San Diego
After what we all saw Week 1 how can you pick against the defending champs? Percy Harvin adds a whole different dimension to their offense. The Chargers had a tough loss against Arizona Monday night and it'll be an 0-2 start for Phillip Rivers and Co.
Winner: Seattle
Houston @ Oakland
One thing that Week 1 reconfirmed. JJ Watt is an absolute animal. Even with the loss of JaDeveon Clowney, the Texans defense will be fine as long as Mr. Watt is in the game. Derek Carr had a good first start but I don't think there's enough in Oakland to help him just yet.
Winner: Houston
Kansas City @ Denver
The Broncos offense picked up where it left off, the only thing that scares me with them is the lack of an ability to just run the ball to run out the clock once they have a big lead. I don't think that will matter against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Winner: Denver
New York Jets @ Green Bay
Jets fans are excited after Week 1 mainly because the Patriots are in last place currently. The ground game was also impressive. That bodes ill for a Green Bay team that was shredded by the run last year at times. The Packers line also scares me, but I have to think at home in Lambeau they find a way to get it done.
Winner: Green Bay
Chicago @ San Francisco
Talking with a Bears friend of mine after the Bills game, it wasn't even a question, "Well that's an 0-2 start to the season." At first I thought it was one too many adult beverages and he didn't realize it was only the first game, then I saw the 49ers on the schedule. Even worse for Chicago it's on the road in the Niners new stadium. I have to agree with my buddy here.
Winner: San Francisco
Philadelphia @ Indianapolis
The Eagles allowed 17 points in the 1st half to Jacksonville last week with Chad Henne at QB and Allen Hurns as the #1 receiver. I have 0 confidence in this defense's ability to stop a team with as many weapons as Indy has for Andrew Luck. It'll be a shootout but Luck and Indy win late.
Winner: Indianapolis
Enjoy Week 2!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
NFL Week 1 Quick Thoughts on Each Result
NFL season is finally here! We've got one week in the books and already some of us are freaking out about our favorite teams and bemoaning a loss saying they won't win a game all season. Others have the feeling of invincibility. We all know it's way too early to feel like this but that's what football season does to us. Each week I'll recap each match-up with my quick thoughts after watching the games and later in the season start to give a panic meter of where I think fans should be with their team. Enjoy!
Green Bay @ Seattle
Seattle is a legitimate repeat contender. The scary thing is the offense, if Percy Harvin can stay healthy (that's an awfully big if) is going to be more explosive and put up more points early which could lead opponents to have to try and pass their way out of a hole......that's terrifying. As for Green Bay, losing on the road to the Seahawks is hardly a bad loss but the worrisome proposition for this team once again is injuries. Eddy Lacy is already suffering from a concussion and Bryan Bulaga has a n undisclosed knee injury. The defense was nothing to write home about in the opener either. They should be helped by the anemic Jets offense visiting this week.
Jacksonville @ Philadelphia
Coming into the year I thought the Jaguars would surprise people in some games with their defense and they certainly caught the Eagles off guard in the 1st half. The Jags have some good pieces and seem to be trending in the right direction, but they're still a couple years away. The Eagles meanwhile, still are an enigma on defense and on offense will be tough again. Biggest problem? The offensive line injuries. Already Philly is missing replacement tackle Allen Barbre and G Evan Mathis with varying injuries.
New Orleans @ Atlanta
I have an APB out for the defenses of these two teams. If anyone finds them please give coordinators Rob Ryan & Mike Nolan a call. In all seriousness, these offenses are scary good when healthy and the supposedly shaky Falcons O-Line looked fine protecting Matt Ryan this week. The NFC South is gonna be fun this year.
Minnesota @ St Louis
With the 1st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams select....okay that's an over-reaction but with no viable options at QB and a suspect back end of the defense, the Rams defensive line would have to hit the opposing QB every play for this team to have a chance to do anything this year. On the Vikings side, I think Norv Turner is just cackling every night as he falls asleep thinking of ways to unleash Cordarrelle Patterson on the league.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
Brian Hoyer delayed the inevitable Johnny Football sighting for one more week with his second half performance and the Steelers a team long known for its defense will have to rely on its offense to beat teams. Allowing 389 yards to a Browns offense with no Josh Gordon, a rookie running back and Brian Hoyer at the helm? I'll leave it at that.
Oakland @ New York Jets
An ugly game between two ugly looking teams. Jets fans are more happy with New England's loss to Miami than their own team's win and that says something. Derek Carr could be the answer or he could have had a decent day against a bad Jets secondary. Hard to tell.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
This game was hard to watch in the first half. Both defenses are good, the Ravens offense is relying on a 35 years old Steve Smith for big plays and that's not a recipe for success. The Bengals are the team many expect to take a step back without Mike Zimmer. I'm not so sure. That D still looked plenty good on Sunday.
Buffalo @ Chicago
If I'm a Bears fan I'm having flashbacks to last year's awful D after this one. This was a bad loss at home to a Buffalo team that will likely end up last in the AFC East.
Washington @ Houston
Bad news for Houston? The loss of JaDeveon Clowney for 4-6 weeks. The good news? JJ Watt is terrifying as ever and DeAndre Hopkins looks like he'll make a leap forward. If Fitzpatrick can provide average quarterback play, the defense will be good enough to win 8-9 games. As for Washington, RGIII looks awful when he's forced to stay in the pocket and the offense looked as anemic as it did last year. The NFC East is just terrible.
Tennessee @ Kansas City
Typical Andy Reid team Week 1 performance. They did nothing to help the offense this offseason let key members of the O-Line go and Reid expected the system to carry them to another good record. Without help for Jamal Charles and a regressing defense, it could be a tough year in KC. I wasn't high on the Titans mainly because Jake Locker hasn't played a full season and hasn't looked that great when he has played. After the first game of the season people are starting to buy into this team. I'm not ready to just yet but there are some good signs.
New England @ Miami
We all assumed this would be another cakewalk to the division title for the Patriots. We might have been wrong. There are offensive line issues, the wide receivers don't look any better for Brady this year and a supposedly upgraded defense was gashed once again by Knowshon Moreno on Sunday. Miami on the other hand got a good day from Ryan Tannehill who has looked fine when not forced to run for his life and the Fins D has a fearsome pass rush. I'll be watching Miami a little more closely this week.
Carolina @ Tampa
The Panthers were picked as a regression team and Tampa as a riser.....well Week 1 tells us we were wrong. Over the full season we could be right but the Panthers pass rush still was great (don't get me started on whether Greg Hardy should be allowed to play. Point blank he shouldn't) and Kelvin Benjamin had a great debut. Josh McCown looked like the career back-up that he is.
San Francisco @ Dallas
The 49ers defense is good, Tony Romo looked terrible coming off back surgery (every INT he threw was his fault, there's zero excuses for him this time) and Kaepernick was fantastic. Early gem on the Niners team? Carlos Hyde. Really like his physical style, is the perfect back to replace Frank Gore.
Indianapolis @ Denver
Stop me if this sounds familiar. The Broncos jumped out to a huge lead early only to find they couldn't run the ball to take time off the clock and allowed their opponent to come back late because of it. That's the theme for this Broncos team and really for any Peyton Manning team. They'll be good again but don't be surprised if they allow a few opponent comeback wins. As for Indy, I was legitimately surprised when Andrew Luck couldn't pull off the comeback. That's the kind of player he is. I can't turn off the game no matter what the score.
New York Giants @ Detroit
The Giants are still a mess after transitioning to a new offense, the line looks bad, the receivers gave Eli no help and the pass rush looked old. Did I miss anything? The Lions new look offense was impressive. Still yet to be seen whether Matt Stafford will revert to his old "eyes for Calvin and Calvin only" ways later in the season.
San Diego @ Arizona
Slow 1st half, great 2nd half. Ryan Matthews seemed to have a little more pep in his step and Phillip Rivers seemed more comfortable. Arizona is very unfortunate to play in the NFC West because that defense in any other division would easily get them into the playoffs.
That's all I've got for Week 1, I'll have Week 2 picks for you in the coming days.
Green Bay @ Seattle
Seattle is a legitimate repeat contender. The scary thing is the offense, if Percy Harvin can stay healthy (that's an awfully big if) is going to be more explosive and put up more points early which could lead opponents to have to try and pass their way out of a hole......that's terrifying. As for Green Bay, losing on the road to the Seahawks is hardly a bad loss but the worrisome proposition for this team once again is injuries. Eddy Lacy is already suffering from a concussion and Bryan Bulaga has a n undisclosed knee injury. The defense was nothing to write home about in the opener either. They should be helped by the anemic Jets offense visiting this week.
Jacksonville @ Philadelphia
Coming into the year I thought the Jaguars would surprise people in some games with their defense and they certainly caught the Eagles off guard in the 1st half. The Jags have some good pieces and seem to be trending in the right direction, but they're still a couple years away. The Eagles meanwhile, still are an enigma on defense and on offense will be tough again. Biggest problem? The offensive line injuries. Already Philly is missing replacement tackle Allen Barbre and G Evan Mathis with varying injuries.
New Orleans @ Atlanta
I have an APB out for the defenses of these two teams. If anyone finds them please give coordinators Rob Ryan & Mike Nolan a call. In all seriousness, these offenses are scary good when healthy and the supposedly shaky Falcons O-Line looked fine protecting Matt Ryan this week. The NFC South is gonna be fun this year.
Minnesota @ St Louis
With the 1st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams select....okay that's an over-reaction but with no viable options at QB and a suspect back end of the defense, the Rams defensive line would have to hit the opposing QB every play for this team to have a chance to do anything this year. On the Vikings side, I think Norv Turner is just cackling every night as he falls asleep thinking of ways to unleash Cordarrelle Patterson on the league.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
Brian Hoyer delayed the inevitable Johnny Football sighting for one more week with his second half performance and the Steelers a team long known for its defense will have to rely on its offense to beat teams. Allowing 389 yards to a Browns offense with no Josh Gordon, a rookie running back and Brian Hoyer at the helm? I'll leave it at that.
Oakland @ New York Jets
An ugly game between two ugly looking teams. Jets fans are more happy with New England's loss to Miami than their own team's win and that says something. Derek Carr could be the answer or he could have had a decent day against a bad Jets secondary. Hard to tell.
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
This game was hard to watch in the first half. Both defenses are good, the Ravens offense is relying on a 35 years old Steve Smith for big plays and that's not a recipe for success. The Bengals are the team many expect to take a step back without Mike Zimmer. I'm not so sure. That D still looked plenty good on Sunday.
Buffalo @ Chicago
If I'm a Bears fan I'm having flashbacks to last year's awful D after this one. This was a bad loss at home to a Buffalo team that will likely end up last in the AFC East.
Washington @ Houston
Bad news for Houston? The loss of JaDeveon Clowney for 4-6 weeks. The good news? JJ Watt is terrifying as ever and DeAndre Hopkins looks like he'll make a leap forward. If Fitzpatrick can provide average quarterback play, the defense will be good enough to win 8-9 games. As for Washington, RGIII looks awful when he's forced to stay in the pocket and the offense looked as anemic as it did last year. The NFC East is just terrible.
Tennessee @ Kansas City
Typical Andy Reid team Week 1 performance. They did nothing to help the offense this offseason let key members of the O-Line go and Reid expected the system to carry them to another good record. Without help for Jamal Charles and a regressing defense, it could be a tough year in KC. I wasn't high on the Titans mainly because Jake Locker hasn't played a full season and hasn't looked that great when he has played. After the first game of the season people are starting to buy into this team. I'm not ready to just yet but there are some good signs.
New England @ Miami
We all assumed this would be another cakewalk to the division title for the Patriots. We might have been wrong. There are offensive line issues, the wide receivers don't look any better for Brady this year and a supposedly upgraded defense was gashed once again by Knowshon Moreno on Sunday. Miami on the other hand got a good day from Ryan Tannehill who has looked fine when not forced to run for his life and the Fins D has a fearsome pass rush. I'll be watching Miami a little more closely this week.
Carolina @ Tampa
The Panthers were picked as a regression team and Tampa as a riser.....well Week 1 tells us we were wrong. Over the full season we could be right but the Panthers pass rush still was great (don't get me started on whether Greg Hardy should be allowed to play. Point blank he shouldn't) and Kelvin Benjamin had a great debut. Josh McCown looked like the career back-up that he is.
San Francisco @ Dallas
The 49ers defense is good, Tony Romo looked terrible coming off back surgery (every INT he threw was his fault, there's zero excuses for him this time) and Kaepernick was fantastic. Early gem on the Niners team? Carlos Hyde. Really like his physical style, is the perfect back to replace Frank Gore.
Indianapolis @ Denver
Stop me if this sounds familiar. The Broncos jumped out to a huge lead early only to find they couldn't run the ball to take time off the clock and allowed their opponent to come back late because of it. That's the theme for this Broncos team and really for any Peyton Manning team. They'll be good again but don't be surprised if they allow a few opponent comeback wins. As for Indy, I was legitimately surprised when Andrew Luck couldn't pull off the comeback. That's the kind of player he is. I can't turn off the game no matter what the score.
New York Giants @ Detroit
The Giants are still a mess after transitioning to a new offense, the line looks bad, the receivers gave Eli no help and the pass rush looked old. Did I miss anything? The Lions new look offense was impressive. Still yet to be seen whether Matt Stafford will revert to his old "eyes for Calvin and Calvin only" ways later in the season.
San Diego @ Arizona
Slow 1st half, great 2nd half. Ryan Matthews seemed to have a little more pep in his step and Phillip Rivers seemed more comfortable. Arizona is very unfortunate to play in the NFC West because that defense in any other division would easily get them into the playoffs.
That's all I've got for Week 1, I'll have Week 2 picks for you in the coming days.
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