Archive for September, 2008

Things I learned while watching the first week of NFL games:

1. Detroit has no run defense.
2. Arizona, Chicago, and Carolina may be better than we thought.
3. Philadelphia, Dallas, and Pittsburgh looked damn good.
4. Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Seattle looked awful.
5. The 2008 Oakland Raiders might be the worst team in the history of the NFL.
6. My grasp on the NFL seems to be poor. I went 7-9 last week. But I did beat Bill Simmons, who went 6-10. FACE!

This is something I did when I writing for Dadcentric back in the day. Basically, I go head-to-head each week against ESPN’s Bill Simmons (of course, he knows nothing of it). I pick the winners of each NFL game and see how I did against his picks.

Anyway, here are my picks (home teams in CAPS, Bill’s picks in red):

Titans (+1) over BENGALS
Collins makes the Titans better.

Colts (-2) over VIKINGS
One of these teams will be starting the season 0-2. My money’s on Minnesota. Peterson will still get his yards, though.

PANTHERS (-3) over Bears
I know Carolina has problems winning at home but I don’t see them having a problem with Chicago. I think Chicago’s play last week was an aberration.

FALCONS (+7) over Bucs
I’d take a hurt Garcia over a healthy Griese any day of the week.

Saints (PK) over REDSKINS
Jason Campbell vs. Drew Brees. That’s all you need to know.

Bills (+5.5) over JAGUARS
I went back and forth with this pick. I’m still not comfortable with it.

Packers (-3) over LIONS
Aaron Rodgers looked good last week against an above-average defense. This week, he gets to play the Lions.

Giants (-8.5) over RAMS
St. Louis looked AWFUL last weekend.

Niners (+7) over SEAHAWKS
Both teams looked awful last week, so I’m taking the points.

Dolphins (+6.5) over CARDS
Vegas did notice that Miami almost beat the Jets last week, right?

Patriots (+1) over JETS
Guess we’ll see if Belichick’s system really is plug and play.

CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders
Going into this season, I thought Kansas City would be the worst team in the NFL. And then I saw the Raiders play.

Chargers (-1.5) over BRONCOS
Both teams return to normal this week.

Steelers (-6) over BROWNS
Will Parker score three touchdowns again this week?

Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS
Dallas will win, but they won’t cover a seven-point spread against the Eagles.

Last Week
Me: 7-9
Simmons: 6-10

Season
Me: 7-9
Simmons: 6-10

DISCLAIMER: This is provided for entertainment purposes only. If you follow my advice, you are a fool.

Seriously, if you ever spend money based on something I say, have your head examined.

Ok. This is something I did when I was writing for DadCentric back in the day. Basically, I go head-to-head each week against ESPN’s Bill Simmons (of course, he knows nothing of it). I pick the winners of each NFL game and see how I do against his picks.

And not to brag or anything, but I did go 8-2-1 during the playoffs last year.

Anyway, here are my picks (home teams in CAPS, Bill’s picks in red):

GIANTS (-4) over Redskins
I truly believe Washington may be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. Next to Kansas City, of course.

Bengals (-1 1/2) over RAVENS
You can add the Ravens to the list of Teams That Are Going To Suck This Year.

Lions (-3) over FALCONS
I’m intrigued by the Lions now that they’ve added Rudi Johnson.

DOLPHINS (+3) over Jets
Miami will win this one outright. Miami will also play .500 ball or better this year.

PATRIOTS (-16 1/2) over Chiefs
Normally, if any teams gets over 15 points, I’d tell you to take them. But this is the Chiefs. And they’re playing the Patriots.

STEELERS (-6 1/2) over Texans
I just can’t get behind the Texans.

Jaguars (-3) over TITANS
I like the Jaguars this year.

SAINTS (-3 1/2) over Bucs
I can’t see Tampa Bay stopping Brees. P.S. Divisional games shouldn’t be played in Week One.

NINERS (+2 1/2) over Cardinals
I think San Francisco wins the West this year.

BILLS (-1) over Seahawks
Does Seattle have a healthy receiver?

EAGLES (-7 1/2) over Rams
Westbrook should have a field day in this game.

Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
If Steve Smith were playing, I’d think the Panthers would win this one.

COWBOYS (-5 1/2) over Browns
Should be a high-scoring affair, but I think Dallas will win by at least a touchdown.

COLTS (-9 1/2) over Bears
I don’t care if Manning plays on one leg, the Bears still have Orton at QB.

Vikings (+2 1/2) over PACKERS
The Vikings will win the North this year. Neither the Packers nor the Jets will make the playoffs.

RAIDERS (+3) over Broncos
I’m high on the Raiders this year. Or maybe I’m just high.

DISCLAIMER: This is provided for entertainment purposes only. If you follow my advice, you are a fool.

Seriously, if you ever spend money based on something I say, have your head examined.