WEEK 1 picks

There’s no elaborate opening monologue about how important the first game is of any season. It’s a tone setter and it sets the stage for the rest of the season.

That’s all you will get out of me. I was below .500 last season, the equivalent of a 6-10 team. This year, we’re going to be the best team in the league.

Let’s go to the games, and may you have a wonderfully lucky betting season.

Ravens (+1.5) over Bengals- Bengals still don’t have a defense, but you may think they don’t need a defense to stop the Ravens pathetic offense especially considering that they have a rookie starting. I think you will see a different Joe Flacco. Call it a hunch, call it making my one bold upset of the day. Points are too small for anything to be possible.

Lions (-3) over Falcons- I like Calvin Johnson. This guy is the “it” guy in fantasy who many loved during the pre season and seems to be on the cusp of a break out season. Well, we shall see. He has a 4,000 yard passer so its not like the talent to have a good season isn’t there, but let’s be real, it’s the Lions and Matt Millen STILL somehow has a job of some importance in the Lions front office. Matt Ryan will struggle but they should be a better team later in the year.

Jets (-3) over Dolphins- Listen, I think the Jets are the better team without a doubt. Plus the added bonus of Chad Pennington (I still love ya Chad) getting revenge on his former team is a huge alert sign flashing in front of me but I’m going with the Jets. I think their run D is much improved with Kris Jenkins and their LB’s should be playing better. Also, pay attention to Dwight Lowery, the rookie who has impressed Mangenius enough to get a starting nod at the other corner position. As for the offense, I like the Jets more than the Dolphins even though having Ricky back to his old self would be HUGE for this team.

Patriots (-16.5) over Chiefs- Belichiek has to make a statement in the beginning of the season after having been upset in the Super Bowl and not being able to complete a lay up of a season. All will feel Belichiek’s wrath, but the bigger story will be Brady’s foot Monday morning.

Texans (+6.5) over Steelers- You know what I hate about this whole argument of defense wins championships? People get all googley eyed when they see a offensive machine. Which is why people had such a hard time accepting the Mario Williams pick for the Texans. I think the last two years and especially this coming year will be tell tale about who won out. Like I said, the Texans will scare A LOT of teams.

Jaguars (-3) over Titans- I really like this Jags team. Won’t be surprised if they win that division. I really like Chris Johnson.

Saints (-3.5) over Bucs- I think the Saints open up the playbook on the Bucs who will have a hard time getting anything going in the Big Easy.

Cardinals (-2.5) over Niners- Yeah, the niners are going to be a very, very bad team.

Seahawks (+1) over Bills- I know that Matt Hasselback is missing his two best receivers but thanks to the West Coast offense, it doesn’t matter who’s starting, you just find your slots and just receiving away.

Eagles (-7.5) over Rams- This game could get ugly.

Panthers (+9) over Chargers- Should be a good hard fought game and a very close game that I expect the Chargers to win, but not by that much.

Cowboys (-5.5) over Browns- Its not the first half that worries me about this Cowboys team, it’s the second half drop that makes me happy as a Giant fan.

Bears (+9.5) over Colts- the Colts are missing Jeff Saturday, don’t know how Dwight Freeney will come back from his injury and Bob Sanders doesn’t seem fully healed. So expect the Colts to win but for the Bears to keep it close.

Packers (-2.5) over Vikings- The only team that has a bigger question mark (by question mark I mean you don’t know what to expect from this guy) at QB, are the Vikings. Enough said.

Raiders (+3) over Broncos- I think the Raiders are going to win this game and have everyone jumping on the Run DMC bandwagon. I think the Raiders are going to win but let’s hold off on that bandwagon talk is what I’ll say.