Well, after a miserably scorching HOT summer, it’s finally the best season of the year, Football Season!!!! Every week, I am going to post my predictions of the winning teams for that week. These are straight picks, no point spreads. Enjoy.

Saints vs. Colts
Is this the year 2007? The Colts look so much like they did during the first year or two of the Dungy era. All offense and no defense. Just when he assembled a solid defense, they win the Super Bowl and then kick everyone to the curb. The revamped secondary should lead to an ole’ fashioned shootout. The last team with the ball should win.
Pick: Colts

Dolphins vs. Redskins
The Redskins looked pathetic on offense during the preseason. Specifically, their lack of a running attack. There defense is solid as usual, but they’re not the kind of D that can put points on the board. I like the Dolphins acquisition of Trent Green to give them some stability at the QB position. If the Dolphins offense can play up to its potential, their defense won’t lose the game.
Pick: Dolphins

Panthers vs. Rams
Holts surgically repaired knee is starting to worry me. With Kevin Curtis gone and Drew Bennett battling his own injuries, the Rams can’t afford to have Holt miss any time to start the season. The Panthers are another team that are in need of some form of rushing game. If Jake Delhomme stays true to form with his erratic play, the Rams have just enough defense to come out on top.
Pick: Rams

Patriots vs. Jets
Harrison and Seymour’s absence will be huge to start off the season, but who else is more qualified to make the proper personnel adjustments to weather the storm other than Bill Belichick? The Jets always play the Patriots tough, so I am expecting a slugfest, but in the end, the Patriots are too veteran and discipline a team to lose.
Pick: Patriots

Falcons vs. Vikings
This one is a bit tricky. The Vikes are starting what is in essence a rookie QB and the Falcons, well, they are starting Joey Harrington. And well, he is Joey Harrington. Both rushing attacks are amongst the top in the league and both have veteran leadership on defense. With the game being so close I normally go with the home team, but I can’t put my faith in a rookie QB.
Pick: Falcons

Titans vs. Jaguars
Vinsanity is back!!! I don’t like how the Titans let all of the few weapons that Vince had last year, leave. But Vince seems like the kind of player that can QB a high school offense and be competitive in this league. He’s kind of like Michael Vick, but truly a QB. The Jags have looked in mid season form this preseason and have given the reigns to David Garrard. I think this will work out. In the end, the Jags veteran defense should be able to stop the Titans low powered offense.
Pick: Jaguars

Chiefs vs. Texans
When the Texans signed Matt Schaub, I thought they had lost their minds. Well, it has only been the preseason, but this team looks completely different than the teams led by David Carr. Andre Johnson should have a big year and Ahman Green will give their running attack the stability they have lacked since Domanic Davis. Jacoby Jones has been a pleasant surprise. The Chiefs on the other hand looked just as bad as their 0-4 preseason record. Go with the home team.
Pick: Texans

Steelers vs. Browns
It’s the Browns. Until they prove other wise, that’s all the logic I need.
Pick: Steelers

Eagles vs. Packers
The acquisition of Takeo Spikes and Kevin Curtis may prove to be the missing pieces of the puzzle to take the Eagles back to the top of the NFC East and possibly the NFC. Along with a healthy Donovan McNabb and possibly the return of Javon Kearse. The biggest question mark is how will the defense respond to the release of Jeremiah Trotter. One of the key emotional leaders. Somehow, the timeless one, Brett Favre, keeps these young Packers being competitive, but I think the Eagles have too many weapons on offense and defense to lose this game.
Pick: Eagles

Broncos vs. Bills
The Broncos had arguably the best off season. They acquired Dre Bly, Travis Henry, D-coordinator Jim Bates and now Simeon Rice. The Bills had arguably one of the worst. They lost Nate Clements, Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher-Baker. They got rid of Willis McGahee and drafted Marshawn Lynch, but if the preseason is any indication, Emmitt Smith would be hard pressed to gain any yardage behind those rat holes.
Pick: Broncos

Bucs vs. Seahawks
The Seahawks still appear to be amongst the elite of the NFC. Shaun Alexander is back healthy and they have added some fire power on defense with the additions of Patrick Kerney and Deon Grant. The Bucs surprisingly had a nice preseason and with Jeff Garcia at the helm, should be back in contention for the NFC South crown, but I don’t have as much faith in Cadillac as Jon Gruden.
Pick: Seahawks

Lions vs. Raiders
If the Lions have another horrible season, it will not be from a lack of effort. They made a lot of transactions to try and get out of the NFC North’s basement. The offense should be exciting, but did they address enough of the defensive concerns? The Raiders had one of the better defenses last year, but there are plenty of question marks on offense. Starting with the QB position. Luckily for the Lions, the Raiders lack of offensive fire power should enable them to start off the season on the right foot.
Pick: Lions

Bears vs. Chargers
This is another game that could arguably become this year’s Super Bowl match up. The Chargers lose their entire coaching staff, most notably Cam Cameron. Enter Norv Turner. Turner has a shaky history as a Head Coach, but is a stellar Offensive coordinator. All of this Head Coaching anguish can be erased with a Super Bowl appearance. This team is by far more talented than the Redskins or Raiders teams that he led. He can get the job done. I am excited to see if it is possible for LT to have a bigger season than last year. Norv has a history for his RBs being workhorses. OK. Back to the game. I still like the Bears Defense and their special teams, but toward the end of last season, they went on a tailspin. This being capped off by their Super Bowl performance. Rex continued to be inconsistent during the preseason and I am far from sold on Cedric Benson. Picking Benson over Jones may turn out to be the downfall for this year’s team.
Pick: Chargers

Giants vs. Cowboys
Brandon Jacobs is being asked to takeover for one of the best RBs in franchise history. Jacobs has the size and ability, but his O-line is far from some of the more formidable lines in the league. Plaxico appears to be primed for a nice season, but Eli will continue his erratic play and Wade Phillips will do his best to rattle the “Other Manning”.
Pick: Cowboys

Ravens vs. Bengals
Neither of these teams were that impressive during the preseason, but somebody has to win the game. The Bengals always play tough against the Ravens. The Ravens have the defense to slow down the Bengals, but the Bengals have enough defense to virtually stop the hapless Ravens offense.
Pick: Bengals

Cardinals vs. 49ers
The 49ers had a very nice off-season. They added Nate Clements, Banta-Cain, Willis, Lewis, Jackson, etc. The biggest question mark will be whether or not Alex Smith regresses with the departure of Norv Turner. They could end up being the surprise team of the season. This should be a good game, but the new look 49er defense should be able to contain the Cards passing attack.
Pick: 49ers

BYEs: None.
Last Week: 0-0
Overall: 0-0