Week 1 Picks

It's not often that the last play of the game is extremely important equally for fans root for either of the two teams and the gamblers. Thursday was one of those times, since the Packers were favored by 4.5 or 5 depending on the sportsbook. Result: Packers stuff Mark Ingram and win 42-34 (by the way, Al Michaels was horrible Thursday, made Joe Buck sound like Gus Johnson), making Pack fans and bettors happy. One thing's for sure, I can't wait for the rematch in the playoffs.

So I've started 1-0 and will look to maintain that +.500 mark all season long. Fact is, I don't care if my preseason picks are right or not (unless they work out for me like last year). However, I always want my weekly picks to be right, shows if I have a feel of the NFL season or not. So here's the rest of the slate for Week 1 (Home team in CAPS).

Pittsburgh (+1) over BALTIMORE- Coin flip whenever these two play. Not more I can say, just that I think the Steelers win this one.

Detroit (+1) over TAMPA BAY- Winner gets a head start on making the breakthrough into contention.

Atlanta (-3) over CHICAGO- Did you know these two teams were to top 2 seeds in the NFC last year. Yes, I didn't remember until yesterday.

Buffalo (+5.5) over KANSAS CITY- Because the Chiefs are screwed if Matt Cassel either doesn't play or gets hurt in the game.

HOUSTON (-9) over Indianapolis- Too soon to back Kerry Collins on the road. Statement week for the Texans.

Philadelphia (-4.5) over ST. LOUIS- Good game to start for both, Eagles might look a little too good after this one.

CLEVELAND (-7) over Cincinnati- My God, look at the Browns starting schedule, their first difficult game is at Houston in Week 9. Gotta rethink as a sleeper.

Tennessee (+1) over JACKSONVILLE- Why are the Jags still favored? Do you really want to give points with Luke McCown, against Chris Johnson no less?

Giants (-3) over WASHINGTON- I'm seeing Redskins buzz for absolutely no reason. Giants can really do anything this year.

Carolina (+7) over ARIZONA- Don't think the Cards blow out the Panthers. They shouldn't be giving 7, not until we see if Kolb can play great.

Seattle (+5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO- Still think Jim Harbaugh is coaching this year to get Andrew Luck. We all know Pete Carroll and the Seahawks are doing the same. Could be a tie.

SAN DIEGO (-9) over Minnesota- First step for the Chargers; own September. Begins with the Vikings and revenge for Adrian Peterson's record day.

Dallas (+5.5) over JETS- Really scares me how much no one really likes the Cowboys. As a Giants fan, I want overrated Dallas, not underrated.

MIAMI (+7) over New England- One of the two games between these two in a year is usually close. I think it's this one.

DENVER (-3) over Oakland- If only the Chargers weren't in the division. Could be an interesting sleeper if Orton plays great.