The Hail Mary - Week 1

The Hail Mary has returned! Last season I did an amazing job picking games straight up, and a not so amazing job picking games against the spread. I hope to be fully amazing this season. My Super Bowl picks, the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers have tough road challenges in Week 1. In fact, almost every team has a challenge in Week 1, as there is not a single double digit favorite this week.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Minnesota at New Orleans, New Orleans favored by 4 1/2

The season kicks off with a rematch of the NFC Championship game. The Vikings literally fumbled and threw away their chance at reaching the Super Bowl this year. The Vikings completely outplayed the Saints in that game and it is my belief that they are the better team. They will be without WR Sidney Rice, but I think WR Bernard Berrian is going to step up his game this season. I haven't liked the Saints attitude since they won the Super Bowl. Too much partying and not enough focus on defending their championship. Their schedule is so easy this year that it won't matter but it will matter in this game. Ever since the NFL has had the defending Super Bowl champion host the Thursday night game the champion has never lost. That changes tonight.

Prediction: Minnesota 27, New Orleans 26

Cincinnati at New England, New England favored by 4 1/2

The New England dynasty may have been buried for good by the Baltimore Ravens in last season's playoffs. The Patriots seem to be an old team running on its last legs. The Bengals surprised everyone last season by winning the AFC North. However, they faltered down their stretch, mostly due to an ineffective offense. They are hoping the additions of WRs Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, and TE Jermaine Gresham will bolster the passing game. Even with those additions, any improvement will likely hinge on QB Carson Palmer returning to his form from 2006. I am one of those people that feels like the Patriots are on the way down a bit this year and will lose some games that will surprise people. This is one of them.

Prediction: Cincinnati 27, New England 21

Carolina at New York Giants, New York Giants favored by 7

A little surprised by the Giants being favored by a touchdown. I think QB Matt Moore will prove to be quite the upgrade for the Panthers over Jake Delhomme. Not really sure what to make of the Giants this year. They have a ton of weapons on offense but defensively they were awful last season. Personnel wise they didn't change too much so it will come down to whether making a switch at Defensive Coordinator will help or not. I like the Giants to win this game but the Panthers to keep it close.

Prediction: New York Giants 23, Carolina 19

Green Bay at Philadelphia, Green Bay favored by 3

I didn't exactly go out on a limb with my pick of the Packers making the Super Bowl. They have been the trendy pick, although I doubt many would have them going to the Super Bowl as a 6 seed like I do. I think this will be a very tough season for the Eagles, who are in a rebuilding mode. Kevin Kolb makes his debut as the full time starter and for his sake I hope he doesn't get off to a slow start, as Eagles fans have no patience at all. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers continues to make the 49ers look like fools for choosing Alex Smith over him. I think he lights up the Eagles on Sunday.

Prediction: Green Bay 35, Philadelphia 21

Dallas at Washington, Dallas favored by 4

It's another new era in Washington and like always Redskins fans are hopelessly optimistic. It is unknown at this point whether Albert Haynesworth will play or not for the Redskins. I don't think it will matter either way as Haynesworth hasn't even proven he is in any sort of shape to make a difference. Lost in the Haynesworth saga has been Donovan McNabb preparing to make his Redskins debut. While I don't envy him having Joey Galloway as a number two receiver, McNabb has made a career out of performing well despite having less than stellar wide receivers. I think the atmosphere will be electric at FedEx Field and the new regime will get off to the right start.

Prediction: Washington 23, Dallas 20

Baltimore at New York Jets, New York Jets favored by 2 1/2

The New York Jets have put a ton of pressure on themselves. With all of their signings and trading in the offseason expectations would have been high as is, but the Jets have embraced it rather than shy away from it. I respect their bravado but their will be a lot of happy people if they fall flat on their faces. The Ravens have significantly upgraded their wide receiver corps with the additions of Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmanzadeh. QB Joe Flacco will have to play better than he has, as he no longer has the excuse that he has no weapons to throw to. The Ravens defense is starting to get up there in age and it will be interesting to see how they hold up over the course of the season. This game will be a defensive struggle, with the Jets making a game winning interception to hold on to a tight victory.

Prediction: New York Jets 14, Baltimore 10

San Diego at Kansas City, San Diego favored by 5

There is hope in Kansas City that the combination of GM Scott Pioli and Offensive and Defensive Coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel can recapture their New England magic. The Chargers are once again heavy favorites to win the AFC West but do have some question marks. They will be without star WR Vincent Jackson, so it will be up to Malcom Floyd to take over the number one spot. They are counting on rookie RB Ryan Mathews to provide instant contributions at the running back position. It is weird to me for Kansas City to be playing a game starting at 1015. I had to double check this game wasn't at San Diego. The Chiefs will make the game exciting but Chargers QB Philip Rivers will carry the Chargers to a win.

Prediction: San Diego 28, Kansas City 24

Rest of Week 1

Atlanta at Pittsburgh, Atlanta favored by 2 1/2

The Falcons are my sleeper team this year, as I think they will take the NFC South crown from the New Orleans Saints. The Steelers are hoping to survive the first four games of their season without QB Ben Rapelisberger. Dennis Dixon, who showed promise in his one start last season against Baltimore, get's the nod in this one.

Prediction: Atlanta 24, Pittsburgh 17

Cleveland at Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay favored by 3

This game get's no attention and likes it.

Prediction: Cleveland 8, Tampa Bay 4

Denver at Jacksonville, Jacksonville favored by 2 1/2

Will Tim Tebow see action in this one? That is about the only interesting subplot to this game.

Prediction: Denver 17, Jacksonville 13

Indianapolis at Houston, Indianapolis favored by 2 1/2

The Texans are a sexy, sleeper pick for most, and many think they will prove that by finally defeating their tormentors, the Colts. The Colts will be even better than last season and they will show that right out of the gate.

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Houston 27

Miami at Buffalo, Miami favored by 3

I expect Bills RB C.J. Spiller to bust out a couple of exciting plays in this game. Got to see him in person at Maryland last year and he is truly amazing. However, I expect Dolphins new WR Brandon Marshall to have an even bigger day.

Prediction: Miami 22, Buffalo 14

Detroit at Chicago, Chicago favored by 6

Both of these teams will be dreadful this year. However, I am curious to see if Lions DT Ndamukong Suh will dominate in the pros, the way he did in college.

Prediction: Chicago 28, Detroit 23

Oakland at Tennessee, Tennessee favored by 6

Redskins fans will likely keep a close eye on the Raiders this season to see how QB Jason Campbell fares. I think Campbell will make the Raiders better, but anything other than JaMarcus Russell would make the Raiders better. I expect the Titans to be good this season and just narrowly miss out on the playoffs. Their defense has lost some stars the last few seasons and has its fair share of doubters.

Prediction: Tennesee 20, Oakland 15

Arizona at St. Louis, Arizona favored by 4

Rams QB Sam Bradford hasn't even taken a regular season snap and I feel he is already better than Cardinals QB Derek Anderson. However, the rest of the Rams are complete poo poo platter.

Prediction: Arizona 13, St. Louis 10

San Francisco at Seattle, San Francisco favored by 3

No more excuses left for the 49ers. Either win the NFC West this season or its a complete failure. I love Mike Singletary but there is no reason for the 49ers not make the playoffs this season. QB Alex Smith just has to be slightly competent, as the 49ers defense is one of the best in the NFL. For whatever reason, some people seem to be high on the Seahawks. Not sure why. Their defense sucks, their offense sucks, their coach sucks.

Prediction: San Francisco 20, Seattle 10