Week 1 NFL

I can't resist picking games against the spread. Feel free to blow me up for some of these.

NFL picks against the spread

1. PITT (-1) over Miami – Batch won’t matter
2. Balt (+3) over TB – low scoring. Ravens D is energized by McNair’s impact on O.
3. NE (-8.5) over buffalo – fairly healthy Pats team with new running back is scary
4. atl. (+5.5) over CAROLINA – no excuses this year for the Falcons. I think they lose but it is close. Showers are possible, battle of the ground games, and maybe no Steve Smith.
5. cinn (+2) over KC – Bengals need a good start to compete in their division.
6. Denver (+3.5) over ST. LOUIS – rams are a sleeper this year and Denver starts slow. But the AFC is still better than the NFC until proven otherwise. Shaky pick.
7. CLEVELAND (-3) over n.o. – Browns made good additions in the offseason and get it done with D. This will go over the 35.5 line.
8. TENN (-3) over n.y.jets- When both teams suck take the points. But the Jets really suck. And I have heard nothing but bad things from their camp. Titans starting QB has only been with the team for a week though.
9. phlli (-5.5) over HOUSTON – bad karma all around for not taking Bush while the Ewing theory comes true for the Eagles after T.O. is gone.
10. seattle (-6) over DETROIT – Seahawks are never good on the road. But the Lions are even worse at home. They do have a new QB. But the ‘Hawks will be focused despite the large spread.
11. chicago (-3.5) over GB – Packers looked really really really really bad in the preseason. If Farve has a bad day, this could get ugly with the Bears D. Watch for Griese to play if the starter struggles for the Bears.
12. JACKSONVILLE (-3) over dallas – tough to get a read on the Cowboys in the preseason. Jag’s don’t blow teams out so this one should be close. Edge to the home team. They need early wins to come out of their division again.
13. ARIZONA (-7.5) over s.f. – this is a lot of points to cover against a niners team that always plays the Card’s close. But I will jump on the Card’s new offense bandwagon for one game.
14. colts (-3) at NEW YORK GIANTS – Indi needs to start strong after yet another collapse in the playoffs. Look for Freeny to get after the little brother. I think it will be a fairly close game but the Colts SHOULD win this.
15. minnesota (+4.5) over WASHINGTON – Vike’s are supposed to have a defense this year and the Skin’s have a banged up RB and an ineffective QB. Taking the points.
16. s.d. (-3) at OAKLAND – Brooks might turn the ball over 4 times himself even though his receivers are sick. LT should