Tonight, the NFL Season kicks off with their annual thursday night game, which is usually sloppy and poorly paid, much like the thursday night games later in the season. But I digress...its time for some weekly predictions...
Redskins over the Giants: The Giants have lost a lot, including most of their pass rush and I like the Redskins this year, although I never thought I'd ever see Jim Zorn as a head coach of any team. The Redskins have always had a solid physical defense and now they have an offensive system that won't be as conservative as Gibbs and Al Saunders system the last couple years. The Giants will struggle early in the season and get their act together later, I don't forecast a terrible season for them, just not an exceptional one.
Bengals over Ravens: The Ravens have a new coach, a new system, a new quarterback and a defense that is wilting over time. This game will be tremendously close, but I see the Bengals winning a close, relatively low scoring game.
Lions over Falcons: The Lions are the type of team that plays well in September and tails off from there when the players realize they really aren't that good and start looking out for themselves. I could see the Lions rolling over Atlanta with ease. Matt Ryan is going to struggle mightily this year and I can't for the life of me understand why teams were so high on him coming out of college. He's big and white and is apparently smart. Too bad he played in a simplistic and conservative offensive system at BC, has a shaky deep ball and makes questionable decisions.
Jets over Dolphins: Conventional wisdom says that the Jets will struggle in the heat against uber motivated Chad Pennington. Unfortunately, Parcells designs won't really take hold till later in the season when the team gels and even then, they won't be more than a five win team. Watch Jake Long in this game, he'll make you realize what a joke rookie contracts are.
Patriots over Chiefs: This is the kind of game where its close enough for two and a half quarters so that the Chiefs fans keep interested, but then turns into a mindless blowout. The Chiefs are awful.
Steelers over Texans: The Texans might surprise some people but Schaab isn't a road quarterback, especially against a team like Pittsburg and the new running scheme will need some time to gel. Meanwhile, Pittsburg is going to make a deep run this year. This could be ugly.
Jags over Titans: This is the game where the Jags look real impressive over the Titans further validating all the predictions that they are a super bowl contender. Wait till midway through the year when they slog through a few losses to inferior teams.
Saints over Bucs: It will be close and the Saints aren't as good as people think they will be, not even close. However, its at home, and the Superdome can be awfully cozy to play in for the home team.
Cardinals over Niners: The Niners are terrible, but they will put up some points on a Cardinals defense that is convinced they are much better than they actually are. It won't be enough though.
Seahawks over Bills: I could see the Seahawks winning by a field goal or three touchdowns. Regardless the Bills aren't at the point where they can win a game like this.
Eagles over Rams: This could be a twenty to thirty point shellacking, the Rams hate their coach and lack an important attribute to winning...talent.
Chargers over Panthers: The Chargers sleepwalk through the first half before turning it on and winning by a late touchdown. Like Jacksonville, the Chargers are extremely talented but extremely stupid.
Cowboys over Browns: The Browns might come back down to earth this year, regardless, their secondary is awful and I don't think they can score with the Cowboys, few teams can.
Colts over Bears: Come on...
Packers over Vikings: Contrary to my previous blog, I'm not that high on the vikings anymore and I think the Packers are very good.
Broncos over the Raiders: The Raiders are young, undisciplined, out of shape and stupid. They might be decent this year, but this is the kind of game where you see a shot of Darren McFadden sitting on the bench wondering what he got himself into by the end of the game. This isn't to say the Broncos are good, but they will be a little more ready to play than the Raiders.
