Week 1 Predictions

If you checked out my Twitter (@pumpsnpigskins), you'll know that I was right about Thursday night's game. I didn't predict that the Broncos would annihilate the Raves, but I did predict the win. As for the rest of the games:

Packers v. 49ers:
Long. Sigh. One of our hardest, if not the hardest, games this season. Listen, last year, the 49ers had our ticket -- we couldn't defend against the read option, and they wouldn't let Rodgers do what he does -- that is, throw it a mile to one of five receivers. This year? Well. Let's just hope someone pissed Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk off last night, so that all Kaepernick can do is hit the deck. I hope.

Bears v. Bengals:
Bengals. The Bears are in a rebuilding year -- new coach, new theory. They may actually try to play offense this yera. But while they're trying to figure it out, the Bengals will be stomping on them. With any luck, HARD.

Buccaneers v. Jets:
Buccaneers -- Josh Freeman showed some promise last year. And well, goodness only knows what's going on in New York.

Vikings v. Lions:
Lions. This morning I found out that the Lions picked up Reggie Bush at running back. He's a powerful running back, and that's a great pick up for a team that had no running game. Meanwhile, you may remember Calvin Megatron Johnson from a record-breaking season last year at WR. The Lions have a more complete offense -- and the dirtiest defensive player in the league. Even though AP is going to run his ass off today, I doubt the Vikings have enough power to stop the Lions' train.

Raiders v. Colts:
Colts

Chiefs v. Jaguars:
Chiefs. Andy Reid (coach) and Alex Smith (QB) both have massive chips on their shoulders. That bitterness is bound to come out on the field and against the unsuspecting Jags.

Falcons v. Saints:
Saints. As much as I like Tony Gonzalez,* the Falcons have a tendency to choke when it matters, the Saints are at home, and oh-yeah, I'll pick Drew Brees over Matty Ice any day. (No matter how cool Matt's nickname is.)

Titans v. Steelers:
Steelers

Patriots v. Bills:
Patriots

Seahawks v. Panthers:
Panthers. For my upset pick, I'm going with the Panthers. It's Cam Newton in his 3rd year, versus Russell Wilson, who will be facing the sophomore slump.

Dolphins v. Browns:
Dolphins

Cardinals v. Rams:
Cardinals. Frankly, for no other reason than I like Larry Fitzgerald.

Giants v. Cowboys:
Cowboys. Why? Because my resident Giants fan told me last year that the Giants always start slow. A fact that was later confirmed by Michael Strahan on my favorite pre-game show (Fox NFL Sunday).


Eagles v. Washington:
Tough call. Injured QB vs. prone-to-injury QB. Basically, my pick is that whoever has the best line -- the best defensive line -- is going to win. Both these QBs run like hell, but I predict there will be a little tentativeness from both of them. Plus, where Michael Vick had to tryout to keep his starting spot, RG3 has something to prove coming back from an injury. Outside of the quarterbacks, we've got DeShaun Jackson burning up the field by catching footballs thrown a minimum of a zillion yards -- whenever Jackson runs, there's a sonic boom because he breaks the sound barrier getting down the field. But, for Washington, we've got D'Angelo Hall at corner -- a cornerback that no one told that he was a defensive player. He's got his eye on the ball and INTs are part of every game. So who to pick? Hmmm...Washington. If anything, there's gotta be something to home field advantage, right?


Texans v. Chargers:
Texans. Last year, the Texans were the crown jewel of the AFC. They had a great offense, defense, and special teams. They were a total package -- not necessarily great at everything, but dangerously complete. No reason why that can't continue this year.




*Uhhh...because he's FAH-REAK-ING HOT. What? You don't know? Google him. Right now. I'll wait. See??!!?