I’m not happy to the point of drunken parties, strippers, and huffing easy cheese, but it’s nice to be a Week 1 winner. 9-6-1 isn’t the best record in the game, it won’t get me to the playoffs, but it will make me some cash. With my extra cake, I bought Yani’s Greatest Hits, sat down at my Mac and took a little extra time to study this weeks’ games. After much thinking, a headache, and a smashed CD, I’m done. If this week turns out a big winner, I’m headed back to the classical section for some Yo-Yo Ma. This is how the story goes…Buffalo Bills (+8) at Miami Dolphins 1:00 p.m. – Last season… (Famous last words) The Bills took down the Dolphins 20-14, and then lost 23-24 at Miami. In those two games, the Bills played very well. This season, Buffalo is much improved, while the Dolphins struggled in Week 1’s opener against Pittsburgh. I’m not saying the Dolphins will fall to 0-2, I’m just not willing to say the Bills will lose by more than a touchdown.
Carolina Panthers (-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m. -?The Panthers struggled in their opener, but with Steve Smith back in the fray, and the fact that many are writing off the Panthers after just a week, should mean the Panthers get a much needed win in Minnesota this week. The Vikings are coming off a win, but they aren’t on the same level as Carolina. A close victory here should catapult the Panther hopes.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-10) 1:00 p.m. -?The Browns looked bad against one of the leagues’ worst defenses. The Bengals defense was stout against Larry Johnson and the Chiefs. Things don’t always equal out, but those two factors should make for a Bengal domination game. Carson Palmer will open up this week, and that shouldn’t help the Browns’ cause. After many people worrying the Bengals would tumble out of the gates, 2-0 looks like a sure thing.
Detroit Lions (+9.5) at Chicago Bears 1:00 p.m. -?Those pesky Lions almost sank the Seahawks ship last week in Detroit, but points were tough to come by, and they lost by a field goal. This week, another loss via field goal is on the horizon. The Lions’ defense is too tough to yield many scores to the Bears, while the Bears defense is good enough to keep the Lions point total low as well. A lion win isn’t out of the question, but a Bears killing is, so take the points and roar with the Lions. Last year, Ten of the Bears 16 regular season games were decided by 10 points or less.
Houston Texans (+14) at Indianapolis Colts 1:00 p.m. – Though this is tough for me, I’m taking Houston. The Texans played a plethora of close games last season, and this season shouldn’t be any different. Their defense is improving, and their offense will click more and more as the season goes on. The Texans aren’t a popular choice here, but 14 points is too many. Ten of the Texans 2005 games were decided by 14 points or less, and both games against the Colts were closer than the final score indicated. Without a running back like Edge to control the clock, I think the Colts will play more close games this season.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (+2.5) 1:00 p.m. – Once again, the Packers aren’t the sexy choice in this one, but I have a feeling they might just pull it out. New Orleans is anything but strong on either side of the ball, and the Packer D is much better than people think. At home in what all but promises to be his last season opener, Brett will likely show the world why he’s going to the Hall of Fame. The Saints won’t pressure Brett like Chicago did, so he’ll have time to use that cannon of his. Don’t bet the barn, but I predict a Packer win.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)1:00 p.m. -?The Giants played tough against the Colts, but they couldn’t pull it out. That’s too bad, because a loss to the powerful Eagles in Philly would take the Giants to 0-2. The Eagles should play better defense with more on the line this week, while Eli Manning will be pressured by Philly’s D. The Eagles are the class of the NFC East. They’ll back that up in Week 2.
Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens (-7) 1:00 p.m. -?The Ravens are giving more and more points as the day moves forward. There’s still a couple big sites selling Baltimore at (-7) but time is running out, so make your move fast. Even at (-10 or -11) I think the Ravens are the best bet here. Unless the Raiders are going up against the Stanford Cardinal I wouldn’t take them (+7) ever again. Poor play calling, dropped balls, and inferior talent should be three main factors in another blowout of the Raiders.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) at Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m. – The Buc starts here. After getting blasted by the Ravens, the Bucs will put up a better fight against Mike Vick and the Falcons. Nearly half of Atlanta’s games last season were decided by 7 points or less. Tampa took down Atlanta twice last season, both times by a field goal. Cadillac Williams will find more room to run in Atlanta, while the Falcon running game will slow down against Gruden’s Buccaneer front. Take the Bucs and all those points.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) 4:05 p.m. -?The Hawks didn’t show much last week in Detroit, but they did get the victory. This week, the Hawks should get back on track against a Cardinal sieved. Frank Gore ran all over Arizona, and Alex Smith threw for 288 yards. What will the Hawks do? Well, last season in two games against Dennis Green’s Cards, Seattle scored 70 points while only allowing 31. Arizona may be improved, but sliding by the Niners doesn’t impress me. A little boost from the addition of Deion Branch should start the engines in Seattle.
St. Louis Rams (-3) at San Francisco 49ers 4:05 p.m. -?The Rams are better than the 49ers. St. Louis’ win over the Broncos wasn’t a fluke. Their new smash mouth running game, and their sack happy defense should run Alex Smith for a loop. Frank Gore should stay on track for San-Fran, but Marc Bulger will find room in the Niner secondary, and St. Louey should easily elude the 49ers on way to their 2nd win of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs (+11) at Denver Broncos 4:15 p.m. – What did the Broncos do to become an 11 point favorite? Nothing, that’s what. Sure, the Chiefs lost their starting QB, and Damon Huard isn’t necessarily a top tier back up. On the other hand, if the Rams showed us anything about the Broncos, it’s that you can smash mouth a running game right into their teeth and put up enough points to win. I’d say Larry Johnson is a bit of a smash mouth guy. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos start the season 0-2 for the first time in more than 5 years.
New England Patriots (+5.5) at N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m. -?The Jets beat the Titans, but then again, the Titans are bad. New England isn’t bad, and though they aren’t the powerhouse they once were, they’ll easily dismantle a Jets team that has no running game to speak of. New England, I’m sorry to say, should be 2-0 after the first two weeks of the NFL season. Chad Pennington won’t be throwing for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns this week.
Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers (-10.5) 4:15 p.m. -The Chargers should open up the passing game this week in San Diego. Last week Chad Pennington of all people, threw for 300 yards and a couple scores as the Jets got a victory. The Jets… San Diego’s defense destroyed the Raiders, which isn’t saying much, but it’s not a stretch to think they’ll have zip-ties on the New York attack. 10.5 is a ton of points, but I can’t take the Titans. In fact, if Tennessee scores more than a touchdown and a field goal in San Diego I’ll fly to Tennessee next week and give Coach Fischer a hand shake.
Washington Redskins (+6) at Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. -?The Redskins lost to a Minnesota team that’s better than people think, and the Cowboys were beaten pretty handily by a Jaguar team that is always underrated. This week should be a hell of a game in Dallas. After signing TO in the off-season, you can bet your balls that there was no way Dallas thought they’d have two losses as soon as Week 2. But look out Jerry Jones, the time is a comin’. Ten of Dallas’ 2005 games were decided by less than 7 points, and they were 0-2 against Washington, including a 35-7 loss when their playoff lives were on the line. Down with Dallas! Yeehaw! It’ll be sad if Drew gets pulled in this game, it’ll be hard to make fun of him if he’s on the bench… Wait, no it won’t.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) 8:30 p.m. – Hello world! The Jaguars are a very good team. The Steelers might be without Big Ben again, and even if he’s back, are the Steelers really good enough to be favored in Jacksonville. If you’re struggling with that one, the answer is no freaking way, Mr. Lester. Byron Leftwich showed the NFL that without Jimmy Smith doesn’t mean without receiving weapons. Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Earnest Wilford are three good options small little corners will struggle with throughout the season. Fred Taylor is running with vision and speed, and the Jags might be the team to beat this season. I’ll take the Jags as an underdog at home against any team in the league.