Redemption? – Week 1 Picks

Apologies for the lack of updates yesterday. I had grand plans for a college football update, but it didn’t happen. Here are my quick and dirty thoughts on the games today. Oregon will beat Michigan, even though my guy tells me that Michigan is going to play an absolutely insane game that is going to do two things. 1) Make everyone forget about Michigan’s struggles for four days and 2) Make everyone doubt Oregon and the Pac-10’s game. The game of the day is #9 Virginia Tech traveling down south to play #2 LSU. If this game were in VA, I’d go with the Hokies but I Feel like they will lose a close road game to a dominant Tigers team. Last thought is this; don’t be surprised if Boise State gets upset by Washington. That is all I have to say about that.

Now onto Week 1 picks from the NFL aka my redemption. I would be kicking myself twice as hard had Coup not agreed with me for some reason. Luckily we enter the weekend both 0-1 and it is time for me to redeem myself. Or else the credibility of my football thoughts will die a slow and painful death. Kind of like Britney Spears’ career. Except without the backup dancers, kids, alcohol and general insanity.

Eagles over PACKERS
Donovan McNabb is one pissed off hombre, and even though he has been questioned a lot lately his motivation should be more than enough to doom the Packers at Lambeau. The Eagles D will shut Brett and his non-existant running game down as the ‘What is Favre doing?’ talk begins tomorrow.

Chiefs over TEXANS
I’m not sure why everyone and their mom is going with the Texans in this game. And just like when everyone agrees on picks in the tournament and it goes the other way, I see this going the other way. People…these are the Houston Texans. They have had the world’s worst offensive line for years…and they didn’t make it any better. They have to prove something to me before I start picking them. Plus how can you go against LJ?

Broncos over BILLS
Three straight road teams, but as good as the Bills could be I don’t see them beating the Broncos. At least they shouldn’t, thats why I’m predicting on paper. Just too much power from Denver.

Steelers over BROWNS
Browns fans just be happy about this; at least Brady Quinn’s future isn’t being sacrificed. They have a QB they half-heartedly endorsed and not much else. I can’t pick them as an upset. Big Ben is ready to make everyone remember him as a QB and not the guy who almost killed himself on a motorcycle and looked like an alien at the ESPYs.

RAMS over Panthers
Carolina does not have enough offensive firepower to keep up with the Rams at home. I expect Bulger and Jackson to have big days as the Rams have memories of the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’. People have put some hype on both these teams but the Rams O will lead them.

Falcons over VIKINGS
The Falcons have entirely too much to prove as a team in this game. They have been itching to play a game and have them forget about Michael Vick completely. Combine that united front with Petrino’s debut, Harrington’s redemption and Tavaris Jackson’ throwing INTs and you’ve got a Falcons W.

Patriots over JETS
Come on now.

REDSKINS over Dolphins
You want me to pick Trent Green and a dumb coach on the road? Absolutely not. I’m not a big Jason Campbell fan but he’ll be at home and he can always hand it off to Clinton Portis. Nobody really knows what to expect from either of these teams, we shall see after Sunday.

JAGUARS over Titans
Madden Curse means I might pick against the Titans every single week. Plus, Del Rio has put all of his stock into Gerrard. They both need to have a great start and what better way than a home win.

CHARGERS over Bears
I was all set to pick the Bears in this one. I mean…great defense, Rex Grossman looking for redemption…I talked myself into it. But then I forgot; the Chargers blitz more than a drunk white girl blitzes black dudes at a party. They are going to keep Grossman off-balance and uncomfortable. Combine that with LT and the Chargers O and they should be able to pull this one out at home.

SEAHAWKS over Tampa Bay
Du…what do you mean I can’t say duh? I have to actually write something? Really? Oh. Umm. The Seahawks are good. Tampa Bay…not so much.

Lions over RAIDERS
Even though the Raiders have a slept-on defense I have to go with the Lions on this one. If they are seriously going to start Josh McCown they deserve to lose. I’ll take the Lions O over the Raiders O any day of the week.

BENGALS over Ravens
Cincy owes the Ravens one and they’ll get it done this week. You think Ocho Cinco isn’t going off in primetime under the lights against the division rival? Exactly. This feels like one of those Ravens game where their offense really struggles or their defense has a poor game. I just don’t think they are gonna win.

CARDINALS over Niners
Too much hype going in for the Niners. Karma for the Bears meltdown says the Cards redeem themselves on national TV.

Giants over COWBOYS
Sorry, Coup. No Terry Glenn and a Giants team that will be looking to make Tiki Barker eat his words at halftime means trouble for your Cowboys.