Zone Blitz: Week One NFL Preview

Finally ready to post my preview of Week One in the NFL season

Music to listen to: Will I Get Of Jail by Lo Fidelity Allstars

Here are the picks (home team in CAPS)

BALTIMORE  (-1.5) Pittsburgh:  I still think that the Steelers win the division but the Ravens will find a way to win this season-opener which is arguably a must win for the franchise.  The Steelers have elminated the Ravens from the playoffs the last two years and caused the Baltimore franchise to be in a stand still in development.

TAMPA (-1.5) Detroit:  I’ve picked the Lions to make the playoffs this year and a road win would be an excellent way to start the campaign.  However, similar to the Ravens to a lesser degree, this looks like a must-win for the Bucs if they want to make a run at the playoffs, especially with four games within their own division against Atlanta and New Orleans.

Atlanta (-2) CHICAGO: I have no optimism for the Bears this year and a last-place finish in the NFC North wouldn’t surprise me.  The Falcons will take a dip this season but get the road win here.

KANSAS CITY (-5.5) Buffalo:  Its going to be a long year in Western New York…

Indianapolis (+8.5) HOUSTON:  Yes, the Texans are the team to beat in the AFC South with Peyton Manning’s long-term injury.  Yes, this contest is in Houston and Kerry Collins is making a start on the road.  However, I think this contest ends up being closer than the line indicates.

Philadelphia (-4) ST. LOUIS:  The Rams have been a trendy pick to win this contest but I don’t think that St. Louis has the horses to take advantage of Philly’s biggest weaknesses (offensive line and linebackers).  I think getting the Eagles on that fast indoor track will actually be an advantage for their skill players.

Cincinnati (+6.5) CLEVELAND:  The Browns are improving (Team McCoy) and the Bengals are…well, the Benglas.  However, Cleveland shouldn’t ever be nearly a touchdown-favorite over another squad, even at home.

Tennessee (+2) JACKSONVILLE:  It will be interesting to see how Chris Johnson will play coming out of his holdout, which seems to be trending towards a negative based on the line.  The Jags are a mess right now and I don’t have faith in picking them.

NY Giants (-3) WASHINGTON:  This game as one team winning on a field goal late, I just don’t know which one.

ARIZONA (-6.5) Carolina:  Cam Newton in his first-career NFL start on the road…give me the home team.

Seattle (+5.5) San Francisco:  I don’t know who wins this game and honestly don’t care.  I just know that it will be by less than the line.

SAN DIEGO (-8.5) Minnesota:  I think the Chargers send a message with a blowout win over the Vikings.

Dallas (+5.5) NY JETS: It’s going to be an emotional night in New York for obvious reasons and the Jets will find a way to get the victory.  However, it will be by less than the line.

New England (-7) MIAMI: Look at last year’s Monday night game between these two teams and just replace it with this year.

DENVER (-3) Oakland:  Tough game to pick in the first week of the season so I’ll take the home team.

Those are my thoughts, what are yours?