2006 NFL Week 1 Match-up Picks

Hey there football fans,
It's been awhile since I bothered to post on this darn thing. But it's football season, and I want to prove that I can pick the NFL winners with the best of them. So here is my rundown of Week 1's match-ups.

Thursday
Miami at Pittsburgh - Well the Dolphins were probably the most improved team last year from the beginning of the season to its end, but when you are stuck facing the Super Bowl Champions in your first game, life isn't easy. The Steelers without Ben Roethlisberger won't look much different than usual, as backup quarterback Charlie Batch knows what to do - Call hike, turn around, and hand it to Willie "Fast" Parker. The two defenses will keep this game close, but the Steelers will start their title defense with a victory.
Pick: Pittsburgh

Sunday
Atlanta at Carolina - The hot pick this year is Carolina. And why not, they have a stout defense and now with the addition of Keyshawn Johnson and hopefully a healthy running game; their offense should be a force as well. Atlanta though, has their usual weapon, Michael Vick. This should be his breakout year, whether it’s through his running or with this arm, he will take the Falcons back to the playoffs. This game will be close, and home field advantage will give the edge to the Panthers.
Pick: Carolina

Baltimore at Tampa Bay - Do the Ravens finally have a quarterback that they aren't ashamed of? Apparently, as Steve McNair doesn't look like he is ready to retire just yet. Their defense is great as always, but the defense on the other side of the ball isn't too shoddy either. Chris Simms is still a bit on the inexperienced side, but he and the rest of the Bucs have something on the Ravens - youth. Baltimore is getting to be an old team, and their high hopes of a playoff run won't go as far as they think they will.
Pick: Tampa Bay

Cincinnati at Kansas City - Two high powered offense go at it week one. There should be between 50 to 60 points in this game, as two of the best backs in the NFL, Larry Johnson and Rudi Johnson, try to out duel each other. Trent Green is getting old, and Carson Palmer is not 100% yet. But the Bengals have one thing the Chiefs don't - Chad Johnson.
Pick: Cincinnati

Denver at St. Louis - Two good offenses once again, but Denver actually has some form of a defense. The score in this game combined should surpass 50, but eventually the Broncos Defense will stop the Rams long enough to build a lead. Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, or Alexander Graham Bell will rack up a 100 yards rushing for the Broncos. Does it really matter which of them is back there to do it?
Pick: Denver

New Orleans at Cleveland - Reggie Bush's NFL debut. Other than watching for that, there isn’t much to look forward to. Both teams will be striving for a .500 record for this season and with that hopefully a team identity. Charlie Frye should secure his role as the Brown's long term quarterback, and simply on home field advantage alone, the Browns will win a close one.
Pick: Cleveland

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee - Where as the above teams will strive for .500 records, these two teams will strive to reach 5 wins this year. It's hard to say which team is worse, but I guess that is what this game is for. Chad Pennington will be the first quarterback of many for the Jets, and Billy Volek, is he is still the starter come Sunday, will be the first of many QBs for the Titans. I can't wait to see Vince Young in there - just to prove he can't play at the pro level. Flipping a coin and my pick is...
Pick: N.Y. Jets

Philadelphia at Houston - Do I need to go into detail? Donovan McNabb vs. David Carr. Brain Westbrook vs. who the hell cares. Houston will score some points, and Carr will get sacked at least 4 times. I know that’s not a bold prediction - its just a fact.
MY LOCK PICK OF THE WEEK: Philadelphia

Seattle at Detroit - Another game that won't be close long. The Seahawks have all the weapons in the world, and know how to use them. Detroit has all the weapons in the world, and tend to shoot themselves in the foot. Unless Mike Martz's magic works in Detroit, except the usual 6-10 season out of the Lions. Oh, and if Shaun Alexander goes down with a season ending injury, blame Madden '07 (he's on the cover, look up Madden Curse)
Pick: Seattle

Chicago at Green Bay - Poor Brett Favre. That's about all I have to say. If you have him on your fantasy team, don't start him this week. Interceptions o'plenty will come at the hands of the Chicago defense. Rex Grossman starts this game for the Bears, but don't worry, Brian Griese, Kyle Orton, and Ryan Leaf I'm sure will all get a shot at the job sometime down the road.
Pick: Chicago

Dallas at Jacksonville - Isn't it amazing how TO is healthy for the start of the season? In any case, the man can play. And as long as he keeps his mouth shut and catches the ball, than Dallas can expect to go deep into the playoffs. Jacksonville should be a force to be reckoned with, but the Cowboys will walk away with the win.
Game of the Week Pick: Dallas

San Fransisco at Arizona - Hmm... #1 Passing Offense from last year + The Edge. That can't be good for the 49ers. Just how many points with the Cardinals score against San Fran? Let's say at least 31. The Cardinals break in their new stadium with a bang - and a preview of possibly a playoff contender
Pick: Arizona

Indianapolis vs N.Y. Giants - Peyton vs Eli. Brother against Brother. It's all so.... BORING. Two guys that throw a lot but will never take thier teams to the big game square off in what will be one of the most over hyped games of the year. Peyton and Eli throw the ball all over the place, rack of some yards, give the fans a few laughs, and then Eli will get picked off and sacked by Dwight Freeney and Giants fans will go home upset.
Pick: Indianapolis

Monday Night
Minnesota at Washington - It's amazing how the Vikings look better with Brad Johnson at quarterback than Daunte Culpepper. (It's also amazing how many players named Johnson have been mentioned during these predictions) Minnesota is a solid team, but they lost Nate Burleson and didn't make any significant improvement. Washington SHOULD be firing on all cylinders as Mark Brunnel as a host of wide receivers to throw to now. And oh yeah, there is that guy named Clinton Portis - if he's healthy. He won't need to be this week though, Redskins take it either way.
Pick: Washington

San Diego at Oakland - Phillip Rivers is going to need time to be comfortable as the starting quarterback for the Chargers. So it's a good thing that they are facing Oakland week one. Aaron Brooks, or Mr. Inconsistency, will throw 3 touchdowns and then negate it with 3 interceptions during the game. Randy Moss will complain about not getting the ball enough, and Joey Porter actually won't get the ball enough. LT rushes for 125 and runs right over the Oakland D.
Pick: San Diego

Well that does it for this week, though I'll also have my preseason predictions for the playoffs up momentarily.