NFL picks week one 2009

The new season is upon us. I'll have some final predictions at the end of the post, but for now I'll get stuck right into it. Going through every single game isn't going to be realistic long-term, so what I will do is discuss the four games I feel are the most interesting. Or the four I feel strongest about. Here we go, home team in caps.



PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over Tennessee
Alright, the game is already over, but this is how I would have picked. And I would have been wrong. Neither team really impressed me last night. Pittsburgh looked like a slightly less formidable version of last year's championship team - no way to run the ball the ball, inconsistency in the passing game for the first three quarters, but an excellent defence, a clutch quarterback and a lot of heart. Last night that was enough to beat a timid Tennessee.

Denver (+5.5) over CINCINNATI
An improved defence, the loss of two overrated big names and a lot to prove makes Denver an interesting team this year. The Bengals are getting way too much hype for a team that has done nothing the past two years and lost its best offensive player.


BALTIMORE (-13) over Kansas City
Philadelphia (-1.5) over CAROLINA
HOUSTON (-4) over New York
Detroit (+13) over NEW ORLEANS

ATLANTA (-4) over Miami
Minnesota (-3.5) over CLEVELAND

INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Jacksonville

Dallas (-4.5) over TAMPA BAY
San Francisco (+6) over ARIZONA

Washington (+7) over NEW YORK
Everyone's late sleeper team, the Redskins. With reason. The defence was already good, and Haynesworth's addition gives them a feroucios extra dimension. The Giants have a worrying lack of buzz around them. It feels like they're on track for a 9-7 or 10-6 type season, and then go out meekly in the playoffs. I like the Redskins to cover the points, and maybe even win the match.

GREEN BAY (-4.5) over Chicago
Possibly the most talented in the NFC this year. Expect the Bears (who should be a decent team this year) to be shocked by the Packers.

NEW ENGLAND (-11) over Buffalo
San Diego (-9) over OAKLAND