Week 1 Predictions!!!

Ok guys, I am going to make one of these once a week once the season starts. This is just to get a jump on the season. Feel free to post score as well and try to keep up with how many you get right and wrong and at the end of the year we can see who was the best.

Tennessee Titans@ Pittsburgh Steelers------------Pittsburgh Steelers win in a defensive battle.17-13.

NY Jets @ Houston Texans----------------------------Houston Texans are just simply better than the Jets.24-17

Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns--------------Minnesota Vikings overpower the Browns in all aspects of the game.31-17

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals----------------Cincinnati Bengals are going to turn things around this season and theystart with the Broncos.21-17

Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers------------Carolina Panthers win a very tough game.Thank God for home-field advantage.24-21 GOTW

Dallas Cowboys@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers-----------Dallas Cowboys are going to take a step in the right direction starting with the Bucs.27-21

Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens--------------Baltimore Ravens in the easiest pick of the week.34-13

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints-------------------New Orleans Saints. Stafford or not, the Lions get creamed....as usual.34-10

Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons---------------------Miami Dolphins in a hard fought game.21-14

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts------------Indianapolis Colts are just better than the Jaguars.31-20

St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks------------------Seattle Seahawks willl fly high yet again this season.24-10

Washington Redskins @NY Giants--------------------NY Giants in a high scoring game.34-27

San Fransisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals-------------Arizona Cardinals simply overpower the 49ers on offense.28-21

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers------------------Chicago Bears led by Jay Cutler start the season 1-0 at Lambeau.24-21

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots-------------------New England Patriots. T.O. doesn't help in this one.34-20

San Diego Chargers@ Oakland Raiders---------------San Diego Chargers arejust too good for the Raiders.35-17

Good to see somebody else is as itchy for NFL as I am. I like some of your picks, but let me elaborate on why the Packers will beat the Bears.

Cutler is good, but seriously Devin Hester as the no. 1 guy? With the 2 and 3 still to be determined. Greg Olsen is their best receiver him and Forte will be the only one creating any real problems for the Pack in week 1. The Bears passing game will be a bit of a mess at this early juncture in the season, not saying that it isn't likely to improve, but it will still be searching for an identity early on.

Devin Hester is a wasted resource, Lovie was an idiot to not just appreciate what he had. As long as he plays on offense he will not be the threat that he once was in the return game.

The running game could pose a problem with the Pack going through a trasition of their own. I doubt however that Matt Forte and Orlando Pace are going to win this one outright.

The once vaunted Bears D is weak as a kitten against the pass and the line does just doesn't create the pressure they were capable of a few seasons back. This should create plenty of opportunity for Rodgers to get the ball to a strong core of receivers with a well established chemistry.

Finally, they aren't going to beat us at Lambeau any time soon, as they were shown last year. Too bad we only won 1 more after that game.

Good to see somebody else is as itchy for NFL as I am. I like some of your picks, but let me elaborate on why the Packers will beat the Bears.

Cutler is good, but seriously Devin Hester as the no. 1 guy? With the 2 and 3 still to be determined. Greg Olsen is their best receiver him and Forte will be the only one creating any real problems for the Pack in week 1. The Bears passing game will be a bit of a mess at this early juncture in the season, not saying that it isn't likely to improve, but it will still be searching for an identity early on.

Devin Hester is a wasted resource, Lovie was an idiot to not just appreciate what he had. As long as he plays on offense he will not be the threat that he once was in the return game.

The running game could pose a problem with the Pack going through a trasition of their own. I doubt however that Matt Forte and Orlando Pace are going to win this one outright.

The once vaunted Bears D is weak as a kitten against the pass and the line does just doesn't create the pressure they were capable of a few seasons back. This should create plenty of opportunity for Rodgers to get the ball to a strong core of receivers with a well established chemistry.

Finally, they aren't going to beat us at Lambeau any time soon, as they were shown last year. Too bad we only won 1 more after that game.

Second_Rook

Yea. I am soo anxious for the season to begin, and to be honest about the Bear-PackersI really wasn't so sure on that game. I really wasn't so sure about this one. So what are you predictions?

Without giving exact scores I would say.

Pitts over TN, Tennesee could be in for one hell of a fall.

Houston over NYJ, Houston will just outpace them offensively.

Vikes over Browns, Cleveland has a long way to go.

Denver over Cinn, as ugly as the Broncs may be the Bengals are just such a phenomenal failure.

Philly over Carolina, Might be a good game but Delhomme will find a way to lose.

Dallas over TB, Dallas shouldn't have a problem scoring and TB has a lot of work to do, firing Gruden was a shot in the foot.

Balt over KC, AKA the Cassel exposed game.

NO over Det, wouldn't be surprised to see the Saints hang 50 on these guys.

Atl over Miami, This could be a hell of a game, I like what Atlanta's doing.

Colts over Jags, Jax could begin a turn around, I like the Torry Holt, Mike Walker combo, but they will lose to regular season Peyton.

Seatle over StL, Rams are about halfway through building a prototype that will still require extensive field testing.

NYG over Skins, Just no way to pick Washington in NY, I think there's a good chance of Haynesworth getting lazy.

Cards over 9ers, SF is headed in the right direction but it'll take some time.

Pack over Bears, already said a mouthful on that.

Pats over Bills, This seems inevitable, an angry Belichek is going to run up scores like it was 07.

SD over Oakland, The Chargers are a hell of a team and the Raiders aren't, at all.

Pats over Bills, This seems inevitable, an angry Belichek is going to run up scores like it was 07.

I predict that sixteen teams will win and sixteen teams will lose. I also predict that the trend of not being able to predict much at least through the first 8 weeks holds up this year in the age of parity.mattykovax

[QUOTE="mattykovax"]I predict that sixteen teams will win and sixteen teams will lose. I also predict that the trend of not being able to predict much at least through the first 8 weeks holds up this year in the age of parity.dodgerblue13

I didn't know there could be ties in the NFL (for those who don't know, I'm taking a jab at McNabb)InterpolWilco

lame you picked my jags to lose :(

although your probably right.

I really hope the Lions lose another sixteen straight so they can stop wasting there #1 pick on QB's with no defensive line, and an equally bad offensive line.

I agree with the majority of your picks but I think the Eagles will beat the Panthers. You should do these all season though. :)flowersjf

I'm going to :)

[QUOTE="flowersjf"]I agree with the majority of your picks but I think the Eagles will beat the Panthers. You should do these all season though. :)maverick_41

I'm going to :)

The lion's win 28-7 with culpepper. I will commence bragging in about 1.5 months.

The lion's win 28-7 with culpepper. I will commence bragging in about 1.5 months.

DaBrainz

Its good to see so many opinions. Do any of you want to join my fantasy football league on Yahoo! It is free.

i will join but do i need to make a acoount or do i use my yahoo email ^^^^^^^

[QUOTE="bball_freak_2"]If they do win it will not be by 21points. They have gotten a lot better though, they should win at least a few this year. I don't think it'll start that early, but give it some time. Also, pretty good picks TC. I think the Falcons will beat the 'Phins though. jaqulle999

Most of those games they lost last year was because of their awful d line and linebackers not being able to stop the run. They have big upgrades at line backer and d line so if their offense is at least as good as last year then thats an instant 5 win season at least.

[QUOTE="jaqulle999"][QUOTE="bball_freak_2"]If they do win it will not be by 21points. They have gotten a lot better though, they should win at least a few this year. I don't think it'll start that early, but give it some time. Also, pretty good picks TC. I think the Falcons will beat the 'Phins though. DaBrainz

Most of those games they lost last year was because of their awful d line and linebackers not being able to stop the run. They have big upgrades at line backer and d line so if their offense is at least as good as last year then thats an instant 5 win season at least.

Yep.

Good to see somebody else is as itchy for NFL as I am. I like some of your picks, but let me elaborate on why the Packers will beat the Bears.

Cutler is good, but seriously Devin Hester as the no. 1 guy? With the 2 and 3 still to be determined. Greg Olsen is their best receiver him and Forte will be the only one creating any real problems for the Pack in week 1. The Bears passing game will be a bit of a mess at this early juncture in the season, not saying that it isn't likely to improve, but it will still be searching for an identity early on.

Devin Hester is a wasted resource, Lovie was an idiot to not just appreciate what he had. As long as he plays on offense he will not be the threat that he once was in the return game.

The running game could pose a problem with the Pack going through a trasition of their own. I doubt however that Matt Forte and Orlando Pace are going to win this one outright.

The once vaunted Bears D is weak as a kitten against the pass and the line does just doesn't create the pressure they were capable of a few seasons back. This should create plenty of opportunity for Rodgers to get the ball to a strong core of receivers with a well established chemistry.

Finally, they aren't going to beat us at Lambeau any time soon, as they were shown last year. Too bad we only won 1 more after that game.

Second_Rook

If you really think the Packers D is going to be good enough to turn things around out of the box, then the Bears D should at least see a comprable improvement. I just don't see the Pack winning this one, although I'm not going to predict a season sweep. Here's why: The Bears had a good run D, bad pass D last season. The Pack had a bad run D, good pass D. Ryan Grant had over 1,000 yards, but he had less than 4 YPC, I'm not sold on the Pack's run game. The Pack is coming out with an all new defensive scheme with a rookie probably starting, I do not see them shutting down Forte. I think Forte is going to run all over them and that's going to open up a lot of options in the pass game. It'll be a game where Chicago's going to showcase all of what its offense is capable of doing, but probably won't do every week of the season. I really think the receiving corps is going to shut a lot of people up this game. I know Al Harris and Charles Woodson are still in the secondary, but just watch and see what Devin Hester's speed combined with Jay Cutler's arm can do to even a good secondary. Also, everyone's so down on the receivers, but they forget that we have no idea what Earl Bennett is going to turn out like. Look for Hester to have a long catch or two, look for Bennett to step up between the numbers, look for Olsento be dangerous in post and out routes and Forte to be a good checkdown/screen man. I just don't think the Pack D is going to be ready in week one to deal with all that.

As for the Pack O, I think it'll be pretty one-dimensional. I think we're going to shut down the run very early on, our front four will be better in generating pressure, and because we're not commiting extra players to blitz the run we're going to be more effective against the pass. I'm not totally donw on the Pack this season. I think they'll play their best ball mid-late season and I expect them to be 500 or better, but no more than a game better if I had to say right now. I expect them to have a better chance of beating the Bears, though, at Soldier Field with Chicago coming off a five game stretch that includes games against the Cardinals, Eagles, and a game against Minnesota in the Metrodome. The Pack, while facing the Ravens and Cowboys in that same five game stretch, also faces the Niners, Lions, and Bucs. As for us not winning in Lambeau. you must have a short memory. Yes, we got creamed last year, but I do believe we beat Green Bay at Lambeau four years straight including a shutout in 06. Lovie makes a big deal about winning Lambeau games, and I expect the same to happen this year. He's going to make it a rallying point, and the question marks are going to respond. Will they be consistent throughout the season/ Who knows, but I expect a big game all around from the Bears week 1.

Titans @ Steelers-Very close game, but I don't expect the defending champs to drop their first game of the season at home. I expect the Titans' run game to be shut down, though, and Pittsburgh's pass game to struggle early with a couple of late rallies. 14-10 Steelers.

Jets @ Texans-TC said it perfectly, Texans are just better. Jets are going to struggle on offense no matter who's under center. Look for Jones/Washington to have a big game, but struggle to get into the endzone with no pass support. Slaton's also going to have a big game, but I think Schaub struggles to find a rythm. Low scoring game because of the time the run games of both teamsare going to eat up. 17-9 Texans

Vikings @ Browns-Heh, heh, I almost wish I didn't have to root against the Vikes every game of the season, but alas it's mandatory. Cleveland's going to tank. This is the first big blowout of the season. Jamal Lewis goes nowhere, Williams Wall or not. Cleveland's able to put together some decent drives, but gets killed in the red zone. Vikes passing game has a good day, AP has an even better day. 31-10 Vikings

Broncos @ Bengals-Josh McDaniels is going to have a lot of headaches early, starting with the return of Carson Palmer. Look for Cedric Benson to have a decent day as well. I actually think it's going to be a little more one-sided. I say Orton gets killed and the Broncos' run game has a hard time getting started. 21-7 Bengals

Eagles @ Panthers-I hate to sound so similar, but I have to agree with TC. Close game, good defenses, good running games, but Carolina's secondary puts them over the top. 24-21 Panthers GOTW

Cowboys @ Bucs-Look for Romo to have good play in an easy game. Bryon Leftwich has a decent game, but nothing special and not enough to make a huge difference. Cadillac has a decent game also, but also not good enough to put them over the top. Marion Barber has a big game and Tampa struggles in red zone D. Cowboys 28-14

Chiefs @ Ravens-Matt Cassel has a less than stellar first start when he meets the Baltimore secondary. Larry Johnson has a decent day, but not a great one against the Raven's D. I say Mike Brown brings some energy to the secondary, though, and keepsJoe Flaccofrom making this a total blowout. Again, lots of running, low score. Ravens 24-10

Lions @ Saints-No end to the losing streak here. Saints' running game is going to comprable to last year, their passing game is going to really stand out. Lions' pass game is going to be improved, but their run game is going to tank. Saints 27-10

Dolphins @ Falcons-Look for Miami's secondary to struggle with Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez. Jerious Norwood is a bit quiet, but he fights for every yard and keeps the Dolphins' D honest, opening up for the passing game. Look for the Atlanta D to struggle to adjust to the Wildcat, but have the Fins' numbers in the late game. I say the Falcons win it in a game-winning fourth quarter drive capped by a field goal. Falcons 24-21

Jaguars @ Colts-Look for the Jags' offense to have a surprisingly big game. Colts will still be good against the run, but MJD makes it tough for them and David Garrard has a big day connecting with Torry Holt. Joeseph Addai had a big game and Manning gets hot late in the game. Jags lead at half in a surprise, Colts shut them down in the second. This is my sleeper of the week. Colts 24-10

Rams @ Seahawks-The Rams' D gets killed in this game. Hasselback and Julius Jones have massive games against a defense in transition. The Rams' passing game has a chance to be big, but a dead running game lets the Seattle D shut them down completely. Seahawks 24-6

Redskins @ Giants-Clinton Portis has a bad game early when the Giants line shuts him down. That's not going to help a struggling pass game at all. Look for this game to be closer than it should be due to Albert Haynesworth and the Skins Dplus Eli Manning making mistakes. Still, the Giants' O can't be stopped completely. Giants 24-17

49ers @ Cardinals-I need an upset, and this is it. Look for the typical Superbowl slump, look for a big game from Frank Gore, and look for the Niners' offense to surprise in their passing. Look for the Arizona run game to struggle, look for the Niners' pass D to surprise, and look for a close game. 49ers 27-21

Bears @ Packers-I believe I've made my case for the Bears already. Look for the Bears' offense to really showcase all of its elements as it eats up a green Packers D. Aaron Rodgers will be a factor, but the Bears' D will be fired up and do well enough to contain him, plus the Green Bay running game comes out to a slow start. Bears 24-14

Bills @ Patriots-What's that, people are doubting the Patriots' D? Maybe it won't hold up over the course of the season, but watch for them to tear up a weak Bills' O-line. Their run game is stopped out of the gate and Edwards struggles because of it. The Patriots run game also struggles, but Brady has a field day. Patriots 28-10

Chargers @ Raiders-Do I think the Raiders will be an improved team? Yes. A Much improved team? Yes. Playoff contenders? I'm not ruling anything out yet. Will they beat the Chargers? No. The Chargers are in the top 2 in the AFC this year, and only other playoff-caliber teams are likely to topple them. Look for this game to be close, though. Both teams are going to have effective D, both are going to have good passing. The difference, though, is going to be that LT gets going while the Raiders' run game gets stuck in the mud. Chargers 27-14

Titans @ Steelers-Very close game, but I don't expect the defending champs to drop their first game of the season at home. I expect the Titans' run game to be shut down, though, and Pittsburgh's pass game to struggle early with a couple of late rallies. 14-10 Steelers.

Jets @ Texans-TC said it perfectly, Texans are just better. Jets are going to struggle on offense no matter who's under center. Look for Jones/Washington to have a big game, but struggle to get into the endzone with no pass support. Slaton's also going to have a big game, but I think Schaub struggles to find a rythm. Low scoring game because of the time the run games of both teamsare going to eat up. 17-9 Texans

Vikings @ Browns-Heh, heh, I almost wish I didn't have to root against the Vikes every game of the season, but alas it's mandatory. Cleveland's going to tank. This is the first big blowout of the season. Jamal Lewis goes nowhere, Williams Wall or not. Cleveland's able to put together some decent drives, but gets killed in the red zone. Vikes passing game has a good day, AP has an even better day. 31-10 Vikings

Broncos @ Bengals-Josh McDaniels is going to have a lot of headaches early, starting with the return of Carson Palmer. Look for Cedric Benson to have a decent day as well. I actually think it's going to be a little more one-sided. I say Orton gets killed and the Broncos' run game has a hard time getting started. 21-7 Bengals

Eagles @ Panthers-I hate to sound so similar, but I have to agree with TC. Close game, good defenses, good running games, but Carolina's secondary puts them over the top. 24-21 Panthers GOTW

Cowboys @ Bucs-Look for Romo to have good play in an easy game. Bryon Leftwich has a decent game, but nothing special and not enough to make a huge difference. Cadillac has a decent game also, but also not good enough to put them over the top. Marion Barber has a big game and Tampa struggles in red zone D. Cowboys 28-14

Chiefs @ Ravens-Matt Cassel has a less than stellar first start when he meets the Baltimore secondary. Larry Johnson has a decent day, but not a great one against the Raven's D. I say Mike Brown brings some energy to the secondary, though, and keepsJoe Flaccofrom making this a total blowout. Again, lots of running, low score. Ravens 24-10

Lions @ Saints-No end to the losing streak here. Saints' running game is going to comprable to last year, their passing game is going to really stand out. Lions' pass game is going to be improved, but their run game is going to tank. Saints 27-10

Dolphins @ Falcons-Look for Miami's secondary to struggle with Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez. Jerious Norwood is a bit quiet, but he fights for every yard and keeps the Dolphins' D honest, opening up for the passing game. Look for the Atlanta D to struggle to adjust to the Wildcat, but have the Fins' numbers in the late game. I say the Falcons win it in a game-winning fourth quarter drive capped by a field goal. Falcons 24-21

Jaguars @ Colts-Look for the Jags' offense to have a surprisingly big game. Colts will still be good against the run, but MJD makes it tough for them and David Garrard has a big day connecting with Torry Holt. Joeseph Addai had a big game and Manning gets hot late in the game. Jags lead at half in a surprise, Colts shut them down in the second. This is my sleeper of the week. Colts 24-10

Rams @ Seahawks-The Rams' D gets killed in this game. Hasselback and Julius Jones have massive games against a defense in transition. The Rams' passing game has a chance to be big, but a dead running game lets the Seattle D shut them down completely. Seahawks 24-6

Redskins @ Giants-Clinton Portis has a bad game early when the Giants line shuts him down. That's not going to help a struggling pass game at all. Look for this game to be closer than it should be due to Albert Haynesworth and the Skins Dplus Eli Manning making mistakes. Still, the Giants' O can't be stopped completely. Giants 24-17

49ers @ Cardinals-I need an upset, and this is it. Look for the typical Superbowl slump, look for a big game from Frank Gore, and look for the Niners' offense to surprise in their passing. Look for the Arizona run game to struggle, look for the Niners' pass D to surprise, and look for a close game. 49ers 27-21

Bears @ Packers-I believe I've made my case for the Bears already. Look for the Bears' offense to really showcase all of its elements as it eats up a green Packers D. Aaron Rodgers will be a factor, but the Bears' D will be fired up and do well enough to contain him, plus the Green Bay running game comes out to a slow start. Bears 24-14

Bills @ Patriots-What's that, people are doubting the Patriots' D? Maybe it won't hold up over the course of the season, but watch for them to tear up a weak Bills' O-line. Their run game is stopped out of the gate and Edwards struggles because of it. The Patriots run game also struggles, but Brady has a field day. Patriots 28-10

Chargers @ Raiders-Do I think the Raiders will be an improved team? Yes. A Much improved team? Yes. Playoff contenders? I'm not ruling anything out yet. Will they beat the Chargers? No. The Chargers are in the top 2 in the AFC this year, and only other playoff-caliber teams are likely to topple them. Look for this game to be close, though. Both teams are going to have effective D, both are going to have good passing. The difference, though, is going to be that LT gets going while the Raiders' run game gets stuck in the mud. Chargers 27-14

theone86

Nice picks.

how the **** are the lions any better. Thier rookie QB ( i cant even remember his name) sucksjaqulle999

If you really think the Packers D is going to be good enough to turn things around out of the box, then the Bears D should at least see a comprable improvement. I just don't see the Pack winning this one, although I'm not going to predict a season sweep. Here's why: The Bears had a good run D, bad pass D last season. The Pack had a bad run D, good pass D. Ryan Grant had over 1,000 yards, but he had less than 4 YPC, I'm not sold on the Pack's run game. The Pack is coming out with an all new defensive scheme with a rookie probably starting, I do not see them shutting down Forte. I think Forte is going to run all over them and that's going to open up a lot of options in the pass game. It'll be a game where Chicago's going to showcase all of what its offense is capable of doing, but probably won't do every week of the season. I really think the receiving corps is going to shut a lot of people up this game. I know Al Harris and Charles Woodson are still in the secondary, but just watch and see what Devin Hester's speed combined with Jay Cutler's arm can do to even a good secondary. Also, everyone's so down on the receivers, but they forget that we have no idea what Earl Bennett is going to turn out like. Look for Hester to have a long catch or two, look for Bennett to step up between the numbers, look for Olsento be dangerous in post and out routes and Forte to be a good checkdown/screen man. I just don't think the Pack D is going to be ready in week one to deal with all that.

As for the Pack O, I think it'll be pretty one-dimensional. I think we're going to shut down the run very early on, our front four will be better in generating pressure, and because we're not commiting extra players to blitz the run we're going to be more effective against the pass. I'm not totally donw on the Pack this season. I think they'll play their best ball mid-late season and I expect them to be 500 or better, but no more than a game better if I had to say right now. I expect them to have a better chance of beating the Bears, though, at Soldier Field with Chicago coming off a five game stretch that includes games against the Cardinals, Eagles, and a game against Minnesota in the Metrodome. The Pack, while facing the Ravens and Cowboys in that same five game stretch, also faces the Niners, Lions, and Bucs. As for us not winning in Lambeau. you must have a short memory. Yes, we got creamed last year, but I do believe we beat Green Bay at Lambeau four years straight including a shutout in 06. Lovie makes a big deal about winning Lambeau games, and I expect the same to happen this year. He's going to make it a rallying point, and the question marks are going to respond. Will they be consistent throughout the season/ Who knows, but I expect a big game all around from the Bears week 1.

theone86

As for losing to the Bears at Lambeau I remeber losses back to 05, can't recall 04 at the moment but we may have lost that one too. But I'm sure you understand the excitement that kind of win (last year's) fills you go 13-3 but still manage to get swept by the Bears. You gotta believe that your team is going to protect the homefront again. Either way, whether my vision is blurred or not, I believe the Pack is a better team. But handshakes and well wishes to the Bears.

[QUOTE="jaqulle999"][QUOTE="bball_freak_2"]If they do win it will not be by 21points. They have gotten a lot better though, they should win at least a few this year. I don't think it'll start that early, but give it some time. Also, pretty good picks TC. I think the Falcons will beat the 'Phins though. DaBrainz

Most of those games they lost last year was because of their awful d line and linebackers not being able to stop the run. They have big upgrades at line backer and d line so if their offense is at least as good as last year then thats an instant 5 win season at least.

What he said.

Also, his name is Matthew Stafford. While he's not gunna shoot out of the gate, you really can't say he sucks if you: A) havenever seen him play a professional game, and B) don't even remember his name... He's got Calvin Johnson, and KevinSmith could have a good season, so IMO he'll do pretty well in the long run.

[QUOTE="DaBrainz"]

[QUOTE="jaqulle999"] how the **** are the lions any better. Thier rookie QB ( i cant even remember his name) sucksbball_freak_2

Most of those games they lost last year was because of their awful d line and linebackers not being able to stop the run. They have big upgrades at line backer and d line so if their offense is at least as good as last year then thats an instant 5 win season at least.

What he said.

Also, his name is Matthew Stafford. While he's not gunna shoot out of the gate, you really can't say he sucks if you: A) havenever seen him play a professional game, and B) don't even remember his name... He's got Calvin Johnson, and KevinSmith could have a good season, so IMO he'll do pretty well in the long run.

I think their set up to be the 2004 vikes with the same o coordinator and QB, just replace Moss and Wiggins with Johnson and Pedigrew. Johnson will clear them out and leave the dink and dunk 10 yarders to pedegrew. It could be exciting. Culpepper threw 39 TDs that year but it really wasn't noticed because of what Payton did that same year.

Yeah, Stafford was the #1 High school player and was a top college player during his freshman year. Even though he declined a bit in his later college years, this guy was built for the Pros. Wanted to get out of college so that he could get going.

Him and Calvin Johnson will be a great threat, and plus he's got Bryant Johnson on the other side who's no slouch either.

Why not?

Tennessee Titans@ Pittsburgh Steelers------------Pittsburgh is a better team than Tennesee and Collins is old. 31-17

NY Jets @ Houston Texans----------------------------Texans win but i dont know why 17-14

Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns--------------Vikings are miles and miles better than the browns 38-24

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals---------------- Bengals are going to be alot better this season with Carson back 24-7

Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers------------Panthers win because the Eagles cant stop the run in this one 28-17

Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers-----------Cowboys win because Tampa sucks lol. 31-14

Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens--------------Ravens need i say more? 31-7

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints-------------------Saints because they are playing the Lions.

Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons---------------------Falcons win a hard fought game 24-21

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts------------Colts are just way better than Jacksonville 41-21

St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks------------------Seahawks will win the Division this year. 24-10

Washington Redskins @ NY Giants--------------------Giants win because the Skins dont have a Qb. 31-21

San Fransisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals-------------Cardinals are just a better team and the 9ers dont have a QB. 21-3

Chicago Bears@ Green Bay Packers------------------Packers win because the Bears wont be able to outscore them with Hester as their best WR.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots-------------------Pats win in Brady's comeback 21-17

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders---------------The Raiders suck. 38-7

Yeah, Stafford was the #1 High school player and was a top college player during his freshman year. Even though he declined a bit in his later college years, this guy was built for the Pros. Wanted to get out of college so that he could get going.

Him and Calvin Johnson will be a great threat, and plus he's got Bryant Johnson on the other side who's no slouch either.

mvphalo8

[QUOTE="theone86"]

Titans @ Steelers-Very close game, but I don't expect the defending champs to drop their first game of the season at home. I expect the Titans' run game to be shut down, though, and Pittsburgh's pass game to struggle early with a couple of late rallies. 14-10 Steelers.

Jets @ Texans-TC said it perfectly, Texans are just better. Jets are going to struggle on offense no matter who's under center. Look for Jones/Washington to have a big game, but struggle to get into the endzone with no pass support. Slaton's also going to have a big game, but I think Schaub struggles to find a rythm. Low scoring game because of the time the run games of both teamsare going to eat up. 17-9 Texans

Vikings @ Browns-Heh, heh, I almost wish I didn't have to root against the Vikes every game of the season, but alas it's mandatory. Cleveland's going to tank. This is the first big blowout of the season. Jamal Lewis goes nowhere, Williams Wall or not. Cleveland's able to put together some decent drives, but gets killed in the red zone. Vikes passing game has a good day, AP has an even better day. 31-10 Vikings

Broncos @ Bengals-Josh McDaniels is going to have a lot of headaches early, starting with the return of Carson Palmer. Look for Cedric Benson to have a decent day as well. I actually think it's going to be a little more one-sided. I say Orton gets killed and the Broncos' run game has a hard time getting started. 21-7 Bengals

Eagles @ Panthers-I hate to sound so similar, but I have to agree with TC. Close game, good defenses, good running games, but Carolina's secondary puts them over the top. 24-21 Panthers GOTW

Cowboys @ Bucs-Look for Romo to have good play in an easy game. Bryon Leftwich has a decent game, but nothing special and not enough to make a huge difference. Cadillac has a decent game also, but also not good enough to put them over the top. Marion Barber has a big game and Tampa struggles in red zone D. Cowboys 28-14

Chiefs @ Ravens-Matt Cassel has a less than stellar first start when he meets the Baltimore secondary. Larry Johnson has a decent day, but not a great one against the Raven's D. I say Mike Brown brings some energy to the secondary, though, and keepsJoe Flaccofrom making this a total blowout. Again, lots of running, low score. Ravens 24-10

Lions @ Saints-No end to the losing streak here. Saints' running game is going to comprable to last year, their passing game is going to really stand out. Lions' pass game is going to be improved, but their run game is going to tank. Saints 27-10

Dolphins @ Falcons-Look for Miami's secondary to struggle with Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez. Jerious Norwood is a bit quiet, but he fights for every yard and keeps the Dolphins' D honest, opening up for the passing game. Look for the Atlanta D to struggle to adjust to the Wildcat, but have the Fins' numbers in the late game. I say the Falcons win it in a game-winning fourth quarter drive capped by a field goal. Falcons 24-21

Jaguars @ Colts-Look for the Jags' offense to have a surprisingly big game. Colts will still be good against the run, but MJD makes it tough for them and David Garrard has a big day connecting with Torry Holt. Joeseph Addai had a big game and Manning gets hot late in the game. Jags lead at half in a surprise, Colts shut them down in the second. This is my sleeper of the week. Colts 24-10

Rams @ Seahawks-The Rams' D gets killed in this game. Hasselback and Julius Jones have massive games against a defense in transition. The Rams' passing game has a chance to be big, but a dead running game lets the Seattle D shut them down completely. Seahawks 24-6

Redskins @ Giants-Clinton Portis has a bad game early when the Giants line shuts him down. That's not going to help a struggling pass game at all. Look for this game to be closer than it should be due to Albert Haynesworth and the Skins Dplus Eli Manning making mistakes. Still, the Giants' O can't be stopped completely. Giants 24-17

49ers @ Cardinals-I need an upset, and this is it. Look for the typical Superbowl slump, look for a big game from Frank Gore, and look for the Niners' offense to surprise in their passing. Look for the Arizona run game to struggle, look for the Niners' pass D to surprise, and look for a close game. 49ers 27-21

Bears @ Packers-I believe I've made my case for the Bears already. Look for the Bears' offense to really showcase all of its elements as it eats up a green Packers D. Aaron Rodgers will be a factor, but the Bears' D will be fired up and do well enough to contain him, plus the Green Bay running game comes out to a slow start. Bears 24-14

Bills @ Patriots-What's that, people are doubting the Patriots' D? Maybe it won't hold up over the course of the season, but watch for them to tear up a weak Bills' O-line. Their run game is stopped out of the gate and Edwards struggles because of it. The Patriots run game also struggles, but Brady has a field day. Patriots 28-10

Chargers @ Raiders-Do I think the Raiders will be an improved team? Yes. A Much improved team? Yes. Playoff contenders? I'm not ruling anything out yet. Will they beat the Chargers? No. The Chargers are in the top 2 in the AFC this year, and only other playoff-caliber teams are likely to topple them. Look for this game to be close, though. Both teams are going to have effective D, both are going to have good passing. The difference, though, is going to be that LT gets going while the Raiders' run game gets stuck in the mud. Chargers 27-14

maverick_41

Nice picks.

Thanks, I'm not used to picking scores. I re-read the post and I see a lot of 24's for some reason. It'll probably be easer as the season goes on.

Even though he declined a bit in his later college years, this guy was built for the Pros. Wanted to get out of college so that he could get going.

[QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="mvphalo8"]

Even though he declined a bit in his later college years, this guy was built for the Pros. Wanted to get out of college so that he could get going.

Second_Rook

I think Matthew Stafford will do really well in the NFL.

[QUOTE="Second_Rook"][QUOTE="geaux321"] I don't know what you mean by declining in his college years as his numbers went up every year. In his second to last game he threw for 407 yards and 5 TD's.maverick_41

I think Matthew Stafford will do really well in the NFL.

[QUOTE="maverick_41"]

[QUOTE="Second_Rook"]3 TD's in the second half of the Capital One Bowl and a win to go out on wasn't too shabby either. Are you saying that because Georgia didn't win it all like the press said they should?chAzN93

I think Matthew Stafford will do really well in the NFL.

They need to bench him this season, simple as that. They should if they've learned anything from the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I know everyone's talking about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they're the exceptions to the rule, and they had some very good running games behind them last season. Quarterbacks, by and large, do better when a learning curve is expected and they are granted time to let that take place. If they bench him this season and let him learn they'll be exponentially better next season at just about every position and he'll be given a better chance to succeed, which he should if he has a decent running game and a defense that won't throw the game away for him.

[QUOTE="chAzN93"][QUOTE="maverick_41"]

I think Matthew Stafford will do really well in the NFL.

theone86

They need to bench him this season, simple as that. They should if they've learned anything from the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I know everyone's talking about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they're the exceptions to the rule, and they had some very good running games behind them last season. Quarterbacks, by and large, do better when a learning curve is expected and they are granted time to let that take place. If they bench him this season and let him learn they'll be exponentially better next season at just about every position and he'll be given a better chance to succeed, which he should if he has a decent running game and a defense that won't throw the game away for him.

Who knows, maybe he will turn out like Troy Aikman.

[QUOTE="theone86"]

[QUOTE="chAzN93"] i think he will be fine...not really really well because hes with the lions...maverick_41

They need to bench him this season, simple as that. They should if they've learned anything from the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I know everyone's talking about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they're the exceptions to the rule, and they had some very good running games behind them last season. Quarterbacks, by and large, do better when a learning curve is expected and they are granted time to let that take place. If they bench him this season and let him learn they'll be exponentially better next season at just about every position and he'll be given a better chance to succeed, which he should if he has a decent running game and a defense that won't throw the game away for him.

Who knows, maybe he will turn out like Troy Aikman.

I would certainly hope not. Aikman's rookie season he had an 0-11 record, a 53% completion percentage, 1,749 yards, 9 TDs. and twice as many interceptions. That's what I'm saying, is it's better to bench rookies and let them learn. Most of the time when you throw rookie QBs right into the fire with the expectation of having them carry the team they completely tank. Even Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco didn't have huge expectations to live up to. Everyone in Atlanta thought they were going to have a bad season and in Baltimore the expectation was that Flacco was just going to be handing the ball off more often than not. If Stafford starts he's going to have a lot more pressure on him, both to win at least five games and to be a more integral part of their offense than either Ryan or Flacco were for their respective teams. Kevin Smith is a good back, but he's not going to carry the team the same way Barry Sanders did back in the day. They're going to eventually need a QB/RB tandem that opens up plays for each other and I do think Stafford/Johnson/Smith could be dangerous a year or two from now, but if they try to force Stafford into a lead role too early he's going to have a hard time adjusting.

[QUOTE="maverick_41"]

[QUOTE="theone86"]

They need to bench him this season, simple as that. They should if they've learned anything from the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I know everyone's talking about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they're the exceptions to the rule, and they had some very good running games behind them last season. Quarterbacks, by and large, do better when a learning curve is expected and they are granted time to let that take place. If they bench him this season and let him learn they'll be exponentially better next season at just about every position and he'll be given a better chance to succeed, which he should if he has a decent running game and a defense that won't throw the game away for him.

theone86

Who knows, maybe he will turn out like Troy Aikman.

I would certainly hope not. Aikman's rookie season he had an 0-11 record, a 53% completion percentage, 1,749 yards, 9 TDs. and twice as many interceptions. That's what I'm saying, is it's better to bench rookies and let them learn. Most of the time when you throw rookie QBs right into the fire with the expectation of having them carry the team they completely tank. Even Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco didn't have huge expectations to live up to. Everyone in Atlanta thought they were going to have a bad season and in Baltimore the expectation was that Flacco was just going to be handing the ball off more often than not. If Stafford starts he's going to have a lot more pressure on him, both to win at least five games and to be a more integral part of their offense than either Ryan or Flacco were for their respective teams. Kevin Smith is a good back, but he's not going to carry the team the same way Barry Sanders did back in the day. They're going to eventually need a QB/RB tandem that opens up plays for each other and I do think Stafford/Johnson/Smith could be dangerous a year or two from now, but if they try to force Stafford into a lead role too early he's going to have a hard time adjusting.

I know. I mean after the bad rookie season he may go on to be one of the best QBs of all time......like Troy Aikman.

Yeah, but how many recent QBs bounce back from a bad rookie season? It just seems to me like the general trend shows that if you give a QB time to acclimate himself to an NFL team before you throw him into the fire they tend to do better down the road.

[QUOTE="chAzN93"][QUOTE="maverick_41"]

I think Matthew Stafford will do really well in the NFL.

theone86

They need to bench him this season, simple as that. They should if they've learned anything from the whole Joey Harrington debacle. I know everyone's talking about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, but they're the exceptions to the rule, and they had some very good running games behind them last season. Quarterbacks, by and large, do better when a learning curve is expected and they are granted time to let that take place. If they bench him this season and let him learn they'll be exponentially better next season at just about every position and he'll be given a better chance to succeed, which he should if he has a decent running game and a defense that won't throw the game away for him.

Yeah, but how many recent QBs bounce back from a bad rookie season? It just seems to me like the general trend shows that if you give a QB time to acclimate himself to an NFL team before you throw him into the fire they tend to do better down the road.

theone86

[QUOTE="theone86"]

Yeah, but how many recent QBs bounce back from a bad rookie season? It just seems to me like the general trend shows that if you give a QB time to acclimate himself to an NFL team before you throw him into the fire they tend to do better down the road.

Second_Rook

Joey ballgame was pretty good his first couple of seasons, thats when he was hitting billy schroeder and GermaineCrowel in the numbers and they where dropping them. It took a good 2 years before the lions managed toruin Joey Blueskies.

The Fins have an absolutely brutal schedule this year, they had better start off the season on a good note if they want to have a chance this season.