Week 1 NFL Office Pool Picks

Presented by Dale Sims

NFL Office Pool Picks

The Crystal Ball

Well I am back again for another year of looking like a fool in print.  Please note that these are decidedly not recommended picks; anyone who uses this information in that way is an idiot.  I participate in a pick’em league and these choices reflect those choices though my final league choices will not be made until after these are published.

Week 1

Miami at Pittsburgh – The big news in is that Roethlisberger will not be starting in the opener, Batch is well placed to start in terms of preparation but is he enough, particularly with Hines Ward also doubtful? The Dolphins are good enough that you have to bring your best; Miami wins 24-17.

Atlanta at Carolina – Carolina starts out with a rivalry game right out of the gate.  Atlanta has made a number of moves recently and is still putting things together; this is not a good game to try do that Carolina wins 28 -17.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay – This should be a defensive game and could get somewhat ugly.  The Tampa Bay line is undergoing some changes and it looks like a rookie will be starting at guard, Baltimore in an upset 17 -13.

Buffalo at New England – The Patriots start out the season with what should be an easy win against a divisional opponent.  Buffalo is in rebuilding mode but should be improved over last year, still not a close game though, New England 28 -14.

Cincinnati at Kansas City – Kansas City is a very difficult place to play in and their defense has improved.  Larry Johnson is a dominate running back but the line is of concern.  With Palmer looking to be healthy, the Bengals win on the road 28 – 21.

Denver at St. Louis – Denver is starting yet another different running back, but behind that line, it is not clear that it matters who the backs are.  St Louis is talented but in the midst of changes, Denver should be in control this game 28 -20.

New Orleans at Cleveland – Here are two teams that are on the upswing but will struggle at various times throughout the season.  The nod goes to the home team in the second year under Crennel, they will execute better 21-17.

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee – The Jets take a very young team on the road to Tennessee with many question marks while the Titans with their recent quarterback moves seem top be creating questions.  Tennessee has the better answers this week 20 -10.

Philadelphia at Houston – The Eagles should have no problems here, their defensive line looks to be dominating and the Houston offensive line still looks like, well, themselves.  With a new offense and a new blocking scheme in Houston, the Eagles should cruise 28 -14.

Seattle at Detroit – Speaking of getting out of hand Seattle a tremendously polished team is playing a team making dramatic changes on both sides of the ball.  While Seattle does not travel well they should win if they do not get lost on the way to the stadium 35 -10.

Chicago at Green Bay            - The Chicago defense is deeper than it was last year, the Green Bay offensive line is possibly worse.  The Bear defense can stop the Packer offense and the Bear offense can stop itself, still the advantage goes to Chicago 16 – 10.

Dallas at Jacksonville – This should be a good close game, read hard to call; both teams have good defenses, offensive lines with questions, and conservative philosophies.  Dallas has the edge in overall talent though and gets the nod from here 21 – 20.

San Francisco at Arizona – Arizona opens their new stadium; San Francisco has improved but this secondary against the Cardinal receivers is a disaster waiting to happen, it will.  Arizona should have an unblemished record in the new stadium to start 28 - 14

Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants – Somebody tell the press that the Manning brothers both play offense; they will not face each other.  The Giant secondary has added depth but not much in the way of talent, Peyton should get it figured out and get the win for the Colts 28 - 24

Minnesota at Washington – Washington has not looked very good in the preseason and it is not clear if Portis will play but it should not matter.  Minnesota has questions on both sides of the ball and too few answers 20 -10

San Diego at Oakland – San Diego is starting a rookie at quarterback and the Raiders signed Jeff George last week (though they did cut him).  That should tell you everything you need to know about this game, San Diego should gain control early 28 - 21.