Miami in Pittsburgh

Even though Big Ben is out, I still think the Steelers win this home opener. The Steelers’ defense is too good. Although it will be close.

PICK: Pittsburgh – Pick Them

Atlanta at Carolina -6

A tough game against a division opponent, but Panthers D wins with Michael Vick and Warrick Dunn. I have to go with the local team here.

SELECTION: Carolina-6

Baltimore at Tampa Bay-3

Chris Simms shows up and shows the Ravens that he’s ready to be a starting QB. Both teams have quality defenses, but the Bucs have a better offense, especially when the Cadillac starts running.

PICK: Tampa Bay-3

Buffalo in New England-9

To be honest, I’ve been a New England Patriots fan since elementary school. I will never root or pick against them. So, in my completely unbiased opinion, they’re going to knock the Bills out for the count this weekend. Losman won’t know what hit him, and Corey Dillon will revert to his old form.

NATIONAL TEAM: New England-9

Cincinnati at Kansas City -3

Both teams have potentially explosive offenses, and this could turn into a high-scoring game. Since both teams are evenly matched, I’ll take the team that gets a few points.

NATIONAL TEAM: Cincinnati +3

Denver at St. Louis + 3 1/2

Although the Rams have a new coach, they are still a quality team, at home and scoring points. This one is easy.

SELECTION: St. Louis +3 1/2

New Orleans at Cleveland -3

Charlie Frye may turn out to be a good NFL quarterback, but not this game. However, I think it will be the Saints offense that wins this one. Reggie Bush shows his talent and the signing of Drew Brees begins to look smarter. Cleveland claims they upgraded their defense by signing two aging veterans, Ted Washington and Willie McGinest. Someone walks in…

SELECTION: New Orleans +3

New York Jets at Tennessee -3

The Jets will struggle this year and start in Tennessee. This is probably the worst game of the day and I have to watch it since I live in New York. Honestly, both teams suck, but I stick with the home team.

NATIONAL TEAM: Tennessee -3

Philadelphia in Houston + 4

One of these teams is going up and the other is going down. As Donovan goes, the Eagles go, but he doesn’t do much against the Texans, who are starting to show signs of life. Years of high draft picks pay off.

SELECTION: Houston+4

Seattle in Detroit +6

The Seahawks are too difficult a team for the Lions to handle, although I think the Lions will be much better this year with a new training regimen. I’m not a big fan of taking points away from a visiting team, but I have to do it here.

SELECTION: Seattle-6

Chicago at Green Bay +3 1/2

The Pack just aren’t going to be very good this year, but I guess they always have a chance with Favre. In this game, they make the Bears look better than they really are.

SELECTION: Chicago -3 1/2

Dallas at Jacksonville -2 1/2

The Cowboys will be much better this year by fighting for the NFC East title. Some costly bugs will end up costing you the game. Leftwich shows why he made it to the first round.

PICK: Jacksonville -2 1/2

San Francisco in Arizona -7 1/2

The Cardinals will compete for the division this year, but giving more than a touchdown is too much. If Warner can keep his head straight, this could be one of the most explosive offenses in football this season. Things will start off slow in the first game though and I’ll stick with the slightly improved 49ers and the points.

SELECTION: San Francisco +7 1/2

Indianapolis at New York Giants +3

The Manning Bowl kicks off Sunday Night Football on NBC. The Colts are the better team, but I’m going with the Giants for the upset at the Meadowlands.

NATIONAL TEAM: New York Giants +3

Minnesota at Washington -4 1/2

This is not the way to start Monday Night Football on ESPN, and I’m glad they’re airing a second game this week. Although this might seem like a defensive struggle, the fact is that both offenses suck. The Redskins will likely be without Portis for at least a few weeks. I will go with the team getting some points.

NATIONAL TEAM: Minnesota +4 1/2

San Diego in Oakland +3

Both teams have new QBs, so there are a lot of unknowns here. LT takes over this game and runs for all the Raiders.

NATIONAL TEAM: San Diego-3

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