Week one in the NFL is finally upon us, so who is going to win? Well, realistically none of know. We all like to take a guess, so Charles and I will give it a shot each week. We will each give you our picks for each game every week and a small explanation supporting our choice. We will also keep a tally of who picked the most games correctly. Feel free to add your Pick’Ems in the comments below!
*Line number courtesy of CBSsports.com
** Our picks aren’t based on the Line numbers. We have added them for you gambling addicts that are interested. Get some help...
Thursday Night
Steelers @ Patriots
Final: Steelers 21, Patriots 28.
Zach: N/A
Chaz: N/A
Zach: We weren’t up and running for the blog for this game, but if I had picked I would have taken the Steelers simply because I didn’t want the Pats to win. Obviously the Pats have the better offense versus a woeful Steelers defense, and maybe the Steelers would have faired better with Bryant and Bell.
Sunday Day
Colts @ Bills
Line: +2.5 Bills
Zach: Colts
Chaz: Colts
Zach: The Colts defense is trash, like a dumpster fire inside of a volcano with Vontae Davis trying to save it. Nevertheless, the Bills quarterback situation is even worse off. I don’t think Shady McCoy can run for more points than Luck & Co. can put up.
Chaz: I don’t think Buffalo is at all what people think they are. Their quarterback situation is embarassing, their offensive line is even worse, and their secondary is questionable. Sammy Watkins is a fantastic player, but Percy Harvin is a cancer that has never proven anything to us. I think the Colts defense is severely underrated. I think their pass defense could be pretty good this year, and Robert Mathis, though a dinosaur, could give their pass rush a spark if he does play.
Browns @ Jets
Line: -3.5 Jets
Zach: Jets
Chaz: Jets
Zach: As much as I’d love Manziel to come out and go to town on the Jets defense (is Maziel even playing?), that is never going to happen. The Browns have the saddest skill position players in the league, but they do have a pretty stout defense. I think the Jets win in a low scoring defensive game.
Chaz: The Browns are another team with an overrated defense. They have solid safeties, but they are not good enough to impact the game, their linebackers are full of “should have beens”, Shelton is a great player, and after Joe Haden their corners are pretty bad. Their number two corner last year is now the Jets number three.
Panthers @ Jaguars
Line: +3.5 Jaguars
Zach: Jaguars
Chaz: Panthers
Zach: I love Cam Newton, but he is that offense. All you have to do to stop them is crowd the box and double cover Greg Olsen. On the other side of the ball I like the exciting youth movement on the offensive side for the Jags. The Jags also have a solid defense with some young talent. Look for the Jags to win a low scoring game if Bortles can hang on to the ball.
Chaz: The Panthers offensive line is almost as bad as it gets, and their receivers are almost as bad, but that doesn’t mean they can't produce. I really like Funchess and I think he’s really similar to Benjamin. Olsen is a superstar for that team. If they were playing most other teams, I wouldn’t pick them, but the Jaguars are woeful and I really don’t think theres end in sight.
Packers @ Bears
Line: +6.5 Bears
Zach: Packers
Chaz: Packers
Zach: I don’t care if all of the Packers receivers are zombies, they will still have a great game against the Bears defense. The Bears offense isn’t great either with Cutler at the helm, an aging Matt Forte, banged up Alshon Jeffery, and Bennett. Packers get an easy one in the Windy City.
Chaz:I refuse to put a long analysis of this game, Bears are awful. Packers are great.
Chiefs @ Texans
Line: -1.5 Texans
Zach: Chiefs
Chaz: Chiefs
Zach: The Chiefs defense is one of the best in the league, especially now that Eric Berry is back in the lineup. I think it is a fight to the death between the Texans defense and the Chiefs offense in which the Chiefs slightly win out. I won’t have much faith in the Texans offense until whoever the quarterback is proves himself.
Chaz: I think the Chiefs are a top 5 team in this league. Once Sean Smith is back, that secondary is dangerous and pair that with the pass rush,it’s lights out. Alex Smith has a new weapon in Maclin. If Maclin serves any purpose, he at least draws defenders out of the box to give Charles some room. Chiefs are going to dominate this one. Hoyer isn’t good enough, neither is Mallet, the Bill is still out on Hopkins, and the defense needs to do more than be JJ Watt. #willclowneysurvive
Dolphins @ Washington (We don’t use the R word here)
Line: +3.5 Washington
Zach: Dolphins
Chaz: Fins
Zach: I’m not trying to be a Dolphins homer here, but boy should they not win by at least ten points I would be surprised. Miami’s front four with the addition of Suh is terrifying, and their offense has the pieces to have a successful season Ryan Tannehill. Washington on the other hand is greater than or equal to the Colts defensive dumpster fire, but as a whole franchise. DAN SNYDER, PLEASE SELL THIS TEAM AND GO BACK TO MORDOR.
Chaz: Suh and Wake will have wide open lanes on Captain Kirk all day. I’m a little unsure about this pick though, I stand by my belief that if the Skins line can hold up, they have the firepower to be as explosive as it gets. But I don’t think the line will hold up. I don’t buy into Tannehill very much, but I expect him to shred this defense.
Seahawks @ Rams
Line: +3.5 Rams
Zach: Seahawks
Chaz: Rams
Zach: I don’t think the Rams offense has enough weapons to challenge the Seahawks defense, but the Rams defense will keep it interesting. Russell Wilson will utilize his new weapon in Jimmy Graham a lot this season, and I believe he will be featured heavily this week. BeastMode will also have a good week if he can get into the second level.
Chaz: Woah, woah, woah. No, i'm not crazy. The Rams usually put up a good fight, and Foles is a guy that can sling. Their line is subpar, but fisher has a way of making is lines serviceable. Without Chancellor, a legitimate safety, I think the Seahawks are in rough shape. I still think they’ll win the division, I'm just not so sure about this game. The Rams have the firepower to unload the ball underneath and really attack the middle of the field, I expect Cook to play a big part in this game. I think Russell Wilson and Jimmy Graham have a great game, but then what? Marshawn Lynch is going to have some trouble getting going against this front seven.
Lions @ Chargers
Line: -2.5 Chargers
Zach: Chargers
Chaz: Lions
Zach: The Chargers are always a contender for a Wild Card spot, but the road there is so painful every year. They have the talent on offense and defense, but they’re never clicking as one. The Lions defense won’t be the same without Suh and Fairley, and I hope Melvin Gordon can take advantage of it. Megatron and Golden Tate will challenge the Chargers secondary. Also Eric Weddle has a sweet beard.
Chaz: The key to this Lions offense is Ebron. If he can pan out, that is a terrifying offense, Megatron, Tate, Ebron, and Abdullah are probably the fastest and most physically gifted group of players in the league. We’ve seen Stafford put up the numbers. Also, don't sleep on Lance Moore.
Saints @ Cardinals
Line: -2.5 Cardinals
Zach: Cardinals
Chaz: Saints
Zach: After their Super Bowl win the Saints window of opportunity slammed shut. I love Brandin Cooks and their running back stable, but Drew Brees is in for a rough year. On the other side of the ball the Saints defense has slightly improved, and will give the Cardinals offense a run for its money. I honestly think these teams are very evenly matched regardless of the Cardinals playoff birth last year. This could go either way, but I think the Cardinals defense is going to hold the Saints offense.
Chaz: Do i smell gumbo? No, I smell redemption. The Saints are in prime position to turn everything around. They got rid of Jimmy Graham, huge loss, but they quietly established a great team. Ingram and Spiller are two fantastic backs. Spiller could probably stay healthy this year and I can't imagine a better team to utilize his ability. Brandin Cooks is the guy. We knew going into the draft he would be the guy eventually, but they still have Colston, whose chemistry with Brees is impeccable. Don’t sleep on Josh Hill, and a Saints defense that’s now healthy and ready to go? Yeah, this team will do damage.
Ravens @ Broncos
Line: -4.5 Broncos
Zach: Ravens
Chaz: Broncos
Zach: This just feels like an AFC punch you in the mouth Ravens game. The Broncos offense is very talented, but I think the Ravens defense as the ability to run with them. The same goes for the other side of the ball for both teams. The Ravens will need to eat clock and score when it counts on offense, but they can get it done.
Chaz: This guy, am I right? Forsett? No, and Steve Smith is good, but then what? An average offensive line, and subpar defense as a whole? The Broncos are stacked. On paper, the Broncos are the best team to ever step on the field. Forget Peyton and Demaryius Thomas, CJ Anderson is going to make some noise in this offense, especially behind this line. The Broncos win this by at least 14.
Bengals @ Raiders
Line: +3.5 Raiders
Zach: Bengals
Chaz: Bengals
Zach: First off, it is a daytime game so the Red Rifle will be in good form. A.J. Green is also a happy camper after getting paid, so expect the Bengals to pass early and often on a subpar Raiders secondary. The Bengals will be successful passing if Khalil Mack doesn’t destroy Dalton. I like the connection of Derek Carr to Amari Cooper, but that is all this offense has (Rod Streeter is solid too). The Bengals defense might be surprised a few times on Sunday.
Chaz: Raiders are close, but not really. Carr had a GOOD season, looked like he could be the future, but no one that isn’t a Raiders fan saw enough to say “wow, he's definitely gonna be the guy”. Regardless, the Raiders just don't have the defense to slow down Cincy, this is the year Andy Dalton finally puts it together (knocks on wood).
Titans @ Buccaneers
Line: -3.5 Buccaneers
Zach: Buccaneers
Chaz: Buccaneers
Zach: Famous Jameis versus Mariota. If we were picking based off of who the better person is I would choose the Titans, but that isn’t the case. The Titans will have trouble handling the Bucs defense with their lack of running back and inconsistencies at receiver. Worst case for the Bucs is Jameis throwing jump balls to Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.
Chaz: Doug Martin is the key to this game, and my fantasy team. It will be interesting to see what Dick Lebeau can do, but the Titans are one of the most talent deficient teams in the league. Between Mike Evans and Martin, I think this could get ugly. Watch out for Sefarian-Jenkins to make a couple big plays up the seam, and his speed is deceiving. Jameis isn’t afraid to sling it.
Sunday Night
Giants @ Cowboys
Line: -5.5 Cowboys
Zach: Giants
Chaz: Giants
Zach: These NFC East games are always a toss-up. I believe the Giants have a good offensive mix to put some points up on the Cowboys defense (which does not have me convinced they are good). I think this will be another Eli versus Romo shootout.
Chaz: It was a tough call because Cruz is out, but the Cowboys just don't have much going on defense. OBJ could easily have another big game, and Randle is a fantastic #2. The Giants defense isn't anything to write home about, but I think they're a bit more competent than the Cowboys. As Zach said, likely and eli-romo shootout, and I'll say this ends with a Cooper Taylor pick.
Monday Night
Eagles @ Falcons
Line: +3.5 Falcons
Zach: Eagles
Chaz: Falcons
Zach: If Sam Bradford can have a healthy season the Eagles could be really good. They put up a ton of points in preseason, but that obviously means nothing. The Eagles also have a pretty solid front seven, which the Falcons struggled with when they played Miami in the preseason. Julio Jones going against Byron Maxwell could be an interesting matchup.
Chaz: How many points can two teams score in one game? The Eagles are a tricky team, but I trust Dan Quinn to scheme well against them and put his guys in the right position on defense. Though the Eagles added Byron Maxwell, there's something about Chip Kelly defenses that are just terrible.
Vikings @ 49ers
Line: +2.5 49ers
Zach: Vikings
Chaz: Vikings
Zach: Fantasy Tip: If you need a QB2 for your fantasy league grab Teddy Bridgewater. With Adrian Peterson back in the lineup teams will have to respect the play action which will open up receivers all over the field. The 49ers look to be in rebuild mode this season.
Chaz: I wanted to be that guy and pick the 49ers just because, but this Vikings team has too much potential. Johnson, Wallace, and Patterson out wide, Rudolph healthy and lined up, with Adrian Peterson in the backfield? That's not even fair. If these receivers and use their athleticism to take advantage of a doggish 49ers defense, this could get ugly. The Vikings line is in rough shape, but their front seven still has talent. I think this young Minnesota defense (seriously how many first round picks are on that D?) will grow up this year and we're going to see what it can do. Keep an eye on Shariff Floyd. Carlos Hyde could be in for a long day.
No comments:
Post a Comment