Photo Credited to Wikipedia User Keith Allison
Houston at Buffalo The Texans looked particularly good during week seven action, and Matt Schaub in a particular looks like the real deal. With Steve Slaton starting to look like last year’s version, the Texans may be one tough team to beat in November and December when it counts. The Buffalo Bills actually beat the Carolina Panthers though most would say that the Panthers beat themselves. This game will be a blowout in favor of the Texans.
Winner – Houston Texans
Cleveland at Chicago When you consider the fact that Cleveland could not beat my high school football team, it becomes rather clear that they will not defeat Chicago in Chicago.
Winner – Chicago Bears
Seattle at Dallas Finally last week Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys look like the team to beat in the NFC East. Unfortunately for them, it may be too little too late. On the bright side, the New York Giants have lost two in a row and are leaving the door open for both Dallas and Philadelphia. Wide receiver Miles Austin has come from absolutely nowhere to post two huge games in a row. One would think that the struggling Seahawks would have no chance. If Romo shows up like last week, this will be a huge blow out.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
St. Louis at Detroit One cannot help but laugh at this particular matchup. The Lions are going to win this one simply because they have more life on the roster. The only real chance the Rams have at winning is if Stephen Jackson runs for 200 plus yards. Do not be surprised if that actually happens, but I still say the Lions will win this game.
Winner – Detroit Lions
Denver at Baltimore Baltimore Ravens enter this game with their season hanging in the balance in many ways. A win against the undefeated Denver Broncos could re-energize the team and send them heading down a long winning streak. The Broncos seem to find a way to win every single week, so it is with some trepidation that I pick the Ravens.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
San Francisco at IndianapolisWhile San Francisco has made huge leaps and bounds and 2009, they have zero chance of stopping Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Miami at NY JetsIf Mark Sanchez can stop eating hotdogs long enough to see his wide receivers wide-open down the middle, the Jets are likely to walk out of the Meadowlands with another win. The Dolphins blew one of the biggest leads of the year last week against a high-powered New Orleans Saints team. This game will go to the Jets.
Winner – New York Jets
NY Giants at PhiladelphiaIn what should be a huge game in the NFC East, I expect that the New York Giants will come in and smack the Eagles around. Part of this is because the Eagles will be without Brian Westbrook, and part of it is because they have lost two in a row. The Giants always seem to come back strong after adversity.
Winner – New York Giants
Jacksonville at Tennessee While Tennessee is suffering through one of the worst NFL football seasons in their history, I still think that they are due for a breakout game. They have plenty of talent on both sides of the football and the Jacksonville Jaguars are very inconsistent. With the Titans a home, I am looking for a big upset.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Oakland at San DiegoThe Chargers win this going away.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Carolina at ArizonaThe Carolina Panthers head into this week a matchup against Arizona with a quarterback change looming. What many people outside of Carolina does not realize is that backup quarterback Matt Moore is capable of big things. Look for another shocker in Arizona.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Minnesota at Green BayHere we go with round 2. Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings won the first go around, but I expect that Green Bay will come back in a big way in this week 8 battle. Aaron Rodgers will finally shut up the critics in Green Bay for good.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
MON, NOV 2
Atlanta at New Orleanswhat is sure to be a very important game in determining the NFC South championship, the Saints will completely dominate the Falcons. The Falcons simply do not have the firepower to keep up with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Tiebreaker Score – Saints 42 Falcons 21
Week Seven Record – 10 – 3
Season Record – 65 – 38
What an NFL season we have going here. The Saints are no longer Aints, and the Broncos finally showed me in week six that they were for real. What a mixed up year. Still, it makes for great football every single week, and week seven should be no exception. Here are your free NFL picks for the NFL week seven of action:
Green Bay at Cleveland – Green Bay looked like world beaters in week six, but they were playing the Detroit Lions. It is a good thing they are facing Cleveland this week. The result should be similar as Cleveland just can not seem to get it together at all.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
San Diego at Kansas City – The Chargers totally bombed on Monday Night Football against the Broncos but it seems the Broncs have a way of doing that to teams. The Chiefs finally got a win last week, but will return to their losing ways against the Chargers. Especially the angry Chargers.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Indianapolis at St. Louis – The Rams have zero chance. Zero.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
Minnesota at Pittsburgh – This is easily the game of the week to most NFL fans, and it should be a doozie. It is not every day we see Brett Favre face Ben Roethilisberger. This should be fun, but I see the Vikings finally losing one. It will be at the last minute, but the Steelers steal a much needed win.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
New England at Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay has zero chance. Zero.
Winner – New England Patriots
San Francisco at Houston – This is another game that will be better than advertised. Schaub has been excellent this year, and the Niners struggled in their last outing. I think the Texans are just hot enough to take down the Niners this week.
Winner – Houston Texans
Buffalo at Carolina – Don’t look now but that Carolina running game is starting to rumble again. Just about this time last year, the Panthers did the same thing and ended up nearly taking home field advantage from the Giants in the NFC. The Bills are simply in the way. Just do not let Jake throw the ball, and the Panthers roll easily.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
NY Jets at Oakland – The Jets and Sanchez rebound in a big way. Nothing like having Oakland around to get back on the horse.
Winner – NY Jets
Atlanta at Dallas – The Cowboys have to win, and will for that reason only. The Romo watch continues though as he will struggle again against the Falcons rush.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Chicago at Cincinnati – The Bears will pull this one out but not without some serious fight from the Bengals. The Bengals and Bears might become an annual classic someday. It should be already. This will be a fun one.
Winner – Chicago Bears
New Orleans at Miami – I am smelling an upset here, but I think that if I pick against the Saints I might lose some readers here. If you are so inclined, feel free to take the Dolphins as they could very well upset the Saints at home. I still think the Saints will weather the storm though in all probability.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Arizona at NY Giants – The Cardinals are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Giants are angry.
Winner – NY Giants
MON, OCT 26
Philadelphia at Washington – See above. Add to this that the head coach is really not the head coach in Washington and they can not score. Philly better win or they might just be disowned when they go home.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Tiebreaker Score – Eagles 21 Redskins 3
Week Six Record – 8 – 6
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Pic Credited to Flickr User dbking
Houston at Cincinnati
This is going to be a really good game between two up and coming teams. I expect that the Bengals will have enough at home, but the Texans are unpredictable. This game is the only one that scares me this week. Still, I say the Bengals take the win.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit at Green Bay
The Lions are not last year’s Lions, and will give Green Bay a bit of a fight…for about a quarter. This one might get ugly with Calvin Johnson injured. Green Bay in a blowout here.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Baltimore at Minnesota
This is easily the game of the week. I expect that the Ravens will show up big time this week, but I do think that the Vikings will simply have too much firepower. In the end, it will be a close game but the Vikings will pull it out at home. This is the type of game where Favre’s experience will mean a win where as last year the Vikings would lose.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
NY Giants at New Orleans
The Saints are no joke folks. This offense and defense is for real and they will expose some of the Giants weaknesses. Still, the Giants will be right there in the end. It could go either way, but I think the Saints will pass their way to a win.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
The Steelers are going to win this one going away. Do not even think of taking those Brownies here.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Carolina at Tampa Bay
The Panthers win back to back games finally in 2009. They really need a break out game from DeAngelo, and this should be the game to do it. Also look for a big game from the Carolina pass rush. Last week they woke up big time with sack after sack against the Redskins in the win.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Kansas City at Washington
Now this is a stinker of a game huh? Redskins win just cause they are at home.
Winner – Washington Redskins
St. Louis at Jacksonville
See above. Still the Jags can actually score a touchdown….some weeks. This week they do…repeatedly.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona at Seattle
This game will be entertaining to say the least. Lots of scoring and lots of fun in the rainy city of Seattle. Fitzgerald will have a field day and the Cardinals will win by the skin of their teeth….er…beaks.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
Philadelphia at Oakland
The Eagles will win in a laugher here. Not much to say. Oakland is selling off the team already, so I don’t expect much except maybe a fight on their sideline at some point.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Tennessee at New England
The Pats will win this one as the Titans have completely fallen apart. One has to cheer for Vince Young, however, as he gets another chance to prove he can handle being an NFL quarterback. Not against the Patriots at home.
Winner – New England Patriots
Buffalo at NY Jets
The Jets have to feel horrible after the loss in Miami. The Bills are just what the doctor ordered.
Winner – NY Jets
Chicago at Atlanta
This game will be a huge one for the Bears. A night game that will give them the chance to prove they are contenders. I expect Jay Cutler to have a huge night as the Falcons struggle under the lights.
Winner – Chicago Bears
MON, OCT 19
Denver at San Diego
The Broncos finally drop a game against a Charger team that plays every other game like they are superstars. This week they are due for a great one.
Tie breaker score – Chargers 31 Broncos 21
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Week Five Record – 8 – 6
Season Record – 47 – 29
Well, I would love to say I told you so, but that might seem arrogant! Aw hell with it….. I told you so! For whatever reason, my picks always seem to get better once the bye weeks begin. I don’t know why, but it happens every year. The good news is, this will continue. Thanks for the patience from all my loyal readers. Climb on board, and enjoy this weeks free picks and predictions along with us! Here are my week five NFL picks and predictions!
Cleveland at Buffalo – This game is going to be more competitive than many thought it might be in weeks past. I do think that Buffalo will pull out the win simply because they are at home, and they have a little bit more offense than poor Cleveland. This should be fun to watch.
Winner – Buffalo Bills
Dallas at Kansas City – Dallas is in desperate need of not only a win, but a big game out of Romo. For whatever reason, this guy is falling apart. The Chiefs are just what the doctor ordered, but I think that Romo will struggle anyway.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota at St. Louis – Favre is looking like he might only really be 25, and as long as that holds up the Vikings will win. Against St. Louis, he could play like he is eighty and they will win.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Oakland at NY Giants – The NY Giants are not going to need much to overcome the Raiders. When is someone going to notice that J. Russell is not the answer at quarterback? The Giants will walk all over them in the Meadowlands.
Winner – NY Giants
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia – The Eagles are sure to enjoy this one, as the weeks get tougher soon. Will Michael Vick make any impact this week? Will McNabb be back? Tune in to find out. You will see a tail whipping regardless by the Eagles.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh at Detroit – This game is a trap game for the Steelers. They had better not come in here and think that the Lions are a pushover. They have some talent and can score. Mike Tomlin will not let that happen, so no worries in Steeler country.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington at Carolina – The Panthers have had their bye week and now face four teams they actually can beat. They simply have to win this game, and coming off the bye they will do just that. If not, then do not be surprised if the Fox chanters start screaming for his head again.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati at Baltimore – The Ravens are ticked. That is not good when you are talking about Ray Lewis and company. The Bengals just got them on a really bad week at home. They will be overwhelmed.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Atlanta at San Francisco – The Falcons are going in to face the shockingly good Niners. Can they take em? I say yes thanks to a very good game by Ryan. This is going to be one of the best games of the week that could go either way.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Jacksonville at Seattle – The Jaguars shocked everyone with the explosion last week against the Titans. This week, they will head into Seattle and deliver more of the same against a team that is hurting.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston at Arizona – This is a game where the team nobody expected from last year (Arizona) faces this year’s media darling (Houston). The Texans are for real and they get the chance to prove it this week.
Winner – Houston Texans
New England at Denver – This game is one that I was very tempted to take Denver. I am not simply because I can not see Brady losing to Kyle Orton on any planet. That can not happen….ever.
Winner – New England Patriots
Indianapolis at Tennessee – Another match up that should be great, but probably will be a laugher. The Titans are simply horrible lately, and nobody can seem to figure out why. (see carolina) The Colts take advantage.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
MON, OCT 12
NY Jets at Miami – The young Mark Sanchez on the big stage for the first time. How exciting is that? It will be really exciting for the Jets. Expect a big game for the young Sanchez who is used to the big stage from his USC days.
Winner – NY Jets
Tiebreaker – Jets 30 Dolphins 21
Week Four Record – 12-2
Season Record – 39-23
Don’t forget to check out my competition either. Nick Meyer’s NFL football picks.
Three weeks into the NFL football season and I am officially humbled. I have started the season about as good as a Brett Favre reunion in Green Bay. Still, I am not giving up. I am now entering the part of the season where I usually go on a long winning streak. The pattern has been this way for several seasons, so why change now? Week four is the week when everything changes for NFLpicksandpredictions.com. Mark my words. You will be glad you did. Here is the free week four NFL picks and predictions:
SUN, OCT 4
Detroit at Chicago
This game features two teams that are feeling pretty good about themselves. Chicago is riding high with Cutler getting comfortable, and Detroit because they got their first win in the last century this past week. The Bears will crash the party and send Detroit on another losing streak.
Winner – Bears
Cincinnati at Cleveland
The Bengals winning? What the blue blazes is going on here? At least the Browns are playing normally. (if you call what they have been doing playing, that is) The Bengals win this one going away.
Winner – Bengals
Seattle at Indianapolis
The Seahawks are hurting badly, and the Colts are among the worst possible teams for them to face right now. This one could get ugly.
Winner – Colts
NY Giants at Kansas City
The Giants will stomp all over the Chiefs. That is a given. The question is, can the Chiefs possibly get any worse?
Winner – Giants
Baltimore at New England
The Ravens will send notice to the Pats that their time is over in the AFC. Flacco is for real, and nobody doubts that. If Brady plays like he did last week, the Patriots will have no chance at all.
Winner – Ravens
Tampa Bay at Washington
Washington will look like supermen in defense of Zorn’s job. They better.
Winner – Redskins
Tennessee at Jacksonville
The Titans are really starting to make me look bad with my picks. They get one more vote of confidence and then I show them the door. Go Titans!
Winner – Titans
Oakland at Houston
The Raiders had a bad let down game against Denver and could be dangerous here. I think it is more likely that JRussell will self implode instead.
Winner – Texans
NY Jets at New Orleans
The game of the week by far, this one will come down to who has the better defense and who can score more points. The Saints will win the point battle, and barely hang in there on defense. Great game expected here.
Winner – Saints
Buffalo at Miami
The Dolphins reaaaalllllllyyyyy needed the Bills this week. Maybe they can right the ship with a new quarterback.
Winner – Dolphins
St. Louis at San Francisco
The Niners are a team that people had better watch out for. The Rams are a team that nobody even sees anymore. This one will be a blowout.
Winner – Niners
Dallas at Denver
Denver has slowly made me a believer. They are going to have a tough one here, but I think at home they will pull it out. I still am not sold on Orton though.
Winner – Broncos
San Diego at Pittsburgh
The Steelers are angry. Very angry. If this was in San Diego, I would go with the Chargers. At home, Pittsburgh will get back on track.
Winner – Steelers
MON, OCT 5
Green Bay at Minnesota
This is the football game everyone is waiting for. The coup de gras. The first time Favre faces his former team wearing the purple. What a game this is going to be. The Vikings have too much APeterson in the backfield. He will be the difference.
Winner – Vikings
Tiebreaker Score – Green Bay 21 Minnesota 28
Week Three Record – 9-7
Season Record – 27-21
Free 2009 NFL Week Three Picks and Predictions
Week three of great NFL action is already upon us and the week three picks and predictions have been percolating in my mind. I have tried to really get my brain around the fact that Brady was shown up, Peyton ruined my week two upset, and the Cincinnati Bengals are no longer, well….. terrible. Scary, huh? Week three is sure to bring a great deal more surprises. With two weeks in the bag, lets get on to the meat and potatoes of the NFL picks and prediction season. Here are the free week three NFL picks and predictions:
Washington at Detroit
The Redskins are having some major offensive problems this season. The Lions are scoring but simply not enough. While my brain is smelling a possible (gasp) Lion’s win, my gut is telling me that the Redskins will prevail in spite of their offensive problems. I always go with my gut.
Winner – Washington Redskins
Green Bay at St. Louis
The Rams nearly pulled one out last week in spite of the fact that they simply can not seem to score. The offense has gone from the greatest show on turf to watching paint dry in no time flat it seems. Green Bay is having no such problems in spite of the week two loss.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
San Francisco at Minnesota
Now this is a match up we can sink our teeth into. The Niners are for real in spite of what many think. I am shocked to be saying that, but Singletary has made all the difference there this season. The Vikings look every bit the Super Bowl contender that they hoped to be. Favre is not finished yet after all.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta at New England
The Patriots are going to be very mad, and that is bad news for a young upstart team like Atlanta. The Falcons are much better than years past, but they will get pounded against the Patriots.
Winner – New England Patriots
Tennessee at NY Jets
Will Sanchez have a rookie game? I am figuring on a possible let down game here for the Jets. The Titans are much better than their record indicates, and the Jets are playing way over their heads. Sooner or later, the bubble has to burst. I say it is this week against the Titans.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Kansas City at Philadelphia
The Chiefs simply do not have the firepower to stay with Philly in Philly.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
NY Giants at Tampa Bay
The Gmen will go into Tampa and destroy the Bucs. They seemed like a Super Bowl team against Dallas, in spite of the fact that they should have lost. Little Eli has certainly grown up.
Winner – NY Giants
Cleveland at Baltimore
Baltimore will dominate this one in a laugher. The Browns are really bad so far. Really bad.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Jacksonville at Houston
The Texans finally woke up from their slumber and laid a whipping on the Titans. Now they do the same to the Jaguars.
Winner – Houston Texans
New Orleans at Buffalo
Can anybody stop this offensive juggernaut? Not the Bills, that is for sure. Brees throws for 400+ again.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Chicago at Seattle
The Bears finally showed up against the Super Bowl Champion Steelers and look what happened. I expect they will ride that momentum against an ailing Seattle squad. Matt Hasselback is a must for them, and they will struggle with his rib injury.
Winner – Chicago Bears
Miami at San Diego
The Chargers finally get it all together in one game. They will have the best game of the season against the Fins, and will win going away. The Dolphins have some defensive issues right now that can not be ignored.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
The Steelers now must head into Bengal country to face an upstart squad that is playing like they have nothing to lose. They will have enough to get out of Cinci with a win.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver at Oakland
The Broncos surprised me in week two with a strong showing. The Raiders are the team that is surprising everyone. Expect the Raiders to continue to surprise and pick up a key win.
Winner – Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis at Arizona
The Colts keep on finding ways to win with Peyton pulling them out at the last minute. Arizona looked like the NFC champions finally last week. This game is a tough call, because you never know what you will get with Arizona. Because they are at home, I am going with the Cardinals.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
MON, SEP 28
Carolina at Dallas
This Monday night match up will give Dallas a second chance to win in primetime at the new stadium. While the Panthers have struggled, they looked like a whole new team last year. I think the Panthers begin to crawl out of their hole this week, and surprise the Cowboys in week three.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
Tiebreaker Score – Panthers 21 Cowboys 17
Week Two Record – 9-7
Season Record – 18-14
2009 Week Two Free NFL Picks and Predictions
Drew Brees Lights Up Week One (Photo Credited To Wikipedia Commons User Aquamelli)
SUN, SEP 20
Carolina at Atlanta
This game is one of those where you just don’t know which trend to trust. The Panthers have owned the Falcons in recent years, and they are coming off a poor performance. The Falcons are coming off a great week one performance. Also, history has shown that the Panthers show up after a loss usually. Still, Mattie Ice has shown that he is for real. As much as I hate to do it, Carolina is toast in this one.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Minnesota at Detroit
The Lions really showed up last week on the offensive side of the ball and they established the fact that they can score on an average New Orleans defense. The Vikings are not average. Adrian Peterson might run for 500 yds in this one.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
Cincinnati at Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers is no joke folks. This guy is for real. The game against Chicago was his growing up game, and he is loaded with confidence. At Green Bay, the Bengals have little chance of stopping their momentum after that fantastic win on Saturday night.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
Houston at Tennessee
The Texans are going to be a good team this year, but it appears they are going to do another late season show up party. This game will be ugly with the Titans still fuming over the week one loss to the Steelers.
Winner – Tennessee Titans
Oakland at Kansas City
The Raiders had some genuine moments on Monday night and showed that they are no pushover this season. The combination of McFadden and Bush looked awfully good. The Chiefs certainly played better than expected, but they will falter in this one.
Winner – Oakland Raiders
New England at NY Jets
Mark Sanchez really gets to find out what big time NFL football is all about. He will play well, but he will learn what a loss feels like against Brady and company.
New England Patriots
New Orleans at Philadelphia
This is a game that would be much more exciting with Mcnabb. The Saints are a juggernaut offensively, and the city of Brotherly Love will see that first hand. The Eagles are going to play well but lose in the final minutes.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
St. Louis at Washington
The Skins had better enjoy this one while they can. The Rams do not come to town every week you know.
Winner – Washington Redskins
Arizona at Jacksonville
The Jaguars are going to give the Cardinals fits, and part of that is because they are better against the pass than the majority of the Cardinal’s opponents. The Cardinals will start the year off 0-2 keeping in time with previous Super Bowl losers the year following.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
Tampa Bay at Buffalo
The Bills are much better than advertised. Edwards played fantastically and that is even before he and Owens get their timing right. Expect a huge night in Buffalo.
Winner – Buffalo Bills
Seattle at San Francisco
There is something about that win in Arizona that has me believing a little bit in the Niners. Mike Singletary has them really rolling as a team, and the talent level is there. Could this be the next Cardinals?
Winner – San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh at Chicago
This is going to be a showdown. The Bears are going to have some kind of struggle against the defending champs, but I see Cutler recovering a bit this week. The guy is too talented of a quarterback and he showed flashes of brilliance last week. With the Bears being at home, I see the Steelers losing a rare early season game.
Winner – Chicago Bears
Baltimore at San Diego
The Ravens are for real this year. They not only have that vaunted defense, but they also have a pretty darn good offense. The Chargers looked a bit frail in their week one win.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland at Denver
The Browns are going to hand it to the Broncos this week for one reason. Kyle Orton. The guy had one thing going for him in week one. Luck. That TD was completely luck.
Winner – Cleveland Browns
NY Giants at Dallas
The Giants look fantastic but so do the Boys. I am not a huge fan of the Cowboys, but I do think that they are set to return to prominence this year. This particular week, they take the early upper hand in the NFC East.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
MON, SEP 21
Indianapolis at Miami
This Monday night matchup is not a gimme for Peyton and the boys. I expect that at home the Dolphins will right the ship. Manning looked almost fallible in their week one struggle against Jacksonville, and the Dolphins are no joke on defense. This will be a fun one, but Indy loses in a close one.
Winner – Miami Dolphins
Tiebreaker – Miami 24 Indy 21
Week One Record – 9-7
Season Record – 9-7
In a move that some might call risky, the Detroit Lions are wasting no time throwing their number one draft pick into the lion’s den. Stafford will start the season as the number one man under center. First up for Stafford is the New Orleans Saints. Nice draw, rookie.
Stafford seems to have all the tools to be a top shelf NFL quarterback. The problem is, few NFL rookie quarterbacks actually perform well when thrown into the fire so quickly. The last couple of seasons have seen some exceptions to this rule however. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco come to mind from last year. But for every Ryan there is a Rick Mirer in the history of the NFL.
Stafford has looked pretty darn sharp in preseason play. He is not without any weapons by any means. Calvin Johnson is about as good as it gets at the wide out position, and the Lions are vastly improved along the offensive line. (though they were terrible and only got better)
The Lions are going to struggle at some point. That much is a given. How will Stafford, and the Lion’s fans handle that struggle? That is the real question here. The rookie will have to grow a very short memory to find his way in the rough and tumble NFC.
The Saints are actually a pretty good first match up for Stafford. He should be facing plenty of points against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Drew Brees will put up some points for sure. Given this, Stafford should be throwing the ball alot.
It will be interesting to see if the Lions will attempt to bring along Stafford like the Falcons did with Ryan, and the Ravens did with Flacco. It is unlikely, because they do not have the horses at running back that the Falcons had, and they do not have the defense that the Ravens had. Stafford will have to throw the football and often. That much is certain.
In a world where NFL football fans turn on you in a flash, Stafford really needs to have a good performance on Sunday. Win or lose, if he performs well the Lion’s fans will rally around him. That will do wonders for his state of mind, and that is half the battle on a field of warriors. If he believes in himself, he has the tools to do well.
Matthew Stafford has made the ultimate jump. College starter to NFL starter in one year is a huge deal. Hopefully, he will not be overwhelmed and relegated to the trash heap of former number one quarterbacks that never made the cut.
2009 Week One Free NFL Picks and Predictions
Finally the dress rehearsals are over. Week One of NFL football is upon us. No more Sunday afternoon wishing, and no more guessing about who is good and bad. This week we will begin to find out which NFL teams are for real, and which NFL teams are just playing for a draft pick. We welcome you to NFL picks and predictions if you are a new visitor, and we hope you will sign up for our weekly NFL picks. We have a long and storied history of success, and this year will be no different. Without further ado, here are the Free 2009 NFL Week One Picks and Predictions:
THU, SEP 10
2009 Week One NFL Matchup – Tennessee at Pittsburgh
What a heavy weight matchup to have at this time of year. Every season we see what might be a preview of a conference final in week one, and this certainly qualifies. Both teams have their share of supporters for a Super Bowl visit, and both are highly talented. The difference here is that Pittsburgh is at home. Big Ben and the boys will be riding high after this Thursday night match up. A week one loss for the Titans is nothing to worry about. They will make it back soon enough.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
SUN, SEP 13
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Miami at Atlanta
This game highlights two teams who have spent a great deal of time proving others wrong during the last year. The Dolphins came from nowhere to win the division from the Patriots (albeit with Brady hurt) and the Falcons turned a team led by a rookie quarterback into a winner. They are both in position to continue their improvement, but Atlanta seems more ready to me. With the addition of Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons are an offensive juggernaut. I expect the wildcat will give them some fits here and there, but they will win at home in the end.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Denver at Cincinnati
The Denver Broncos have been in major turmoil this past off season. The loss of Jay Cutler and the controversy surrounding Brandon Marshall have left the squad in a mess. With Cincinnati, it is all about second chances (sometimes third, fourth, and fifth as well). Carson Palmer, Ochocinco, and Mr. trouble Chris Henry are all trying to make a comeback of sorts. Palmer is back after injuries yet again. Ocho is trying to prove he is still an elite receiver (and kicker?) and Henry is trying to prove he can still play at this level without getting into trouble. Henry has been incredibly impressive this preseason, and the Bengals are excited. With that, I am picking an upset this week for this game. The Bengals will get off to a great start at home.
Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Minnesota at Cleveland
The Brett Favre era begins….This game will get a lot of press and rightfully so. The problem is that the game will not be decided by Brett Favre. The game will be decided by Adrian Peterson and that Vikings defense. This one should be ugly, though Cleveland might put up a fight. I think the biggest mistake they made in Cleveland this season is waiting so long to name the quarterback for their team. The Browns could have really used a month of playing with the same quarterback for continuity. We will see where that leads them. This week it will be a loss, but I think Cleveland will show improvements this season over all.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Jacksonville at Indianapolis
The Jaguars had a really odd preseason looking great in one week and terrible in another. The Colts are in a bit of a mixed up season as well without the leadership of long time coach Dungy. Expect that the Colts will get better at home, and quickly with Manning leading the way.
Winner – Indianapolis Colts
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Detroit at New Orleans
This game is one that is fascinating on several fronts. For one, the Lions are trying to break one heck of a losing streak, and have some peices in place that might just do it. Second, the Saints are in dire need of getting off to a hot start playing in the up and coming NFC South. They can ill afford to get behind early like the last couple of seasons. Carolina and Atlanta are far too good for that. This game will be won by the Saints with Drew Brees passing for over 300 yards at a minimum.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Dallas at Tampa Bay
Dallas really needs to win this opening match up against the Bucs. They are entering a win or else year for head coach Wade Phillips regardless of what Jerry Jones says publicly. This game will be a very interesting mix of running backs. For Dallas you have the three headed monster of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice. For the Bucs you have former Giant Derrick Ward. You might be surprised who actually wins the match up. Upset alert right here.
Winner – Tampa Bay Bucs
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Philadelphia at Carolina
This game is a very tough call. Philly looks awfully strong, and the Panthers have not lost at home in over a year. The Panthers also have not unveiled even a little of that rushing attack from a year ago due to Stewart being out with injuries. He is back now and fully healed, and that is bad news for the rest of the NFL. Throw in the electric Mike Goodson and you have a rushing attack that is second to nobody. I give the Panthers the win due to being at home, a superior running attack, and DeAngelo Williams being healthy.
Winner – Carolina Panthers
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Kansas City at Baltimore
This game will be ugly from start to finish. The Chiefs have no chance whatsoever to penetrate the Ravens D. This game will be a blowout.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - NY Jets at Houston
Quietly, the Houston Texans have built one hell of a football team. They won regularly last year at the end of the season, and they look ready to continue that trend. The Jets have hot shot new quarterback Mark Sanchez and little else. I expect that the Texans will win this one due to a more balanced attack but I expect big things from Sanchez. He has that look of a future NFL star.
Winner – Houston Texans
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Washington at NY Giants
You got to love the NFC East. The Giants and the Redskins. This is what Sunday afternoon football is all about. Unfortunately this season, the Giants are much more ready to win than the Redskins. The Skins will put up a fight as always in these matchups, but the Giants will win this one going away.
Winner – NY Giants
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - San Francisco at Arizona
Too much airpower in play here for Arizona. The Cardinals will win this one in a laugher.
Winner – Arizona Cardinals
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - St. Louis at Seattle
Now this is the real NFC West match up this week. The Rams are not as bad as some might have you think, and the Seahawks are sporting new players all over the field. It seems that the Rams drew a pretty good matchup this week and will get out with a win to start their rebuilding season. The Seahawks will have all kinds of trouble with Steven Jackson.
Winner – St Louis Rams
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Chicago at Green Bay
The best game of the week will be played in Green Bay. This game is going to be a slobberknocker of all time proportions. In case you did not notice, Aaron Rodgers has become a pretty fine NFL quarterback in spite of the naysayers. Jay Cutler will get to enter the NFC with a bang with this one. How would you like this to be your first game with a new team? Cutler will shine brightly this first week, and it could be the start of a huge year in Chicago.
Winner – Chicago Bears
MON, SEP 14
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - Buffalo at New England
New England is about to explode. Look out below in Buffalo.
Winner : New England
Tiebreaker Score: New England 32 Buffalo 14
2009 Week One NFL Matchup - San Diego at Oakland
The Chargers are ready to break out this season as they finally have all their parts in place. The Raiders are close, but not their yet. Expect the Chargers to win this one, but in a much closer game than you would expect.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Tiebreaker Score – San Diego Chargers 28 Oakland Raiders 17
Season Record – 0-0
Week Two NFL Picks and Predictions – Free NFL Picks
The 2009 NFL preseason is off and running and things are beginning to get interesting. Unfortuantely, my week one NFL preseason predictions were a mediocre 9-8. Call it rust, or call it the unpredicatable nature of NFL preseason picking. Whatever the case, I am just getting warmed up. Things will get better. Without further ado, lets get into the week two NFL preseason predictions and get on with the football:
THUR, AUG 20
Cincinnati at New England - This game is one that should really be a scoring fest. I expect that the Bengals are going to continue to try to see if Palmer is truly ready, and they might give him a few extra snaps. The Pats are feeling awfully good about Brady and the offense after that first week. Preseason or regular season, this one is New England all the way.
Winner – New England Patriots
Philadelphia at Indianapolis - The Eagles now have Michael Vick on board, and they surely will be tempted to sneak him in a time or two to see what he might have. That would likely be a mistake, as he barely has taken a snap in practice. The Colts are trying to figure out why they stunk so bad last week. The Eagles will win this one.
Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
FRI, AUG 21
Tennessee at Dallas – The Cowboys looked about as bad as a team can look in the preseason last week, and this week I expect them to bounce back. The Titans have been great in the preseason, but they will lose in Big D.
Winner – Dallas Cowboys
Atlanta at St. Louis – Could things get any worse for Marc Bulger and the Rams? First they lose Donnie Avery, and now they lose Marc Bulger. Atlanta will take advantage in this NFL matchup.
Winner – Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City at Minnesota - The Chiefs are going up agains the Minnesota Favres? Vikings, I mean. Brett Favre in Minnesota has the whole NFL shook up. I think it might be a big mistake in the long run. We will see. The Vikings win this one going away, however.
Winner – Minnesota Vikings
SAT, AUG 22
Detroit at Cleveland – Detroit actually looks like a team that is turning the corner. Of course when you lose every game, that corner is not hard to reach. They will steal a win against a team that is having a major identity crisis at the moment.
Winner – Detroit Lions
Carolina at Miami – The Panthers looked horrid against the Giants, but the second teamers performed well. Miami looked fairly solid. I expect that the Dolphins will run their way to a win with the Panthers sitting all their stars.
Winner – Miami Dolphins
Pittsburgh at Washington - The Steelers are serious contenders this year, and the Redskins look pretty bad on paper. The formula will hold true for this game at least.
Winner – Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville – The Jaguars are going to struggle a bit this year, but it wont be because of their defense. Look for some serious excitement out of the Jags on D. This game in particular.
Winner – Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans at Houston – The Saints will go marching all over the Texans in this NFL Preseason matchup. It will be ugly.
Winner – New Orleans Saints
Buffalo at Green Bay – Buffalo has had their fair share of games having played two already and both games were a bit of a disappointment. Green Bay has to be ticked off about the whole Favre thing. They will take it out on Buffalo.
Winner – Green Bay Packers
NY Giants at Chicago – Chicago is excited about seeing how they stack up against the Giants. I think that if Jay Cutler just throws the ball and keeps his mouth shut, they will look pretty good. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening after the Giant’s pass rush is all over him.
Winner – NY Giants
Oakland at San Francisco – The Raiders might just win this one if they can keep their fists out of each other’s faces.
Winner – Oakland Raiders
San Diego at Arizona – The Chargers and the Cardinals are certainly going to be a fun game to watch. The Chargers have so many weapons, and the Cardinals have the ultimate weapons on offense. Don’t expect a lot of defense, folks.
Winner – San Diego Chargers
Denver at Seattle – The Broncos are really struggling as expected given the loss of all pro quarterback Jay Cutler, and they are still taking baby steps. The Seahawks are going strong now that Matt is back full strength. This one will be a blowout.
Winner – Seattle Seahawks
MON, AUG 24
NY Jets at Baltimore – The Jets will put on a nice show with their new quarterback Mark Sanchez. Will he be able to look so good against that Raven’s defense though? I don’t think so. Not yet.
Winner – Baltimore Ravens
