Aengus Moorehead NFL Football Week 1 Free Picks
Sunday, September 12, 2010
by Aengus Moorehead
- Carolina at NY Giants (-6.5)
The Panthers offense didn't score a touchdown in four preseason games, leaving nowhere to go but up as QB Matt Moore takes over for jettisoned Jake Delhomme. The passing game was a major point of emphasis in Carolina but produced few results. The Giants concentrated on upgrading a shabby 2009 pass defense, signing safeties Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant and getting a return to health of safety Kenny Phillips. The DeAngelo Williams-Jonathan Stewart dynamic rushing duo dominated the Giants in recent years and could do so again.
The Giants expect and need Eli Manning to out-play Moore and to make plays on the outside with Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. This is the first regular-season game at New Meadowlands Stadium and the Giants want payback from a year ago, when the Panthers in the last Giants home game at Giants Stadium ruined the farewell with a resounding 41-9 crushing. Take Giants.
- Detroit at Chicago (-6.5)
The Bears' special teams tend to come up with a play or two to turn a close game in their favor. Although they struggled in preseason when using inexperienced players, the core again looks to be the team's greatest strength, especially on returns. Whether Johnny Knox or Devin Hester, return units always seem to come up big against Detroit. Also, the Bears should deliver a knockout blow with backs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor as receivers, particularly on screen passes against a hard-charging Lions front four backed by a suspect group of linebackers and patchwork secondary. Take Bears
- Indianapolis at Houston (+2.5)
The Colts lead this AFC South series 15-1, including a six-game winning streak. The Texans' only victory came in 2006 at Reliant Stadium. The Texans have lost blowouts and suffered three-point defeats. In close games, the Texans find ways to lose turnovers, missed field goals and mental mistakes. They don't make the big play to win. The Colts don't panic, no matter what their predicament. Peyton Manning won't let them.
It's the Colts' offense more than their defense that produces in the clutch more often against the Texans. Receiver Reggie Wayne, tight end Dallas Clark and running back Joseph Addai have a knack for making big plays when they're needed the most. Take Colts.
- Atlanta at Pittsburgh (+2.5)
The Steelers have been preparing all offseason for the loss of Roethlisberger, hoping their running game and defense can carry the load during his absence. The defense must play better than it did in 2009 and, in particular, the secondary will have to prevent QB Matt Ryan from making big plays to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. If they can do that, they should be able to control the Falcons' running game well enough to not have to play catch-up. However, without a legitimate QB at the helm for the Steelers, the offense won’t make enough waves to overtake the Falcons. Take Falcons.
- Oakland at Tennessee (-6.5)
The Titans waited too long to get RB Chris Johnson going in '09. By the time they really leaned on the NFL's biggest playmaker, it was too late. The coaches won't waste any time this year, and the regular-season opener gives the Titans a good chance to get him out of the gates quickly. Johnson will get his yards, but his presence will make QB Vince Young even more dangerous. On the defensive side of the ball, an improved pass rush will spark the Titans' defense and frustrate Raider QB Jason Campbell. Take Titans.
- Cleveland at Tampa Bay (-2.5)
If you're a fan of home remodeling or makeover shows, this game should appeal to you. Both teams are in rebuilding projects and this one should tell us who's further along. Attention will be paid to the key offensive players, but look for defense to decide this game. The Bucs and Browns were 27th and 31st overall, respectively, last season, so the winner will likely be the team that made the biggest improvement on that side of the ball. I like the home team in this caper. Take Buccaneers.
- Cincinnati at New England (-4.5)
The Patriots take the field with a depleted secondary and thin defensive line facing an offense that may explode in the right opportunity. This could be it. Don't be surprised if this turns into a shootout. But the Pats have an offense of their own, one that is more physical and more diverse than in years past. With their new-found love of running the ball and getting it to the tight ends in the red zone, they can hang around, too. That said, the game is played at home, which favors the Patriots. If Tom Brady does, as expected, enter the field with a new contract extension in hand, he'll have a little extra incentive to perform. Take Patriots.
- San Francisco at Seattle (+2.5)
Seattle drafted LT Russell Okung to be the left tackle of its future, and he will be. Just not this week. Okung's ankle injury will keep him out. Not only that but Seattle is staring into the teeth of a 49ers team whose strength is its defensive front seven. Justin Smith, Manny Lawson and Aubrayo Franklin could wreak havoc on a Seattle team whose offensive line looks like the weak link in the team yet again. Take 49ers.
- Green Bay at Philadelphia (+2.5)
The Green Bay offense -- especially Aaron Rodgers -- was a thing of beauty in preseason. The opposite could be said about the Eagles' offense, which never developed a good rhythm. But the preseason doesn't count, so expect this matchup to be a battle of prolific offenses, and don't be surprised if each team puts up at least three touchdowns.
The defense that comes up the most third-down stops and forces the most turnovers is likely to determine the outcome. The Eagles' defense is much improved from late '09, but stopping the great Packers offense sounds like a bit too much to ask in Week 1. Take Packers.
- Arizona at St-Louis (+3.5)
From the outside, it appears to have been a tumultuous preseason in Arizona, considering the quick demise of QB Matt Leinart. It may take a while for the Cardinals to find their offensive equilibrium without Kurt Warner under center. In addition, the Cardinals also must adjust to the offseason departures of WR Anquan Boldin, LB Karlos Dansby and S Antrel Rolle. Those are all significant losses. As for the Rams, they actually have a little confidence, especially offensively after scoring 63 points in their final two preseason games. So playing at home in the Edward Jones Dome, this could be one the Rams steal. Take Rams.
- San Diego at Kansas City (+4.5)
Season openers are usually difficult to assess, and this one is particularly so because each team has many new parts. The Chargers suffered some offseason losses but have enough experience and talent to win in what could be a difficult Monday night venue. Much depends on Philip Rivers and his ability to pull all the new parts together. The Chiefs are a more dangerous team offensively, even if they were inconsistent during preseason. On defense, they're more talented and experienced than they were a year ago but could have trouble against a quarterback like Rivers. Take Chargers.
Related Articles
- Super Bowl Pick: New England To Seek Revenge Against New York
- NFL Prediction: Can Washington Redskins Dash NY Giants' Playoff Dream?
- Sunday Wild Card Prediction: Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants
- NFL Football Prediction: Atlanta Falcons Visit Surging NY Giants
- 2012 Wild Card Prediction: Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants
Category
Tags
anquan boldin - antrel rolle - chester taylor - chris johnson - deon grant - edward jones dome - eli manning - giants stadium - jake delhomme - jason campbell
