BY SAMIR NAWAZ – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
While you may be tired having had to stay up late last night, Peyton Manning’s destruction of the Ravens defence was one heck of a way for the NFL to announce its return for the 2013 season. And although you may be lamenting not being able to bet on the Broncos, I have five welcome back NFL picks for you in Week 1 (HOME TEAM IN CAPS).
PICK 1: Atlanta Falcons (+3) OVER SAINTS
Although Atlanta’s latest playoff flame-out is probably still resonating with some, the regular season is back and Atlanta is a stellar regular season team. Not only that, but they have an upgraded running game, an incredible passing offense against the Saints weak defense, and a much better defense overall than the Saints. Even if the Saints eke out a win against the Falcons in the wake of the Sean Payton-Drew Brees reunion, it is doubtful that it will be by more than three points.
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PICK 2: Raiders (+10.5) OVER COLTS
Look, I love the Andrew Luck Colts. I still maintain he should have gotten some MVP consideration for how he turned around the Colts and took them to the playoffs last year. However, while the Raiders are bad (and they are really bad), this is the kind of game that the Raiders always seem competitive in until the end. Do I think they will win? No, but I do they think will do enough with a fleetingly healthy RunDMc (aka Darren McFadden) to cover the spread.
BRONZE PICK: Cardinals (+4.5) OVER RAMS
Even after an entire preseason and looking over their roster just now, I cannot for the life of me understand how the Rams will put up points this season. Unless Jared Cook suddenly were to become Antonio Gates 2.0, this Rams team will struggle to put up 12 points a week. Arizona on the other hand should be much improved this year. The new Carson Palmer to Larry Fitzgerald combo this year could be very potent. There is nothing to look forward to this season on the Rams, except maybe the slim chance that Isaiah Pead somehow emerges into the new franchise running back with the departure of Steven Jackson.
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SILVER PICK: Eagles (+3.5) OVER WASHINGTON
I know the press loves him, but I am still not sold on the RG3 hype. I have said it once and I will say it again, never trust a mobile/read option quarterback. Not only do they always get hurt and have suspect passing skills, but in the 13 plus seasons since the mobile/read-option quarterback has become the fad, not a single one has ever won a Super Bowl. Until the drop back/statue quarterbacks show any kind of limitations when it comes to winning Super Bowls, never drink the Kool-Aid. Add to the fact that RG3 is still unproven after his injury and that the Eagles should be much improved under Chip Kelly, I cannot see how Washington beats the Eagles by four or more. Be smart, take the points.
GOLD PICK: NY Giants (+3.5) OVER COWBOYS
I love the Cowboys and consider myself to be a die-hard Cowboys fan. However, after watching too many games in the Tony Romo era I can tell you with a chest full of sadness that there is no way the Cowboys beat any .500 team by four points. Especially in a game they are favoured to win. I do not use the expression “bet the house” very often, but if you have a house you should promptly take the points and slap it down on the Giants. The Cowboys still have too many question marks along their offensive line and within their safety positions. Although Tony Romo will once again put up fantastic numbers, either he or some other Cowboy will commit a terrible error which will cost Dallas this game. However, should Dallas give me an early Christmas present and manage to win the game on a late score, you can be sure that it will not be enough to cover the spread.