For those of you who are reading, I would like it to be known that before I took the keys to this very blog, I was the co-creator and co-writer of one of the best and unheard of sports blogs in the nation, The Manchise. We covered everything from Olympic Curling to NFL spreads and lord knows I miss writing for a fan base that included my mother, and well, that’s about it.
So I was thinking, why not continue that tradition.
So without further adieu, here is my first NFL spread preview of the year.
(Note: Gambling on Sports is illegal, but seeing that they put these spreads in newspapers, why not go through them, right?)
Starting with tonight’s game:
Vikings (+5) at Saints (-5):Take the Saints. Favre has nobody to throw to, AD fumbled “all day” in their last match-up, and frankly, I cannot recall the last time the Super Bowl winners lost their first game the next season.
Panthers (+6.5) at Giants (-6.5): This game is somewhat ugly. Sure Eli Manning can sling the ball around, but his offensive line has gotten worse, and Brandon Jacobs is about as good as a swimsuit in the December cold. Matt Moore has proved to be an adequate fill in for the expendable Jake Delhomme, and the two headed monster at running back for the Panthers should have another great season. I’m taking the Panthers.
Dolphins (-3) at Bills (+3):Dolphins, Dolphins, Dolphins. I don’t care if Miami was running out a one-legged Chad Henne, and a fully baked Ricky Williams; the Bills are that bad. Mark me down for the Dolphins to cover.
Falcons (-2) at Steelers (+2):Another weird game. Matt Ryan last year was average (sophomore season) at best, and Michael Turner didn’t take the leap everyone thought they would. BUT, the Steelers are missing their horny starting quarterback, and starting an untested back-up. But I feel like the pieces around Dennis Dixon are strong enough to help the Steelers cover.
Lions (+6.5) at Bears (-6.5):This hurts me. Actually, every time I see the Bears favored for the rest of the season, will in fact hurt me. I mean when I see polish sausage, Ditka-type mustaches, and old school Walter Payton jerseys I get a little teary eyed. But, the Bears suck. I’m sorry. Mike Martz is a joke, Jay Cutler has no time to make a pass, and Chicago’s offensive line is full of “Sally’s”. Add in the Lions pass happy offense, and the Bears abominable secondary, and I think the Lions will cover. (God I hope my reverse jinx works…..)
Bengals (+4.5) at Patriots (-4.5): Am I crazy for wanting to believe in a team that features two VH1 reality stars, and a quarterback that is more “Hot and Cold” than Katy Perry? Perhaps yes. I like the Bengals.
Browns (+3) at Buccaneers (-3):I think Josh Freeman is an adequate quarterback, and I think Tampa has some decent young weapons. But I think the Browns do as well. I’m going with the Browns and the “Ol’ Interceptor” himself, Jake Delhomme.
Broncos (+2.5) at Jaguars (-2.5): MJD. Enough said.
Colts (-2) at Texans (+2): Until the Texans beat the Colts (1-15 all time), I will always bet my money on Peyton Manning and that “Big Gun” offense.
Raiders (+6) at Titans (-6): Until the Raiders beat anyone (5-11 last year), I will always bet my money on their opponent. But with that said I do like Jason Campbell, but he is still playing for Al Davis.
Packers (-3) at Eagles (+3):The Packers have been the most talked about team all pre-season. Aaron Rodgers looks like a Top-5 quarterback, and the guys around him are just as good. Their defense is still some what questionable, but I’d rather put my money on the Pack, then a Donovan McNabb-less Eagles.
49ers (-3) at Seahawks (+3): Good Luck this season Pete Carroll, you are going to need it.
Cardinals (-4) at Rams (+4):Who really wants to put anything on this match-up? Not me, but with my pretend Monopoly money, I think I’m putting it on the Rams.
Cowboys (-3.5) at Redskins (+3.5): Would you rather have Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Miles Austin, and a mix of Marion Barber and Felix Jones, or Donovan McNabb’s bad ankle, Clinton Portis’ corpse, the soul of Larry Johnson, and Santana Moss? How ’bout dem Cowboys!
Ravens (+2.5) at Jets (-2.5): Here are two possible Super Bowl teams. While the Jets just sured up their defense with the signing of Darelle Revis, the key is Mark Sanchez and his maturity from last year. The Ravens defense might be the weak link for once in a long time. The acquisition of Anquan Boldin gives Joe Flacco another toy to play with, and Ray Rice is a top back. Give me the Ravens to not only cover, but win.
Chargers (-4.5) at Chiefs (+4.5): (In my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice) Go Chargers!
Enjoy the first week of the NFL folks!
As always On Iowa, and Go Hawks!