NFL Week 1 Predictions

Denver (-4) at St. Louis: Jake Plummer self-destructed in the AFC Championship
Game last season, then the Broncos let Mike Anderson leave via free agency.
Conversely, the Rams are healthy and under new management, and they're getting
points at home. That works.
Prediction: St. Louis 27 Denver 17

New York Jets at Tennessee (-2 1/2): Look at it this way -- at least the worst
game of the year will be over by 4 p.m. ET on Week 1. Truth of the matter is
that the Titans covered 6-of-8 home games last season, while the Jets were
only 1-7 ATS on the road.
Prediction: Tennesse 20 New York Jets 10

Buffalo at New England (-9 1/2): If it wasn't for their division-mate Jets,
the Bills might be the worst team in the AFC. Whether its Kelly Holcomb or
J.P. Losman throwing passes, it shouldn't matter. The Patriots will roll.
Prediction: New England 31 Buffalo 13

Baltimore at Tampa Bay (-3): An upstart team should have covered better than a
50% rate, as the Bucs had some lines in their favor in 2005. Baltimore made
big upgrades this offseason with the
additions of Steve McNair and Mike Anderson. Expect an upset.
Prediction: Baltimore 23 Tampa Bay 16

Cincinnati at Kansas City (-2): Carson Palmer's preseason did enough to show
that he is ready and healthy. Larry Johnson will get his numbers, but defense
will not be a factor in this one. Take the over.
Prediction: Cincinnati 34 Kansas City 31

Seattle (-6) at Detroit: Although they only win what seems like four games a
year, the Lions not only have covered their last three season openers, but
they have won the games outright. The Detroit defense was overlooked last year
because the offense was so abysmal. Watch the line move towards Seattle and
then jump on the Lions.
Prediction: Seattle 27 Detroit 24

Atlanta at Carolina (-5): Steve Smith is listed as questionable, but it
shouldn't make much of a difference, as Carolina has covered the last three
meetings between these teams. Expect Julius Peppers to be chasing Mike Vick
around the entire afternoon.
Prediction: Carolina 27 Atlanta 20

Philadelphia (-5 1/2) at Houston: The Eagles are healthy, and their first-team
defense dominated in the preseason. In addition, the Texans didn't do much to
improve a porous offensive line. Philly should win easily.
Prediction: Philadelphia 20 Houston 6

New Orleans at Cleveland (-3): After going 5-10-1 ATS last year, the Saints
are going to have to win to prove something. The Browns, meanwhile, covered three of their last four games.
Prediction: Cleveland 20 New Orleans 14

Dallas at Jacksonville (-2 1/2): The Cowboys may have had the best preseason
in football, while Jacksonville lost two of its biggest threats this
offseason -- Jimmy Smith retired and Greg Jones was injured. Terrell Owens will be doing his all to prove he does care...even though we know he doesn't,
Dallas should win easy.
Prediction: Dallas 27 Jacksonville 13

Chicago (-3 1/2) at Green Bay: There aren't too many opportunities to bet a
healthy Green Bay team. While the Bears defense may have shut down the
opposistion last season, Expect a W out of the Packers at home. Don't
forget...the Bears can't score.
Prediction: Green Bay 16 Chicago 9

San Francisco at Arizona (-7 1/2): The 49ers defense allowed 392 yards per
game last year. Meanwhile, the Cardinals improved a dismal running game by
adding Edgerrin James into the mix. Look for a late score to be the
difference.
Prediction: Arizona 31 San Francisco 20

Indianapolis (-3) at New York Giants: As long as it isn't a playoff game,
there never is a reason to bet against Peyton Manning. Then reverse that
statement come playoff time. Should be a profitable season.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27 New York 17

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES

Minnesota at Washington (-5): The 'Skins were impressive last season. Pegged
as a six-win team by many before last year began, Washington covered 10
games. The sting of the injury to Clinton Portis was lessened with the
addition of T.J. Duckett.
Prediction: Washington 17 Minnesota 10

San Diego (-3) at Oakland: There was a reason why Art Shell went more than a
decade without a head coaching job. This season, he will remind everybody why.
Prediction: San Diego 27 Oakland 13

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