Week 1 in the NFL: Picks and predictions (plus SB XLVIII winner)

That time of year again, folks.

It's our first picks and predictions segment of the season, and I have a big year to follow up, if I do say so myself.  So, without further ado, here are my week one picks and predictions for every NFL game.

Enjoy.


2012 record: 147-93-1


New England @ Buffalo:  Are we 100% the NFL isn't fixed?  How in the world does TOM BRADY get to open up against TWO rookie QB's?  I just don't get it.  Bottom line here: Brady>Manuel.  Patriots win big.

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh:  A lot of people are down on Pittsburgh this season.  I'm not one of them.  Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin are too good to sleep on.  Give me the Steelers at home.

Tampa Bay @ N.Y. Jets:  That New York defense will keep them in the game, especially against Josh Freeman, but beyond that this could be an ugly game for gang green.  I'll take the Buccaneers.

Atlanta @ New Orleans:  I like Atlanta this season, a lot.  Matt Ryan proved himself in the post season last year, and he now has an established RB in Steven Jackson, so watch out NFL.  The Saints will be a good football team this season, but I think that Atlanta offense is to much to handle.

Kansas City @ Jacksonville:  Andy Reid, Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles.  Not a bad group, huh?  Give me the Chiefs.

Seattle @ Carolina:  UPSET ALERT.  West coast teams always struggle on the East coast, and nobody can tell me otherwise.  I like the Panthers this season, and I like them in this game.

Cincinnati @ Chicago:  UPSET ALERT #2.  The Bengals are the sexy pick, but don't sleep on a healthy Jake Cutler.  I'm taking Da' Bears here, as they start to make some noise in the NFC North.

Minnesota @ Detroit:  Didn't like Christian Ponder last year, don't like Christian Ponder this year.  I do like Reggie Bush on turf, though.  Give me the Lions.

Oakland @ Indianapolis:  Easy opener for Andrew Luck.  Colts win big.

Arizona @ St. Louis:  Everybody seems to forget about the Cardinals, but do not take them lightly.  They could surprise a lot of people this season.  However, I like the Rams in this football game.

Green Bay @ San Francisco:  Here's the thing, NOBODY is talking about the Packers, even though they have one, if not the best, QB's in all of football.  Colin Kaepernick may be "in" right now, but Aaron Rodgers is someone you SHOULD NOT ignore.  I'm going with the Packers on the road.

N.Y. Giants @ Dallas:  Everybody knows I have a soft spot for the Dallas Cowboys, but I do think this is the year that they do big things in the NFC.  I like them in this football game, big time.

Philadelphia @ Washington:  Game of the week, no doubt about it.  These two QB's won't disappoint, either.  I like Michael Vick to have a bounce back year, but I think that Redskins offense is just too talented.  Give me RGIII and the Skins.

Houston @ San Diego:  New coach, new attitude.  I like this Chargers team, especially against an overrated (in my opinion) Houston team.  Give me San Diego in a good one.


Super Bowl XLVIII:  Alright, here it is.  I got one of the teams right a year ago (Baltimore), so I'm on a roll.  The pick is in:

Atlanta OVER Denver

Alright folks, we are now less than 24 hours away from kickoff.  Tune in tomorrow morning for all your Dolphins pre-game coverage, including, as always, my prediction. 

And don't forget to follow the quarter by quarter blog beginning at kickoff tomorrow afternoon.

Until tomorrow morning..

GO FINS!