City of Champions’ Week 1 NFL picks
The staff here at City of Champions Sports has decided to do a weekly NFL pick’em. After a great performance last night by the Cowboys some of us would already be 0-1 this week. We won’t count that as it was a Wednesday game, you can calling it padding our stats.
Let’s get to the picks.
Philly at Cleveland
Cleveland gave up nearly 150 yards on the ground per game a year ago. Philly will pound the ball with LeSean McCoy in an attempt to keep Mike Vick healthy for at least another week.
Philly: Harding, Shelter, Gajtka, Weiss
Indianapolis at Chicago
One of the most intriguing games of the week and not just because of Andrew Luck’s first career start. Chicago did a nice job in the offseason to help give Jay Cutler some weapons. The real intrigue comes from how well the Bears running game can perform. Matt Forte could be the fantasy player of Week 1.
Chicago: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
St. Louis at Detroit
Aug 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) before the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE
MEGATRON. Need anyone say more really? Calvin Johnson is a beast and has set his goal at 2,000 receiving yards this year. That’s not to mention Titus Young, Nate Burleson and rookie Ryan Broyles to the receiving core. Detroit is just too much for the Rams to handle.
Detroit: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
New England at Tennessee
The Patriots are still the Patriots. Belichick will keep Jake Locker on his toes the entire game with movement and different packages. Chris Johnson will have to have a spectacular game for Tennessee to have any chance at this game.
Patriots: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
Atlanta at Kansas City
Kansas City will rely too heavily on blitz packages to try to stop the run and put pressure on Matt Ryan. I like the Chiefs defense especially with the return of Eric Berry, but Atlanta is still too much to handle.
Atlanta: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
Jacksonville at Minnesota
MJD’s holdout will cause some issues for the offense putting pressure on Blaine Gabbert to perform. Adrian Peterson’s possible return is enough pressure relief for Christian Ponder to have a big day.
Minnesota: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka
Jacksonville: Weiss
Washington at New Orleans
RGIII will have the ability to keep the Skin’s in the game. Overall Drew Brees is still Drew Brees. If this game is played later in the season it would be an interesting matchup, but for now all New Orleans.
New Orleans: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
Buffalo at New York Jets
As I’m still unsure what to expect from the Jets, I have no choice but to take the Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown real progression thus far and with a healthy Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller who knows his limits. The Tim Tebow factor will be in full swing and could easily put this in favor of the Jets.
Buffalo: Harding, Gajtka, Weiss
New York: Shetler
Miami at Houston
Rookie Ryan Tannehill will be in trouble for most of day just by trying to stay on his feet. No need to even mention the Texan’s offense as the defense may score enough points on their own.
Houston: Harding, Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
San Francisco at Green Bay
August 26, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) prepares to throw the ball during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
In the game of the week I will be most excited to see Alex Smith in year 2 of Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Two very good teams squared away in Week 1 is always fun to watch. Green Bay’s offense is still very potent as I give them the advantage at home.
Green Bay: Harding, Shetler, Weiss
San Francisco: Gajtka
Seattle at Arizona
Don’t expect Russell Wilson to get too crazy in Week 1 and start the game a little slow. The Seahawks will find out how useful rookie Bruce Irvin can be off the edge after the Cardinals lost Levi Brown to injury.
Seattle: Harding
Arizona: Shetler, Gajtka, Weiss
Carolina at Tampa Bay
This is a game that has a lot of questions on both sides. Both teams used their first round draft pick on defensive players and for good reasons. The return of Jon Beason has to help the Panthers in a big way. Doug Martin will help Tampa Bay unload some of the work from LeGarrette Blount, but it won’t be enough to stop the Cam Newton show.
Carolina: Harding, Shetler, Weiss
Tampa Bay: Gajtka
Pittsburgh at Denver
As a Pittsburgh fan this is tough for me. Peyton Manning returns and Pittsburgh has a new some questions in the secondary. Ryan Clark out and Keenan Lewis starting at corner will be concerns. If the Steelers can run the ball successfully and get a positive turnover margin it’s their game to lose.
Denver: Harding, Shetler, Weiss
Pittsburgh: Gajtka
Cincinnati at Baltimore
The Bengals defensive front will have to play at the top of their game against an older Ravens line. I like the combinations both teams have at QB and WR. Andy Dalton – AJ Green. Joe Flacco – Torrey Smith. Baltimore’s run game will be the difference.
Baltimore: Harding, Shetler, Weiss
Cincinnati: Gajtka
San Diego at Oakland
The difference in this game is questionable. By that I mean whether or not Ryan Mathews plays for the Chargers. I think you will see a vastly improved Raiders offense with Carson Palmer having a year in the system and McFadden being himself. With Mathews the Chargers pick up a big win on the road.
San Diego: Harding, Weiss
Oakland: Shetler, Gajtka