my NFL picks for regular season week 1

[dg]

A little early, but since I have them ... sept 9 thru 13

(understand that the team with points is the projected loser)

MIN +2 versus NO

MI versus BUF +1

DET +8 versus CHI

IND versus HOU +2

DEN versus JAX +2

CIN +6 versus NE

CAR versus NYG (even, OT to NYG)

ATL +3 versus PIT

CLE versus TB +1

OAK +5 versus TEN

GB versus PHI +2

SF versus SEA +3

ARZ versus SL +11

DAL versus WAS +5

BAL versus NYJ (even, OT to NYJ)

SD versus KC +9

[dg]

In case anyone copied this post, know that I had the ATL/PIT game backwards. It is now correct as printed. I also adjusted NE and BAL games to reflect those teams as playing better at home than on the road.

[bankedout]

You have a bookie dg? ;D

I'm hoping Favre will come back for one more year in Minnesota. He really is fun to watch.

My home team (Green Bay Packers) looked kind of mixed in the pre-season opener. It's hard to say how they will do for sure right now.

How did New England do in their first pre-season game?

[dg]

bankedout:

No. I just like to predict NFL outcomes (using simplistic analytical models).

I too would like to see Favre do 1 more year with MIN. He came so close last year and took a real beating in that final game. It would be nice to see him win it all one final time.

GB was tough last year and will probably be somewhat improved this year. Unfortunately, I feel that NE is headed in the other direction. Yes they won their first meaningless exibition game; but one of their important middle run stoppers is now out for the season (ty Warren). Based on what I've seen and know about the team, it is hard to be optimistic going into this season. It seems that nothing has been done to address last year's team deficiencies.

[bankedout]

New England is on Fox tonight. I'm going to watch the start or however long they play first string.

Favre is back in Minnesota for his 20th season.

[bankedout]

I thought the Patriots looked good last night. They should have a decent chance to do well this season.

[dg]

I forgot to watch. Oh well, just an exibition game. Hope there weren't any injuries.

[bankedout]

That was very kind of the Patriots to give Moss to Favre for his 41st birthday. I wonder how it will impact both teams?

[dg]

Personally I think moss is more trouble than he's worth. He was starting to become a major headache and a minor producer here in NE. I just hope we got someting valuable in exchange. I told friends earlier in the year that I'd rather we had T.O. than moss. Moss won't take contact or fight for the ball like T.O. I think he's a wus; and several teams have guys that can cover him one on one. I'm glad he's gone. We can replace him with a second tight end.

Moss will probably try to be "the good moss" for this year with the vikings so that he can get one more high value contract. I'm glad the PATs won't be footing that bill. I've heard rumbles that T.O. likes coach Belicheck ...