NFL 2009: Week 1 picks

Welcome to the new season of the National Football League!  The season kicks off on Thursday, with some interesting match-ups in the first week.  Let's look at each of them:

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers:  The first game of the regular season could be a barnburner!  Both of these teams come into this season from the playoffs; the Steelers defending their Super Bowl title.  The Titans have a quick offense, the Steelers a stingy defense.  The Steelers have fewer of their dynamic receivers, but who they have a stable and strong.  They specialize in short passes and controlling the pace of the drive, and they do that very well.  They know the pressure of defending a Super Bowl title, and I think they'll be prepared for it.  STEELERS, 20-17

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Once again, the Bucs have a quarterback issue.  Tony Romo seems ready to play this season without distractions, of both the girlfriend and TO varieties.  A clear-thinking Cowboys offense will tear apart the Bucs.  COWBOYS, 27-17

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals:  Denver's off-season trading hurt their team more than helped them.  They resigned Brandon Marshall, but does he really want to be there?  Meanwhile, Carson Palmer seems healthy again, and the running game is potent.  Actually, BOTH teams have potent running games.  The Bengals defense will definitely be the difference maker in this game.  BENGALS, 20-10

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints:  I definitely don't think the Lions will lose all of their games again this season, but they won't break their losing streak anytime soon.  The Saints offense is too potent for their defense, which seems to tire late in the third quarter.  SAINTS, 37-10

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts:  This will be a hard-fought game.  The result could come down to who holds the ball last.  I'm tempted to pick the Jags for the "upset", but I'll give an edge to the home team.  COLTS, 24-23

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens:  KC needs some time to adjust to their new offensive game plan, but Baltimore won't give them that.  They are a battling defense that doesn't give their opponents time to breathe.  RAVENS, 20-6

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons:  Miami's defense is good, but I don't think they're good enough to stop the high-powered Falcons offense.  Slow them, perhaps, but not stop them.  Since their offense still needs a bit of work, they won't outscore the Falcons.  FALCONS, 24-16

Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns:  The Browns' QB controversy remains, which is no way to enter the first week.  Brett Favre is still fresh; this is the most dangerous time to face him.  VIKES, 27-16

New York Jets at Houston Texans:  The Texans could surprise here, as their defense will pester rookie Marc Sanchez.  I'll still give an edge to the Jets, because Rex Ryan has built a surprisingly tough defense, too, but watch out for Houston!  JETS, 20-17

Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers:  Everyone expects Philly to play revitalized this year, but I think the Panthers have more to prove to the league.  Carolina could surprise here, and this surprise I think I'll accept.  PANTHERS, 24-21

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals:  The Cards want to shake off the curse of the Super Bowl losing team, and beating up on San Fran is a good way to do it.  CARDINALS, 31-17

St Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks:  The Seahawks seem confused, while the Rams spend some time in the off-season actually beefing up their defense, their Achilles' Heel over the past few years.  That could be a saving grace for the Rams.  RAMS, 23-21

Washington Redskins at New York Giants:  The Giants' receiving corps has been nearly completely shuffled in the off-season and preseason, but they still have talent.  The Redskins improved, but enough to get past the ever-tough Giants defense?  Nope.  GIANTS, 24-17

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers:  Jay Cutler seems to have new life, and he wants to show off.  Combine that with their tough defense, and it won't be an easy game for the Pack.  BEARS, 24-13

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots:  Buffalo's offense has TO, but they don't have much else, so we all know who the secondary will be covering.  PATS, 27-20

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders:  I suspect this will be another long season for the Raiders.  CHARGERS, 34-13