NFL 2006 - Week 1
Week 1
Miami at Pittsburgh – Even without winning a game in the pre-season, look for the Steelers to come back to form in this contest against the Dolphins. This will be Daunte’s first real test of the season. I hope the running game shows up against this Pittsburgh’s defense.
Atlanta at Carolina – Although the Panthers were undefeated in the preseason, I’m calling an upset on this one. Carolina’s defense will definitely show up against Vick, but will their offense be ready to put some points on the board?
Baltimore at Tampa Bay – This is definitely a great defensive match-up, but the Bucs will be the victors in this bout. Boller has yet to prove himself. But this year, he has a little fire under his ass with the acquisition of Steve McNair.
Buffalo at New England – With Branch holding out, the Pats recently acquired Doug Gabriel to beef up their receiving corp. Brady looked sharp in the preseason. Even with a few question marks regarding their passing game, look for Brady to have another 4,000 yards year.
Cincinnati at Kansas City – Priest who? With the emergence of Larry Johnson, the Chiefs’ running game has a new anchor. Special teams unit has continued to perform well over the last couple of years. Plus, we can’t forget Tony Gonzalez. Then there is the Chiefs’ defense. Not even Ty Law can help this one. Palmer, Rudi, and Chad will have a field day on this suspect defense.
Denver at St. Louis – This is a toss-up game. I think this game is decided on the ground. On one hand, you have Denver’s RBs Mike and Tatum Bell. On the other hand, Stephen Jackson and dare I say Stephen Davis. I’m not totally sold on this pickup. I think Davis’ better years were in Washington and Carolina. The Rams’ secondary is suspect, but Champ & Co. will have their hands full with Holt & Bruce.
New Orleans at Cleveland – GO BROWNS!! Even with the Browns playing musical offensive linemen, chalk up their first ‘W’ against the Saints. With Winslow and Braylon Edwards returning to the lineup, along with the acquisition of Jurevicius, look for the Saints to have their hands full. Many think that those 4-letter words (Drew, Horn, Bush) will have a great impact on this game. Don’t count on it!
N.Y. Jets at Tennessee – The Jets look terrible on paper. Pennington can’t seem to stay healthy. Newly acquired Kevan Barlow was brought in only to gain yards on the ground. Coles had an unproductive year in 2005. They just traded TE Doug Jolley away. I know fantasy football managers who could put a team together better than the Jets.
Philadelphia at Houston – With Punkston (I mean Pinkston) in Minnesota now, Donte Stallworth will become McNabb’s new favorite target. Philly needs Westbrook to stay healthy this year if they want to make a push towards anything. Houston’s RB Domanick Davis is out for the season. Houston will continue to have their woes.
Seattle at Detroit – Squaring off against the reigning NFC Champs in week 1 is never a good thing. Detroit just doesn’t have the tools to compete this week. Even if they establish a running game, they have too many overpaid, overrated WRs who never seem to perform. They recently cut Charles Rogers who was one of those receivers. Seattle’s defense will prevail.
Chicago at Green Bay – Favre translates to Forked in many languages. Stick a fork in this guy. He’s done. Even with S Mike Brown out, this Bear defense might be too much for this dilapidated Packer offense. Ahman Green needs to bounce back from injuries. Najeh Davenport was just recently released. That leaves Donald Driver and Bubba Franks. Rough day in Cheesetown, USA.
Dallas at Jacksonville – Dallas looks to be a strong team this year, even without their “cancer” on the field. Until he starts performing, I will not mention him by name. He will be known as “Cancer.” Jacksonville is not a bad team, but appears to be outmatched in this bout. Dallas’ defense may be a little much for Leftwich.
San Francisco at Arizona – I’m not sold on 49ers QB Alex Smith yet. But, they do have WR Antonio Bryant, rookie TE Vernon Davis, and RB Frank Gore. So maybe they can score now, too bad they can’t defend. They lost some notable names from last year’s defense. Arizona has Fitzgerald, Boldin, and now Edgerrin James. Arizona is predicted to have a great year. But we will see how their defense holds up against real teams.
Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants – I have coined this as the Sibling Rivalry Bowl. Peyton vs. Eli. Peyton is obviously the better QB, but Eli’s team may be better on paper. With Edge gone, someone will have to emerge as the threat in the backfield. Rhodes or Addai? The Giants claim to have a better defense, but Dungy D has stood the test of time. Bringing in Lavar may have not been a great idea, especially for that kind of money. I’ll take Peyton-Harrison over Eli-Plaxico any day.
Minnesota at Washington – Even though the ‘Skins were 0-4 in the preseason, they should have what it takes to beat the Vikes. Seeing WRs Williamson, Taylor, and now Todd Pinkston line up will not put any fear in a DBs heart. Washington’s defense looks pretty good, or will against this sub-par offense.
San Diego at Oakland – The Raiders have to manage to contain Tomlinson and Gates. This will not be an easy task. Raiders defense will spend too much time on the field. Their offense took a hit recently with trading Gabriel to the Pats for a draft pick. So, look to see Moss doubled frequently. There will be a lot of 3-and-out situations. Lamont Jordan will have to carry the load. No pun intended.
Game Of The Week: Indianapolis Colts vs. N.Y. Giants
Miami at Pittsburgh – Even without winning a game in the pre-season, look for the Steelers to come back to form in this contest against the Dolphins. This will be Daunte’s first real test of the season. I hope the running game shows up against this Pittsburgh’s defense.
Atlanta at Carolina – Although the Panthers were undefeated in the preseason, I’m calling an upset on this one. Carolina’s defense will definitely show up against Vick, but will their offense be ready to put some points on the board?
Baltimore at Tampa Bay – This is definitely a great defensive match-up, but the Bucs will be the victors in this bout. Boller has yet to prove himself. But this year, he has a little fire under his ass with the acquisition of Steve McNair.
Buffalo at New England – With Branch holding out, the Pats recently acquired Doug Gabriel to beef up their receiving corp. Brady looked sharp in the preseason. Even with a few question marks regarding their passing game, look for Brady to have another 4,000 yards year.
Cincinnati at Kansas City – Priest who? With the emergence of Larry Johnson, the Chiefs’ running game has a new anchor. Special teams unit has continued to perform well over the last couple of years. Plus, we can’t forget Tony Gonzalez. Then there is the Chiefs’ defense. Not even Ty Law can help this one. Palmer, Rudi, and Chad will have a field day on this suspect defense.
Denver at St. Louis – This is a toss-up game. I think this game is decided on the ground. On one hand, you have Denver’s RBs Mike and Tatum Bell. On the other hand, Stephen Jackson and dare I say Stephen Davis. I’m not totally sold on this pickup. I think Davis’ better years were in Washington and Carolina. The Rams’ secondary is suspect, but Champ & Co. will have their hands full with Holt & Bruce.
New Orleans at Cleveland – GO BROWNS!! Even with the Browns playing musical offensive linemen, chalk up their first ‘W’ against the Saints. With Winslow and Braylon Edwards returning to the lineup, along with the acquisition of Jurevicius, look for the Saints to have their hands full. Many think that those 4-letter words (Drew, Horn, Bush) will have a great impact on this game. Don’t count on it!
N.Y. Jets at Tennessee – The Jets look terrible on paper. Pennington can’t seem to stay healthy. Newly acquired Kevan Barlow was brought in only to gain yards on the ground. Coles had an unproductive year in 2005. They just traded TE Doug Jolley away. I know fantasy football managers who could put a team together better than the Jets.
Philadelphia at Houston – With Punkston (I mean Pinkston) in Minnesota now, Donte Stallworth will become McNabb’s new favorite target. Philly needs Westbrook to stay healthy this year if they want to make a push towards anything. Houston’s RB Domanick Davis is out for the season. Houston will continue to have their woes.
Seattle at Detroit – Squaring off against the reigning NFC Champs in week 1 is never a good thing. Detroit just doesn’t have the tools to compete this week. Even if they establish a running game, they have too many overpaid, overrated WRs who never seem to perform. They recently cut Charles Rogers who was one of those receivers. Seattle’s defense will prevail.
Chicago at Green Bay – Favre translates to Forked in many languages. Stick a fork in this guy. He’s done. Even with S Mike Brown out, this Bear defense might be too much for this dilapidated Packer offense. Ahman Green needs to bounce back from injuries. Najeh Davenport was just recently released. That leaves Donald Driver and Bubba Franks. Rough day in Cheesetown, USA.
Dallas at Jacksonville – Dallas looks to be a strong team this year, even without their “cancer” on the field. Until he starts performing, I will not mention him by name. He will be known as “Cancer.” Jacksonville is not a bad team, but appears to be outmatched in this bout. Dallas’ defense may be a little much for Leftwich.
San Francisco at Arizona – I’m not sold on 49ers QB Alex Smith yet. But, they do have WR Antonio Bryant, rookie TE Vernon Davis, and RB Frank Gore. So maybe they can score now, too bad they can’t defend. They lost some notable names from last year’s defense. Arizona has Fitzgerald, Boldin, and now Edgerrin James. Arizona is predicted to have a great year. But we will see how their defense holds up against real teams.
Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants – I have coined this as the Sibling Rivalry Bowl. Peyton vs. Eli. Peyton is obviously the better QB, but Eli’s team may be better on paper. With Edge gone, someone will have to emerge as the threat in the backfield. Rhodes or Addai? The Giants claim to have a better defense, but Dungy D has stood the test of time. Bringing in Lavar may have not been a great idea, especially for that kind of money. I’ll take Peyton-Harrison over Eli-Plaxico any day.
Minnesota at Washington – Even though the ‘Skins were 0-4 in the preseason, they should have what it takes to beat the Vikes. Seeing WRs Williamson, Taylor, and now Todd Pinkston line up will not put any fear in a DBs heart. Washington’s defense looks pretty good, or will against this sub-par offense.
San Diego at Oakland – The Raiders have to manage to contain Tomlinson and Gates. This will not be an easy task. Raiders defense will spend too much time on the field. Their offense took a hit recently with trading Gabriel to the Pats for a draft pick. So, look to see Moss doubled frequently. There will be a lot of 3-and-out situations. Lamont Jordan will have to carry the load. No pun intended.
Game Of The Week: Indianapolis Colts vs. N.Y. Giants
