I have always wanted to try this type of recurring column throughout the NFL season and figure this is the year I will do so. My inspirations for this solely come from @sportsguy33 and his first picks column and my very talented brother Matt @sportsmeister and his initial pick column. BTW, if you’re on Twitter and like sports, you owe it to yourself to follow both of these men. Introductions aside, on to the picks!

Pittsburgh (-6) over Tennessee

I made this pick before the game and would have struggled to justify a winning pick after the fact, but them losing and me admitting can add to my credibility, right? Big Ben looked great, Chris Johnson looked great, rookie WR Kenny Britt looks like he’s on the verge of Lance Mooreism, and Troy Palamalu looked great early but left with what looked like a bad knee injury. I know football, it is the only sport I can speak with great confidence on…the hit looked like a ligament tear. At very best it is sprained, which would be a 2-6 week injury, and at worst, it will be season ending surgery. It looked bad, and looks like the Madden curse has struck again, which is a shame for such a class act like Polamalu. Either way, I’m 0-1 on the year.

Denver (+4) over Cincinnati

Everyone can talk down Denver and talk up Cincinnati all they want, I’m not buying it. It comes down to Josh McDaniels vs Marvin Lewis, I’m taking the rookie coach. Carson Palmer may be fine, Ochocinco may be invigorated, but I’m not buying the resurgence. I like Denver in an upstart role this year to a degree.

Houston (-4.5) over New York Jets

I am allllll over Houston this year. They are my darkhorse, sleeper, whatever you want to call them in the entire NFL. Plus, I have Slayton in both of my fantasy leagues, and the Jets are a Bills rival. Texans are the easy choice here, and their stadium is awesome.

Minnesota (-4) over Cleveland

Brett Favre vs Brady Quinn? -4? Really? I like Mangini, and I love Quinn, but really? Minnesota is one of the better teams in the NFC and Cleveland is one of the worst in the AFC…-4? Really? Thanks for the free money bitch.

New Orleans (-13) over Detroit

That is a lot of points, but then again, it is a Sean Payton offense at home with Drew Brees against a team that was winless last year. Hmmm, 13 may not be enough of a teaser after all.

Indianapolis (-7) over Jacksonville

Quite simply, I am higher on Indy than I am on Jax. I don’t like MJD. I like Manning. I don’t like Garrard. I like Reggie Wayne. “Experts” say I am wrong, we’ll see.

Kansas City (+13) over Baltimore

At home, new quarterback, new coach, getting 13, I’m in. I don’t care how good Baltimore’s defense is, I have Cassel in one of my fantasy leagues and I need to give him some positive karma. You play to win the game!

Dallas (-6) over Tampa Bay

I think Dallas will underachieve this year. Romo will be terrible and Witten will have more receptions than Roy Williams, but I think Tampa will be even worse, possibly one of the worst in the league. Dallas all day in this one folks.

Philadelphia (-2) over Carolina

Great week 1 game. This is based solely on the fact that I believe Philly is aging better than Carolina. Both teams have been consistent forces in the NFC for years but Carolina is getting older faster than Philly.

New York Giants (-6.5) over Washington

I just trust the Giants more than Washington. That simple. It is week 1 folks.

Seattle (-8.5) over St. Louis

I think Seattle will be better than people think and I think St. Louis will be worse than people think. Simple.

Arizona (-6.5) over San Francisco

I imagine this will be a popular last man standing pick this week. Next?

Atlanta (-4) over Miami

I think Miami will take a big step back this year and I think Atlanta, while not being as good as many project them to be, will be a competitive NFC team.

San Diego (-9) over Oakland

I think Roger Goodell is two or three more bad draft choices/trades by Oakland, tempted to absorb the team by the league for the sanctity of competition. As much as it pains me, Oakland fans have nothing to root for until Mr. Davis kicks, as morbid as that sounds. I don’t think SD is the Super Bowl team as many project them to be, but they can still beat the Raiders by nine.

Green Bay (-3.5) over Chicago

Intriguing matchup and intriguing line. Green Bay is a popular sexy pick this year, I”m down with that. I think Aaron Rodgers is the real deal and never doubt GB at Lambeau versus anyone, anytime.

Buffalo (+10.5) over New England

My upset of the week! You may think getting 10.5 is no upset, but you probably haven’t been following football recently. It is very fair to think the Pats win this game by thirty, but it is week 1, and again, I’m drinking the Buffalo Bills kool-aid. Who wants a glass?