Cleveland +5.0 vs. Pittsburgh
I'm sure this goes against the consensus but after watching all 4 of the Browns preseason games, I expect them to be much improved over last year. Still not sold on Charlie Frye at QB but they have improved the O-line and rb positions so they should have some success running the ball. Defense wasn't as bad as advertised last year, just seemed that way because the offense couldn't stay on the field and they were wiped out by the midlle of the 3rd quarter. They have made upgrades to their linebackers and db postions and I think they will be surprisingly good on that side of the ball. Wimbley is a stud and lb's D. Jackson and A. Peek were making plays all over the field in the preseason. Return game is lethal with Josh Cribbs. Would be a pro bowl returner if he had more exposure. He is very explosive and should set the Browns O up with some very good field position. Will be interesting to see how the Steelers come out without fiery Bill Cowher roaming the sidelines.
Detroit +2.5 @ Oakland
Alot of trends pointing to Detroit in this one. Oakland 0-5 ats last 5 on grass, 0-5 ats last 5 as fav., 1-4 ats last 5 in September. Detroit 4-0 ats last 4 in week 1. Detroit is an improving football team while I don't believe that is the case with Oakland. I don't think they even know who they want to be their qb yet and they have completely bungled the J. Russell situation. Probably one of the few times, if not the only, that they will be favored this season and I'm jumping on it.
Seattle -6.0 vs. Tampa Bay
Seattle is just a better team in my opinion. If Jeff Garcia is an upgrade at qb, you have problems. Shaun Alexander seems to be healthy and that makes Seattle much better than they were last year.
Seattle/Tampa Bay under 41.0
The under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these two teams. I just don't think TB can score enough to push this one over 41.
Houston -3.0 vs. Kansas City
KC looked horrible in the preseason. I know that doesn't always translate to the regular season but with their qb situation, I just don't think they are going to be very good. Assuming LJ plays the majority of the time, that will make them decent but he can be a distraction when he's not happy. I think Houston is moving in the right direction with Gary Kubiak. M. Schaub is a question mark but has played well in limited opportunities. A. Green is an upgrade to the rb position and it seems like they continue to get better players on defense. With LJ probably getting limited carries in week 1, I like the Texans chances in this one.
Might add one or two later.......gl to all on opening weekend!!
I'm sure this goes against the consensus but after watching all 4 of the Browns preseason games, I expect them to be much improved over last year. Still not sold on Charlie Frye at QB but they have improved the O-line and rb positions so they should have some success running the ball. Defense wasn't as bad as advertised last year, just seemed that way because the offense couldn't stay on the field and they were wiped out by the midlle of the 3rd quarter. They have made upgrades to their linebackers and db postions and I think they will be surprisingly good on that side of the ball. Wimbley is a stud and lb's D. Jackson and A. Peek were making plays all over the field in the preseason. Return game is lethal with Josh Cribbs. Would be a pro bowl returner if he had more exposure. He is very explosive and should set the Browns O up with some very good field position. Will be interesting to see how the Steelers come out without fiery Bill Cowher roaming the sidelines.
Detroit +2.5 @ Oakland
Alot of trends pointing to Detroit in this one. Oakland 0-5 ats last 5 on grass, 0-5 ats last 5 as fav., 1-4 ats last 5 in September. Detroit 4-0 ats last 4 in week 1. Detroit is an improving football team while I don't believe that is the case with Oakland. I don't think they even know who they want to be their qb yet and they have completely bungled the J. Russell situation. Probably one of the few times, if not the only, that they will be favored this season and I'm jumping on it.
Seattle -6.0 vs. Tampa Bay
Seattle is just a better team in my opinion. If Jeff Garcia is an upgrade at qb, you have problems. Shaun Alexander seems to be healthy and that makes Seattle much better than they were last year.
Seattle/Tampa Bay under 41.0
The under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these two teams. I just don't think TB can score enough to push this one over 41.
Houston -3.0 vs. Kansas City
KC looked horrible in the preseason. I know that doesn't always translate to the regular season but with their qb situation, I just don't think they are going to be very good. Assuming LJ plays the majority of the time, that will make them decent but he can be a distraction when he's not happy. I think Houston is moving in the right direction with Gary Kubiak. M. Schaub is a question mark but has played well in limited opportunities. A. Green is an upgrade to the rb position and it seems like they continue to get better players on defense. With LJ probably getting limited carries in week 1, I like the Texans chances in this one.
Might add one or two later.......gl to all on opening weekend!!
