Week 1 always tough but here's what I like so far:
Tenn -3 for 4 units out of 5. Just think Oakland is in for a long season. Gannon a gutty QB but the Superbowl showed his limitations...poor arm strength, not as mobile as he use to be. Think Oakland looking so bad in preseason is more indicative of where they really are. Getting blasted in last preseason game against Dallas can't be good for confidence even if they think they can turn it on. Against a weaker foe, I can see them turning it on in game one...but Tenn is a very good club...well coached and at home....Tenn a very physical club...won't be intimidated by Oakland whatsoever.....in fact, I don't see where Oakland has an advantage anywhere....Tenn 31 Oak 13.
Cinn +6 versus Denver, 3 units out of 5. Another case of young against old. Question is, is this the usual Cinn team with lots of talent but can't piece it together? Not sure, but like the fact Cinn QB has a few years under his belt and one at Cinn. Cinn is actually deep at the QA position with Carson Palmer waiting in the wings/ Competition at QB will elevate everyones play. Think Denver will be a bit shaky with Jake at the helm. Jake Plummer best years were the first couple..he's pretty much stunk up the place for the last 5 seasons. He will not solve Denver's needs since Elway left. Denver's D was also pretty mediocre last year and I see Cinn putting up some points. This one may come down to who scores last, wins...by a fg..so I'll take the points. Cinn 31 Denver 27
Carolina on the Money Line (-180) for 3 stars out of 5. Carolina is a very physical team with a great D. Jacksonville doesn't have the offensive weapons to challenge their front 7. Think Brunnel will be running for his life all day. Don't see Carolina O doing too much either so don't like giving 4 points. But think Carolina's excellent preseason was not an aberration....they are great on D..well coached and will run it down the opponents throat. Carolina 17 Jacksonville 10.
Dallas -2 over Atlanta. 3 units out of 5 Dallas D will shut down Atlanta O in this one. Even if Parcells wasn't the coach, I'd be picking Dallas in this one. Atlanta D is very average...last year Atlanta caught an overrated Packer team at the right time...played as well as they could against Philly and should be commended for effort. Dan Reeves got the most out of them....but really without Vick, they are actually less talented than Dallas...at least Dallas has a D...and now with Parcells, they have a coach. Do you really think Parcells is going to lose an opener against a lesser club? Not me. Dallas 24 Atlanta 7.
Tenn -3 for 4 units out of 5. Just think Oakland is in for a long season. Gannon a gutty QB but the Superbowl showed his limitations...poor arm strength, not as mobile as he use to be. Think Oakland looking so bad in preseason is more indicative of where they really are. Getting blasted in last preseason game against Dallas can't be good for confidence even if they think they can turn it on. Against a weaker foe, I can see them turning it on in game one...but Tenn is a very good club...well coached and at home....Tenn a very physical club...won't be intimidated by Oakland whatsoever.....in fact, I don't see where Oakland has an advantage anywhere....Tenn 31 Oak 13.
Cinn +6 versus Denver, 3 units out of 5. Another case of young against old. Question is, is this the usual Cinn team with lots of talent but can't piece it together? Not sure, but like the fact Cinn QB has a few years under his belt and one at Cinn. Cinn is actually deep at the QA position with Carson Palmer waiting in the wings/ Competition at QB will elevate everyones play. Think Denver will be a bit shaky with Jake at the helm. Jake Plummer best years were the first couple..he's pretty much stunk up the place for the last 5 seasons. He will not solve Denver's needs since Elway left. Denver's D was also pretty mediocre last year and I see Cinn putting up some points. This one may come down to who scores last, wins...by a fg..so I'll take the points. Cinn 31 Denver 27
Carolina on the Money Line (-180) for 3 stars out of 5. Carolina is a very physical team with a great D. Jacksonville doesn't have the offensive weapons to challenge their front 7. Think Brunnel will be running for his life all day. Don't see Carolina O doing too much either so don't like giving 4 points. But think Carolina's excellent preseason was not an aberration....they are great on D..well coached and will run it down the opponents throat. Carolina 17 Jacksonville 10.
Dallas -2 over Atlanta. 3 units out of 5 Dallas D will shut down Atlanta O in this one. Even if Parcells wasn't the coach, I'd be picking Dallas in this one. Atlanta D is very average...last year Atlanta caught an overrated Packer team at the right time...played as well as they could against Philly and should be commended for effort. Dan Reeves got the most out of them....but really without Vick, they are actually less talented than Dallas...at least Dallas has a D...and now with Parcells, they have a coach. Do you really think Parcells is going to lose an opener against a lesser club? Not me. Dallas 24 Atlanta 7.
