NFL 2011 - Week 1.....

First week of the 2011 season after the long lockout. As mentioned in my preview, I don't expect to see much in the way of movement from "worst to first" like what seems to happen each year, because of the development time lost this spring / summer.

As for the weekly picks, I hope to improve on last year (134-108-14 during regular season and 10-1 for the playoffs), but would be just as happy matching that positive record.

NFL 2011 - Week 1 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

PACKERS (-4) over Saints - Tough game to start year for both teams, but I am riding the Packers again in 2011. Best 2 teams in the NFC and could be critical in determining playoff seedings.
Steelers (+2 1/2) over RAVENS - Hate to see this match-up so early in the season. Steelers show the Ravens they still control the division and get the win on the road.
Lions (+2) over BUCCANEERS - Think the Lions are this year's Buccaneers and will have a nice year, but just miss the playoffs and it starts with a tough road victory.
Falcons (-3) over BEARS - Chicago will take a step back this year and it starts with the Falcons pounding them and showing off their more explosive offense.
Bills (+6 1/2) over CHIEFS - Chiefs are not as good as last year, while the Bills will again be competitive in their games, but just fall short. Kansas City wins, but Buffalo keeps it close.
TEXANS (-9) over Colts - Houston needs to take complete advantage of this situation and will show no mercy to the "Manning less" Colts. Have doubts about Indianapolis rallying around Kerry Collins.
RAMS (+5) over Eagles - Rams play good defense and will keep this close at home. Eagles will stumble a little to start, but end up getting the close win to start their "dream" season.
BROWNS (-6 1/2) over Bengals - Think the Browns show they are an improved team and take it out on their decimated in-state rivals. Will be a tough day for Bengal starter, Andy Dalton.
Titans (+3) over JAGUARS - Not sure about either team, but I will believe more in Chris Johnson besting Maurice Jones-Drew
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS - The New York defense is torn up with injuries, but their offense is so good that it will overcome those injuries against a Rex Grossman led Redskin offense.
CARDINALS (-7) over Panthers - The Kevin Kolb era starts in Arizona and they get Cam Newton and the Panthers as their first guests. Still not thrilled with the Cardinal defense, but they do the job against this year #1 overall pick.
49ERS (-5 1/2) over Seahawks - It is the final chance for Alex Smith to show he can lead an offense and it helps to get Seattle as his first opponent. Still shaking my head over the Seahawk moves at QB during the off season.
Vikings (+9) over CHARGERS - San Diego is my pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl and while they'll beat the Vikings, Adrian Peterson's running will keep the game close.
Cowboys (+4 1/2) over JETS - Rex again predicting Super Bowl for his Jets, while the Cowboys have been under the radar this off-season (besides Rex's twin, Rob being hired as DC). Tony Romo has something to prove this year and some nice weapons around him to make that offense click.
Patriots (-7) over DOLPHINS - National TV audience will get to see early why Miami was QB shopping this off-season. Dolphins always seem to play New England tough, but not this time as Brady and company roll to an easy victory.
BRONCOS (-3) over Raiders - Broncos are healthy on defense and with the addition of rookie, Von Miller, will be a better team than 2010. Same can't be said for a Raider team, which just when you think might be moving forward, instead takes two steps backwards.

2010 Season: 134-108-14