Urdaddy's NFL Week 1 Prediction Thread

Lions @ Saints

The second huge spread of the week, but this one is a little more realistic. If the Saints had a top 10 defense they’d be my shoe in choice to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They have the next best thing – a dominant offense!  The Lions did upgrade their team in the off season, at least on paper (and specifically on defense adding Jackson, Peterson, Henry, and Buchanon). On the other, the Saints didn’t make much noise. As I stated before, you just don’t lay 13-14 points in the NFL. It’s only been somewhat successful one year that I can remember - 07’ when the Patriots crushed everyone by 20 per game. That was an anomaly. To me this is either a “no play” or you roll with the Lions. I can see this game being a turnover fest, with Brees throwing his share of INTs. The Lions will at least prove they deserve to remain in the NFL on Sunday and stay competitive. As far as the total goes, they say play the lowest total under and the highest total over each week and you’ll make money. The lowest total (Tenn/Pitt) has already came in under. I won’t make the same mistake here as I did there.

Prediction – Saints 31 Lions 21

Cowboys @ Bucs

If you read my Eagles/Panthers game post you already know I’m a Cowboys fan. When I cap their games I need to be careful not to give them more credit than they deserve. I rarely bet their games, because I already have an investment – my heart. I really hate the QB choice for the Bucs with Leftwich, I think he’s a good kid and I’m glad he’s getting a second chance but I think they were a better team with McCown (now a Jaguar) at the helm. I expect much of the same from the Cowboys, stout front 7 with a below average secondary. I think their offense will be consistent only if they stay healthy. They are 1 or 2 injuries from being an anemic offense. When Felix Jones is on the field they will be very dynamic. Honestly, I don’t think the Cowboys are any more worthy of being road favorites in Week 1 than the Vikings are. Bucs almost always play tough defense, especially at the Sombrero. I think Cadillac has a bounce back year and their receivers are good enough to make Leftwich look worthy of his anointment. I can’t believe I’m doing this but I have to be honest. I think the Cowboys come out flat in the first half and dig a hole they can’t recover from. The home dog wins outright.

Prediction – Bucs 28 Cowboys 20

49ers @ Cardinals

Mike Singletary had the 49ers playing good ball at the of 08’. Defense gets the emphasis in San Fran and that’s where most of their playmakers reside as well. On the offensive side of the ball they are all Frank Gore and not much more. We all got a chance to see what the Cardinals can be when the stars align. Nobody is expecting the Cardinals to repeat as NFC champs, hell some people don’t even have them winning the lowly NFC West. I think the Cards have a chance to be better, record wise, than they were last year. They retained their key players and cut some dead weight. I just think the Cardinals have the perfect personnel and scheme to succeed against a team like the 49ers who aren’t going to give up many rushing yards. 49ers will struggle to score and convert on third down in the early part of the season, they just don’t have passing chemistry yet. Since the division realignment these teams have played each other fairly evenly, with only 2 of the last 10 games being decided by more than a touchdown margin. I’m going to buck that trend in this one.

Prediction – Cards 24 Niners 14