Now that you all have signed up for the OC Pick 'Em League (group ID 19207, password boobs), I'm sure you're all wondering who to pick.  It's not easy.  I mean how can you compare Vikings and Browns?  Vikings are savages from northern Europe, while Browns own Seven-Elevens and drive taxis.  How can I compare them!?

While there are tons of totally arbitrary ways of making picks based on absolutely NO football knowledge at all (and often these methods give great results), I feel like talking about football to my computer and will pass on my weekly picks to you and attempt to give reasoning based on some sort of self-proclaimed football knowledge.


Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.0)
The NFL's opening game tomorrow is set up to be a good one: The Superbowl Champs host the reigning AFC regular season champions.  The game is in Pittsburgh, which I think is a big deal.  In my opinion the Titans aren't going to be as good on defense.  Pittsburgh brings back almost the same team as last year and they win games like this.  Since they're at home and are favored by less than a touchdown I pick the Steelers to win.
Confidence Points: 7


Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons (-4.0)
Both of these teams were surprises last year.  They weren't supposed to be good and they both made the playoffs.  The Dolphins are flying under the radar now that Tom Brady is back with the Patriots, but I like their style.  The Falcons added Pro-Bowl tight end (hehe) Tony Gonzalez which will give second year QB Matt Ryan a reliable target, but I have a hunch that Miami might eek this one out.
Confidence Points: 2


Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)
These are two teams with some questions this year.  Last year was tough for both, especially for Denver after completely collapsing and losing the AFC West.  Carson Palmer is supposedly healthy while Kyle Orton isn't and probably won't play.  I'd buy the Bengals before the Broncos this season so I pick Cincinnati to win at home.
Confidence Points: 5


Minnesota Vikings (-4.0) vs. Cleveland Browns
I'm shocked at how small the spread is for the Vikings.  I don't even care about Brett Favre.  The Vikings have Adrian Peterson and the NFL's best run defense.  The Browns don't even have a starting quarterback.  Unless Favre throws 4 interceptions (which very well may happens) the Vikings win big.
Confidence Points: 15


Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts (-7.0)
Jaguar fans will be able to watch this game since they're not playing at home, but it won't be one that they'll enjoy.  Peyton Manning is going to show everyone that HE is the reason that the Colts have been so good for so many years.  This will be a statement game for the Colts and that's why I'm picking them.
Confidence Points: 10


Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints (-13.0)
The Lions went winless last season and are starting a rookie quarterback in Week 1.  That doesn't sound good for them to pick up a win, especially since the Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL.  But I'm not picking outright winners, I'm picking against the spread.  The Saints defense is horrible and I believe that the Lions will lose, but cover the spread nonetheless.
Confidence Points: 4


Dallas Cowboys (-6.0) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Other than their new gigantic punt-blocking jumbo HD screen in their new stadium there has been NO news coming out of Dallas this preseason.  I think that's a good sign for a team that has been nothing but underachieving for the past few seasons.  Tampa redid its entire team in the offseason and this is going to be a rebuilding season.  There is no way that Dallas can't win by less than a touchdown.
Confidence Points: 16


Philadelphia Eagles (-1.0) vs. Carolina Panthers
This is one of the best Week 1 matchups in my opinion.  Both of these teams have questions and with a 1 point spread this is basically a pick 'em game.  Carolina was undefeated at home in the regular season last year and the Eagles tend to be slow starters so the Panthers get the pick this time.
Confidence Points: 1


Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (-13.0)
The Chiefs are in a rebuilding mode, but I think they'll be better than most people think.  Matt Cassel (who may not play) will give them a legitimate passing attack.  Baltimore's defense is NOT going to be as good after losing their coordinator, but their offense will still help them win this one.  But just like the Lions-Saints match, I think the Chiefs will lose, but still cover the spread.
Confidence Points: 9


New York Jets vs. Houston Texans (-4.5)
The Jets are starting rookie QB Mark "Dirty" Sanchez and they have questions all over the offense.  The Texans have been getting better and better and I think this is a good Week 1 matchup for them.  The Jets will need time to come together, and I'm a little worried about the spread, but I still think Houston takes it at home.
Confidence Points: 8


Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (-6.5)
A classic NFC East battle in Week 1.  Obviously there are questions about the Giants' receivers, but there are the same questions about Washington's QB Jason Campbell.  I think this is the best divisional foe for NY to face Week 1 and I think the Giants will get it done through defense and running the ball.
Confidence Points: 11


San Fransisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)
The 49ers are still without their first round pick Michael Crabtree and without him I don't like their offense.  Arizona's passing attack is just too good and I think their defense should be able to hold off the lowly 49er offense.  I feel the spread is too low and this should be a cakewalk for the Cardinals.
Confidence Points: 12


St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
I don't know why everyone is on the Seahawks.  Their running game is questionable and is their aging QB Matt Hasselback.  Seattle does play well at home, but I like the Rams.  I think they'll play hard for their new coach and they have some play makers, so I go with the Rams to at least cover, if not win.
Confidence Points: 6


Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
This is another tough call for me.  I'm not sold on Jay Cutler as the savior for the Bears.  He throws too many interceptions and the Bears don't have any receivers, plus he's a baby.  The Packers should win this game, but last year they lost SEVEN games by FOUR points or less!  That's why they should win this game, but don't so I pick Chicago.
Confidence Points: 3


Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots (-11.0)
The T.O. show heads into New England to check on the health of the Golden Boy Tom Brady.  The Patriots have dismantled their defense this past year, but I'm not concerned about it with the Bills coming in.  The Bills may score points, but the Pats will score more and T.O. is going to start complaining fast.  The Patriots are my pick here.
Confidence Points: 14


San Diego Chargers (-9.5) vs. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are a mess and they will be a mess until Al Davis dies.  San Diego's offense will get them all the points they need.  The Raiders defense has some talent, but I don't trust their offense.  The Chargers will get things done in Oakland as they begin running away with the AFC West.
Confidence Points: 13