Sunday, Sept. 10

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers-

Yes, it may be true that Falcons QB, Michael “Superman” Vick, has been called the greatest offensive weapon due to his ability to scramble with the ball and elude defenders. The only question that Vick has faced is whether or not he can throw; and boy, I can say he’ll sure be put to the test against DE, Julius Peppers. Peppers’ speed is relatively unmatched amongst fellow defensive ends. On the offensive side, for Carolina, we’ll see both wide receivers Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson zoom past Atlanta’s secondary for big gains.

Bryan’s Pick: Carolina Panthers

Baltimore Ravens @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers-

Talk about a defensive slashing amongst two very defensive-minded teams. Both teams have positives on the offensive side of the ball. The Ravens added quarterback Steve McNair, and the Buccaneers have second-year running back “Cadillac” Carnell Williams. Both offensive weapons are geared towards helping their team win, and yes, expect this game to be a low scoring affair. As most of us know, running the football is the key to any victory.

Bryan’s Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Denver Broncos @ St. Louis Rams-

I haven’t been all that impressed with the Rams since the “Greatest Show on Turf” Super Bowl days of the late 90s. That’s why I feel that QB, Jake Plummer, with the deep receiving corps that includes WR Rod Smith and newly auired, free agent from Green Bay, Javon Walker, will be able to pick apart a weak secondary of the Rams that seems to only be under the leadership of former Minnesota SS, Corey Chavous.

Bryan’s Pick: Denver Broncos

New Orleans Saints @ Cleveland Browns-

This is a real “test” of a game for the second overall pick RB, Reggie Bush. Going up against the Browns, who are real sticklers against the run. Just by looking at their defensive tackle Ted Williams, one can tell why it will again be very difficult to run against this defense. However, I still see the Saints stealing this one on the road for three reasons. First, every game last year was a “road” game for them due to hurricane Katrina. Secondly, the Saint’s would like to start off on the right foot, giving New Orleans a reason to forget Katrina. Finally, the versatility that Bush brings to the game: he can run, catch out of the back field, and just straight out play the game of football.

Bryan’s Pick: New Orleans Saints

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans-

Both teams suffer in a way. The Jets have lost their all-time leading rusher, RB Curtis Martin to injury, and the Titans have to look down a new road at QB, sending their old QB Steve McNair to Baltimore. Kerry Collins seems to be taking the reigns at QB, however there is no WR like Amani Toomer, like he had on the New York Giants, nor like Randy Moss, which he had on the Oakland Raiders. I expect Chad Pennington to be the “gamerer” we’ve come to know him as since he fought back after two rotator cuff surgeries. He’ll thread passes through the defense connecting with WR, Laveranues Coles, for a possible game winner.

Bryan’s Pick: New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles @ Houston Texans-

Expect the Texan’s first draft choice, number one overall, DE Mario Williams to be under a great deal of stress as he just tries to get within arms reach of Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. Whereas Williams counterpart, Eagles DE, Jevon Kearse, will swarm all over Texan QB, David Carr. I expect this to be a blow-out for the Eagles.

Bryan’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions-

The Lions have clued-in to how football exactly works when they drafted defensive player, LB Ernie Sims. Despite the Lion’s defensive auisition, they’ve spent too much of the start of the new millennium on offense. They started with QB Joey Harrington (who’s now in Miami) followed by WRs Charles Rogers (who has been cut by the team recently) and Mike Williams in pursuing years. Sims will have his hands full trying to slow down, last year’s MVP RB Shaun Alexander, as Alexander begins his rushing pursuit towards 2,000 yards in a season.

Bryan’s Pick: Seattle Seahawks

Monday, Sept. 11

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders-

This game is basically Chargers, RB, LaDainian Tomlinson vs. the Raiders only proven run stopper, DT, Warren Sapp. However, on the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders tend to “key” in on WR, Randy Moss. He hasn’t even come close to the “break-out” season that they were hoping to auire when they traded for him two seasons ago from Minnesota.

Bryan’s Pick: San Diego Chargers