NFL Winning Picks

Predicted Winner w/Points Underlined

9/9 New Orleans (-6.5) MinnesotaExpect a similarly close content to last year’s overtime NFC Championship game, even without Sidney Rice out, as perhaps the New Orleans defense was a little lucky last year.

• The Pick: Saints to win, but Vikings beat the spread.

9/12 NY Giants (-7.5) CarolinaThe Giants suddenly potent passing attack, with the emergence of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham should force the Panthers to pass just to keep up and limit their dangerous ground game. With Matt Moore entering his first year as the ordained starter and the original Steve Smith missing the entire preseason, that’s not a good thing.

• The Pick: Giants to win and cover.

9/12 Atlanta (-2.5) PittsburghAtlanta fans know as good anyone what it’s like to pin your hopes on Byron Leftwich to lead a team. Hopefully, for Steeler Nation’s sake, Big Ben is back sooner than later.

• The Pick: Falcons to win and cover.

9/12 New England (-5.5) CincinnatiThe Bengals could struggle to find their identity in the first few weeks. A successful rushing team a year ago, it’s highly doubtful the T. Ocho Show sees it that way. Look for the always prepared and ever-dangerous Patriots to take advantage at home.

• The Pick: Patriots to win and cover.

9/12 Tampa Bay (-2.5) ClevelandRule of thumb: Always pick against Jake Delhomme to carry a team, especially on the road. Now with Jerome Harrison instead of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in his backfield, it could be a matter of quarters, not games before Delhomme gets the hook.

• The Pick: Bucs to win and cover.

9/12 Jacksonville (-2.5) DenverWith Brandon Marshall gone, Demaryius Thomas hurt and Knowshon Moreno not yet at full strength, it’s anyone’s guess how the Broncos expect to score. Look for MJD and the Jags to run over Denver at home.

• The Pick: Jaguars to win and cover.

9/12 Indianapolis (-3.5) HoustonLast year the Colts edged out the Jags by 2 in week 1. Two years ago, they took the loss at the hand of the Bears. Not to say the Colts are slow starters, but a dangerous Houston team at home will keep it close.

• The Pick: Colts to win in a nail-biter, Texans to beat the spread. (more…)