These are the picks for the 2005 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
This season-opening Sunday opened up on the anniversary of the September eleventh terrorist attack, leveling the World Trade Center in New York and damaging the Pentagon in Washington. A third flight never reached its destination as civilians fought back and took control of the plane. That flight crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, killing all onboard.
It was an emotional day at the nearby stadiums for fans and players at nearby home fields. There were special ceremonies before games kicked-off. Fueled by the emotions, these teams rose to the occasion. They played with passion and gave their fans what they needed to raise their spirits on a solemn day.
Another team had something to play for, though for other reasons. They didn't play at home. Currently, they don't have a home. The New Orleans Saints can't play at the Superdome due to the damage it took from hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding.
Playing for their fans, the Saints played inspired football against Carolina, a favorite of many experts to win Super Bowl XL. Using a last-minute drive, the Saints drove 49 yards to set up the game-winning 47-yard field goal, giving their Louisiana fans something to smile about. Yes the win does nothing to repair the city, but, for at least three hours, Louisianians we able to forget their problems and celebrate.
Seven "home" games will be split between Tiger Stadium and the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The "home" opener will take place far away from home: Giants Stadium in New York. The NFL will use the opportunity to make the game part of a Monday Night double-header, but more importantly, a telethon to raise money for evacuees through the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Anyone able to is encouraged to contribute.
New England at Carolina - L
According to 'Lina wide out Steve Smith, Patriots cornerback Tyrone Poole spat on him during Super Bowl XXXVIII. Smith hasn't forgotten that and wants revenge. So when Poole finds the flaming bag of poop at his locker, he'll know who it's from. But it will be the Patriots who get the last word on the field.
Detroit at Chicago - L
Rookie passer Kyle Orton became the ninth starter for the Bears since 2000. If he's still starting by the halfway point of the season, he'll receive a lifetime achievement award. Not satisfied with one win, the Lions make it two in a row.
Minnesota at Cincinnati - W
Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper has already written several renditions of "I'm sorry Randy, let's be friends" letters but doesn't have the will to send the letter yet. It will take more than one bad game to make him long for the days of bombs to his former teammate , receiver Randy Moss. Cincy had little problems scoring and the Bengals roll over the Vikes.
Pittsburgh at Houston - W
With the Bus in the shop and the Duce coupe in the garage, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker turbo-charged the offense, going from zero to 161 rushing yards in under 60 minutes. While it's hard not to return to old favorites, Parker might become the most head coach Bill Cowher's favorite. He'll let Parker peel out and burn Houston as the Steelers run over the Texans.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis - W
DT Corey Simon was always an active interior lineman to me. So I found it surprising when the media described the former Eagle and current Colt as a run-stuffer. After seeing him for the first time, I understand why. He now wears number 97, and I think that represents pounds gained in the off-season. But Simon's presence tips this game in the Colts' favor.
San Francisco at Philadelphia - W
Watching Philly on Monday night last week, one thought kept crossing my mind: Quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn't run anymore. It used to be his best weapon. San Fran had seven sacks so McNabb might have no choice but to break containment. If he makes a few runs for it, McNabb should propel the Eagles past the 49ers.
Buffalo at Tampa Bay - W
The Bills can win games without needing J.P. Losman to carry the team. That strategy will work on some teams, but a more productive performance is needed from the first-year starting passer to get past T.B. It will be a little humbling for Losman as he wilts under the Buccaneers.
Baltimore at Tennessee - L
The Ravens turn to Anthony Wright to start at quarterback in place of the injured Kyle Boller. For insurance, they signed Kordell Stewart. That's like buying a lead parachute. Fortunately the Ravens won't have to deploy the life-saver and they'll soar against the Titans.
St. Louis at Arizona - W
It's the drawback of playing in the Rams' offense. The quarterback potentially will take a beating. After one week, the tally is already seven sacks absorbed by Marc Bulger. He'll take a few more licks, but Bulger and the Rams avoid another beating.
Atlanta at Seattle - L
For getting involved in a pre-game fight, Cornerback Kevin Mathis must wear an ankle bracelet that beeps when he's within 10 yards of the Seahawks side of the field during pre-name warm-ups. Once the game starts, the Falcons be all over the Seahawks.
San Diego at Denver - L
Denver is 0-7 all-time playing in Miami, so it shouldn't be a surprise that they got whupped like they did last week. Nor will it be a surprise when the Chargers come into Denver and spank the Broncos.
Cleveland at Green Bay - W
QB Brett Favre and the Packers never play well in domes. They play well at home, but not when Cleveland comes to town. The Browns pull off the Upset of the Week.
Miami at New York Jets - L
Miami's Jason Taylor tied the record for fumbles returned for a touchdown with five in his career. If he played against the Jets last week, he could had possibly finished with eleven such scores by the end of the game. The plaque stating Taylor as the record-holder has already been crafted. Whether it's awarded to him after his Dolphins drop the Jets is the question.
Kansas City at Oakland - W
Is that defense for real? K.C.'s revamped unit will be challenged by the Raiders and their vertical attack. But good old offense will be the difference for he Chiefs as they out-pace Oakland.
New York Giants vs New Orleans - Monday Night - L
I'll make this a sentimental pick and be a Saints fan for the night.
Washington at Dallas - Monday Night - L
After being on the receiving end of some WWE treatment, quarterback Patrick Ramsey will sit as Mark Brunell starts for the Redskins. Yes, this is football, but Brunell will get some Raw treatment from the Cowboys defense as Dallas slams Washington.
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Super Bowl XL