Football season is equivalent to 17 weeks of Christmas. Only, Christmas never made me cry. Needless to say, I’m glad football, and all the pain and suffering it brings, is back. And who could forget football means more Tebow. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
(My cousin got married this weekend and my two year old was the ring-bearer. Thus, I had no time to make my picks for the NFL’s opening weekend… until 2AM this morning.)
Last Season: 157 – 99 – 0
Season: 0 – 1 – 0
Early Games (1:00PM ET)
Colts at Bears
Cam Newton threw for more than 400 yards in his NFL debut. I’d be impressed if Andrew Luck made it to 250 in his. BEARS If I were Charles Barkley; Bears -10
Eagles at Browns
If the Eagles pass rush is truly as good as advertised, Philadelphia should leave Cleveland with at least four turnovers and a comfortable win. Welcome to the big leagues, Brandon Weeden. EAGLES If I were Charles Barkley; Eagles -10
Patriots at Titans
While Jake Locker isn’t a rookie, he’s yet another first year starting quarterback. If he wants to hang with the Patriots, he’ll need to move the offense and score some points. Lots of points. PATRIOTS If I were Charles Barkley; Patriots -7
Falcons and Chiefs
Hopefully, Jamaal Charles is as exciting and explosive as he was in 2010 before his knee injury. I like the Chiefs in this one and I’m not sure why. CHIEFS If I were Charles Barkley; Chiefs +3
Jaguars at Vikings
Christian Ponder had some bright spots throughout his 2011 rookie season. Blaine Gabbert only saw spots. Viewership outside of Minnesota and Jacksonville will be low for this one. VIKINGS If I were Charles Barkley; Jaguars +3.5
Redskins at Saints
The Redskins third/fourth string running back for most of the preseason just leapfrogged into the starting role this morning. Either Mike Shanahan knows something or he’s already grasping at straws. SAINTS If I were Charles Barkley; Saints -8.5
Bills at Jets
I’d feel a lot better about the Bills if I knew what I was getting from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Then again, I have no idea what’s going on with the Jets, either. BILLS If I were Charles Barkley; Bill +3
Rams at Lions
Jeff Fisher always fields competitive teams. I’m expecting the Rams to be a headache all season. In Detroit, it will be fascinating to see how the young Lions respond to all the heightened expectations. LIONS If I were Charles Barkley; Lions -9
Dolphins at Texans
I still think the Texans are the best team people aren’t talking about. Houston is right there with the Patriots atop the AFC. TEXANS If I were Charles Barkley; Texans -13.5
Afternoon Games (4:25PM ET)
49ers at Packers
Despite returning all 11 starters to the NFL’s best defense, I’m still down on the 49ers title chances. The San Francisco passing game is currently counting on a quarterback with one decent year in eight seasons, an old, prim donna receiver, a free agent signee that wasn’t one of the top two receivers on his former team, and a 1st round bust. I’ll take Aaron Rodgers. PACKERS If I were Charles Barkley; Packers -5.5
Seahawks at Cardinals
Upset alert! I like the Cardinals and their quarterback carousel. That is all. (Oh yeah, big ups to the NFL for finally pushing back the afternoon games. It was only two decades overdue.) CARDINALS If I were Charles Barkley; Cardinals +3
Panthers at Buccaneers
Must see TV, at least for me. Cam Newton is obviously spectacular and I’m riding the “Josh Freeman is back” bandwagon, too. Don’t be surprised if one of these two teams sneaks into the top of the AFC South. BUCCANEERS If I were Charles Barkley; Buccaneers +2.5
Sunday Night (8:20PM ET)
Steelers at Broncos
If I’m Peyton Manning and I’m returning from a career threatening neck injury AND I haven’t played an NFL down in nearly 20 months, the Steelers are the LAST team I’d want on the other side of the football trying to break my neck again. STEELERS If I were Charles Barkley; Steelers +2
Monday Night (7:00 & 10:15PM ET)
Bengals at Ravens
The Bengals struggled to beat quality teams in 2011. Knocking off the Ravens at home on Monday night would give notice that the Bengals are indeed for real. But that’s not happening. Not in Baltimore. RAVENS If I were Charles Barkley; Ravens -7
Chargers at Raiders
This has nothing to do with football, but I hate watching the Raiders at home early in the season. It’s 2012, can’t we do something about that stupid baseball diamond in the middle of the field? CHARGERS If I were Charles Barkley; Chargers +1
*****
If I were Charles Barkley
Last Season: 122 – 122 – 12
Season: 0 – 1 – 0
I was beyond shocked at how good the 49ers looked against the Packers. I was so happy for Randy Moss when he scored that TD.
I was also shocked by the performance of the Saints against the Redskins. The redskins played a great game behind RG3. I thought Robert was just hyped but he is the real deal.
My Falcons looked awesome with Julio Jones putting on a fantastic performance.
The Eagles disappointed me because they are supposed to beat the Browns and the struggled to beat them.
It was a great first week in the NFL I can’t wait for next week.