It was a good, but not great year in Audible-ville last season. Final tally: 84-60, including a Colts pick in the Super Bowl. I had one-half of my preseason choice correct (the Colts in the AFC), but overlooked the dominance of the Chicago defense. I won’t make that mistake again.
Still, 84-60 is pretty close to 60 percent, a decent showing, and I’d like to better that mark this time around. My picks, then, for Week 1.
New Orleans at Indianapolis: (Disclaimer: These picks were made before the start of Thursday’s game, so there was no cheating.) The season kicks off with the defending Super Bowl champs in prime time, but they draw a tough opponent in the Saints, who have probably the most explosive offense in the league outside of the Colts. Does that mean there’ll be a lot of points scored in this one? Maybe, but probably not. It’s tough to get into an offensive rhythm on opening night, which is why I think the Colts will feed off an electric home crowd and dictate the pace of the game, pressuring Drew Brees and keeping New Orleans’ defense over-extended. They’re the choice in the opener. Score: Indianapolis 24, New Orleans 20.
New England at NY Jets: The two best teams in the AFC East will battle, and for New York, the key will be challenging the Patriots’ defense and keeping them honest against the run. The Pats’ passing defense was lackluster at times last season, something the Jets must attack. But I think the Patriots will build off the game plan from last year’s playoff win over Gang Green, turning the reins over to Tom Brady, and the Patriots will take it. Score: New England 28, New York 23.
Chicago at San Diego: The Bears begin their road back to the Super Bowl at San Diego in another of Week 1’s prime matchups. San Diego may not be as good as its 14-2 record last season, but they present a stiff challenge for still-learning Rex Grossman. The Bears’ defense will keep them in this game, but in the end, LaDanian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers will have enough offensive firepower to get past the Bears. Score: San Diego 20, Chicago 14.
NY Giants at Dallas: The Giants are going to suffer an up-and-down season this fall, due partially to their aging and inconsistent defense and also to the growing pains that Eli Manning is still going through. Still, I think the Giants will come out amped up for the start of the season and get to Tony Romo early. After a hot start last year, Romo slipped down the stretch, and I don’t think he’s as good as his Pro Bowl berth last season indicated. The G-Men get the post-Tiki era off to a good start with a win, and if I’m wrong, Danny Lanzetta can make me write, “I’ll never pick the Giants again” 1,000 times on the chalkboard. Score: New York 20, Dallas 17.
Baltimore at Cincinnati: The Ravens and Bengals have had some memorable duels over the last couple of seasons, mainly due to the colorful personalities on each sideline (Ray Lewis and Chad Johnson, “Mr. Ocho Cinco,” are the ringleaders). But this one should be all business, with the Bengals trying to prove they have a playoff-worthy defense and the Ravens out to show that they are a serious Super Bowl contender. In an aggressive matchup, the Ravens will prevent Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer from getting hot, and Baltimore will ride a rejuvenated rushing attack, led by former Bill Willis McGahee, to the win. Score: Baltimore 17, Cincinnati 13.
Quick picks: St. Louis will take care of Carolina at home, Minnesota will best the Falcons, Pittsburgh should have no trouble with the Browns, Seattle will dispatch Tampa Bay and Philadelphia will top the Packers on the not-yet-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.