Preasason Week 2 Picks

With week 1 in the books and some looking ahead at how seriously I actually intend to take this blog I figured I would throw up some picks for the slate of games this coming week. I realize this is only pre-season but just like the pros, I figure I should get some practice in too. Besides there are good reason to watch pre-season since it's a chance to see the various teams take their final form before the real season begins. Anyway onto the picks.

Atalanta vs. Baltimore: Atlanta

This is a game I would absolutely love to see in the regular season when both teams are playing for keeps but it's not. I am looking to see how Baltimore's defense looks in this game because honestly, if they want to hoist the Lombardi again, they will need solid defense.

Detroit vs. Cleveland: Detroit

I actually think Detroit could make a good show this season if they fix some things. I love Brandon Wheedon over there in Cleveland but with a whole new regime in there I am just not sure the Browns are going to look any better. I think Detroit is the better team and has better depth so don't see any reason why they won't win.

Carolina vs. Philadelphia: Philadelphia

After the way Carolina looked last week I may be moving them down a peg or two or three. While I am wondering if Cam Newton is ever going to be they dynamo he was his first season, I loved what I saw out of Vick and it looks like Chip Kelly has a good ship over there so yeah, kind of hard not to pick Philly in this one.

San Diego vs. Chicago: Chicago

I will be honest I flipped a coin because these two teams are so damn similar. Each team is under new management, have extremely talented Quarterback's who are frustratingly inconsistent, and have more questions than answers.

Minnesota vs. Buffalo: Minnesota

Okay mom, there you go, I picked your team so you happy now? While I am picking on my mom a bit because I can't seem to ever pass an opportunity to do it, I actually think Minnesota is the better team in this game. I like what Buffalo is doing, but I don't see them ready to make the big strides they need just yet.

San Francisco vs. Kansas City: San Francisco

I actually didn't pick the niner's because they are the better team (though they are), I picked them because their head coach is insanely competitive. Harbaugh can't stand losing even in the pre season which means his players go into the game a bit more amped up specially since they lost in Denver last week.

Tampa Bay vs. New England: New England

After last weeks showing and knowing that the Patriots take every game seriously I expect to see more of the same from them. On the other side, I think Tampa Bay is making some improvements but just isn't there yet.

Oakland vs. New Orleans: New Orleans

I think both Brees and Peyton are to prove something this season and think they intend to start showing that in pre season. Not only are the Saints playing to make people forget last year, the Raiders are still trying to figure out who they are. This team is probably going to be spinning wheels for a while as they figure out who they are without Al Davis in the mix.

Dallas vs. Arizona: Arizona

I am picking Arizona for this game because I really think they want to see exactly what they have in Carson Palmer and will be opening up the play book a bit more. I think Dallas probably has the better over all team but I can't stand their coach and every time I pick them they lose so... yeah.

Tennessee vs. Cincinnati: Cincinnati

I actually expect Tennessee to take a step backward this season and think Cincinnati is on the verge of being a honest to god contender.

Jacksonville vs. Jets: Jacksonville

I actually asked my wife to make this pick and she picked the Jag's because Jaguars are a "nice" animal. My wife doesn't know anything about football, but she seems to always pick winners. I have absolutely no reason to actually watch this game except for maybe making myself feel better about my masculinity since Gabbert makes my youngest daughter look tough.

Miami vs. Houston: Miami

I know the popular pick is probably going to be Houston and I don't blame people for that. However, I really think Miami might be a surprise this year and so figured I would throw the fish a bone.

Green Bay vs. St. Louis: St. Louis

I think Green Bay is the far better team here, but they seem to not other teams seriously and that shows up in the pre season. Meanwhile I love Jeff Fisher and think he will get some good things out of his squad this year.

Denver vs. Seattle: Denver

This is actually my pick for the super bowl this year but I don't expect either team to be playing like they are in the big show. I really think either team is capable of winning this game so went with Denver since I am a Bronco's fan.

Indianapolis vs. Giants: Giants

I actually picked the Giants because I didn't want to write Indianapolis twice.. doh guess I did anyway. Seriously though I like the way both teams are looking and didn't see a clear favorite. I think the Giants have things a bit more together, but won't be at all surprised to see Indy pull off a victory.

Pittsburgh vs. Washington: Washington

I have Washington winning this one because they have the best back up Quarterback in the league. Kirk Cousins could probably start for at least ten of the teams on this list and be an improvement.

So there you have it, my first picks of the season, let me know what you think, or if your really brave you can give me your picks. Tell you what, if you pick better than me this week I will let you pick all the games for next week.