NFL Predictions 2016: Week 7

Last Week: 7-6-2
Overall: 40-50-2

Two pushes is kinda crazy from last week. Football is staying weird though. The Packers are seemingly broken, Seattle had there magic working for them once again, although I stand by it, I think the Falcons are for real (offense anyways). On top of that Cincinnati is sucking, the Jets are done, Carolina seems done too, Dallas is going to have a QB controversy soon (and not a bad one either), Arizona might be back, and Buffalo might be the scariest team in the NFL not named the Patriots right now. What. The. Hell.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (GB -7.5) -> Green Bay Packers
New York Giants @ Los Angeles Rams (London) (NYG -3) -> New York Giants
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles (MIN -2.5) -> Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints @ Kansas City Chiefs (KC -6.5) -> New Orleans Saints
Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions (DET -1.5) -> Washington Redskins
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (CIN -10) -> Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins (BUF -3) -> Buffalo Bills
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX -1) -> Oakland Raiders
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans (TEN -2.5) -> Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets (NYJ -1) -> Baltimore Ravens
San Diego Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons (ATL -6.5) -> Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Fransisco 49ers (TB -2) -> Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers (NE -7) -> New England Patriots
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals (ARI -2) -> Arizona Cardinals
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos (DEN -7.5) -> Denver Broncos

A couple notes...
- Lock of the Week: I want to start off with this because there are a couple games that I would consider locks this week. I expect New England and Denver to both not only cover, but blow the other teams out of the water. On paper they both seem like very, very easy multi-score wins for these respective teams. New England's one is easy, Pittsburgh is missing Big Ben, and Landry Freaking Jones is their starter. They have a weak defense and Gronk/Brady is just hitting its stride. Denver on the other hand is struggling offensively, but I genuinely expect their defense to outscore Houston's offense. Brock has been awful to start the year, almost as bad as Fitzpatrick, and he is going up against not only one of the best defenses in the league, but also a defense that knows his tendencies. This should be another UGLY Monday Night Football game.
- Upset of the Week: I was surprised at this line too. I don't know how the Jets are favoured. I think Geno will be better than what Fitz has done, but still, that's just saying I don't expect him to throw 6 interceptions. The Ravens are solid, not great, but solid. They are well coached though, and that's more than enough to stomp the Jets in Geno's first start of the year.
- The Packers have looked awful, and are routed by injury, but they are facing the Bears on a  Thursday. The only near certainty is this game is going to be really ugly. They should win, but I don't feel good about the cover.
- Why are Minnesota's lines so damn close? They are better than Philly, and they should win. In Philly. Handily. Mike Zimmer and that defense is a lot to handle for any QB, let alone a rookie (although he has played much, much better than I expected). I'm riding the Vikings hot streak until I see something in them that tells me I shouldn't (I doubt it will be soon).
- The Saints and Chargers are two teams that just seem to stick around in every game. I wanted to pick the Chargers to cover the spread, but I don't know if they have a stout enough defense to contain Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. I wouldn't be surprised if it's close, but Atlanta is going to come out hot after last week.
- Two of my favourite young teams to watch are facing off against each other this week. Indianapolis and Tennessee... I'm kidding, the Raiders and Jags play, and even though both of these teams have been shaky at times this year, I love watching guys like Amari Cooper, Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, Jalen Ramsey, Allen Robinson and Yannick Ngakoue (yes I did google his name to make sure I spelled it correctly). I think Oakland is further along in its development as a team, but the game should be entertaining at the very least. Although it could be a train wreck too, both teams have had their goose eggs this year.
- I'm staying away from the Colts and Titans. Usually when I think it's close, the coaching sways me, but the Chuck Pagano/Mike Mularkey combo just isn't doing it for me. I like betting on the Colts because I love Luck, but time and time again I just see how terrible the rest of his team is (exempt from this is T.Y. Hilton, he's a badass). The Titans have shown flashes recently, and they are the more talented roster, minus QB, but again, Mularkey. I'll just pick them because they're the home team. I don't like it though.
- BOLD PREDICTION: Just a thought, I think the Rams are losing this one, and I think Goff is going to be their week 9 starter. They have a bye in week 8, and it would be the perfect time to make the change. I recognize Keenum had the best game of his career last week against Detroit, but Detroit's defense has been injury riddled and just awful, and Keenum threw a game clinching interception on the last drive to halt any attempt at a comeback. I don't know how likely this is, it is Jeff Fisher we're talking about, but if they have any intention of Goff starting this year it has to be done after this game. We'll see though, it's a very bold prediction and hinges on many factors, but if I was Los Angeles and Goff has shown me enough to assume he'd be okay, then I'm going Goff.

NFL Predictions 2016: Week 6

Last Week: 8-6
Overall: 33-44

Decent week with 2 spreads missed by half a point, so I'll take it. To paraphrase Belichick, on to week 6.

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers (DEN -3) -> Denver Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots (NE -9) -> Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants (NYG -3) -> New York Giants
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (CAR -3) -> New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins (PIT -7.5) -> Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Chicago Bears (CHI -2.5) -> Jacksonville Jaguars
San Fransisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills (BUF -9) -> Buffalo Bills
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions (DET -3) -> Detroit Lions
Cleveland Browns @ Tennessee Titans (TEN -7) -> Tennessee Titans
Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins (PHI -2.5) -> Washington Redskins
Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders (KC -1.5) -> Oakland Raiders
Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks (SEA -6) -> Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers (GB -4) -> Green Bay Packers
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (HOU -3) -> Houston Texans
New York Jets @ Arizona Cardinals (ARI -8) -> Arizona Cardinals

A couple notes...
- I hate betting on San Diego games because of Phillip Rivers. He's the only reason they are competitive (although Joey Bosa is awesome) and it could be close on Thursday. Denver is still the way better team though, and Siemian is back too.
- Pats should win, but 9 points is a ton versus a talented Bengals squad.
- Lock of the Week: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins. It seems too easy for me to go lock of the week as any team facing the Browns, so I'll go the Steelers. Their offense has seemed unstoppable since Le'Veon Bell has come back, and Miami does not have the cornerback talent to even hinder Antonio Brown. Give me Pittsburgh all day long.
- Upset of the Week: Kansas City @ Oakland Raiders. Oakland at home against a team that has really struggled to get any pressure on opposing QB's. Should be a close game, but Oakland has too much talent on offense. Derek Carr would need to have a really poor game for Oakland to lose.
- Seattle vs. Atlanta is going to be an awesome game. I'm buying into Atlanta after last week, Matt Ryan has been great and they pulled out a massive win against Denver. Seattle has come on strong, but still need to work on their consistency on offense. Although Jimmy Graham looking like Jimmy Graham is a huge help.
- Another huge game is Dallas @ Green Bay. Dom Capers has done wonders against rookie QB's, but Dak is on another level right now. Dallas worked over Cincinnati last week, but Green Bay is still the better team, even with their offensive struggles. Also, underrated storyline is Green Bay's stout run defense vs. Ezekiel Elliott. Should be a lot of fun, but Green Bay at home is tough to bet against.

NFL Predictions 2016: Week 5

Last Week: 7-8
Overall: 25-38

Atlanta is good, Denver is great, Arizona might be screwed, Carolina is in trouble, Buffalo isn't out of it, Le'Veon Bell makes a huge difference, LA is better than expected but still not great, New Orleans and San Diego are just crazy and Tom Brady is now back. Week 4 was ridiculous just like every other week so far, but injuries are starting to pile up and teams are soon going to reach do or die mode.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Fransisco 49ers (ARI -3.5) -> San Fransisco 49ers
Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings (MIN -7) -> Minnesota Vikings
Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins (MIA -3.5) -> Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns (NE -10.5) -> New England Patriots
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT -7) -> Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington Redskins @ Baltimore Ravens (BAL -4) -> Washington Redskins
Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions (PHI -3.5) -> Philadelphia Eagles
Chicago Bears @ Indianpolis Colts (IND -4.5) -> Indianapolis Colts
Atlanta Falcons @ Denver Broncos (DEN -5.5) -> Denver Broncos
Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams (LA -2.5) -> Buffalo Bills
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders (OAK -3.5) -> Oakland Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys (CIN -1) -> Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers (GB -7.5) -> Green Bay Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (CAR -7) -> Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A couple notes...
- Lock of the Week: San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders. With Verrett out, and pretty much everybody else on San Diego but Phillip Rivers out too, Oakland has a decent chance to blow this game out. Rivers is incredible, and he's the only reason it could be close, but Oakland's defense is starting to perform better, and their offense should have another stellar week.
- Upset of the Week: Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is at home, and their offense is starting to roll. Dak has been great and Elliott leads the league in rushing. Cincinnati is a great team, but Dallas' O-line should be able to give Dak just enough time against a great interior rush to pull out a win here.
- I don't know how to predict Arizona and Carolina. With Carson Palmer out and Cam Newton most likely out too, these are two good teams that have performed poorly all year, but they are going up against two weaker teams as well. Derek Anderson can be solid so I could see Carolina winning, but man Drew Stanton is just not good. Even against San Fran and with a much more talented roster, Stanton could just throw the game away and I wouldn't be surprised.
- Denver vs Atlanta should be incredible. I think Matt Ryan's hot start is stymied a bit with this Denver D. Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Sylvester Williams and T.J. Ward are going to be really important to slow down Devonta Freeman, so they can force Matt Ryan to throw and try and get him to make mistakes.
- I could see Odell go for 200+ yards against Green Bay, but I still can't see New York stopping Green Bay's offense. Eli should be under pressure a lot of the game. Nick Perry and if Clay Matthews is back should both absolutely eat up NY's OT's. They should chip with TE's and RB's a lot to give OBJ, Cruz and Sheppard more time.
- I think this is a big game for Philly. Detroit hasn't been great this year, but they are on the road and I want to see what their offense can do after a bye week. Their defense should DESTROY Detroit's offense though. Jim Schwartz return game narrative.

NFL Predictions 2016: Week 4

Last Week: 7-9

Overall: 18-30

I'm improving? Every week I think I'm getting a better grasp on who teams really are. There are a group of roughly 7 teams who are the clear teams to beat, with no single team standing out a ton yet (other than the Patriots but I'm still waiting for Tom to return). Then there is a group of 15ish teams that are inconsistent to say the least. I've fallen trap to a lot of teams here, and they bring it one week and get flat out outplayed the next (*cough* Washington, Buffalo Tampa Bay, Oakland *cough*). Finally there are the teams that just suck. At least right now. Some are talented teams playing like crap, others are horribly coached, and others are weak rosters playing their asses off. So, lets see who proves me wrong this week.

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals (CIN -7.5) -> Miami Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars (London game) (IND -2.5) -> Indianapolis Colts

Cleveland Browns @ Washington Redskins (WAS -8) -> Washington Redskins

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (NE -6) -> New England Patriots

Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets (SEA -2.5) -> New York Jets

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (CAR -3) -> Carolina Panthers

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (DET -3) -> Detroit Lions

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans (HOU -4.5) -> Houston Texans

Oakland Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens (BAL -3.5) -> Oakland Raiders

Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (DEN -3) -> Denver Broncos

Dallas Cowboys @ San Fransisco 49ers (DAL -2.5) -> Dallas Cowboys

New Orleans Saints @ San Diego Chargers (SD -4) -> New Orleans Saints

Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals (ARI -8) -> Arizona Cardinals

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT -5) -> Kansas City Chiefs

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings (MIN -5) -> Minnesota Vikings

A couple notes...

- The Bengals in primetime or Miami on the road... Damn. This is not a good way to start the week. I like the way Gase is coaching this team though, and I mean, it's been 5+ years and I just still do not believe in Andy Dalton. Oh well. Cinci is the more talented team, but 7.5 is a big spread on a short week where anything can happen. AJ Green should have a monster game though. Like enormous.

- It seems like whenever there is football in London, a coach gets fired. To be honest I'm not even a hundred percent sure a coach has gotten fired after the London game, but man oh man I have a bad feeling this week for Gus Bradley. I love the Jags roster, I've bet on them each of the last two weeks, but this team has not performed close to offseason expectations. If Andrew Luck has a decent game, it could be the end of the Gus Bradley era in Jacksonville.

- I AM NOT BETTING AGAINST BELICHICK THIS WEEK. My instincts even tell me to go for Buffalo. They brought a storm last week vs. Arizona, and Rex seems to play BB hard, and the Pats might be starting Julian Fucking Edelman at QB, but damn it's Bill Belichick. I can't do it anymore. He's too good.

- I realize I'm going with a ton of road teams this week, and I'm prepared for the downfall of this, but the games just fell that way. I'm not betting for Chicago, San Fran or Tampa Bay after the last couple weeks, especially considering who they are all going up against. I also expect big bounce back weeks from Carolina and Arizona.

- Minnesota might be the best team in the NFL. I cannot believe I'm writing this sentence after they lost Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson, but it's true. I've always been a big believer in this defense. The depth at edge and the creative ways Mike Zimmer brings pressure on opposing QB's, and then they have an incredible group of linebackers and a great secondary headed by the best safety in the league (you heard me) Harrison Smith. This team is basically the Denver Broncos but with Sam BRadford instead of Trevor Siemian. I think at the top of the NFL, it is the Pats, Vikings, Green Bay (permitted Aaron Rodgers is at least solid by his standards), Denver and Seattle (permitted Wilson can stay healthy and the offense can be okay). The rest of the teams I have serious questions about. Although Carolina is close to this group, and if Carson Palmer bounces back then Arizona is right there too.

NFL Predictions 2016: Week 3

Last Week: 6-10
Overall: 11-21

Well I'm bad. The turning point that I've called before the season though is after week 3. That's when you usually find out what teams true identities really are, what coaches bring to the table, and the spreads aren't as ridiculous. The worst part of all of this is I'm missing on the spreads by a point or on unlucky plays consistently. Baltimore and Cleveland, I just missed, the Pats and Dolphins they couldn't complete the comeback and I missed by half a point, Carolina scored 17 points on San Fran in the last 4 minutes, and Denver got the sack/fumble to complete the spread. My luck has to turn soon... hopefully...

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (EVEN) -> Houston Texans
Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals (CIN -3) -> Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans (TEN -1.5) -> Oakland Raiders
Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills (ARI -4) -> Arizona Cardinals
Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars (BAL -1) -> Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins (MIA -9.5) -> Miami Dolphins
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants (NYG -4.5) -> New York Giants
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (GB -7.5) -> Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers (CAR -7) -> Minnesota Vikings
San Fransisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (SEA -9.5) -> San Fransisco 49ers
Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (TB -5.5) -> Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles (PIT -3.5) -> Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Jets @ Kansas City Chiefs (KC -3) -> Kansas City Chiefs
San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts (IND -3) -> Indianapolis Colts
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys (DAL -7) -> Dallas Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (NO -3) -> New Orleans Saints

A couple notes...
- If Belichick wins with Brissett, I promise you for the rest of the season I will not bet against him. The spread could be Pats -10000 and I'm going Pats. Houston is a really, really talented team, and I think they should win this short week game against a rookie QB. I'm sure Belichick will set Brissett up nicely with a lot of short, high percentile throws, but the Texans are too good to beat that way.
- I'm a glutton for punishment, I'm going Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Oakland after last week. I think all three of these teams are talented, they just need to get back on track and I think they all have good match-ups. It will come down to QB play, and all three young quarterbacks could torch their opposing defenses, or at least not throw their respective games away.
- I can't see Seattle, Carolina, and Green Bay putting up enough points to beat their spreads, but I think all three teams should win.
- Lock of the Week: Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills. The Bills fired their offensive coordinator, yet their defense has been awful. Hmmm. I will take Arizona all day long. Their defense should beat up on the Bills offense, and Carson Palmer should have absolutely no problem moving the chains and putting up points. It would take a tragic Palmer performance to make this game even close.
- Upset of the Week: Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans. Tennessee came up with a big win last week against Detroit (although the Ebron push off call was a shitty call), but Oakland has way, way more talent. Their offense is moving the ball well, and I actually think their defense should bounce back in a sense this week. If the Titans had a better coach, I think they could be legitimately good. Yet here we are, with Mularky running a trash offense for Mariota. Play up to Mariota's strengths, run short crossers, roll him out, and get Derrick Henry the damn ball.
- Washington intrigues me this week. This is 100% a make or break week for Washington, and I truly believe if they lose in week 3, their season is over. The main reason I'm not going with them this week is Kirk. He has been so, so bad these first two weeks, I can't see how they win if he performs like he has been.

NFL Power Rankings 2016: Week 2

Well... Week 1 was interesting. Quite a few teams proved me wrong, and definitely deserve a raise in my rankings. Usually around week 4 you start to see a teams true colours, so as of now I'm going to try not to completely overreact to certain showings by teams. The top 6 are all really close for me, and I think all of them have a legitimate case for number 1. With all that being said, let's get to it!

1) Green Bay Packers
2) New England Patriots
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
4) Carolina Panthers
5) Denver Broncos
6) Seattle Seahawks
7) Houston Texans
8) Arizona Cardinals
9) Minnesota Vikings
10) Cincinnati Bengals
11) Kansas City Chiefs
12) Oakland Raiders
13) New Orleans Saints
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15) Detroit Lions
16) Indianapolis Colts
17) New York Jets
18) Jacksonville Jaguars
19) New York Giants
20) Miami Dolphins
21) Baltimore Ravens
22) Dallas Cowboys
23) Atlanta Falcons
24) Chicago Bears
25) Buffalo Bills
26) Washington Redskins
27) San Diego Chargers
28) Philadelphia Eagles
29) San Fransisco 49ers
30) Los Angeles Rams
31) Tennessee Titans
32) Cleveland Browns

NFL Predictions 2016: Week 2

Week 1: 5-11

Overall: 5-11

Week 1 is a shit show. I mean I'm just bad at predicting, but week 1 is definitely a shit show too. It was chaos across the board, although it gave us some insight to a lot of teams that had questions about them. There were so many close games this week too, and spreads were missed or made by a point or two. With that being said, on to the picks for week 2!

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (NYJ -1) -> New York Jets

Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions (DET -5.5) -> Detroit Lions

Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans (HOU -2.5) -> Houston Texans

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (NE -6.5) -> Miami Dolphins

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (BAL -6.5) -> Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT -3.5) -> Pittsburgh Steelers

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins (WAS -3) -> Washington Redskins

New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants (NYG -4.5) -> New Orleans Saints

San Fransisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers (CAR -13.5) -> San Fransisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Arizona Cardinals (ARI -6.5) -> Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (SEA -6.5) -> Los Angeles Rams

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos (DEN -6) -> Indianapolis Colts

Atlanta Falcons @ Oakland Raiders (OAK -4.5) -> Oakland Raiders

Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers (SD -3) -> Jacksonville Jaguars

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (GB -2) -> Minnesota Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears (CHI -3) -> Chicago Bears

A couple notes...

- Lock of the Week: Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns. I'm still not completely sold on the Ravens, although they proved me wrong in the first week, but they should handily beat the Browns even in Cleveland. McCown is now the guy in Cleveland, but they're one hit away from Cody Kessler or Kevin Hogan. Let that sink in for a second. McCown isn't the guy you want at QB to begin with, but they are really close to not winning a game this season. Baltimore shut down Tyrod Taylor in week 1, and I don't see them having any trouble with shutting down McCown. Cleveland's D should be no problem for Flacco and that offense too.

- Upset of the Week: There are so many to choose from this week. I'm going to go with the LA Rams over the Seahawks though. Now that seems crazy considering how LA played Monday night (if you didn't watch that game, lucky you). With that being said, I'm also taking into consideration how Seattle played in Week 1, and it was rough. For a team that is supposed to shut down teams at home, they were one Kenny Stills drop away from losing handily to the Miami Dolphins. Russell Wilson hurt his ankle that game too, and there's a chance he may not be 100%. Historically, Jeff Fisher and his squad brings their A game when they play the Seahawks, and I actually think they will outright beat them on Sunday.

- Some other tempting upsets were Miami over New England (although I still hate betting against Belichick), New Orleans over the Giants, San Fran against the spread vs. Carolina, Tampa Bay over Arizona, Indianapolis over Denver, Jacksonville over San Diego, and Minnesota over Green Bay (although I hate betting against Aaron Rodgers almost as much as I hate betting against Belichick). These games all feel like they're going to be way too close to have some of the spreads they do.

- I understand Denver's defense is incredible, but Andrew Luck is the QB for the Colts and Trevor Siemian is the QB for the Broncos.

- I don't trust New Orleans' defense, but their offense is so good with Brees and the Giants offense wasn't as explosive as I expected against a weaker Cowboys defense. I expect Brees to keep it to at least a field goal or potentially be able to blow out NY.

- Miami really impressed me week 1. I truly believe that Adam Gase is 100% the right coach for them and I thought Ryan Tannehill was also way better than his numbers indicated. As I've said all throughout the off-season, Seattle's offensive line is very weak, and Miami was easily able to get to Wilson on a consistent basis, but their defense still looked very good too. New England is an issue because of Belichick, and he is just way too smart even with Garappolo starting and Gronk most likely out, but I think it will be a very close game, enough to give Miami the edge under the spread.

- Tampa Bay looked fantastic week 1. They weren't perfect, but Jameis and the offense looked great and you clearly saw the playmakers they have on defense in Kwon Alexander, Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David and VHIII. I was disappointed in Arizona, and thought their game plan was too passive, but they are still a very talented team. I think Arizona will squeak out a victory, but it will be close.

- I think Jacksonville will wreck shop against San Diego. The Jags are a very good team, and were very close to beating Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in week 1. They played a very smart game too, and this defense will continue to get better along with the offense. The biggest week 1 disappointment was not only San Diego blowing such a huge lead against KC, but also Keenan Allen's injury. It was a tale of two different teams, and without Keenan Allen, San Diego seems doomed for another long season. I hope they prove me wrong because I like Phillip Rivers, but man oh man another unlucky, awful injury for the incredibly talented Allen. Rivers will have to abuse Jacksonville's linebackers in the short passing game with Danny Woodhead, but if the Jags play Myles Jack (lets hope!) then they could help minimize that issue, and apart from that the Jags win across the board. Although I can't wait to see Allen Robinson vs. Jason Verrett. Should be an awesome match-up!

- Minnesota's defense is ridiculous. I think it's the best defense in the league (sorry Denver and Seattle) and I don't think that's even that hot of a take. They have star talent and depth at every level and even with a shaky at best offense, they will compete this year. This is Bradford's first start of the year (or should be at least) and he is miles ahead of Shaun Hill in terms of talent. This should be an incredibly close game and frankly I'm torn. Green Bay should be better than they were in week 1 as Rodgers and Jordy get another week together, but I'll take the home team as the tiebreaker.

- On Thursday we're gonna see two very good defenses go off, in the Jets and Bills. Simply put, the Jets looked better in week 1, and I think they are the more talented team. I think for the Bills to win, Tyrod will have to play exceptionally, which isn't out of the question, but I still lean New York's way.

- Detroit really impressed me week 1. Andrew Luck was incredible, yet they kept on bouncing back and Stafford and that offense were outstanding. I think they should easily beat a Titans team that... er... let me just say struggled in week 1.

- Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans should be a fantastic game, but I'm going with Houston. ironically without Justin Houston, KC's defense didn't look nearly as potent as it has in recent years, and Houston looked good on all levels against a solid Chicago team.

- Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers should be another great game. I think it should come down to the wire, but in the end I don't see how Cincinnati is going to stop Antonio Brown.

- Washington should beat Dallas. Should. Dak had a solid showing vs. the Giants, but he really isn't being asked to do much. Washington's defense was torched by a good Pittsburgh offense, but they are still very talented and should be able to handle Dak. Washington's offense should also in theory put the throttle to Dallas' defense. I'll give Washington the benefit of the doubt in week 1, but if they don't pull this out though, then I'm going to be worried about them as a team.

- So Atlanta was better in week 1 then I thought they would be, but my god they need a pass rush. Badly. Oakland should be able to punish them for their lack of push at the line, and I expect Oakland to keep momentum going after an impressive, ballsy, week 1 win.

- Give me John Fox's Bears vs. a rookie QB. The Eagles looked way better than I thought they would in week 1, and their defense is good, but Chicago is a better team than people think. Jay Cutler is solid, and Alshon and Kevin White are too good to keep quiet all game.

NFL Power Rankings 2016: Week 1

Don't @ me. I might get destroyed on a few of these after week 1, but that's part of the fun. Baltimore, Atlanta and Miami could surprise, but frankly I think those teams are trying to fight going into rebuild mode when that's what they should do. The AFC past New England is rough, and I mean rough. Not to say by the end of the year there won't be a true competitor other than NE, but right now, I have no idea. Most analysts tend to love Pittsburgh, but I'm torn. Big Ben is great, as is Antonio Brown, but I still have questions about their defense, mainly their secondary and how they'll get pressure off the edge. The Packers at the top? Well sure they lost Sitton, but who's ever said they won't win a Super Bowl because of their left guard? Two years ago the Packers had the best offense in the NFL. They are returning every starter from that offense other than Sitton (and Kuhn :'(...), and they should get bounce back years from Lacy, Cobb, Adams etc. Their defense is getting to a point where it's underrated too. It was close between Green Bay and Seattle, but Seattle's offensive line (or lack there of) pushed it over the edge for me. Dallas and Minnesota should shoot up these rankings to when Romo is back and when I see Sam Bradford has learned the playbook. Their too talented to be as low as they are.

1) Green Bay Packers
2) Seattle Seahawks
3) New England Patriots
4) Arizona Cardinals
5) Carolina Panthers
6) Pittsburgh Steelers
7) Kansas City Chiefs
8) Denver Broncos
9) Cincinnati Bengals
10) Dallas Cowboys
11) Houston Texans
12) New York Giants
13) Oakland Raiders
14) New York Jets
15) Indianapolis Colts
16) Minnesota Vikings
17) Buffalo Bills
18) Washington Redskins
19) New Orleans Saints
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21) Chicago Bears
22) Jacksonville Jaguars
23) Detroit Lions
24) Miami Dolphins
25) Atlanta Falcons
26) Tennessee Titans
27) Baltimore Ravens
28) Philadelphia Eagles
29) Los Angeles Rams
30) San Diego Chargers
31) Cleveland Browns
32) San Fransisco 49ers