It feels like we never stopped talking about the NFL and it’s probably an accurate statement. There haven’t been any breaks between the NFL moving the draft back a few weeks, free agency, mini-camps, training camp and the constant train of NFL news involving Johnny Football, Michael Sam, Jim Irsay, Ray Rice, Wes Welker, and all our other favorite NFL people. But now it’s time to lace ’em up and get out there. Sports bars are going to be a zoo on Sunday. Make sure to get there early.
Survivor Pick of the Week:
PHILADELPHIA over Jacksonville
The largest spread on the board this week makes a lot of sense. Jacksonville has quarterback issues and are still a young, unproven team. The Eagles are in the second year of the Chip Kelly program and seem poised to run away with the NFC East. It’s the easy pick in a week where there are plenty of tough games.
Outside of Philadelphia, you have a few decent choices (listed in order of preference). E.J. Manuel is still the quarterback in Buffalo and the Bears should have themselves a mighty fine Sunday. Denver should be able to dispatch Indianapolis at home since the Broncos have improved their defense and have a strong home field advantage. Brian Hoyer likely won’t be a world-beater, so the Steelers should move through Cleveland with relative ease. Those looking to take a flyer could take Detroit because the Giants’ offense has been incredibly inept in the preseason.
Thursday Night Pick:
SEATTLE -5.5 over Green Bay
Tonight will mark a wild celebration in Seattle. As if the Seahawks fan base wasn’t loud enough, now they have an excuse to be even louder as the team celebrates last year’s Super Bowl championship. Opposing offenses usually struggle to communicate in CenturyLink Field, so it’s probably not a good thing that the Packers are going with rookie Corey Lindsey at center tonight because starter J.C. Tretter is injured. Things could get ugly quickly.
On the flip side Green Bay’s defense shouldn’t be too much of a threat to Seattle’s questionable offensive line. That test will come later, but Russell Wilson should be able to push his boys down the field well enough to win this easily and I wouldn’t be surprised with double digits.
Kyle’s pick: Seattle