FFF Week 1

NOTE: This wasn't posted until Saturday due to tech issues.

Each week, I will be making five predictions for the upcoming Sunday of NFL action. Three of these will be straight up selections, the fourth will be a best bet, and the fifth will be an upset special (where the underdog will WIN OUTRIGHT, not just cover).

When our show resumes on the radio, I will be including these choices, known from here on out as the FRIDAY FOOTBALL FORECASTS, as a segment on the show. I will only be picking games played on Sunday itself during the regular season in this spot.

So here are my week one selections: only three road teams are favored on Sunday, and I like two of them

Game One: Dallas -5 ½ over Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers decision to tab Byron Leftwich as the starter makes sense because he the most ready among them to win. But his lack of mobility makes him an easy target, and DeMarcus Ware and the Cowboys' defense should register many sacks and pressures. Plus, I think that Tony Romo is tired of hearing about how he won't be as good now that T.O. and Jessica Simpson are gone from his life; I think he makes a big statement against a new Bucs D still trying to get used to life without 'The Full Monty' (as in Kiffin).

Game Two: Minnesota -3 ½ over Cleveland
Most people are viewing this game by focusing on the quarterback situations of both teams: Brett Favre with his new Vikings teammates, and the Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn situation for the Browns. But doing so leads people to miss the more obvious. The Vikings defensive line is superior to the Browns offensive line, especially now that both Pat and Kevin Williams are free to play this entire season without being suddenly suspended in the middle of it. And the Vikings offensive line is superior to the Browns defensive line, meaning Adrian Peterson should push the 200 yard mark. Shockingly low number on this one - jump on it

Game Three: NY Jets +4 ½ over Houston
The Texans have been a trendy pick to grab a wild card spot this season. It makes sense with a healthy Matt Schaub handing the ball to underrated running back Steve Slaton and throwing the ball to maybe the best wide receiver in the league in Andre Johnson. But Schaub is dinged up, and their defense seems a little shaky. I know the Jets have a rookie QB in Sanchez, and they have some issues themselves. Call this my "Special Agent Gibbs" selection - I'm going with my gut (NCIS reference).

Game Four: BEST BET: Arizona -6 ½ over San Francisco
Let me get this straight - the 49ers have Shaun Hill at quarterback, their top WR's are Arnaz Battle and Isaac Bruce, the second best defensive player on their roster is their head coach, and they are less than a touchdown dog at the defending NFC champions? I'd make this selection if the line was 12 ½ - I think its going to be another long year for the Niners.

Game Five: UPSET SPECIAL: Denver winning outright +4 over Cincinnati
To say that Denver has had a rough off-season is being way too kind. But consider: home teams always get 3 points, so if this game were neutral site, they Bengals would be a 1 point favorite - virtually a pick 'em. Something tells me that the Broncos are going to play with a bit of an edge - mainly because their defense is still pretty good, especially with the addition of Brian Dawkins to the secondary. As a result, I have no confidence that Carson Palmer, with limited mobility, and the Bengals will score a lot of points. This feels like a first team to 13 points wins kind of game. The Broncos will do just enough to pull it out.

Enjoy the Sunday games everyone.