NFL Week 1 Picks

The NFL Kicked off Thursday with a dominating performance by the Giants defense and a pathetic display from the Red Skins offense. With a full slate of games on tap for Sunday here are my top 4 selections for week 1.

Lions -3 at Falcons: It's a new era in Atlanta as the highly paid rookie and last years ACC player of the year Matt Ryan makes his first career NFL start. Rookie pivots generally struggle in their first start and I expect the same out of the Boston College product. The Lions jumped out to a 6-2 start last year before fading down the stretch. Detroit will go with a different philosophy on offense this season. They have plenty of weapons for Jon Kitna with standout receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson and a new rushing attack featuring Kevin Smith and Rudi Johnson. While the Falcons might improve as the year goes on the Lions should be ready to go as they looked great posting a 4-0 record in the pre-season. Pick: Lions

Sea Hawks pick at Bills: The Buffalo Bills open up their season hosting a Sea Hawks team that is traditionally known as a team that does not travel well to the East coast. Seattle will win their division by default but come into this game very banged up. Matt Hasselbeck will play despite sitting out most of the pre-season. Number 1 receiver Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are out. Shaun Alexander and D.J. Hackett are gone. The Bills enter 2008 with a lot of optimism. They made big improvements on the defensive side of the ball and will have Trent Edwards as their opening day starter after winning the job last year. The Bills will miss left tackle Jason Peters but should get it done at home week 1. Pick: Bills

Bucs +3 at Saints: Last year the Bucs surprised the football world by winning the NFC South. The Saints were the favorites but never got back on track after starting the year 0-4. New Orleans will learn from last years mistakes and start quick in 2008. The Saints added 4 time pro bowler Jeremy Shockey to an already stacked offense. Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway both had great years last season but faded down the stretch. I just don't think they have enough gas left in the tank to have another run. The Saints should make an early statement on their way back to the playoffs. Pick: Saints

Vikings +3 at Packers: Huge game Monday night in the NFC North. The Packers begin the post Brett Favre era against the team that is now favored to win the division. Aaron Rodgers has been waiting for his opportunity but this will be a tough task against a potent Vikings defense that added Jared Allen and his 15 1/2 sacks from last year. The Vikings defense also features pro-bowl tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. I am also a believer in Minnesota this year with the tandem of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor running the ball playing along side an improving Tarvaris Jackson. With Ryan Grant banged up it might take a couple of weeks for the Packers offense to be ready to go. Pick: Vikings