Vegas Hags` Pigskin Pics

Vegas Hags

This should be fun! By moving from a print publication to the Internet this year, there`s a lot more space to talk football. It should be another crazy, unpredictable year in the NFL, but I`m going to give it a try each week anyway.

I am also excited about the opportunity to hear what you have to say this year. You can e-mail me at ghaggerty@southjersey.com anytime with your questions, thoughts or comments. Please be kind – this is supposed to be for fun!

Without further ado, here`s a crack at week 1 in the NFL…

Arizona (+6 ½) at NY Giants I`m not a big fan of the Giants, being from Philly and all, but you`ve got to like the skill players they`re putting together up the turnpike. Look for Kerry Collins to look pretty good spreading the ball around to Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard and for Ron Dayne to have a solid debut. As for the Cardinals – forget about it!

Giants by 7

Baltimore (-2 ½) at Pittsburgh This looks to be a snooze-fest as Kent Graham and Tony Banks pilot these two mediocre teams. Pittsburgh is always tough at home, but Baltimore should win this close game based on their superior defense.

Ravens by 3

Panthers (+10 ½) at Washington

The Redskins have gobs of talent on both sides of the ball. The Panthers have improved their defense and have a capable offense. I don`t think you will see the offensive fireworks you might expect in this game as both defenses keep it interesting. I like the Redskins to win but not cover.

Redskins by 7

Bears (+4 ½) at Vikings

Gentlemen, start your engines! This game has all the makings of an offensive explosion (both defenses stink). Both quarterbacks will struggle to be consistent but will be bailed out time and again by their talented wideouts. The Bears seem overrated to me, so I`ll go with the Vikings and Moss and Carter here.

Vikings by 7

Lions (even) at Saints

This is a tough call with Batch being questionable. If Batch plays the whole game, this seems like a no brainer. I`m not so inclined to go with the Lions if Stoney Case gets the nod. I`ll take the Lions here on the backs of their talented receivers and James Stewart`s running.

Lions by 1 (more if a healthy Batch plays)

Colts (-3 ½) at Chiefs

The Chiefs D is TOUGH at home, but they will really miss Derrick Thomas. The Colts sport the best offense in the AFC. In a close one, I`ll go with the Colts to figure out a way to outscore Elvis and company.

Colts by 6

Jaguars (-10 ½) at Browns

Question: Who will run the ball for the Browns to spread the defense for Tim Couch? Answer: Yeah, right.

Jags by 17

49ers (+7) at Falcons

Will the real Falcons please stand up? Are they the Super Bowl team of 2 years ago or the weaklings of last year? The answer lies with Jamaal Anderson`s health. I don`t think he`s quite ready to carry this team yet. I see the Niners putting up better offensive numbers than expected to keep this close. I think the Falcons will eke out a win, but not cover.

Falcons by 4

Bucs (-3) at Patriots

This could be ugly. The Patriots have no running game and questionable receivers. The Bucs have the best D in the NFC, but Shaun King….? The Bucs D shuts down Drew and the frustrated Pats in a real offensive…offensive game.

Bucs by 6

Chargers (+ 6 ½) at Raiders

No story book comeback here for Ryan Leaf. The Chargers offense is pretty putrid. I like the silver and black to kick some serious butt here.

Raiders by 10

Seahawks (+2) at Dolphins

Another hideous offense – the Dolphins – comes out to play. Come on Dave Wannstedt – Jay Fiedler? The Dolphins defense will keep them in a lot of games this year, but their offense won`t. The Seahawks are also out for a little playoff revenge.

Seahawks by 6

Jets (+2 ½) at Packers

This should be a good one. No Levens means Favre will air it out all day. The Jets will turn to Curtis Martin and the ground game. I`ll take the Pack in a close one at Lambeau.

Packers by 1

Titans (+1) at Bills

Another doozy. Two good teams, one thirsting for blood. Will the Bills get their revenge? Football is an emotional game, but talent usually wins out. Titans show they were no fluke last year (even if they were pretty darn lucky).

Titans by 3

Eagles (+6) at Cowboys

Man, do I hate the Cowboys! Galloway is an upgrade on Irvin. Emmit can still run. The Birds seem to be coming together a bit under Andy Reid and McNabb, but they`re not ready for prime time yet. If this game were later in the season, I`d give the Eagles the nod. Right now they just aren`t ready to upset the Cowboys in Big D. A much more entertaining game than we suffering Philly fans have been used to lately but sadly with the same result.

Cowboys by 9

Broncos (+6) at Rams Monday Night Football A much better game now that Terrell Davis is back. The Broncos will be tough again this year, but the Rams have something to prove – that last year was no fluke. I like the Rams to squeak out a close one, but the Broncos to cover.

Rams by 3

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Author: Gerry Haggerty