Kickoff 2012

Before I give you my weekly picks, I just have to mention the KHL tragedy and the death of one of my all time favorite hockey players, Brad McCrimmon. When I first got into hockey back in 1984, it was an immediate love affair. I remember my father taking me to my first Flyers game at the Spectrum and I got to see Bobby Clarke score in OT. The Flyers were building a Stanley Cup championship team and their defensive anchors, Mark Howe and Brad McCrimmon. Still to this day, they were one of the best defensive pairings I've ever seen. And learning of the tragic death of McCrimmon, just got me reminiscing of those Flyer teams. My condolences to his family and friends and here's hoping every hockey fan of the 80's & 90's will take a minute and remember one of the best Defensemen of that generation.

Now onto my picks.
Green Bay -4.5 against the Saints
I know everyone is so high on the Packers this season, they won with all of the injuries. But last year, they flew under the radar and that won't happen this year. Every game, teams will be ready for them and want to make a showing. Week 1 is no different. The Saints dealt with this last season and lost in the playoffs to a sub 500 team. The Saints retooled and are ready to light up the league.
Saints

Cleveland -4.5 against Cincinnati
The Browns should come out firing. Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis will lead the Browns to victory.
Browns

Houston -2.5 against Indianapolis
No Peyton Manning, on the road against an up and coming team where the head coach knows it's win or get fired. Andre Johnson is a beast and I expect a huge year from him. The much improved defense of the Texans will confuse Kerry Collins and stifle the running game. Whether Arien Foster plays or not, it's Matt Schaub's team and I think he will finish in the top 3 for league MVP. This is a statement game and I see the Texans making a huge statement.
Texans

Washington +3.5 against the NY Giants.
My Upset Special this week. Sorry Giant fans, Eli Manning can't do it alone and I am convinced Tom Coughlin will cost his team 3 games this year, this will be the first. I am not high on the Redskins at all, but I think they will run all over the Giants and leave them winded.
Redskins

I hope to pick 4-5 games a week and let's see how I do. Remember, I am usually 52% correct! Enjoy Kick off Weekend