Annual NFL Pick 'Em Throw Down - 2009 Edition

Hey folks.

Obviously I've been away from the blog for a while, but with some personal stuff out of the way and headed into the NFL and College FB (and soon NBA) seasons, it's time to get back on the horse and share my own brand of sports insanity with you.

To start us off, let's do the first edition of our annual NFL pick 'em contest. No easy start for us, we get right into the tough games. Meaning, of course, we'll probably both go 0 and 5...

My picks follow and I'll update with Derek's soon.

Jacksonville @ Indy

Loren - Indy
My gut says this is likely to be another close, painful game for both sides. These teams really don't like each other and the hits come hard and fast. That said, Indy has had the talent to outplay the Jags and pull out the win more often than not. What scares me here is a potential for Indy to start slow and the Jags to play with something to prove.

Derek – Indy

It’s been hard over the last few years to pick against them. The Jags always play the Colts tough but seem to come up short most of the time. Peyton will show that he is already in midseason form and will lead the home team to victory.

Philly @ Carolina

Loren - Philly

Taking the road team here not because I believe Philly is all that, but because Carolina definitely has more potential to tank than the Eagles do. Don't get me wrong, Carolina could easily have a 12 win superbowl appearance type season, but they could just as easily have a 6 win disappointment type season, too. The Eagles are the safe pick here.


Derek – Carolina

This game could go wither way, both play great D but Philly’s defensive backs are worse this year than last and I think that will open up the passing game enough for the Panthers to control the time of passion resulting in a W.

Chicago @ Green Bay

Loren - Green Bay

The Pack looked good in pre-season, whatever that's worth. But they appear to be a stable team looking to improve upon last season while the Bears are breaking in a new QB, have an underperforming WR corps, and a sophomore RB who won't be catching anyone off guard this year. Chicago's D is better than Green Bay's, but not by as much as you think.

Derek – Chicago
The Bears new QB will have nice weather in GB to throw and Chicago will stop Rodgers in his tracks. I say the Bears D scores a TD and they win by double digits getting the NFC North division off on the right track.

Dallas @ Tampa Bay

Loren - Dallas
It's not time for the Cowboys to crumble under the pressure. We'll have to wait until about week 9. Even so, they are likely a playoff team (with a first round exit). Not a hard call here.


Derek - Dallas

I have to agree with Loren, Dallas starts out well and then fades. They will be a trending pick halfway through the season but will melt down towards the end. That being said Tampa Bay could be in for a long long season, it’s gong to be tough to score points for them.

Miami @ Atlanta

Loren - Atlanta

The Falcons didn't lose much in the off season but did get an (aged) upgrade at TE to help make sure Matt Ryan doesn't have a sophomore slump. But looking at Miami's schedule, you have to think they believe this is their best shot for a win in their first three brutal games (@Atlanta, Indy, @Sand Diego). I expect them to pull out all the stops, trick plays and all, to stay in this game. I also expect that it won't be enough.

Derek – Atlanta
Miami is my team but I have a feeling that this year is going to be rough, if this game was in Miami I would pick them, but it’s inside and I don’t see the Fins DB’s holding their own against Ryan.