NFL Bargain Bets: Week 1
September 3rd 2007
by Old Man Winner
Phi (-3) @ GB
Let's face it, when Donovan McNabb was healthy at the beginning of last season,
he was lights out. He had 18 TD's in only 9 games, not to mention his 3 rushing
TD's. In the third game last season in Philadelphia, the Eagles pummeled the
Packers 31-9 when McNabb threw for two scores and ran for another two. What has
changed? Not much. The game is in GB, but it certainly is not the type of
weather within which Favre thrives. In last year's game, Favre did not throw any
TD's, but did have two interceptions. Yes, the GB defense has improved. However,
the offense has not shown much punch in the pre-season, especially on the ground
with rookie Brandon Jackson toting the rock. This will be another game that
Favre will be asked to win against a team that will be bringing the heat. And,
once again he will be winging the ball into a fleet-footed Philly defense that
should grab at least a couple of picks. This one's a gimme. They don't get much
easier. I love week #1.STL (Even) vs Car
It must be Christmas! The
Rams at home against Carolina and not giving any points. Please! This must be a
remnant of last year's game where, in Carolina, the Panthers destroyed the
Rams 15-0 in week 11. That day the Panthers sacked Bulger 7 times and held the
Rams to 80 net yards passing. But that was a lifetime ago. The Rams have since
added more weapons to the arsenal (WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael),
solidfied their offensive line, and turned over the play calling to the right
guy (head coach Linehan fired himself as the play caller after this game). On
the other hand, the Panthers are still undecided on their primary running back,
are in the process of trying to move to a new zone blocking scheme, and have an
aging QB and star receiver. In last year's game the Panthers rushed for over 200
yards and controlled time of possession by almost 2:1. The stars were aligned
that day. Not this year!
Min (-3) vs Atl
This is an easy one to break
down. Only one part of the offensive side of the ball will be successful in
this game, and that is Minnesota's run game. With Steve Hutchinson and Bryant
McKinnie both healthy and creating huge holes on the left side of the line, it
does not matter whether the Vikings
give the ball to Chester Taylor or Adrian Peterson. Hell, even I could make 5
yards a pop with those holes. Expect to see a Viking run game this year that
is more reminiscent of the Chiefs the
past couple of years, than what you are used to from Minnesota. As
for the Falcons, they are in huge trouble. Last year's #1 running team has a
new offense, new blocking scheme, new head coach, and a new QB that can't
throw the ball. Oh, and they are playing a team that only gave up an avg. of
62 rushing yards a game last year.
Michael Vick is not the only one that will be associated with "Bad News" this
year . . . .
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