There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 7 picks…

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins (+3) – The Steelers are about to get their first serious test with QB Ben Roethlisberger under center. We don't love his chances, either. The Dolphins have yet to win a home game this year (of course, they haven't lost a road game either), and that's something that badly has to change for them to make it to the second season. In this same fixture last year to end the season, Pittsburgh march into South Beach and took down Miami to eliminate the Fins from the playoffs. I'll take my chances that HC Tony Sparano's boys can keep this one on the right side of the number. I'm riding Miami +3

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) @ Atlanta Falcons – Does a line ever just look a tad fishy to you? Seems to me like Atlanta should be favored by at least a touchdown… Hmm… Just like a feels like Nebraska should've been favored by 17 over Texas and Texas should've been favored by three TDs over UCLA… Rule No. 1 in NFL betting: If it looks like a fish and it smells like a fish, it's probably fishy. Cincinnati +3.5

Kansas City Chiefs (OTB) @ Jacksonville Jaguars – This game will not be included in the competition in Week 7!!! Sorry folks… Same deal as last week when we didn't know whether QB Aaron Rodgers was playing for the Green Bay Packers or not. QB David Garrard is still up in the air. Regardless, as long as they're not laying a ton of points, I think that the Chiefs are bouncing back and taking care of Jacksonville after that horrifying loss to the Houston Texans in which they really got hosed.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans (-3) – It'd be a lot of fun to see QB Vince Young and QB Michael Vick take the field together, but we might not get to see it happen, unfortunately. The Titans are just playing tremendously well right now, and the rush defense for the Eagles can be had. If it is, RB Chris Johnson will rush for 100+ yards, and when he does that, Tennessee is 4-0 SU and ATS. I'll take my chances. I'll back Tennessee -3.

Washington Redskins (+2.5) @ Chicago Bears -Right now, I really have a tough time backing the Bears. They have no running game. They have a quarterback that is losing confidence with every single throw that he makes. This seems like a franchise that is just covered in gasoline right now, and it's only going to take lighting one match to set the whole thing on fire once and for all. This team is leading its division, but it sure doesn't feel like it. Washington, this is your chance to shine! QB Donovan McNabb is coming home, and he's going to leave a winner. Washington +2.5 for me.

Cleveland Browns (+13.5) @ New Orleans Saints – Is it just me, or did QB Colt McCoy actually look pretty decent against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week? McCoy certainly has this job for as long as he wants it as long as that performance wasn't just an anomaly. He's got the second game in a Murderer's Row lineup, as now he has to take on the defending champs. Unfortunately for the men from the Bayou, they've already almost lost a game like this to a rookie quarterback once already, and though they'll figure out how to pull out the outright 'W', I love the grit and tenacity of this Cleveland team right now. Until they really burn me, I'll go with the Browns +13.5.

Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens (-13) – Is this the first quarter line, or the game line? What? The game line? You sure? Let me get this straight. You really think that Ryan Freaking Fitzpatrick is going to go on the road in one of the most hostile territories in the NFL against one of the league's most ferocious defenses and find a way to stick within two touchdowns in 60 minutes? You've got to be kidding, right? Yawn. Baltimore -13

San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Carolina Panthers – Batten down the hatches. QB Matt Moore is back. The Niners have finally broken their maiden this year, and in spite of the fact that they were just 0-5 last week at this time, they're still amongst the favorites to win the NFC West. That tells you just how bad this division is. Carolina would fit in perfectly. The Panthers had better be careful, as this might be the last chance at a win for awhile. They won't get it on Sunday, because I'm going with San Fran -3.

St. Louis Rams (+2.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Man, someone dial up the respect card for the Rams and quickly! In fairness, St. Louis was absolutely reamed by the Detroit Lions a couple weeks ago on the road, but this is a game in which it can really bounce back in a big way. The Rams are good enough to beat anyone in the NFL; they demonstrated that last week against the San Diego Chargers. The Bucs are getting better, but they aren't quite there yet. This is another team that is just waiting to implode. St. Louis is almost there, and with one more win, it can really legitimately be in the NFC West race. St. Louis +2.5 for yours truly.

Arizona Cardinals (+6) @ Seattle Seahawks – Here's your trap game of the weekend. The Cardinals are coming off of a bye, and it has long since been forgotten that they beat the defending champs two weeks ago. Everyone still just sees the name QB Max Hall in the starting lineup and cringes. Meanwhile, the Seahawks apparently can play on the road now, as they beat the Chicago Bears in the Windy City. Impressed? I'm not. Is Arizona winning this game outright? Maybe. Is it covering the near full TD? You betcha. Loving Arizona +6.

New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers (-2.5) – Can someone please wake up the San Diego Chargers and remind them that it's time to get the season started? This is about where they were last year, as they were 3-3 and three back of the Denver Broncos when they hit the gas pedal and never looked back. The schedule is very, very difficult from here on in though, and if the Kansas City Chiefs can string some 'W's together, it's going to make for a hard task. HC Norv Turner knows his job is on the line. I tend to believe that the Bolts will beat this spread, thus I'll take San Diego -2.5.

Oakland Raiders (+8) @ Denver Broncos – Is it just me, or am I backing the Raiders seemingly every single week at this point? I don't know why I'm so enamored with this team, as this has been an underachieving bunch for years and years. The only hope here is that the corners for the silver and black, the only solid part of this team, can lock down those receivers and make QB Kyle Orton make some throws he doesn't want to make. What the hell… Oakland +8.

Minnesota Vikings (+2.5) @ Green Bay Packers – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! QB Brett Favre is back, bum shoulder and all. It feels like it's been awhile since good ol' No. 4 was playing under the bright lights of primetime football, and his last appearance there was a total dud against the New Orleans Saints. However, there's something about Lambeau Field that just brings some magic out. Am I the only one that sees this game ending with Favre hitting a Hail Mary to WR Randy Moss in the end zone when Moss jumps over four different defenders, sticks two middle fingers in the air, proclaims, "I'm Randy Moss and I am so much better than all four of you combined!" and THEN comes down with the football for the game winning score? Just sayin'… Minnesota +2.5

There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 5 picks…

Denver Broncos (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens – Last week, the Broncos were a great choice for me, as they came through with the outright upset and were never behind the line against the Tennessee Titans. This week is a wee different, though. I never like teams playing in their second straight road game, particularly halfway across the country, and especially with the level of physicality that these two games will be played at. Baltimore, unlike Tennessee, has a fantastic secondary. In fact, that unit ranks No. 1 in football. QB Kyle Orton will be crying by the time this game is over. I'm banking on Baltimore -7.

Jacksonville Jaguars (pk) @ Buffalo Bills – I'm not even commenting on this game. I can only hope that something happens to QB David Garrard and that QB Trent Edwards gets to come into the game and beat the snot out of the team that just cut him. Jacksonville pk.

Kansas City Chiefs (+8) @ Indianapolis Colts – The oddsmakers don't know what they're doing in this game, save trying to trick you! They could've put Indy at -21, and there would still be suckers lining up to beat on it left and right. However, remember that S Melvin Bullitt is now out for the season as well, joining S Bob Sanders on the shelf. The Colts really don't have any good options at safety, and they still clearly haven't gotten their left tackle situation figured out as of yet. Oh, don't you worry. QB Peyton Manning isn't letting his Colts lose this game. But you watch… KC will nail the backdoor. Chiefs +8.

Detroit Lions (-3) vs. St. Louis Rams – In one corner, we have the Rams and their No. 1 overall draft pick, QB Sam Bradford. In the other corner, we have the backup for the previous No. 1 overall draft pick, QB Matt Stafford. Still, the Lions are moving the football right now, and it only seems like a matter of time before they get into the win column this year. I love what HC Steve Spagnuolo has done with the Rams this year, but the oddsmakers have made the Lions favorites in this one for a reason. I'm sticking with my guns and going with Detroit -3.

Cleveland Browns (+3) vs. Atlanta Falcons – Didn't we learn anything last week from when the Browns were three point pups at home and successfully beat the Cincinnati Bengals? The Falcons aren't this good. They're good. But not this good. The Dawg Pound is a horror to play in regardless of whether the Brownies are 16-0 or 0-16. For the second straight week, it's a mega sucker bet to back the visitors and the so called "better team." Go with the Brownies +3.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals – You ever just have a gut shot on something and know that you should go with it? The Bucs are off a bye week. The Bengals are off of a bad, bad performance in Cleveland. Hmm… Tampa Bay +6.5.

Chicago Bears (-1.5) @ Carolina Panthers – What an ugly game this is… The only good news for the Bears is that they still have one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL, and as long as this holds true, the Panthers don't stand a chance of moving the football. Is Jimmy Clausen waking up the echoes? Oh wait, that was his job at Notre Dame… Chicago -1.5

Green Bay Packers (-2.5) @ Washington Redskins – This just feels like a game that the Packers are going to win. Washington's secondary just isn't as good as it played last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, and if that's the case, QB Aaron Rodgers is going to have a field day. I know that the Pack don't have a running game to speak of, but in this situation, I trust that Rodgers will do his job, and the Redskins will realize that they just aren't that good. Sticking with Green Bay -2.5.

Houston Texans (-3) vs. New York Giants – WR Andre Johnson is still nursing an injury, but he might be back on the field on Sunday. One man that we do know will be back is LB Brian Cushing, who is now finished serving his suspension for those illegal whatever it was that he was taking! The G-Men have a good perception after last week's beat down of the Bears… but this isn't Chicago… nor is it at home… nor is it against a team that is vastly overrated… Houston -3.

Arizona Cardinals (+7) vs. New Orleans Saints – If the Saints can't beat the Panthers by two scores, why in the heck do they think that they're going to go on the road and beat Arizona by two scores? We know that perception is bad on Arizona thanks to the fact that it was blown away twice this year on the road, but this one isn't on the road. It's at home. And after all, they are who we thought they were! Arizona +7

Oakland Raiders (+6.5) vs. San Diego Chargers – For all of your Survivor Pool suckers, remember my words of advice in this game… Don't do it. You just know that you want to take San Diego, but you can't do it. There are games like these, particularly before the calendar hits November, which the Bolts tend to blow. Don't be shocked… I'm not sayin'… I'm just sayin'… Oakland +6.5

Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Dallas Cowboys – Last week was a bad matchup for the Titans, but the Cowboys present a much more reasonable counterpart this Sunday, especially when you consider the fact that Dallas is the team laying the 6.5 points this week. The Cowboys are still one dimensional, and that dimension is the pass, the same dimension that beat the Titans last week. However, RB Chris Johnson could find more holes in this front seven than he did against Denver's. This is a big, big game for both teams, as neither can really afford another loss right now and still stay alive in their division races. This should be a close one either way, so I'm taking Tennessee +6.5.

San Francisco 49ers (-3) vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! Man, even the oddsmakers know that the Eagles are losing this game. When you see an 0-4 team against a division leader, and that winless team is laying points, you know that something is up. Don't fall into the QB Kevin Kolb trap. San Fran is rolling. Niners -3

There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 4 picks…

Denver Broncos (+6.5) @ Tennessee Titans – The Broncos did a lot better job keeping up with the Colts last week than I figured they would, but they still came up on the wrong side of the number. The problem with trying to beat Denver with its ground game is that its front seven is good enough to contain RB Chris Johnson. Aside from that, the passing attack on offense is going to absolutely be strong enough to beat a defense that historically struggles against the pass. If the Denver OL can keep the Titans' front seven off of QB Kyle Orton's back, it'll make for easy NFL picks to take the Broncos +6.5.

Baltimore Ravens (+1.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers are playing with house money right now, but that doesn't mean that they can take on this Baltimore team, clearly their biggest test of the year. The Ravens know that they can take control of the AFC North once again with a win, and I'm still a believer that this is one of the best teams in the NFL. Going with Baltimore +1.5.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns (+3) – QB Jake Delhomme might be back, and if that's the case, the Browns could prove to be stingy in this one. They were certainly worthy against my Ravens last weekend, sticking in front of the double digit spread. If RB Peyton Hillis is running for 144 yards on Baltimore, what can he do against Cincinnati? The Bengals might be meeting their match on Sunday. Brownies +3 at home for certain.

Detroit Lions (+14.5) @ Green Bay Packers – The Packers are starting to scare me. They have no running game to speak of whatsoever. Though it isn't going to make a bit of difference against Detroit's porous secondary in terms of winning the game, trying to preserve this type of a lead in the dying minutes without a running game is simply asking for a backdoor cover. I'll bet that Detroit hits the NFL spread once again by finding that backdoor. I'm all for Detroit +14.5.

Carolina Panthers (+13.5) @ New Orleans Saints – Once again… I hate teams with no running games. The Panthers certainly have one, while the Saints don't. There's no way that New Orleans is losing a second straight home game, especially with a rookie quarterback making his first career start on the road. If HC John Fox wants to keep his job, he'll have his boys fired up for this one. It won't result in a victory, but QB Jimmy Clausen will show signs of improvement and the Panthers +13.5 will cash by a slim margin.

San Francisco 49ers (+7) @ Atlanta Falcons – This is certainly a ton of underdogs that I'm playing on this week, no? C'mon, let's be real here. The 49ers can't possibly be this bad, can they? After all, this was a team that many of us thought was winning the NFC West… and it very well could still happen. Atlanta has to be full of itself after last week's 'W' in the Superdome. Not so fast, my friends. The Niners win this sucker outright. Going with San Francisco +7.

Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams (+1) – The Rams picked up their first victory last week against the 'Skins, and we tend to think that they can get back to .500 on Sunday. Seattle beat the Bolts last week thanks to a pair of RB Leon Washington kick returns for TDs. That isn't going to happen this week. Go with QB Sam Bradford and the Rams +1.

New York Jets (-5.5) @ Buffalo Bills – Remember when the Bills were losing all those Super Bowls and they were the Boy I Love Losing Super Bowls? How about this one? Boy I Love Losing Shady Lines. The Jets remember last year when Buffalo marched into the Meadowlands, picked off six passes, and ultimately won a close contest as big pups. Returning the favor this week will feel sweet as New York moves to 3-0 in division. I'm riding the Jets -5.5.

Houston Texans (-3) @ Oakland Raiders – It's probably a little early to be pushing the panic button for the Texans, but if they don't end up winning this game and winning it by a relatively comfortable margin, they're in for a nightmare in the weeks to come. You think Fox was on the hot seat in Carolina? Kubiak knows it's playoffs or bust. This could be a must win. Houston -3 for me, even if it is a square as anything play.

Indianapolis Colts (-8) @ Jacksonville Jaguars – If QB Michael Vick threw for nearly 300 yards last week against the Jags, what do you think QB Peyton Manning is going to do? Yeah, I know that Jacksonville has a history of getting up for this game every year, and yeah, I know it seems like the Jags are always dogs and are always challenging. But this year is different. This Jacksonville team is on the verge of giving up. Stick with Peyton and his Colts -8.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers (-9) – OL Ryan McNeill is back in camp, and that's good news for the Chargers. He won't have an impact on the field right away, but when push comes to shove, that could be a huge boost in the locker room. The Cardinals don't stand a fighting chance in this one if the Bolts don't want them to. Go with San Diego -9.

Washington Redskins (+6.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles – Don't get me wrong. I love what QB Michael Vick has been doing in Philly this year, but let's be real about one thing. He topped the Jags and the Lions. Whoopdie doo. There are now three weeks of tape on him to look at, and HC Mike Shanahan isn't an idiot. Don't you think that LB Brian Orakpo will be watching Vick like a hawk on Sunday? Parlay that with the fact that the 'Skins are bringing this QB Donovan McNabb guy with them… there could be fireworks, for sure. I definitely want the points and Washington +6.5 in this one.

Chicago Bears (+3.5) @ New York Giants – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! I've come to the conclusion that the Giants just aren't that good this year and the Bears really might be that good. The short passing game is going to absolutely horrify this New York defense, which just got rammed into 32 times by RB Chris Johnson last week. There's no way I can pick on a team that just had three personal fouls called… on its offensive tackles… in a game. I hate Da Bears, but I have to go with Chicago +3.5.

There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 3 picks…

Tennessee Titans (+3) @ New York Giants – Both the Giants and Titans looked like crap last week, but I'm fairly sure that the Titans have the ace in the hole in this one. Chris Johnson didn't come anywhere near the 100+ yard mark last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he is certain to get there this week, especially if the G-Men are giving up over 150 yards on the ground to the Colts, who never really want to run the ball 40 times in a game like they did last week. If Peyton Manning is smart enough to know that his brother's team can't stop the run, what do you think Johnson is going to do to this club, huh? Titans +3 for me.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (-13.5) – Really… Only 13.5 points after the Pats are coming off of a loss? The Bills might not be able to stick in front of a two TD spread against the UMass Minutemen, let alone the New England Patriots. No doubt, New England -13.5 here.

Cleveland Browns (+10.5) @ Baltimore Ravens – Don't get me wrong. I still love the Ravens in spite of the fact that they lost last week to the Cincinnati Bengals. However, there's something wrong about laying 10.5 points in a game with a team that has scored exactly ten points in each of its first two games, right? Cleveland could be stingy in this one, so I'll go with the winless Browns +10.5.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Told ya so! The Steelers had no business being underdogs to the Titans last week, and even though they tried their damndest to blow it at the end ,there was never a doubt that that ridiculous spread was being covered. I really could care less whether Mickie Mouse was going to be drafted to play quarterback this week for Pittsburgh in Tampa Bay. As long as Troy Polamalu is out there, we're laying Pittsburgh -2.5 against a team that has no business being in the playoff picture.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers (+3.5) – The Bengals might be coming off of a big win against the Baltimore Ravens last week, but are we too far removed from this team's first road game to know that there is no business that they should be laying 3.5 points in a game? I'm a little weary over Jimmie Clausen making the first start of his career, but when push comes to shove, I'll go with the rook and the Panthers +3.5 to keep this one close if nothing else.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-4) – Home field advantage is worth three points, right? So let's do some simple math here. New Orleans is only one point better than Atlanta is on a neutral field? Get real. I could care less that Reggie Bush just busted up his leg. It gives him more time to worry about where his Heisman Trophy award is going… Drew Brees will pick this lousy second apart, as no one has tested it all season long after ranking in the bottom third of the league last year. I'm marching with the Saints -4.

San Francisco 49ers (-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs – I wasn't buying into the 49ers this year as a Super Bowl contender, but they're a lot better than an 0-2 team. Kansas City is a lot worse than a 2-0 team as well. This seems like a real easy one to me, just based on those two factors. San Fran -1, even on the road, is a nice price.

Detroit Lions (+10.5) @ Minnesota Vikings – Oh oddsmakers, when will you learn… The Vikes suck! It isn't totally inconceivable to think that the Lions have the better team in this game, believe it or not. Detroit has played two strong games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears, at least one, if not both of which could be better than Minnesota. Watch good ol' Brett Favre throw four picks in this one. Don't be shocked if he gets booed off the field and the Lions come up with the outright upset! Go with Detroit +10.5 without a doubt.

Dallas Cowboys @ Houston Texans (-2.5) – Anyone have any last words for Wade Phillips before he gets thrown out of Dallas by a huge catapult that Jerry Jones is clearly having installed at Dallas Cowboys Stadium this week? No way does Wade get a pass for starting 0-3 against this type of a schedule, especially with the bye week on the horizon… The Texans roll in this one for the first 3-0 start in franchise history. Go with Houston -2.5.

Washington Redskins @ St. Louis Rams (+4) – Here's a good candidate for the first win of the year in the Sam Bradford era. The Skins are okay, but they're not four points better than the Rams are in St. Louis. Bradford has had his team on the verge of two victories this season, but unfortunately only has one cover and two straight losses to show for it. That could change on Sunday. I'm sticking with St. Louis +4.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Last week, the Jags showed just how bad they were when they were trampled by the San Diego Chargers, who were without Ryan Mathews for the majority of the game. The Iggles had no business not covering the Cowardly Lions last week. Props go out to Andy Reid for making the right call. He might hate Michael Vick, but he gives Philly a significantly better shot to win than Kevin Kolb does. As long as Reid doesn't change his mind again, Vick's Eagles -3 is the pick, even on the road.

Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) @ Denver Broncos – It feels like the Colts win by at least 70 points every time they take on the Broncos. Oh wait, that's because they basically do. Since 2004, the Colts are 5-2 SU and ATS against Denver and have dropped at least 24 points in each game, including the losses. Kyle Orton isn't scoring 20 against this Indy 'D' this week. That being said, I love my odds with Indianapolis -5.5.

San Diego Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks (+5.5) – Are the Broncos that good, are the Seahawks that bad, or is Qwest Field just that hard to play at? I'll take Qwest Field for $400, Alex. I'll be taking the Seahawks +5.5 as home underdogs for a lot more than $400 against anyone in the NFL, especially with the Chargers coming to town without Ryan Mathews.

Oakland Raiders (+4) @ Arizona Cardinals – Someone needs to check my contract and figure out why in the hell I have to pick these crappy West Coast games. The Cards and Raiders both suck. I guess when all else fails, I'll try my best to pick the team that sucks less, and I think that leaves me with Oakland +4.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins (-1.5) – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! The Pats got cute last week and tried to beat the Jets with the passing game, and the truth of the matter is that that just isn't going to work more often than not. We tend to believe that the Dolphins are in for a big result here, as they are going to use that tremendous rushing attack to go right at the teeth of a Jets defense that is missing Kris Jenkins for the year. Tony Sparano knows that it won't work all the time, but punting the ball is okay as long as the Fins don't turn it over. This is the game that could separate Miami and the field just a tad in the AFC East at the outset of the season. I'm taking Miami -1.5 on Sunday night!

There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 2 picks…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2.5) @ Carolina Panthers – Did anyone else watch that Carolina game last week against the G-Men and cringe? The Panthers just don't stand a chance this year once they are forced to throw the football. Jimmy Clausen could be making his debut this week, meaning the Bucs should be in for their first 2-0 start to the season in years. No one wants to watch this game, but Tampa Bay +2.5 is the pick even though the Bucs have been dominated in this series.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+5) @ Tennessee Titans – Woo, are the oddsmakers sipping the Kool Aid in this one! Who cares if the Titans beat the holy crap out of the Raiders last week? They're the freaking Raiders! Pittsburgh's defense looks scary, scary good right now. Troy Polamalu might be more valuable than Ben Roethlisberger. This could be a potential playoff battle this year, and these are the types of games that the men in black and gold just tend to find a way to win. Pittsburgh +5 for me, though I'm not so sure I need the points.

Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers (-13) – Congrats to the Bills for finding a way to score a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. If all they do this week is score one touchdown, this spread won't be close. Ryan Grant or not, the Packers -13 are the way to go in this one. Green Bay isn't struggling in its home opener against the worst team in the league.

Baltimore Ravens (-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals – Last year, it was considered an upset when the Ravens were beaten by the Bengals. This year, the oddsmakers are still drinking the Cincinnati Kool Aid as well. C'mon, we just saw these guys get trashed by the Pats. They're just not that good. Baltimore would love to get off to a 2-0 start on the road against potential postseason suitors, and it will do just that. Quoth the Ravens -1, covers galore!

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns (-2) – Let me just pull out my super duper ultra high tech supernatural Magic 8-Ball here… Ah, yes… Here we go. Cleveland -2 it is. It already hurt that much to put myself through typing this game, let alone actually trying to sort out which one of these two crappy teams are better.

Philadelphia Eagles (-4) @ Detroit Lions – Look, I love the Lions this year. They got screwed last week and should be 1-0 coming home. I know that the Eagles are going to be a super donkey play, and this totally goes against my natural way of thinking. But did anyone else realize just how good Michael Vick looked last week? Assuming Andy Reid lets him start over the concussed Kevin Kolb, I like the visitors to get back on track. Philly -4 is my NFL pick for this one.

Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys (-8.5) – The Cowboys looked like poo last week, but so did the Bears. There's one difference. One of these teams actually is poo, while the other one is a legitimate playoff contender. Is it just me, or does something stink in the Windy City right now? The Odorless Cowboys -8.5 for me on Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons (-7) – Speaking of teams that smell a little funny, what about the Cardinals? C'mon guys… You did everything you could last week to lose to the Rams, and now you think you're coming across the country and beating the Falcons? I don't think so. Atlanta could've beaten Pittsburgh last week very easily. The Falcons -7 says that they take care of business this week.

Miami Dolphins (+5.5) @ Minnesota Vikings – The ghost of Brett Favre isn't going to save the Vikes in this one. Sure, good ol' No. 4 might be able to pull off a ridiculous play or two in this one, but we like the way the Fins looked, even at their worst last week in the narrow escape of Buffalo. This is a winnable game for them, just as it was for the 49ers last year in virtually this exact same spot. It won't walk out with a win, but Miami +5.5 shows that the Dolphins can stick around in this one.

St. Louis Rams @ Oakland Raiders (-3.5) – The Raiders might've looked worse than just about any other team in the NFL last week, but let's stay realistic here. This is still the first ever start on the road for Sam Bradford. Generally speaking, that's not something that works out well for teams that are still really, really bad. I hate doing it, but I have to go with Oakland -3.5.

Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos (-3.5) – Those of you that really think that the Seahawks are for real, say "Ay!"… *Crickets Chirping*… Hmm… You don't buy in either, do you? Pete Carroll will get a taste of what it's like to go on the road again in this league in the much anticipated home debut of Tim Tebow. Timmy makes his grand entrance, and the Broncos -3.5 proves to be the winning play against a team that was god awful on the road last season.

Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins (+3) – All together now: Who the hell is Arian Foster? He's the man that just ran the ball 33 times for 231 yards and three scores on the team that was favored to win the Super Bowl. Had the Texans lost last week, my perception of this game would be totally different. This is a long roadie for them, and going against a Redskins team that looks like it has a pulse this year could prove to be a real challenge. Go with Washington +3 and hope for the upset.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers (-9) – Once I saw the Chargers lose to the Chiefs on Monday night, I immediately said that I didn't care what the spread was. The Jags are terrible. They barely beat another terrible team last week. Though they are historically a thorn in the sides of the best teams in the NFL, they aren't going to be able to challenge the Bolts if this one. As long as it wants to, San Diego -9 is the play to make.

New England Patriots (-1) @ New York Jets – Here we go again… Rex Ryan is going to run his yap about how his Jets are being disrespected at home, being an underdog to this overrated punk of Patriots. He's going to mention how New York won this game last year and beat the holy crap out of Tom Brady and that his newly improved secondary will shut this team down and how his running game is that great and… oh wait… by the time he's done yapping, New England will have already walked out of the New Meadowlands with a 'W'. Screw the Jets. Go with the Patriots -1.

New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) – Remember to make your tiebreaker picks in this game!!! The Colts are coming off of that bad loss to the Texans, and though I tend to believe that the Giants do have the ability to hang in this one, something tells me that they won't. You just know that Peyton is sitting there in practice every day this week and telling his team about the struggles of the G-Men against the Panthers. Note to New York: This isn't the Carolina offense you're trying to take advantage of anymore… I'll wrap up the week with Indianapolis -5.5.

There is no greater time to try to get into this competition than right now, as every week you beat me gives you another opportunity at that big cash prize at the end of the year. Let's get started right now with my Week 1 picks…

Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants (-7): The G-Men are laying a tuddy in this game, but I'm not afraid to do so. The way you beat the G-Men is by throwing all over their questionable secondary, not trying to run at them. Who is this Matt Moore guy anyway? Gimme a break, Carolina. I'm not buying what you're selling this year. Gimme the Giants -7 on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins (-3) @ Buffalo Bills: The Fins are going to want to get off to a good start this year to prove that they are worthy of all of this hype as the upstart team in the conference. Buffalo might be the worst team in the whole league. I hate laying points on the road, especially in Week 1, but I have no choice this week. Miami -3 for me.

Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+2): I don't know about you, but I trust this Dennis Dixon kid. Sometimes a quarterback just knows how to be a winner. Hell, Vince Young has made a career out of putting up lousy numbers but finding ways to win games. Pittsburgh's defense is healthy again, and as long as that's the case, I'm taking the boys in black and gold at home every time as underdogs. Pittsburgh +2 is my choice.

Detroit Lions (+6.5) @ Chicago Bears: The books clearly aren't as smart as I am with this one. Public perception is going to be all over the Bears, as the lowly Lions couldn't possibly win a road game in division, right? Think again. All Detroit has in this game is the better quarterback, the better running game, and the better crop of receivers, to go with the best defensive lineman on the field. That's right, Julius Peppers. I just called you out. I'm taking Detroit +6.5, though I don't think the Lions are going to need the points.

Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots (-4.5): This one's easy. How is Cincinnati scoring enough points to keep up with the Pats when all it has on the field on offense is a sideshow that is far more interested in talking about Twitter than winning games. Two months from now, the Bungals would be two tuddy dogs in this one… at least. I'm stealing New England -4.5.

Cleveland Browns (+2.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Both of these teams played well down the stretch last season, but that doesn't mean that they're going to start that way. It's so hard saying, "In Jake I trust," as I hate Jake Delhomme with a passion… but I'm not laying points with Josh Freeman or anyone else that the Bucs are throwing out there. By default, I guess I'll take Cleveland +2.5

Denver Broncos (+2.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars: It's a de facto road game for the Jags, as there will clearly be more blue and orange No. 15 jerseys in the stands than there will be teal and black. Who knows if Timmy Tebow is really going to make an appearance in this one or not, but one thing is for sure, and that's that the Jags are a real mess this year. Here's hoping that Denver is at least 2.5 points less of a train wreck. Denver +2.5

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (-2.5): I don't put much stock in the preseason, but something is really wrong with the Indy defense. Forty points per game? C'mon guys, you should be doing better than that. The recipe is ripe for the upset, as Houston has to be tired of getting pushed around by the behemoths of the South. I'm taking Houston +2.5.

Oakland Raiders (+6.5) @ Tennessee Titans: Remember what I said about VY just finding ways to win games? I didn't say that he just finds ways to cover spreads (though it certainly felt that way at Texas). The new look Raiders might hang in this one. Going to the bank with Oakland +6.5 on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles (+3): I don't know why everyone is down on the Eagles this year. Sure, Kevin Kolb probably isn't Donovan McNabb, but the kid is capable of throwing for three bills on this defense for sure. Green Bay is trendy, and trendy teams tend to get killed by the books on a regular basis. You won't trap me, that's for sure. Philadelphia +3.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (+3): There's no way that the 49ers are really capable of being road favorites in division yet. I'll believe it when I see it. This is my "Alex Smith is a favorite on the road" alert. Qwest Field is still a nightmare to play at, even if the Seahawks are atrocious. Gimme Seattle +3.

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams (+3.5): Alright kid, whatcha got? Sam Bradford makes his first start of his NFL career on Sunday, and it could be a memorable one. The Rams might not be stockpiled with talent, but it's not like Arizona is all bulked up either. Derek Anderson is your answer to replacing Kurt Warner? He couldn't even put away pretty boy Brady Quinn in Cleveland for crying out loud. By default, I'll go with St. Louis +3.5.

Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) @ Washington Redskins: Remember to make your tiebreaker pick on this game! The Skins might have a new coach and a new quarterback, but they're still a joke. Name me three other guys on this starting offense. Yeah, that's right. You can't do it. Dallas is stacked and should be able to run up enough points to take this lousy team down. Dallas -3.5 is the SNF selection.