NFL Predictions: Saints Win in Season Opener

Well, I've been waiting patiently for the NFL preseason to end so I can finally sit down, take a look at what each NFL team has to offer and get back to work making my weekly picks. Now that the final cuts have been made and teams have had a chance to set their final rosters, I'm ready to go.

With a labor dispute and possible lockout looming in the near future, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping we will see an exciting week 1 that will set the tone for the rest of the season.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - If I were a Vikings' fan (and I'm not), I would worry about the fact Brett Favre has only played in one preseason game and had a 51.3 passer rating; especially since they are starting their season on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions. Saints win.

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - One of these days, the Bills will find a quarterback that reminds them of Jim Kelly. Of course, at this point, I think they would settle for someone who reminds them of Doug Flutie. Dolphins win.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears - After several failures, the Lions seem to finally have found a playmaking running back. Unfortunately for them, they still have quite a few holes that need filling. Bears win.

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans - I think the upgrade at quarterback made the Raiders a legitimate AFC West contender. But, the Titans don't play in that division. Titans win.

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots - This was a tough one because I would normally pick the proven winner at home. But, the Bengals are one of those teams that continue to surprise me. Bengals win.

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants - Carolina looks better now that they have a new quarterback making the throws but I can't vote against the Giants playing their first regular season game in their new home. Giants win.

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers - If the Steelers had Big Ben under center, I would pick them instead. Falcons win.

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I would like the Browns' chances more if Mike Holmgren was actually coaching them too. Buccaneers win.

Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars - I think the Denver Broncos did just enough this year to allow the Oakland Raiders to pass them for second place in the AFC West. Jaguars win.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - I think this is the year the Texans finally make the playoffs. But, it will be as a wild card because despite their 0-4 preseason record, the Colts are still the team to beat in their division. Colts win.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - Much like the Browns, I would like the Seahawks' chances better if Holmgren were coaching them. 49ers win.

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles - Much like the Packers did a couple seasons ago, the Eagles decided to trade away a proven veteran quarterback and give the understudy a chance. And, much like the Packers did, I expect Philadelphia to have some growing pains this year. Packers win.

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams - At first glace, the Cardinals would be the easy favorite. But, with Kurt Warner retired and QB of the future Matt Leinart not working out, I think this might be a long year for that team. Rams win.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins - If this had been played a couple weeks later, when newly acquired Donovan McNabb was a bit healthier, I would go with the Redskins. Cowboys win.

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets - Much like the Giants, I like the Jets in their regular season opener at their new home. Jets win.

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs - Much like the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs are improving. But, they have a lot of catching up to do in their division. Chargers win.