NFL - 2012 Season Preview

NFC East

I’ll start with the division containing my team, the Redskins.

Washington are a work in progress, the Giants were a 7-7 team in Week 16 and staged miracle comebacks (I’m not buying that again) and, despite Wednesday’s showing, Dallas will flatter to deceive.

This leaves the Eagles, who have a chance to redeem last year’s performance. If Vick stays upright, they’re the bet.

Pick: Eagles @ 2.5

NFC South

Saints or Falcons? Two offensive juggernauts, but the whole bountygate fiasco and the reinstated players make me think New Orleans are going to be hungrier than ever.

Pick: Saints @ 2.38

NFC North

Fuggedabahtit.

Packers @ 1.5

NFC West

Remember when Alex Smith flared briefly in the QB firmament? Well those days are gone and while that tough defense will carry them so far, I’m going to take the Seahawks and their rookie QB to take this division. They can get it done on offense and their young defense will be eager to impose themselves. Crucially, their schedule will be a big help.

Pick: Seahawks @ 4.5

AFC East

Pats. Brady is aces and they’ve made a couple of nice moves on the defensive side.

Pick: Patriots @ 1.32

AFC South

Another division where one team will dominate. The Houston Texans are difficult to oppose and are worth a look to win it all.

Pick: Texans @ 1.29

AFC North

This Division is usually a punch up between Baltimore and Pittsburgh and that should still be the case this year, although it’s a competitive group with Cincinnati yapping in the background, unfortunately their second half schedule is terrifying and will stop them dead.

The Ravens also have a tough schedule (and who knows how no huddle will work out?) so I’m going to nominate the old(er) men in the picture. Pittsburgh just get it done, somehow.

Pick: Steelers @ 2.38

AFC West

If Peyton’s neck holds up, Denver can take this; however, I have my doubts and his inability to throw the deep ball or force it into holes that his peerless football talent sees may cause trouble. I just have to see more of him. The Bolts can get stuffed; until they fire their HC they’re going nowhere and Rivers knows it – he’s starting to look less sharp.

I’m going to go with Kansas in this one. The Chiefs are getting people fit, drafted some interesting personnel and have a young D and capable offense. It’s a stretch but …

Pick: Chiefs @ 4.5

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AFC Champions Patriots @ 4.00
NFC Champions Packers @ 4.33

Superbowl Packers @ 7.5; Texans @ 9.5

Spreads

A couple of schedule bets:

Regular Season Wins

I’ve mentioned it already, the Bengals hit a brick wall at half way.

Pick: Cincinnati Under 8 @ 2.00

Lost in the AFC East shakeup, I see the Bills taking advantage of a soft schedule.

Pick: Buffalo Over 8 @ 2.00