Pilfo's Parlay Week 1
September 9th 2010 - Pilfo             

I love the first week of every year more than any other week. 32 teams all near 100% healthy and 32 teams all believe they can win the Super Bowl so 32 teams play their guts out. This makes for easier handicapping so load up early.

Atlanta + 2.5

The Falcons have all the confidence in the world they can knock the Super Bowl Saints off their pedestal. The Falcons led by 3rd year Matt Ryan should have a potent offense this year with Turner , White and Gonzalez all healthy and hungry. The Falcon Defense could use a little improvement but they are a little above average and that will be enough to win game 1 for them.
The Steelers biggest strength will be their defense which is still way above average with Polamalu and Aaron Smith healthy. The problem will be their offense. While I am a closet Dennis Dixon fan, I don't believe he is ready to lead this Steelers team against a worthy opponent. Mike Wallace without Santonio Holmes on the team will get double-teamed and be less effective than last year. Hines Ward is one year older and while he still runs great routes he is not the threat he used to be. The Steelers will try to run the ball but Atlanta will be ready for that. Steelers have to pass to win this one and Dixon needs more time to develop.
Prediction: Atlanta 24-10

Cinncy + 4.5

The Patriots are starting to show signs of wear and tear as everyone who is relevant gets a year older or is coming off a surgery or is a little banged up. The Pats had 12 draft choices that will keep their average age in line but these newbies are not experienced. I believe this will be a hard fought game on both sides but it will be the mediocre Patriot defense that will give Cinncy the victory.
Cinncy made it through the preseason with out any controversy despite have two reality TV stars on their team. Well except for that little 25,000.00 tweet of Ochocinco's. The Bengals ended last year with 6 starters on defense out of the starting lineup and faded in the playoffs after a good physical year of football. The Bengals are a top 5 AFC team and they play hard.
Prediction: Cinncy 27-23

Baltimore + 2.5

I don't believe the Jets deserve all the hype they have been getting. Rex Ryan is a great motivator and marketing director. Whether he is a great coach will be determined this year. The Jets lived and died by the running game last year. Other teams know that. The Ravens have a very good front seven which will give the Jets runners problems along with putting pressure on Sanchez. If Sanchez can gain his composure and make good, quick decisions, he can burn the Ravens deep but I just don't see Sanchez as a very good QB.
The Ravens will be an offensive machine this year with the additions of Boldin and Housh along with the further development of Flacco and the running of Ray Rice. I see the Jets putting up a fight but once the Jets fall behind they will be lost.
Prediction: Ravens 24-19

Parlay:  Atlanta +2.5 / Cinncy + 4.5 / Baltimore + 2.5