NFL Best Bets for Week 1
September 8th 2011- Old Man Winner             

Wash +3 vs. NYG
Washington will be a lot better this season than most people give them credit for and it starts in week 1. They have a much improved defense and a great week 1 match-up vs. a team that is very banged up, especially on defense. The Giants have lost several key starters in the secondary and linebacking crew. Hightower has looked good in the Shanahan zone-blocking scheme and Rex Grossman has actually looked like "good Rex" (old Bear reference) in pre-season. These teams, IMHO, are about equal and playing at home the 'skins should be a 3 point favorite. Since the oddsmakers are kindly giving the Native American team points, I say take them so as not to offend. I also love the under in this game as the offenses will struggle.
Wash 17 NYG 13


NE -7 vs. Mia
In week 1 I like to go with coaches that have a history of winning after they have had extra time to prepare for the matchup. This always goes for the first week of the season. And it almost always goes for Bill Belichick's squad. The Dolphins have looked putrid during the pre-season. If Reggie Bush couldn't make it happen for a Kardashian, how do you think he can play lead dog for the fins? New England is super deep on defense this year - looking to install a full-fledged rotation on the defensive line. Look for the NE TE's to get started with a bang and at least a couple of TD's.
NE 31 Mia 13


Pit +3 vs. Bal
The Steelers may be the best team in the NFL. So when they are getting points, I'll take them. Don't even need to think about it. But, when I do think about it, I think that this could very easily be the year that Father Time catches the Ravens. Although emotionally Ray Ray will never let up, soon his ego may be writing checks his body won't be able to cash. Ed Reed, arguably the best in the business, has already experienced some of those days. Although I like the addition of Vonte Leach to the Ravens backfield, I'm not a huge fan of Flacco or his receivers. Big Ben has Big Game and Big Season
Pit 24 Bal 20