With the NFL set to kickoff another season (What lockout?) Jim Rubera takes a look at the first week’s slate of games.  Hint hint: he’s not a fan of the new look Bengals

JIM RUBERA
(Rubera writes for The Spop)

It’s been a strange off-season for the NFL and a wham-bam-thank you ma’am, kind of pre-season.  But that’s all over now, and with labor issues all good until at least 2021, the NFL opens it’s 2011 season to labor peace and a jacked up fan base.  It should be an interesting year for the league, which crowned Green Bay as its Super Bowl champ this past February. The Packers will be the hunted, but there are plenty of good teams looking to take that next step and knock them out.  Jim is back for his second season as a contributor for Juiced, and that means more witty, profound, life-changing football picks. By reading this you’re actually getting smarter without knowing it. You just passed the bar!  Alright… Go!

Saints @ Packers -4

Saints are loaded, but the Packers can cover the moon as far as I’m concerned until I see something other than how they played in December, January, and February.

Lions +1 @ Buccaneers

2014 NFC Championship Preview.  Lions come out roaring.

Bills +5.5 @ Chiefs

A confident Fitzpatrick.  A healthy Merriman.  A KC quarterback, Cassell, with broken ribs.  Why not?

Falcons -3 @ Bears

A falcon could easily beat a bear because the bear can’t fly.  And Ryan, Turner, and White are much better than Cutler, Forte, and Roy Williams.

Eagles @ Rams +4.5

For all the public attention Philadelphia has been getting, this spread seems a bit low.  Which means Vegas doesn’t want the wiseguys taking St. Louis.  Eagles win by a couple, but Rams cover.

Colts @ Texans -8.5

Without Manning the Colts will get destroyed.  Kerry Collins isn’t up to speed yet and even if he was, he would still be in for a long day.  Houston beat Indy in week 1 last year by ten points with Peyton.

Bengals @ Browns -6.5

If you want actual analysis for Bengals games this season, look elsewhere.  I’m picking against them in every single game.  I am actually setting a side record counter at the bottom that just tracks my record picking against them.  They are atrocious.

Steelers @ Ravens -2

Similar to my Bengals strategy, though not quite to the same extent, I will be picking the Ravens quite often.  They added key players and are due to have a ridiculous season.  Steelers/Ravens games are always a spectacle and this one shouldn’t disappoint.  Ravens by a field goal.

Titans +3 @ Jaguars

Luckily nobody will see this game in person or on TV.  These two teams won’t do much this season.  Tennessee rolls on the ground and, surprisingly, in the air.  Oh yeah, and Jacksonville just released their starting quarterback.

Panthers @ Cardinals -7

Skill scores points, not beaming smiles.  Yes, I’m talking to you Cam.  Rout City.

Seahawks @ 49ers -5.5

The battle for 3rd place begins!   San Francisco wins by 13 and stakes first claim as the best of the worst. Seriously though, Tavaris Jackson is a career struggler.  It will be ugly to watch.  And the 49ers have a lot of good offensive weapons.  Shouldn’t be close.

Giants -3 @ Redskins

New York will vulnerable to the passing game this year.  Fortunately for them, Rex Grossman gets first crack.  Giants have too much offense.  Skins can’t keep up and will be thinking about Strasburg’s start that night by the end of the third quarter.

Vikings +9 @ Chargers

Spread seems pretty high.  McNabb isn’t the chump most people take him for and this is the first time he’s had a legitimate running back rather than a pass catching back.  He should break some big play action plays.  Chargers are class all around, but it shouldn’t be a walk-over.

Cowboys +4 @ Jets

A Ryan family defense plus a full season of Jason Garrett’s offense plus a second year of Dez Bryant minus Roy Williams equals a scary team for Dallas.  The Jets always find a way to overachieve, but they lost last year’s opener against the Ravens and I think these Cowboys might just be better.

Patriots -7 @ Dolphins

Nobody knows what either team is going to look like.  Judging by last year’s Monday night smackdown and pure pedigree, I suppose New England is the pick.  It all depends on if the offensive line can keep Cameron Wake off Brady’s back.  I think they will.

Raiders +3 @ Broncos

How many Kyle Orton dud games will it take to resurrect Tim Tebow?  I don’t know, but it starts with this one.  Oakland usually thrives in the Monday night opener.  Campbell and McFadden can be productive and Denver has a run first coach again.  Richard Seymour is licking his chops.

Best Bets:  Giants, Cardinals, Texans

Overall Record: 0-0

Best Bets: 0-0

Monday Night: 0-0

Picking Against The Bengals: 0-0

Photo: AP

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