Week 1 selections


Denver (-41/2) at Miami: For those of you new to
this little corner, let's offer this pick of
example No. 1 of "Follow at your own risk,
because this is just for fun." No trends used
here. Couldn't tell you how Denver is as a road
dog in heat . . . uh, that's in the heat. Just a
hunch. The mammals will be fired up. Dolphins 24,
Broncos 21.


Tampa Bay (+6) at Minnesota: The Buccaneers, on
the other hand, are walking into a tough spot.
The Vikings have an improved defense and will be
eager to show they can get it done without Randy
Moss. Vikings 27, Buccaneers 17.


Seattle (+3) at Jacksonville: Ooh, our first
tough one of the season. Byron Leftwich has been
talking all training camp about how he loves the
Jags' new offense. We'll give him the benefit of
the doubt. Jaguars 20, Seahawks 13.


Cincinnati (-31/2) at Cleveland: I know we used
to have a lot of Browns' fans in the audience,
but judging by the lack of e-mails, perhaps
they're no longer speaking to me. Could this be
why? Bengals 31, Browns 14.


Houston (+51/2) at Buffalo: If this game was in
Houston, the Texans might have a shot. But in
Orchard Park, the Bills' defense and the running
of Willis McGahee will be too much to overcome.
Bills 23, Texans 10.


Tennessee (+7) at Pittsburgh: The Titans made a
lot of moves in the offseason. Trying to think of
a good one . . . wait, don't tell me . . . uh . .
. oh yeah, how 'bout that Norm Chow? Steelers 24,
Titans 7.


Chicago (+51/2) at Washington: Some people think
Kyle Orton could turn out to be a real find for
the Bears. Hopefully, somebody in this game can
find the end zone. Redskins 14, Bears 10.


New Orleans (+7) at Carolina: Saints players have
had a lot on their plate following Hurricane
Katrina and they have done their organization and
their city proud. But today, with all the
distractions they've had, it's hard to see them
getting by a revitalized Carolina team at home.
Panthers 27, Saints 17.


New York Jets (+3) at Kansas City: If the Chiefs
are going to prove they're a legitimate contender
this season, these are the kinds of games they
will have to win. Chiefs 24, Jets 20.


Arizona (+3) at New York Giants: Kurt Warner
should be motivated to face his old teammates.
That is, if he can remember who they are after
all those concussions. Cardinals 17, Giants 16.


St. Louis (-51/2) at San Francisco: Go ahead,
pick a game on the 49ers schedule they can win
this season. There are a couple of them out
there. This one isn't one of those games. Rams
31, 49ers 13.


Green Bay (+3) at Detroit: This game is huge for
Detroit. If the Lions can knock off Brett Favre &
Co., they could get off to a fast start. It's
hard to pick against Favre, but the Packers'
defense has some major question marks. Lions 26,
Packers 24.


Dallas (+41/2) at San Diego: They were the
surprise of the league last season, but this
could be a tough matchup for the Chargers, who
will be without tight end Antonio Gates. We're
shaking off the fastball and going with the
curve. Cowboys 20, Chargers 17.


Indianapolis (-3) at Baltimore: It's the NFL's
top offense against its top defense.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, they don't have the
offense to stay in this one if the Colts get up
by more than a touchdown. Colts 20, Ravens 13.


Philadelphia (-1) at Atlanta: Wonder if ABC will
use subtitles for this one. So as Al Michaels is
saying, "Donovan McNabb hits Terrell Owens over
the middle" the lower screen will read, "Dang,
there's never a head-hunting linebacker around
when you need one." Falcons 24, Eagles 17.
This week: 1-0 overall 1-0 against the spread.

Contact Kotala at 242-3692 or e-mail
ckotala@...


"Tail-end Charlie in a Purple Heart Box"




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