Thursday Night Predictions

The most anticipated Thursday of the year is underway, the NFL season is finally kicking off, and what better game to see than a repeat of the great AFC Divisional round from last year, where Baltimore topped Denver in a 38 - 35 double OT thriller. Last January Joe Flacco put up 331 yards passing with 3 TDs, over Peyton Manning who had 290 yards with 3 TDs, but 2 INTs as well. Peyton's second interception was an ill advised throw across the body that gave Baltimore possession going into the second period of overtime.

So who do I have tonight? Both teams are still title contenders, with great quarterbacks and lock down defenses, but both teams have set backs as well. Baltimore had some the biggest losses this off season that any team can have by losing the 2 future hall of famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. They also lost Anquan Boldin to free agency, and Dennis Pitta to injury. As for Denver, Elvis Dumervil was unable to be resigned, and decided to take his talents to... Baltimore, yes this game will be Dumervil's return to Mile High, making tonight's match up all the better . Denver will also be without long time great corner back Champ Bailey due to a sprained foot injury. As for the pass rusher that played opposite of Dumervil, Von Miller, the Broncos will be without the two-time pro bowler due to a six game suspension for league substance abuse policy.

Alright, alright enough background and finally I'll get to my decision. I have Denver winning this one, 35 - 31 in a shootout. Peyton has the best receiving core in the league with Demaryius Thomas who put up 1,400 receiving yards and 10 TDs, Wes Welker with 1,300 yards and 6 TDs, and Eric Decker, who had 1,000 yards and 13 TDs. It's simply hard to deny this offense the win any given weak, especially with the sheriff under center. Look for Montee Ball, who switched back to his college playing days number 28 to emerge in this offense too. With that receiving core defenses cannot pack the box, which will open up a lot of running lanes. 

Here are the rest of my picks:

New England over Buffalo

Cincinnati over Chicago

Cleveland over Miami

Atlanta over New Orleans

Tampa Bay over NY Jets

Pittsburgh over Tennessee

Detroit over Minnesota

Indy over Oakland

Seattle over Carolina

KC over Jacksonville

St. Louis over Arizona

San Francisco over Green Bay

NY Giants over Dallas

Monday Night double header:

Washington over Philadelphia

Houston over San Diego