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Once again, Favre managed to draw a ton of media attention towards himself in the offseason. It's one media circus after another every year for Favre.
Early in his career, there was a yearly drama over something in his family-life and for the last half a decade, there has been a sickeningly, drawn out, yearly affair over the decision of whether he would retire. This decision would always undoubtedly be to return to football and would never be made until the last possible second.
Lost in these summer long media circuses were the feelings of former Packers first round draft pick Aaron Rodgers, who has been waiting extremely patiently for his chance to start.
After Favre seemingly made up his mind to retire early this summer, the Packers gave the starting job to Rodgers and began to prepare for September. Rodgers must have choked on a piece of Wisconsin cheese when he heard the news that Favre was already sick of retirement and ready to steal his job again.
Thankfully, the Packers were sick of Favre's deliberate decision-making as well and told him he'd have to be the backup if he wanted to return. This led to the whole incident with the Vikings and ultimately, to his trade to the Jets and a new starting job.
Favre's first regular season game as quarterback of the Jets will be in Miami against former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington.
Pennington is no superstar, but he's better than anything Miami has had in the last few years. He should provide a steadying influence to a young Dolphins team that will be pumped up as hell at home in Week 1 against the overhyped Jets.
If there's one thing I've learned watching Favre throughout his career it's that he's really good at beating up on inferior teams, but really bad when things get tough.
Things should be tough in Miami. The Dolphins may not be the better team here, but will be hungry to improve upon a horrific season last year. Expect them to put pressure on Favre and expect Brett to make mistakes which will cost the Jets the game.
Spread: Jets -3
Pick: Miami +3
CINCINNATI -2 at BALTIMORE
The most intriguing thing about this game is going to be seeing Ocho Cinco on the back of Chad Johnson's jersey after he changed his name to Chad Ocho Cinco a few weeks ago. The Bengals have done nothing to fix their defence and still have one of the worst coaches I've ever seen in Marvin Lewis. The Ravens are getting points at home against the Bengals because they're starting a rookie quarterback by the name of Joe Flacco. Can Flacco really be any worse than Kyle Boller or Troy Smith? I doubt it.
Pick: Baltimore +2
DETROIT -3 at ATLANTA
The Lions want to run, but their running game stinks, while Atlanta has a couple of very good running backs in Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. Matt Ryan has a knack for making big plays when it counts and while most people expect Detroit receivers Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams to dominate in this game, I'm not so convinced. Both Johnson and Williams have been inconsistent performers so far in their short careers and Atlanta's defence isn't that bad. Look for the Falcons to pull of a minor upset at home.
Pick: Atlanta +3
HOUSTON at PITTSBURGH -6.5
The Steelers will throw the ball down the field to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes forcing the Texans to do the same and utilize Andre Johnson and Andre Davis. In other words, there should be a lot of scoring in this game. Both defences are okay, but neither is dominant and both secondaries can be exposed.
Pick: Over total points of 43
JACKSONVILLE -3 at TENNESSEE
I like the Titans in this game. I like the Titans this year. And I like Vince Young to have a breakout season. This may be one of those picks I'll regret after the Titans first series. Vince Young may start the game with three straight sacks, but I'm hoping it won't happen. Everyone thinks the Jags are such a sure thing this year and while I agree that they will be solid, I don't think they're a Super Bowl contender. The Jags will have trouble playing a tough Titans team on the road.
Pick: Tennessee +3
KANSAS CITY at NEW ENGLAND -15.5
The Pats will start off this year just like they did last year against the worst team in the NFL. I have no idea how Kansas City will score in this game and I have no idea how they're going to stop Tom Brady from doing exactly what he wants.
Pick: New England -15.5
SEATTLE at BUFFALO -1
Two very good defences will go head to head in this game, but the Bills have more weapons on offence. Buffalo's rookie wide receiver James Hardy is going to be one of the NFL's best and with Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish and Marshawn Lynch also on the squad, the Bills won't be easy to stop if Edwards does a decent job at quarterback. I expect Edwards to keep his starting job and the Bills always play well at home.
Pick: Buffalo -1
ST. LOUIS at PHILADELPHIA -8
The Eagles have the best defensive secondary in the league with Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins patrolling downfield. Donovan McNabb may be healthy, but he doesn't have anyone to throw the ball to. The Rams will stink again this year and I don't see either team being able to put up many points in this game.
Pick: Under total points of 44
TAMPA BAY at NEW ORLEANS -3.5
The Saints should be motivated at home, especially considering their early season letdown last year. The Bucs have a solid quarterback in Jeff Garcia, but he has no weapons to help him out. The Saints are simply a much better team and should have no problems covering this spread at home.
Pick: New Orleans -3.5
ARIZONA -2.5 at SAN FRANCISCO
Something bothers me about Mike Martz and his decision to bench 49ers quarterback Alex Smith for J.T. O' Sullivan. San Francisco is going to be really bad again this year and Arizona may not be much better, but Warner is solid and should be able to pull out the win in this terrible, terrible game.
Pick: Arizona -2.5
CAROLINA at SAN DIEGO -9
Jake Delhomme says he's finally healthy, but with Steve Smith injured he won't have many options against San Diego's top notch defence. Hopefully, Delhomme will still be healthy at the end of this game.
Pick: San Diego -9
DALLAS -6 at CLEVELAND
This could be the most exciting game in Week 1 with T.O. and Braylon Edwards on the same field. Anything could happen in this one. Take the points with the home team.
Pick: Cleveland +6
CHICAGO at INDIANAPOLIS -9.5
Two killer defences going up against each other on Sunday night. The Colts offence isn't what it once was and the Bears offence still stinks.
Pick: Under total points of 44
MINNESOTA at GREEN BAY -2.5
Tarvaris Jackson. The backup? Gus Frerotte.
Pick: Green Bay -2.5
DENVER -3 at OAKLAND
I'm extremely high on Jay Cutler, but I don't see how he's going to get the ball down the field against two of the best corners in the league (Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall) with no Brandon Marshall. The Raiders added Hall to improve a defence that was already very good and added two big time weapons on offence in Javon Walker and Darren McFadden. If JaMarcus Russell has a good year, the Raiders could contend for a playoff spot.
Pick: Oakland +3
Top Picks: New England -15.5, Buffalo -1, St. Louis vs. Philly under 44, New Orleans -3.5, Chicago vs. Indianapolis under 44
Will try and write something by the end of Tuesday in response to Week 1. Enjoy!
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