Wow, I just realized that I hadn’t made my inaugural post for my annual column talking about my favorite professional sport: NFL Football. As the first game of the season is already in the books and (YAY) the Patriots already lost a game, I suppose I can’t really talk about that. What I can talk about is my expectations for the season, and then make my picks as tradition dictates. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, so I might as well keep it going, right?

The Packers invested heavily in the running game during the draft. There were some other various picks, but no names that really stuck out to me by their reputation. At the end of the day, we needed some true running backs to compliment Ty Montgomery, who transitioned from receiver to back last year. He should be able to continue to get the job done, but tends to rely on clever schemes rather than just pounding the rock down D linemen’s throats. The big splash for tight ends in free agency was surprising, but warranted after losing Cook from last season. He did some good things but apparently decided to hit the road. Now we have last year’s super bowl winning TE Martellus Bennet, along with another all-pro that I can’t remember the name of at this current juncture. I think the short yardage gain game is going to go in our favor this year, and having those big bodies in the end zone means more points scored off the arm of Aaron Rodgers. I think we might finally be back to Super bowl form, having missed the last 6 years (or is it 7?) not winning one since the 2010 season. I think we can get back and I look forward to the season’s journey. Here are my picks for week one:

Bills 27, Jets 9
Falcons 33, Bears 7
Ravens 20, Bengals 14
Steelers 27, Browns 10
Lions 30, Cardinals 27
Texans 17, Jags 14
Raiders 24, Titans 13
Redskins 21, Eagles 20
Colts 23, Rams 20
Packers 30, Seahawks 20
Panthers 31, 49ers 14
Giants 21, Cowboys 17
Saints 24, Vikings 19
Broncos 35, Chargers 7