These are the picks for the 2002 season. The bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
The question is asked every year: Are you ready for some football? The answer is always in the affirmative. But this year, the desire is bigger than ever. No, it's not to get away from baseball which irked many fans by narrowly escaping a players' strike. It's more about the fact that the season should had started by now. For 2002, the NFL decided to begin the season on Thursday night.
Labor Day weekend coincided with the beginning of school and the start of the football season in years past. What was wrong with that? Children enjoyed their last weekend of freedom by soaking in the first full Sunday of football. It lessened the pain of returning to classes. With a Thursday start, kids have to be satisfied with one measly game that some won't be able to watch through the end. I can hear it now:
"Timmy, time for bed."
"But Mom, it's only the third quarter!"
"Boy, go to bed now! Don't make me break my foot up in yo ass!"
It's not much better for adults who must quickly retreat to bed immediately after the game to wake for work, if they watch the whole game. Yes, us pro football fans will go to bed with a smile on our face still, but the euphoria isn't as rewarding as a full day of touchdowns, big plays and big hits.
Thursday's a big enough night for primetime television. Let NBC enjoy their must-see TV because, on paper, San Francisco Vs the New York Giants isn't a can't miss match-up.
The first Sunday of NFL action is a celebration. Friends and family hold kickoff cookouts complete with flag/tag/tackle football before firing up the grill. With eyes glued to the tube, few things match the feeling of a cold brew going down as fans watch their favorite team in the heat of battle. If their team isn't playing at the time, there's at least one game on to keep an eye on. And dessert is served at 8 PM with the night game to cap the day. And fans can enjoy it all, with the holiday giving a day off to many fans who don't have to wake up for work the next day.
Don't expect many kickoff parties on Thursday. Already cranky from another annoying day at work, who wants to call up the friends in the middle of the week? On top of that, after the game, when the buddies leave for the night, cleanup is gonna be a bitch because you know you should be in bed by now. Getting to bed late leads to yet another bad day of work on Friday.
Admitingly, these festivities can be held on September eighth. But it's a letdown knowing it is not the official start of the season. The whole point of the party is because football season is starting. By Sunday, it's like missing the boat and taking the next one leaving the dock. By then, most of the excitement has been sucked away. The Thursday start is a tease, and people don't always enjoy being teased.
False start on the league, but it's fans who suffer the penalty.
San Francisco at N.Y. Giants - Thursday - W
Giants defensive end Michael Strahan picked up another sack, this one worth $45 million. But this sack wasn't handed to him by Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre.The deal will allow him to end his career with the Giants yet it doesn't buy wins. The 49ers lay out New York.
Arizona at Washington - W
For one week and one week only, the new logo on Washington's helmet will sport a red bird skewered on the spear. This will be all Redskins.
Atlanta at Green Bay - W
With such a young receiving crew playing for GB, the wide outs will study the Cliff Notes version of the offense to make sure when they reach the field, they don't make mistakes. The sideline cramming pays off in a Packers win.
Baltimore at Carolina - W
A recent reminder brought to light that the Panthers are currently on a 15-game losing streak. But here's some optimism. They won the season opener last season. The losing streak comes to an end as the Panthers knock off the Ravens for the Upset of the Week.
Detroit at Miami - W
The offseason hasn't been too kind to the Dolphins' running back Ricky Williams. After being traded from New Orleans to Miami, he had three encounters with police for reasons he claims are related to his color. Because of that, he will run tentatively early because he doesn't want 5-0 at the game to charge him with assault for trampling defenders. But once he gets rolling, Williams and the Dolphins won't be stopped.
Indianapolis at Jacksonville - W
He did not play a down in the preseason and the Jaguars struggled without him. With a new contract in hand, go-to wide receiver Jimmy Smith is finally ready to play, but it will take him time to find his form. Running routes with all that money in his back pocket will slow him down until his body adapts to carrying the extra weight. A re-tooled Colts team won't let Smith run free as Indy pulls off a victory.
Kansas City at Cleveland - L
KC wants to sign tight end Tony Gonzalez to a long term deal, but only if he agrees to give up hopes of playing pro basketball and dedicates himself solely to football. His actions after a touchdown will give his intentions away. If he spikes it, Gonzalez will focus on pigskin. If he dunks the ball through the goal post, Touchdown Tony still has hoop dreams. There's no illusion over who wins this game. The Browns are young, hungry, and focused.
Minnesota at Chicago - W
The Chicago Bears take to the road in 2002. As Soldiers Field undergoes renovations to modernize the facility, Chicago will play "home" games miles away Champaign Illinois. Fans will make the Bears feel right at home all year long, starting with a win to open the season.
N.Y. Jets at Buffalo - L
Two quarterbacks with stories to tell this year. Buffalo's Drew Bledsoe feels he must prove he's far from done after being traded from New England. New York's Vinny Testaverde, at 38, doesn't think his career is on the decline and must play well to keep young backup Chad Pennigton on the bench. On this Sunday, youth will win out with the Bills under Bledsoe's guidance to eke out the win.
Philadelphia at Tennessee - L
The expectations are high for Philly after reaching the NFC Championship last season. Based upon moves made in the offseason, the Philadelphia organization doesn't think they are too far off, hoping the veteran signings will put them over the top. The first test will be for middle linebacker Levon Kirkland. If he and the defense can stop Titans running back Eddie George in his tracks, it will earn the Eagles a win and set a positive tone for the season.
San Diego at Cincinnati - W
SD head coach Marty Schottenheimer wasted little time in naming Drew Brees his starting quarterback. Everybody wonders if back-up Doug Flutie will remain a happy camper and accept his role. The money is on Flutie being supportive because he knows if he shows signs of being unhappy, the alternative is being traded to Cincy. The Chargers follow Brees' lead for the win.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay - L
Biggest question on the minds of NO fans is will the Deuce stay Loose all season long. Yes Deuce McAllister has the talent to be a great versatile running back for the Saints. The biggest question is if he can avoid the injury bug for 16 games. Playing the aggressive Tampa Bay defense is bad for his health. The Buccaneers batter McAllister and the Saints.
Seattle at Oakland - W
Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer was quoted in a national magazine as saying he thinks his team can be the best in their division. Thank-you, the comedy stylings of Trent Dilfer everybody. He will be appearing at comedy clubs across the country ladies and gentlemen. Dilfer needs to be reminded that they moved to the NFC West where San Francisco and St. Louis reside. Seattle can't even get by the Raiders.
St. Louis at Denver - L
The Rams offense knows what to expect from opponents this year. Based upon how they were beaten in Super Bowl XXXVI, the receivers know that opponents intend on beating on them at the line. But it comes down to if opponents have the personnel to make the strategy work. The Broncos' cornerbacks will have problems putting a hand on the St. Louis wide outs and the Rams will make Denver pay in a rout.
Dallas at Houston - L
This matchup is already be touted as a rivalry for years to come as they battle for the title of Best Team in Texas. There is one element missing to make this a rivalry. The teams must be competitive. No offense, but the Texans aren't on Dallas' level. The Cowboys flatten Houston.
Pittsburgh at New England - Monday Night - W
The talking coming out of the Steel City has been non-stop since the end of the AFC Championship game. Quarterback Kordell Stewart said sometimes the best team doesn't win. His teammates say they are the hunted team in the Conference, not New England. NE players keep quiet and just flash their rings. The Patriots silence the Steelers.
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