Weekly Wager: Week 1

After finishing last season 43-27-3 (10-10-1 on college games, 33-17-2 on NFL games), the Weekly Wager is off to a disappointing 0-1 start thanks to the New York Giants second half let down Wednesday night. With that said, here are the remaining picks for this week:

Seattle @ Arizona (+2.5) - SUN 4:25PM - FOX
Sunday marks the beginning of the Russell Wilson era in Seattle, and I'm feelin' it.  After signing Matt Flynn for good coin this offseason, Wilson was a long shot to get the starting nod.  Let's face it, he not only had to outplay Flynn in the preseason, but he had to outperform Flynn off the field in order to get Coach Carroll to go to bat for him.  Wilson is a gamer with a chip on his shoulder.  Reminds me of Drew Brees when he was first starting out.  Arizona wishes they had this drama.  Instead, the Cardinals have a couple QBs that shouldn't be starting NFL quarterbacks.  Too bad for Larry Fitzgerald.  Whether Marshawn Lynch plays or not (back spasms), I think Seattle comes out fired up with Wilson at the helm.  It only helps Seattle has a respectable defense going up against what should be one of the worst offenses this year...Seattle 24, St. Arizona 14

Pittsburgh @ Denver (-1.0) - SUN 8:20PM - NBC
Can you ask for a better Sunday night game?  I don't know a single NFL fan who isn't eager to see what Peyton Manning will do in Denver this year.  Peyton's signing with the Broncos has taken Denver's Super Bowl odds in Vegas from 50-1 to 10-1.  While skeptics point to Peyton's increasing number of INTs over the years and general decline in productivity, he couldn't have walked into a better situation.  Peyton has two solid WRs in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in addition to an offensive line that blocked its way to lead the league in rushing with 165ypg.  At the same time, Pittsburgh is facing an uphill battle with the run game thanks to injuries, and Big Ben is playing catch up with Mike Wallace who finally decided to focus on playing football.  Look for a strong showing from Denver on both sides of the ball with Eric Decker and Willis McGahee helping Peyton to his first W in over a year...Denver 27, Pittsburgh 24

Cincinnati @ Baltimore (-7.0) - MON 7:00PM - ESPN
Expect the Ravens to come out and play with a purpose as they remember their late owner Art Modell and the role he played in the franchise's history.  It doesn't hurt that the Bengals have lost 3 of the last 4 against the Ravens and haven't managed to win in Baltimore since '09.  Cincinnati is hoping Andy Dalton and AJ Green can reestablish what Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson had years ago, but time will tell.  In the meantime, the Ravens will be trying to avenge their disappointing loss in last year's AFC Championship.  Look for a more aggressive offensive attack from Joe Flacco and a defense that realizes the clock is ticking for its leaders...Baltimore 27, Cincinnati 17