NFL Week 1-Pigskin Pick’Em, Injury Updates, and Fantasy Football Notes (part 2)

Aug. 30, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback (18) Peyton Manning against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

We’re counting down to kickoff  as Week 1 draws closer and can now be measured in hours instead of days and months. Tomorrow afternoon there’s nine games that kick off at 1:00 ET and then three late games. The Sunday Night Football game also shapes up to be a great one as the Steelers head to Mile High to face the returning Peyton Manning.

Yesterday, I gave you my pressing question, pigskin pick’em selection, and injury updates for the first seven of Sunday’s games. Here’s a quick look ahead to the other six games on the schedule for Sunday. Tomorrow, come back and get my picks and previews for the two Monday Night tilts.

Buffalo Bills (+3.5) at New York Jets

Pressing Question: How will the Jets use their most intriguing offseason acquisition Tim Tebow? If Tebow is getting consistent goalline play, he may have fantasy value. If he rides the bench, all he does is confuse the Sanchize and maybe distract from the whole season. My feeling is if you’re going to have him you better use him, and I can’t see Rex not figuring ways to gameplan to his strengths.

Possible Limitations: Santonio Holmes is probable and should play. Dustin Keller is less certain and listed as questionable on the injury report but Coach Rex Ryan said he expects him to play as well. On the Buffalo side, Stevie Johnson is also questionable but expected to giv it a go according to his QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Pick: The Jets offense was a mess in preseason and I think the Bills defense will give them fits with their newly strengthened pass rush. I would give 3.5 and take Buffalo so I’ll gladly take them and the points.

Miami Dolphins (+7.5) at Houston Texans

Aug 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) passing during warmups before the start of their preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Pressing Question: Can Matt Schaub’s return make the Texans elite? The Texans made the playoffs without him last year. If he can return to his pre-injury effectiveness, the Texans have the tools to be true Super Bowl contenders.

Possible Limitations: Owen Daniels returned to practice after his illness and should be good to start Sunday.

Pick: The Texans running game and solid defense should get them an easy ten point win here. I’ll take Houston and give the points.

San Francisco 49ers (+6.5) at Green Bay Packers

Pressing Question: Can the San Francisco offense repeat its effectiveness from the ‘Niners playoff run with a new complement of receivers? We know the Packers offense will be good. We know the 49ers defense will be good. If Jim Harbaugh gets last year’s version of Alex Smith to click with his new receivers, San Francisco should be in it until the end in the NFC. If their offense struggles, they may still win the West; but their playoff run could end quickly possibly against these very same Packers.

Possible Limitations: San Francisco doesn’t expect WR Ted Ginn or RB Brandon Jacobs to be ready to go for Sunday. On the other side, James Starks is officially out with turf toe and droppable in most formats.

Pick: I’ll take the Pack at home, but giving the 6.5 makes me a little nervous. I could see this one going either way, but Aaron Rodgers is too good go pick against at Lambeau in the opener.

Carolina Panthers (-2.5) at Tampa Bay

Pressing Question: Can Cam Newton duplicate his success last season? It’s been well-documented how QBs who rush for a bunch of TD’s usually don’t the next year. Many experts think Cam is overrated after tearing the league up early and his numbers faltering a bit late in the season. The Bucs defense isn’t a great test, but I think Newton will pass with flying colors as he exploits a weak run defense and tears up Tampa.

Possible Limitations: Jonathan Stewart is a risky fantasy proposition not having practiced since rolling his ankle. The Panthers seem to think he may be able to go, so Stewart will probably end up a game-time decision. Steve Smith had an infection in his foot this preseason but has returned to practice and is full speed ahead for week one.

Pick: Cam scored eight total TDs in the two meetings between these NFC South rivals last season and I think he’ll lead another Panther rout over one of just three home underdogs in week one. I’ll give the 2.5 and pick against Greg Schiano in his NFL debut.

Seattle Seahawks (+1.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Aug 30, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) takes the snap during the game against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Pressing Question: Will a real NFL quarterback please stand up? The QB situation of both these teams was “open” coming into camp. Russell Wilson seized the starting job for Seattle and will make his first NFL start in his rookie season on the road in Phoenix. Arizona’s QB situation is much worse since neither Kevin Kolb or John Skelton looked good this preseason. Skelton gets the nod for the Cards in this one as the NFC West rivals open their season with an in-division game in the desert.

Possible Limitations: The Seahawks are a little banged up with Golden Tate out and Marshawn Lynch still day-to-day. Lynch will probably end up a game-time decision which with a 4:25 start time could make things dicey for some owners. If Lynch doesn’t go, Robert Turbin would get the carries and make a solid replacement for Lynch if you were able to handcuff. The Cardinals have only Beanie Wells injury as a fantasy football relavant injury concern, and Wells is expected to play.

Pick: I’ll definitely take the Seahawks with Wilson and their underrated defense to open with a win on the roda

Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5) at Denver Broncos

Pressing Question: Is Peyton Manning back? It’s our first real-game look at Manning who takes the field at home under the Sunday Night Football lights against a tough Steelers D. We’ll have a good idea of where Manning is and what receivers on Denver have value after this great opening game.

Possible Limitations: We already know the Steelers D will be without Ryan Clark their startin safety who due to health concerns can’t play at altitude. That could help the Denver receivers a bit as they attack the secondary. Isaac Redman is expected to start and play in the Pittsburgh backfield but share time with Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer is the slightly better fantasy pick but avoid the situation if possible. 

Pick: I’ll pick Peyton at home in one of the games I’m looking forward to the most in Week one. You won’t want to miss this one.