MontrealAlouettes.com
The wait is officially over and week one of the NFL season kicks off tonight, but after an off-season which featured a lockout, having a clear cut picture of the best teams from day one is not always an easy task.
Fortunately, former Alouettes offensive lineman and current scout, Uzooma Okeke will facilitate things for fans by offering his game picks for a few key matchups every week. This week being opening week, he’ll also include his AFC and NFC power rankings.
Having been a scout for over 5 years following his 13-year career in the CFL, Okeke keeps a close eye on the talent south of the border. Being aware of many of the strengths and weaknesses of all 32 NFL teams, he will share his insights regarding who should finish atop each division this season as well as why.
NFC EAST
Dallas
NY Giants
Philadelphia
Washington
Pick: Dallas “Dallas is my hometown, so I have to go with them.” Okeke expects the defense to raise their level of play this season.
NFC NORTH
Chicago
Detroit
Green Bay
Minnesota
Pick: Green Bay “I have to go with the reigning Super Bowl champions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ play continues to be outstanding, erasing any memories of Brett Favre.”
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta
Carolina
New Orleans
Tampa Bay
Pick: New Orleans “They will have to fight off Atlanta and Tampa Bay, but this is a team with experience as well as the coaching staff to come out on top.”
NFC WEST
Arizona
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Pick: St. Louis “I watched these guys in training camp. They emphasize running hard especially having a quality back like Steven Jackson. With solid play from their quarterback combined with hard running from Jackson, they should lead their conference.”
AFC EAST
Buffalo
Miami
New England
NY Jets
Pick: New England “This team has the best quarterback and head coach in the NFL. The team only got better with Ochocinco and Haynesworth added to the roster.”
AFC NORTH
Baltimore
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Pick: Pittsburgh “Difficult choice here. The Steelers might have a Super Bowl let down, but in my opinion Baltimore has made too many changes. I am picking Big Ben and Pittsburgh’s defense.”
AFC SOUTH
Houston
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Tennessee
Pick: Houston “I would have picked the Colts, but with Manning injured, Houston seems poised to take it. They have an improved defense and one of the best offenses in the league.”
AFC WEST
Denver
Kansas City
Oakland
San Diego
Pick: San Diego “With special teams improved and contracts signed, they should rebound from a 9-7 season.”
OKEKE’S PICKS – WEEK 1
Game to watch
New Orleans at Green Bay
Upset of the week
Detroit at Tampa Bay
Lock of the week
New England at Miami
