Week 3: The Week of the McCowns

We agree Brandon Weeden: "Yikes! You're starting this week."

I have not had a great start to the year picking games, but hopefully this is the week I bounce back. Let's see if it is Stally or I who come out on top this week.

Austen's Eight-Point Pick
@New England over Jacksonville

Austen: The Jags are going to put up a lot of points in this game, but most of it will be in garbage time. The Pats are going to jump out to a fast lead and they will not stop scoring points all day. If you are playing against Gronk in fantasy this week, don't watch ESPN this week. Its not going to be pretty.

Stally: There's no way you can convince me that the Super Bowl champs will be challenged at home against the Jags.

Stally's Eight-Point Pick
@Seattle over Chicago

Stally: The only reason this game didn't go first is because the Patriots were hosting Jacksonville.  Seattle has suffered two tough losses, but they'll destroy the Jimmy Clausen led Bears in the home opener for the 12th Man, or apparently, the now more too-policitcally correct "12th Human Being" (thanks Mr./Ms. Jenner).

Austen: This is the biggest mismatch of the week, but the Patriots got the edge since they are 2-0 and have looked marvelous through two weeks. The Seahawks have not looked impressive and now Marshawn Lynch is banged up. If the Seahawks lose this one, they are in way bigger trouble than anyone could have imagined.

Week 2: Who is Who?

Can Ryan Fitzpatrick out duel Andrew Luck? Stally certainly does 
not think so as he picks the Colts as the blowout of the week.

After a week one that saw some big upsets (that Stally saw coming, and I was blindsided by), we will see what was just Week 1 hiccups and what these teams are actually made of. Should be another exciting week of football.

Stally's Eight-Point Pick
@Indianapolis over New York Jets

Stally: While I did predict it, the Colts took suffered what some might call a "deflating" loss to Buffalo last week.  They won't lose this home opener.  No way.  No how.

Austen: Andrew Luck is a different quarterback at home. I like the way my Jets played last week, but the Colts have to be angry coming off of brutal loss to the Bills last week. I think the Colts will be merciless in their attempt to put up a huge amount of points on a fierce Jets D, which could lead to a lot of points or a lot of turn overs, or both. Either way, I do not give my Jets much of a chance in this one.

Austen's Eight-Point Pick
Arizona over @Chicago

Austen: The Bears put up a good fight against the Packers, but that was against a rival. The Cards are one of the best teams in the entire league, while the Bears might be one of the worst. And the Bears will be without Alshon Jeffery. There is too much going in the Cards favor for this one.

Stally: Wow.  We disagree here.  The Cardinals are a solid team all around, but the Bears were more competent than expected last week against Green Bay.  I have the home team (da Bears!) in this one.

Week 1: Let's Kick Off 2015

Rob Gronkowski and the Patriots spiked
spiked away the offseason with an
opening night win on Thursday. (AP)

It's time for the 2015 NFL season and the Stubborn OXen are back for another a fifth season.  Here are our picks for the week:

Austen's Eight-Point Pick
@Dallas over New York Giants

Austen: The only way the Giants can stay in this game if they find a way to run the ball incredibly efficiently. Teams that have a three running back committee typically refer to this as having a “three headed monster.” The Giants have more of a three headed kitten. Dallas is going to score in bunches on this Swiss cheese defense that is riddled with injuries and it will be too much for the Giants to keep up with.

Stally: Welcome to the Cowboys bandwagon, Austen! Once and for all we can close out our longtime debate: Tony Romo is a better quarterback than Eli Manning.

Stally's Eight-Point Pick
@New England over Pittsburgh

Stally: There was no way the Patriots lost the first game of the Revenge Tour at home, and they didn't. The 28-21 final score was far closer than the game itself, thanks to a Steelers touchdown with two seconds left.

Austen: Well this game already happened. I had a lot of confidence in the Pats winning this one, as the Pats always play the best with their backs against the wall. All the offseason controversy has only fuel Tom Brady. Despite losing their top four, yes four, cornerbacks from last season, the Patriots will be one of the best, if not the best, in the AFC once again this year. The Steelers look like they will have an uphill battle starting the season with two of their top three offensive players missing due to suspension and their offense getting no help from a young and not very talented defense.