Welcome, welcome

This is one of my favorite times of the year sports-wise...football is kicking into second gear entering October, hockey and basketball season are starting up, baseball playoffs are right around the corner, and World Cup qualifiers are going on. So I figured, 'Hey, great time to start.'

I'm no athlete, but I hope to bring a different perspective on sports from football, to hockey, to soccer and anywhere in between.

So welcome...and enjoy.

Let's get down to business. I mean, there is a full weekend of NFL football ahead. So here are a few of my picks...

1 p.m. games:
Bucs @ Redskins - The Redskins need to win this game after losing to the Lions and a near loss at home to the Rams, however I wouldn't take the 7.5 points for the Redskins to cover. Redskins

Giants @ Chiefs - This should be a blowout win for the Giants, and after their man-handling of the Bucs I feel it's going to be a similar outcome. Look for the Giants to easily cover the 8.5 points. Giants

Ravens @ Patriots - With Welker a game time decision for the Patriots, it might be tough for New England to keep up with the Ravens' newly found, high-flying offensive attack against the always stifling Ravens D. The Patriots are a 2 pt favorite, I wouldn't go with it. Ravens

4 p.m. games:
Jets @ Saints - Drew Brees' offense vs. Rex Ryan's defense. I would usually go with the great D, however the Saints offense is just playing too well, but the 7 pt spread is too much for me with Rex's defense. Saints

Cowboys @ Broncos - The Cowboys will bust the Broncos' 3-0 bubble this week even without Felix Jones. Go with the 3 pt spread. Cowboys

Sunday Night Football:
Chargers @ Steelers- This is not a must win game, but close enough to one for the Steelers. If they lose they could possibly fall 3 games behind the Ravens in their division. And I still don't trust a Norv Turner lead Chargers going into Pittsburgh. However don't go with the 6.5 spread. Steelers

Monday Night Footall:
Packers @ Vikings - Look for Rodgers to have a Favre-esque performance (circa 1996) against the Vikings with the Vikings as a 3.5 favorite. Packers