RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Let the gloating begin. No big surprises, if you ask our prognosticators, when it came down to last week’s results. Three of us went one-game shy of a perfect week and the rest of us hovered at or above .500 for the week.
The battle for the 8News Pigskin Picks Cup is still wide open.
Let’s see what our staff picks are this week:
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Mitch Carr, 8News Sports Director (7-1)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Through two games Freeman has one of the best defenses in the area, but the Rebels have also played two of the worst offenses. Atlee has a good offense, but the Raiders are vulnerable in the trenches, where the Rebels are strongest. I think this one will either be a tight win for DSF or a blowout win for Atlee. Strange, I know. Since it’s basically 50/50, I’m going with my alma mater.
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
I’m not very positive about this season for UVA, even with last week’s strong showing against Notre Dame. I am, however, not negative enough to pick a FCS team to beat the ‘Hoos at home.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
Brenden Motley is not the answer at quarterback. I think Virginia Tech will end up giving true freshman Dwayne Lawson a long look before this game is over. I think Purdue and Tech are pretty equal, and the Boilermakers are at home, so I’ll take them.
Virginia Military Institute Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
Once first-year starter Kyle Lauletta becomes more consistent, this Richmond team is going to take off. You just have to hope it happens this season. Coming back to beat Hampton on the road was impressive, and I expect a big Spiders win in their first home game of 2015.
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: St. Louis Rams
The Redskins called a GREAT game offensively against Miami: run the ball run the ball run the ball and if you have to pass it, make sure it’s a three-step drop so that the talented D-line doesn’t have time to eat Kirk Cousins’s lunch. The problem is, the offense still only scored 10 points and the team lost the game. The Rams are better than the Dolphins, and they’ll win this one.
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
The Raiders’ offense was atrocious against the Bengals, and their defense was just as bad (much to the chagrin of my fantasy team, which featured Amari Cooper, Sebastian Janikowski, and the Raiders D/ST). They got blown out with a healthy Derek Carr and a healthy Charles Woodson (to start). No they’re going with Matt McGloin under center and Taylor Mays (signed off the street) in the deep secondary. Give me Bald’mer.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: Buffalo Bills
I’m going to regret this pick. I’m making it anyway.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is the better team. Period.
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Will Armbruster, 8News Digital Content Producer (7-1)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Atlee Raiders
Our sports guys have Atlee ranked No. 9 in their area Top 10 poll, however 8News sports director Mitch Carr, a 2005 graduate of Douglas Freeman where he was a four-year quarterback, picked the Rebels here. Sound like a biased alum to you!? I’m siding with his fellow 8News sports reporter Chip Brierre and picking Atlee on the road.
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
As a former sports reporter in Williamsburg, I remember in 2009 when William & Mary marched into Charlottesville and dealt UVA a stunning 26-14 loss. That team featured three NFL players in R.J. Archer, Jonathan Grimes and B.W. Webb , though, and was one of the best teams in Tribe history. I’m not high on UVA this year, but the Hoos should be good enough to take care of an FCS opponent at home.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
This is Virginia Tech we’re talking about, the team that perennially delights its fans with at least one head-scratching early-season loss. The Hokies are six point favorites, but I’m going out on a limb and saying Tech’s first ever trip to the state of Indiana and QB Brenden Motley’s first career road start ends with a loss.
Virginia Military Institute Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
This rivalry dates back all the way to 1893, and up until 2008, the two school’s head-to-head record could not have been more even: 40-40-5. But the Spiders have owned this matchup over the past decade and some change, winning each of the last 12 meetings against the Keydets.
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: St. Louis Rams
Did any team surprise fans more in Week 1 than St. Louis? The Rams put together a complete performance in outlasting defending NFC champ Seattle 34-31. I expect Washington to play well at home, but like the upstart Rams here.
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
After a lackluster performance in Week 1, look for Joe Flacco, Steve Smith Sr. and the rest of Baltimore’s offense to have their way against an awful Oakland Raiders secondary.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: New England Patriots
Any Rex Ryan coached team is going to play New England tough. But as promising as the Bills looked in Week 1, the Patriots looked even better.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
I was anything but encouraged by Philadelphia’s performance in a Week 1 loss to Atlanta, but since I picked the Eagles to beat out Dallas for the division title this year, I’m picking them to win here in their home opener. Plus, there’s no way Chip Kelly and Co. start the season 0-2, right?
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Amanda Malkowski, 8News Good Morning Richmond Anchor (7-1)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Douglas S. Freeman
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Military Institute Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: St. Louis Rams
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: New England Patriots
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Editor’s note: Amanda is doing her best Marshawn Lynch imitation, letting her play on the field speak for itself. No word yet if Roger Goodell plans to fine her.
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Chip Brierre, 8News Weekend Sports Anchor (6-2)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Atlee Raiders
The Raiders squeaked by Mills Godwin last week and although Freeman has looked strong to begin the season, Atlee has had stiffer competition and their defense can make stops.
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
Cavs need a serious pick me up after the heartbreaker to Notre Dame. William & Mary isn’t a gimme, but the Cavaliers showed enough last week to warrant a confident pick they will take care of business at home on Saturday before hosting Boise State.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Virginia Tech Hokies
Only because Tech’s defense smothered Furman and was able to hang on for a half vs. Ohio State. Branden Motley is the biggest question mark, but he handles his responsibilities and the Hokies will be able to escape with a win.
VMI Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
Head Coach Danny Rocco still has yet to see a complete game performance and says there are still issues lingering from the preseason that need to get fixed. That said, coming to Robins Stadium for a home opener under the lights vs. rival VMI on Saturday, I’ll take the Spiders who are ready to put on a show in front of a sold out crowd.
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: Washington Redskins
Call me crazy, but I was genuinely surprised and pleased by what I saw in Washington’s loss to the Dolphins. Sure Cousins threw two picks and didn’t get it done in the redzone under two minutes in the 4th Q, but Alfred Morris rushed for over 120 yards and the defense only allowed one offensive touchdown in the game. Rams are riddled with injuries at RB, Foles does look good, their D-Line should cause problems but so should have the Dolphins’ D-line. Close victory for Jay Gruden on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Ravens almost beat Peyton Manning in Week 1. All they have to do is beat Derek Carr and Oakland. That’s easier than beating a cold.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: Buffalo Bills
If there is one man who has cracked the Bill Belichick code it’s Rex Ryan. His defense was stellar vs. the Colts (who many on this blog believe to be a Super Bowl contender) and Hokie alum Tyrod Taylor looked solid. Brady and Gronkowski will connect for a TD but Bills defense will get Brady dirty a number of times.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Had Eli Manning been a smart quarterback I would have had an impressive start to the picking season. Regardless, we all knew Tony Romo had it in him and he delivered all by himself. I said he can’t carry this team on his own (even more so now that Bryant is out with a broken foot) but if Week 1 is any indication, perhaps he could do just that.
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Kerri O’Brien, 8News Investigative Reporter (5-3)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
This is a tough one, both teams seem strong.
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
Even though they have had two tough losses, I think UVA bounces back this week.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Virginia Tech Hokies
With a W last weekend and a strong showing against OSU, I go Tech here.
VMI Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
Home field advantage takes the win
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: St. Louis Rams
After a shocking upset over Seattle, St. Louis has proved they will be a contender this season. I always liked QB Nick Foles (former Eagle), the Rams will crush an injured Redskins team.
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
The Raiders only scored 13 points against the Bengals, enough said.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: Buffalo Bills
I am going with the Bills.They looked awesome last week.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Despite a frustrating showing by the Eagles Monday night, I think they are now warmed up. Plus Dallas, while they won last weekend, really didn’t look very good. It was an ugly game against the Giants. Plus, Dez Bryant is hurt and Eagles have that home field advantage. It all points to The Birds.
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Robb Crocker, 8News Digital Content Manager (4-4)
Atlee Raiders @ Douglas S. Freeman Rebels
Pick: Atlee Raiders
Someone once said “defense wins championships” (seriously, Google it). Back in the 1980s, the Oakland Raiders’ defense shocked the world, slowing down a powerful Washington Redskins offense en route to a 38-9 Super Bowl XVIII win. What does that have to do with this game – nothing — except that this Raiders team has a great defense too.
William & Mary Tribe @ Virginia Cavaliers
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia has looked abysmal in the loss to UCLA and mediocre in a last minute loss to Notre Dame. I guess that’s an improvement – they will look pedestrian in this win. But, if they lose this game, Mike London might not make it through the season as head coach.
Virginia Tech Hokies @ Purdue Boilermakers
Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
Insufficient play from the offense (in particular, at QB) will doom the Hokies on the road at Purdue.
VMI Keydets @ Richmond Spiders
Pick: Richmond Spiders
Home crowd under the lights and strong QB play will carry the Spiders.
St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Pick: St. Louis Rams
Washington could only manage 10 points against an improved, but not dominant Dolphins’ defense. Expect to see a lot of Alfred Morris and Matt Jones runs over passing plays. As a result, expect both runners to see more turf than daylight. Rams will win in a rout in front of a small audience at FedEx Field.
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Baltimore Ravens
The Raiders will have trouble moving the ball against the Ravens, who will miss Terrell Suggs, but no so much this week.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: New England Patriots
This will be the best game of the week. Rex Ryan has his team and his fans believing. I believe too, but not this week. Sorry Rex, Tom Brady is on a mission this season. It will be close for the first three quarters.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
I hate both of these teams but if I had to pick one over the other, I’ll say the Eagles. It helps that Dez Bryant is out.
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