So with the NFL schedule the way it is, we need to break the games up into a few days worth of previews. Starting next week, we’ll preview the 1pm games on Thursday and the 4pm games on Friday. We’ll do the Monday night games on Monday morning once baseball season ends. Until the baseball season ends, the Monday game will be part of the 4pm games. I know, confusing. The day job will just get in the way of multiple Monday morning posts.

Here’s the deal: You start your studs. Unless specifically stated, Tomlinson, Peterson, Brady, Moss, Manning, and Westbrook are definite plays. Steven Jackson, Joseph Addai, Terrell Owens, and Reggie Wayne are right there as well. Basically, those first-round picks are there for a reason. They should help carry a team.

Washington vs. New York Giants

When the Giants Pass – The Giants are most effective when they can run the ball, but Eli Manning will want to prove that last season’s playoff run was no fluke. Manning’s stats should mirror Campbell’s. Expect a few more yards, closer to the 250 mark if you get the bonus points. Plaxico Burress is certainly good for one of those and look for Steve Smith to grab the other.

When the Giants Run – This should be the bread and butter of the Giants game. Brandon Jacobs will be the work horse of the two backs, but Ahmad Bradshaw could pilfer the touchdown run. Here’s thinking that Brandon Jacobs will run for over 100.

When the Redskins Pass – Entering the season, the Giants' pass rush is very suspect. They will struggle to get pressure from the ends without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Losing those two has forced them to push linebackers up to the line and created a general thin front seven. This should work to the Redskins advantage, specifically in the West Coast scheme.

Jason Campbell should be effective. Look for 230 yards/2 TD/1 INT. Chris Cooley will grab one of those passes and add 75 yards. The other should go to Santana Moss, who should be good for 100 yards as well.

When the Redskins run – This has to favor the Giants' defense. Yes, Clinton Portis is a top-tier running back, but there are many detractors, including yours truly. Portis is likely good for 80 yards against the Giants defense, but I don’t anticipate any touchdowns coming his way.

Sleeper Pickups – As mentioned above, the thinking here is Steve Smith should grab the other touchdown reception. Kevin Boss feels good for five to six receptions and 60 yards.

Might Want to Bench – Antwaan Randle El and Amani Toomer. Just a feeling.

Detroit vs. Atlanta

When the Lions Pass – The fact is, Atlanta could be a team that gets scored on with regularity. That said, the Lions want to control the ball and they’ll do that through the running game. They have playmakers at receiver, but Kitna needs to limit his turnovers. The new philosophy in mind, Kitna feels good for 240/2/1 and starting both Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams should make owners feel good. The Falcons just don’t have shut down corners to keep those guys down.

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