Now that the NFL has officially moved the Buccaneers-Dolphins game to week eleven and confirmed the Ezekiel Elliott suspension (he's playing week one, though), I can finally make my picks...

Week One Preview

Game of the Blingaweek

The Chocolate Donuts (Kevin) vs. Harrison Hammers (Matt):

Kevin leads all-time series, 6-4 (link).

It's our defending champ vs. the guy who's won more championships than anyone - and would you have thought Kevin has a two-game advantage in this series?

Kevin hasn't filled out his starting lineup yet, but once again, it'll be a good one. There's no reason to think David Johnson (@DET) won't have an awesome season again, and DeAndre Hopkins (vs. JAC), Amari Cooper (@TEN), and Jimmy Graham (@GB) give him a strong trio of pass-catchers. There are two negatives, however: Philip Rivers (@DEN) goes up against a tough defense, and Jay Ajayi (BYE) had his game rescheduled.

Matt's hoping for bounceback seasons from Cam Newton (@SF) and Marshawn Lynch (@TEN) - one has a great matchup, the other not quite. Jordy Nelson (vs. SEA) and Michael Thomas (@MIN) are great WRs, but also face some challenging matchups.

Pick: The Chocolate Donuts.

Other Blingamatches

Pullman's MondoSquad (Pulley) vs. D's Nuts (Derrek):

Pulley leads all-time series, 6-5 (link).

Two of last year's top QBs (Tom Brady for Pulley, Matt Ryan for Derrek) go up against two less-than-ideal defenses (KC for Brady, CHI for Ryan). This game highlights our new flex changes: Pulley's starting three RBs (Todd Gurley (vs. IND), Rob Kelley (vs. PHI), and Frank Gore (@LAR)), but Derrek's starting only one (Le'Veon Bell (@CLE)).

Pick: D's Nuts.

Bernie's Bullies (Mike R.) vs. Chili Right Away (Dave):

Dave leads all-time series, 6-3 (link).

Here we have another game with similar QBs: two that suffered lower-leg injuries to end last season! Derek Carr (@TEN) goes for Bernie, while Marcus Mariota (vs. OAK) goes for the Fultzyboys... and they play against each other in real life, too. This game also features two top TEs (Greg Olsen (@SF) for Mike, Travis Kelce (@NE) for Dave) and some star WRs (A.J. Green (vs. BAL) for Mike, Odell Beckham, Jr. (@DAL) for Dave). This game might come down to how healthy ODB is.

Pick: Bernie's Bullies.

Live Commish (Ed) vs. schertzopotamus (Schertz):

Schertz leads all-time series, 4-1 (link).

Schertz's strongest position is WR, as he has Antonio Brown (@CLE) and T.Y. Hilton (@LAR). I have Mike Evans (BYE)... who's not playing. Hi, Cole Beasley (NYG)! I've got some wealth at RB, though - Lamar Miller (vs. JAC), Jonathan Stewart (@SF), and Paul Perkins (@DAL).

Pick: schertzopotamus.

Pralines & Dick (Rabbit) vs. Rob for Today (Rob):

Rob leads all-time series, 7-4 (link).

Rabbit's all-around solid squad vs. Rob's pass-catching RBs - though Rabs will be without DeVante Parker (BYE). LeSean McCoy (vs. NYJ) and Doug Baldwin (@GB) should be able to compensate, though. Rob has new hotshot rookie Christian McCaffrey (@SF) and fellow receiving back Danny Woodhead (@CIN) to try and pull the upset.

Pick: Pralines & Dick.

Keep Calm & GordOn (Babel) vs. Optimus Prime (Allen):

Babel leads all-time series, 7-4 (link).

It will be tough for Allen to win if he doesn't set his lineup... but he will have Ezekiel Elliott (vs. NYG) for this week, at least. Allen also likely has an advantage at QB, with Matthew Stafford (vs. ARI) up against Babel's Joe Flacco (@CIN). But Babel has Dez Bryant (vs. NYG) and former Redskin Pierre Garcon (vs. CAR) at WR.

Pick: Keep Calm & GordOn.

Inconceivable (Richie) vs. Noodles and Vistas (Pat):

Pat leads all-time series, 4-1 (link).

Richie is yet another team without starters set. We know he'll have Julio Jones (@CHI) in there, but I'm curious to see which RB(s) he chooses. Carlos Hyde (vs. CAR)? Joe Mixon (vs. BAL)? Pat will be without Willie Snead (SUSP) and has two Packers (Aaron Rodgers and Ty Montgomery) going up against the strong Seattle defense.

Pick: Inconceivable.

Closing Thoughts

Remember to get your lineups in! One day until Patriots-Chiefs!

@LiveCommish

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