With the nightmare of losing an NFL season due to the lockout long in the rear view mirror, here is the debut of the this year’s NFL picks.

New Orleans at Green Bay

There has been talk that the Packers could struggle early on because their players didn’t workout together during the lockout like the Saints did.

Green Bay has a veteran group of receivers who don’t need a lot of extra work to get going. Once Aaron Rodgers re-establishes his timing with tight end Jermichael Finley, who missed most of last season with an injury, this offense will be a force to reckon with.

As for Thursday night’s game, you’ve got to go with the defending champs at home.

Pick: PACKERS

Pittsburgh at Baltimore

There’s been weeks of smack talk preceding this contest and the Ravens have slowly been gaining on the Steelers over the years. But I don’t think they’re quite ready to knock off the perennial AFC North champs just jet.

Pick: STEELERS

Cincinnati at Cleveland

The fact that Carson Palmer gave up millions of dollars just so he didn’t have to play for the Bengals speaks volumes. This team is a train wreck.

Pick: BROWNS

Indianapolis at Houston

No Peyton Manning means big problems for the Colts. The Texans have been trying to catch the Colts since their franchise was formed and this year may be their best chance.

They’d best beat the Colts when they’re down if they truly want to make the postseason.

Pick: Texans

Detroit at Tampa Bay

Everyone’s talking about the Lions and I also think they’ll be good. But it’s easy to forget that the Bucs were a tie-breaker away from taking Green Bay’s playoff spot last season.

Pick: BUCS

Philadelphia at St. Louis

As I stated in my previous blog, I don’t think Philly will be as good as advertised, but they’re good enough to beat the Rams. Michael Vick should put up some big numbers on that fast track.

Pick: EAGLES

Atlanta at Chicago

The Bears had to sit through weeks of talk about how Jay Cutler quit on them through the offseason. They also had to watch their rivals win the Super Bowl, and now the Lions are getting more props than them.

This could be an angry Chicago team in week one at home.

Pick: BEARS

Buffalo at Kansas City

Name three Bills starters without looking it up, I dare you. Remember Lee Evans is gone and J.P. Lossman is probably out of the league.

Pick: CHIEFS

Tennessee at Jacksonville

Matt Hasselbeck will be solid for the Titans as long as he’s healthy. The question is how long will that last? One quarter or two quarters?

Pick: JAGUARS

New York Giants at Washington

I’m feeling a big year coming on for Eli Manning and I don’t know why. It’s just a gut feeling.

Pick: GIANTS

Minnesota at San Diego

Remember when the Vikings signed a former Packer legend and basically admitted he was the best player their franchise ever had?

Then that former legend choked away the NFC championship game with a mind-numbing interception.

Then the Packers won the Super Bowl as that former legend eroded into a shell of his former self.

I remember it very well and so does every other Packer fan.

Sorry Viking fans, but I had to pour a little salt in that wound.

Pick: CHARGERS

Carolina at Arizona

Carolina’s Cam Newton may turn out to be a good quarterback in the NFL. But with no minicamps and just a handful of preseason games to prepare, I don’t see him having a breakout season this year.

Pick: CARDINALS

Seattle at San Francisco

Although it would be ironic to see former Viking Tavaris Jackson thrive after being shown the door, I don’t see it happening. The Seahawks were beyond foolish to throw $8 million dollars over two years to him.

Just like some of Jackson’s throws to the other team will be beyond foolish this Sunday.

Pick: 49ERS

Dallas at New York Jets

The Cowboys could sneak up on some team this year, but I don’t see the Jets losing at home on the 10th anniversary of 911 on national television.

New England at Miami

Let the annual overhyping of the Pats’ regular season blowout wins begin.

Pick: PATRIOTS

Oakland and Denver

Although Tim Tebow got more media coverage in the preseason than any backup quarterback deserves, Kyle Orton is pretty good and the Broncos should be just fine.

Pick: BRONCOS