Village Idiots

It's nice to see Shu and Gary join Haney and Hines for Uhrichsville's PRIDE celebration.

Football is back! Yes!

Why yes, I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!

The kickoff of a brand new season is here. And thank God! With the exodus of former Cav Mr. James and the boredom of another losing Indians season, a fresh start with the Browns is the best thing we can ask for.

I wish I had high hopes for this year's rendition of the Cleveland Browns. I wish I could say that a playoff appearance is the least of my expectations. Instead, I would be pleasantly shocked to see the Brownies finish 8-8.

Looking at the non-division games, the schedule is pretty favorable. There are some winnable games in that lineup. Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Carolina and Buffalo should provide five wins. Perhaps the Browns can win two of the games against Atlanta, Miami and the Jets. So there's six wins. But can they split against the division foes, going 3-3, for a total of 9 wins and a playoff opportunity? Doubtful. The Browns are still the runt of the litter in the AFC North. Yes, their time will come but it's still just over the next hill.

My brother, Joe, and I will continue our tradition of making our picks against the spread. Joe, the worshipper of Bill Simmons, is equally excited for the start of a new season. With that, take it away Joe.

I know many of you have missed our ranting and hilarious views but fear not as we (well I) have returned for season 3 (I don't actually know many its been) of outrageous and spot on picking (not really, we suck).
So let's start with Cleveland. What can I say? Well, at least none of their players left for the Steelers or some super team. No, this team and these players actually appreciate playing in the greatest city in the world (its true, scientifically proven). Year 2 of Mangini, Year 1 of Heck/gren, I'm excited. I really have no insight but I do believe we will win at least 3 division games this year. I think we finally shock the Ravens (yeah, suck it Modell) and Shittsburgh will be under .500 this year. But I do like Cincy. This 2nd city on Ohio (well, maybe 3rd if you like CBus) is in for quite the experience. I'm loving the T.O. pickup. In fact, he and Ocho have inspired me to create a twitter account. Seriously (@THEEjomilla). I don't really have a point but I'm going to be watching them closely. Not too close, that's creepy (just ask Erin Andrews). I miss her. Thank God college football will be starting soon. Go Bucks!!

Minnesota @ New Orleans (-4.5)

JOE: MIN. I'm calling for a cover in this one. I think Favre is more ready than we give him credit. I give any man credit for wearing Wranglers. Most uncomfortable jeans EVER. Anyway, AP will get over the century mark and more importantly not fumble in this opening game of the 2010-11 season. Also, Sharper being a PUP is a major loss for the Saints secondary. NO in a squeaker 34-31.

MIKE: NO. Tonight, it's the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints hosting the banged up Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings nearly pulled off an upset last year in the playoffs but the coin toss went the way of the Saints and the rest is history. And that history will repeat itself tonight in a Saints win -- but it won't take overtime. Saints 34, Vikings 13.