A few of you may have noticed Sportaphile’s new writer Risse… from here on out we are gonna make our NFL picks on Thursday. So let’s get to it…

Tennessee vs.Houston

Chuck: The Titans are in a groove right now, Collins is managing the offense and the defense is holding up. I can’t see any reasons why they don’t take home the W on this one.

Risse: I can tell you a reason: this is the first game for the Houston Texans since Hurricane Ike. The team is emotional right now and will be looking to take out there frustrations on the field. Their front line will test the wheels of Kerry Collins, moreso than the Titans are ready to handle. Texans baby!

Washington vs Arizona

Chuck: This is hard to call, old ass Kurt Warner looks like he did during his MVP season in St. Louis. But we all know that the Cardinals like to choke when they’re supposed to win. I’ll take Arizona against my better judgement.

Risse: Jason Campbel will be cool this week after last week’s come from behind victory. I am interested in seeing Larry Fitzgerald match-up against the Redskins secondary. Keep your eyes on strong safety LaRon Landry, he’s a hitter. Redskins win.

Minnesota vs Carolina

Chuck: Carolina is on a roll and they get to have Steve Smith back this week too, that should make the team better right? The Vikes are rolling with Gus at QB, and I think they’ll pull it together. Minnesota wins.

Risse: Gus Frerotte is not the answer. That’s like getting it wrong on “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” Steve Smith is back in effect this week for the Panthers after the punching suspension. Lights out, Vikings. Carolina takes it.

Atlanta vs Kansas City

Chuck: Kansas City got beat by the Raiders…based on that fact alone I can’t choose them to win anything on general principal. I still hope Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey give Matt Ryan hell.

Risse: I look for another big week from RB Michael Turner as the Falcons roll over the Chiefs. Larry Johnson, I feel your pain. Falcons.

New England vs Miami

Chuck: Joey Porter ran his mouth this week about how Matt Cassel sucks and how Miami gets their first win….you know what that means right? Cassel throws for 275 yards and 2TDs… New England wins.

Risse: Porter never gets it. Even with Matt Cassell under center, and as much as I loathe the Patriots, it’s still a no brainer. New England wins easy.

Buffalo vs Oakland

Chuck: Buffalo is looking like one of the big sleeper teams this year, and Darren McFadden is nursing a toe injury. Marshawn Lynch is coming home to Oakland and he’ll show off. Buffalo wins.

Risse: Lynch back at the crib will be too much for the silver and black to handle. All eyes on Kiffin. Buffalo takes it.

New York (NYG) vs Cincinnati

Chuck: Outside of the Raiders and Chiefs, is there a team more pathetic looking than the Bengals? The defending world champs are going to walk all over Carson Palmer and the gang.

Risse: I don’t forsee Carson Palmer shaking the monkey on his back this week. And the NY Giants are rolling into Cincy with a 2-0 swagger. They will leave town tres-cero. Giants.

Chicago vs Tampa Bay

Chuck: Brian Greise? Are you serious?…. Since Jeff Garcia is riding the bench I’m gonna give this to the Bears defense…. They’ll win even with Hester injured.

Risse: Even with a weak quarterback of their own, Chicago’s defense will put Griese and Tampa Bay on mute. Bears win.

Seattle vs St. Louis

Chuck: Seattle is practically pulling guys off the street to play wide receiver, this game is practically a tossup. I’m inclined to give St. Louis the nod because they’re at home but I just can’t do it. Seahawks win.

Risse: Seattle is all banged up. St. Louis just sucks. Seahawks win.

Denver vs New Orleans

Chuck: Denver is on a roll right now, Eddie Royal is emerging as a good receiver, and Brandon Marshall is beasting…17 catches in the last game alone. I’m going to go with Cutler and the bunch on this one….

Risse: Cutler to Brandon Marshall. How many times will the announcers say that this Sunday? Over-under 19? The Saints are weak on defense and it could get ugly. (W: Denver)

San Francisco vs Detroit

Chuck: Detroit showed a little bit of heart last week when they erased a 21 point deficit with Green Bay, but it seems like everytime they’re supposed to win a game they dont. I’ll cross my fingers and hope Mike Martz goes wild on his old squad. S.F. Wins.

Risse: This will be the battle of two teams that just aren’t that good. Frank Gore will get numbers but will they be enough? Lions WR Calvin Johnson is a threat deep, and SF isn’t exactly known for stopping end zone strikes. But neither is Detroit. I’ll take the Lions just b/c I love giving my co-workers shit about the 49ers….

Indianapolis vs Jacksonville

Chuck: Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor are knicked up, and the offensive line is missing key players. Although Bob Sanders is gone from Indy, I don’t think their defense has much to fear. Indy wins.

Risse: I don’t know if David Garrard and the offense will get it together, but the Colts are showing their vulnerabilities as well. Look for a lot of arm flapping and audibles from Peyton as he tries to keep Big John Henderson off his ass all day. But the Colts still win.

Baltimore vs Cleveland

Chuck: Cleveland has been playing like crap, but I have a hunch they’re going to get it together at Baltimore’s expense.

Risse: Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow will do damage, but I think the Ravens will get the job done at home. Baltimore got it.

Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh

Chuck: This is going to be the game of the week.. Pittsburg is a monster and could very well rep the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, we all know Philly’s offense is crazy.. I think it’s going to be a shootout with McNabb & Co. taking it home.

Risse: This should be a damn good game and one of the week’s tougher calls, but I think the Eagles will have the state’s bragging rights when it’s all said and done. Philly wins.

Dallas vs Green Bay

Chuck: The Aaron Rodgers lovefest ends Sunday…. Dallas is killin the game right now.

Risse: This will definitely be Aaron Rodgers’ biggest test so far this season and we’ll see how he handles the heat. T.O. will undoubtedly put on a show in Lambeau. Cowboys win.

San Diego vs New York (NYJ)

Chuck: Favre makes Monday Night magic… San Diego’s secondary is weak and Mangini is feeling pressure to open up the playbook for Favre.

Risse: The mere thought of all the Favre talk on MNF makes me gag right now. I better get my iPod ready to tune those fools out. The Chargers might have to roll with Sproles, and Philip Rivers will be lighting it up. Chargers win.