So Picky, Baltimore!

Time for my annual disclaimer and rant about how much I hate being asked to pick or "predict" NFL  outcomes.  It's just for fun, I know- but the process of prognosticating runs counter to my comfort on many levels.  1) I enjoy the games because I DON'T know who will win.  2) If you're going to keep score of a contest (and there are standings at WJZ.com and in the Baltimore Sun for the right/wrong predictions) then I'm going to get competitive and want to do well.  But I'm not particularly good at picking, so I abhor that I'm being scored for something I'm admittedly poor at doing (much like golf, for me).  3) Fans take my picks WAY too personally.  Come on, people!  So I pick the Jets to beat the Ravens in the season opener Monday night by a score of 19-16.  I'm throwing darts here, and some of you are throwing daggers in my direction.  I get text messages and e-mails to the radio show that I'm not a good fan (and you're right, I'm not a fan), and that I'm clueless about football (well, I'm admittedly clueless about PICKING football).  So, are the Ravens going undefeated this year, because if you think so- then you better pick 'em to win EVERY week.  It's not likely is it?  No, so if I figure the Ravens to win 10-12 games this year (and I pick them to win the AFC North), then they're still going to lose 4-6 games, by my calculations.  So, I'm going to evoke an angry reaction 4-6 times this season, be chastised and field complaints that many times?  Oh, I can take it.  I'm just disappointed that some Ravens fans can't.  It's all in fun, so let's have some fun this year, Baltimore.