Here are my Week 1 predictions. As this came after the opening kick off game in Green Bay, that game will not count towards my overall record.
Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 10
I believe the Falcons have a legitimate chance at taking out the Bears at Soldier Field this weekend. Although the Bears went to the conference championship last season, the Bears played the woeful Seahawks while the Falcons played the soon-to-be-champion Green Bay Packers. The Falcons added an offensive weapon in Julio Jones and a defensive powerhouse in Ray Edwards. While it will be determined by the chance that Turner can get going early in the game for the Falcons, I believe that the Bears will make enough mistakes to allow the Falcons to run away with this one.
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Pick: Texans by 7
The beginning of this season will be interesting for the Colts. Many people believe that Manning makes this team which sets him forth as better than Tom Brady. If this is true, then the Colts will not have much of a chance without Manning running the offense. Although Kerry Collins has proved to get the job done in the past in recent years, I don't believe he will be able to lead a team to a victory against a fairly strong Texans squad in Houston.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Chiefs by 14
I love the Bills this year. I think they have a good chance at being second in the AFC East if they can beat the Jets. However, Arrowhead Stadium is an extremely tough place to play and the Chiefs are going to want to shut up their critics who grew after their terrible loss against the Ravens in the wild card round last season. Although Cassel is not a great quarterback, I believe he will get the job done in this one and the defense for KC will stand up.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Pick: Browns by 17
The Browns are one of those teams I am excited to watch this season. They showed spurts of promise in 2010 and I believe that will only lead to more success this season. Currently I even have the Browns finishing second place in the AFC North behind the Ravens barring a woeful season for the Steelers. I think Colt McCoy is the guy in Cleveland and he will find ways to win. And no time is better than a Week 1 home game against one of the worst organizations in professional sports. Browns win this one big.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Steelers by 7
Although I have the Steelers finishing bad in the AFC North, they have the current league lead for most consecutive Week 1 victories at 8. They also tend to play very well against the Ravens even when they lose. I see Flacco struggling early for Baltimore before posing a comeback in the second half, but fall just short. The Steelers with a consistent running attack and consistent run stopping defense will win this one.
Philadelphia Eagles @ St. Louis Rams
Pick: Eagles by 3
I like the Rams this year and that is saying a lot being I am a Seahawks fan. I like how they have built their team and formulated a strong offensive line and passing game on top of Steven Jackson's consistency. Their defense is also probably one of the most underrated defenses in the NFL. I have a feeling this could be a breakout year for the Rams. However, beginning the season against a Philadelphia Eagles' team is going to be tough to come out with a win. I see the Rams playing strong and keeping up with Vick's potent offense, but falling short off a game winning field goal.
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Lions by 10
I love the Buccaneers in 2011. They were my first pick back in June to win the Super Bowl in 2011. However, a bad preseason from Josh Freeman and his offensive line has me questioning myself. On the other hand, Detroit and Matthew Stafford have looked incredible this preseason. If Stafford can stay healthy, it could very well be the Lions celebrating the NFC Championship if they can beat teams like the Buccaneers to get there. This game could be a very intriguing playoff preview in Week 1 that I will make sure to watch. The keys to look for will be Freeman and Stafford's pass protection and their usage of the run games. Also look for the pressure both defensive lines get on opposing quarterbacks. I see Detroit jumping out ahead with a passing attack to Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson and running away with it. However, if Josh Freeman is on his A-game, it could be the opposite. Either way, I believe this game could be game of the week.
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Titans by 3
This is one of those games where I don't really want to make a pick. Both of these teams have so many question marks despite having two of the best runningbacks in the game between Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew. I believe those two will score most of the points in this game as quarterback play may not be sufficient. I have the Titans winning as Hasselbeck is much more accountable to lead an offense than McCown. We all know now that the Jaguars are poised to give Gabbert the starting job by the end of the season as McCown will not last all season.
Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers
Pick: Chargers by 21
After watching the Chargers number 1 offense pick apart the Seahawks offense in Week 1, I was ready to crown Philip Rivers and his Chargers Super Bowl 46 Champions. And then I remember that 95% of Rivers' passes were directed towards Kelly Jennings' receiver who is no longer with the Seahawks. However, the Chargers looked hot -- over-hot -- and that has been the difference between this season and seasons passed. The Chargers have an incredible opportunity to gain a load of momentum against a pretty bad Vikings squad and I believe Rivers will make the most of it. Watch a few deep passes to Vincent Jackson in this one for at least one touchdown.
Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Panthers by 7
Here are the two differences between these two teams compared to a season ago: Cam Newton and Kevin Kolb. The obvious thought is Kolb is much better than Newton. However, I am interested to see how Kolb does is his premier in the Cardinals regular season. Playing at home in front of a large crowd against the number one overall pick in this year's NFL draft? I think something will cause Kolb to struggle a little bit. Over the season he will gain experience and possibly become better but I still believe his hype is not worth it. Newton will lead the Panthers to an exciting victory in Arizona and spend at least one week ahead of the Saints.
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
Pick: Giants by 3
I honestly have no interest in this game whatsoever as I don't have a lot of respect for either of these teams. I believe Washington is badly run and I have never truly liked Eli Manning running the Giants. While these games tend to end up exciting to a point, I have no excitement for this one at all. I do, however, predict the better team to win.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Seahawks by 7
You will notice me picking the Seahawks in just about every prediction I make because I am an avid fan. However, I believe I have a point in this one. These teams are extremely similar in talent: Not very good, good rushing attack, good rushing defense, bad passing defense, SF's passing offense better than SEA, SEA special teams better than SF, SEA better receivers, offensive line youthful, etc etc etc. In the end, however, I see the Seahawks defense stepping up and rattling Alex Smith and forcing a few interceptions with great field position.
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets
Pick: Cowboys by 14
This may be upset pick of the day for me, because for some reason the Jets have a lot of hype. Personally, I believe the Jets will finish 3rd in the AFC East and miss the playoffs. I understand they made it to the AFC Championship game after beating a very good New England Patriots team, but I don't think they will become close to achieving this against this year. The Cowboys, I believe, will surprise a lot of people this year.
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Pick: Patriots by 17
This seems like a very easy pick to make. The Dolphins typically do not play very well against the Patriots, and last year when they played a primetime game the Patriots rolled all over the Phins. I don't see anything different happening this year. The Patriots will win this one big and win early.
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Pick: Broncos by 3
I think the Raiders, coming off a very good year in 2010, will return to their woeful ways in 2011. They lost too many top players, and McFadden will be the next big name to know after he rushes for another big season this year. Even though in Denver I don't agree with what they have done either, I believe they will win this one on Monday Night Football in 2011.
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