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| Aaron Rodgers begins the Packers' quest for the Superbowl at Lambeau Field. |
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| Patrick Willis and the 49ers, take on the Packers in Green Bay. |
Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears
The era of Luck begins for the Colts. Unfortunately, they face one of the best defenses in the NFL. Matt Forte recently signed a new contract, and will be looking to exploit the Colts' defense. In addition, new acquisition Brandon Marshall is reunited with his former Broncos teammate, Jay Cutler. Expect big things to happen for the Bears, not so much for the Colts.
Bears over Colts
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns
Last year, great things were expected for the Eagles. They were expected to reach the Superbowl. They had an amazing team. And then, it just didn't work. This season, the Eagles should do well. Their team is solid, and if things go the right way, they could make a playoff push. For the Browns, it is much different. They are starting a 28 year old rookie, and Heisman finalist Trent Richardson. The Browns are not expected to contend, and won't have much of a factor in this game. It will be a test.
Eagles over Browns
New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans
The Superbowl runner-ups begin their quest to reach the big game again in Nashville. The Patriots, who have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, added another offensive weapon, receiver Brandon Lloyd. Second year back Stevan Ridley, will also look to run a couple of times. This game for the Titans, is mainly to make sure Johnson is back like he was in 2010, and that Jake Locker can make a good impression. Expect Ryan Mallet to take a few snaps in the fourth quarter, you know when the game is already decided.
Patriots over Titans
Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki are back. And boy, the Chiefs are glad. The Chiefs could have made a playoff push last year, had it not been for their injuries. Matt Ryan is ready to showcase that he is an elite quarterback. With a choice of weapons that include Julio Jones, Roddy White, and the great Tony Gonzalez, he has the chance. In a very close game, the Chiefs have the advantage, as they are playing at home. And, Charles can explode.
Chiefs over Falcons
Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings
MJD's back! That's great news for Jaguars fans, but unfortunately he has not had enough practice to become the primary back just yet. This job falls to Rashad Jennings. The Vikings have some running back problems of their own, as Adrian Peterson is a gametime decision. That leaves Christian Ponder and Percy Harvin. These two can connect for numerous passes, as they did last year. This will probably happen, as MJD's loss, will be too much for the Jaguars.
Vikings over Jaguars
Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints
RG3 vs. Drew Brees. The rookie against the seasoned veteran. The Saints now have another advantage, defensive end Will Smith is back. He won his appeal in the bounty case, and is going to play Sunday. Even worse news for the Redskins, who don't even know who their primary running back is going to be. Expect Brees to have a fantastic game, with tight end Jimmy Graham.
Saints over Redskins
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Normally, in this matchup of AFC east rivals, the Jets would have the upper hand. Not with the vastly improved Bills defense. With the additions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, the Bills are stacked. The Jets on the other hand, have a quarterback problem, and not a big time target. Expect Sanchez and Tebow to get sacked. A lot.
Bills over Jets
St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions
A matchup of the only team to ever go 0-16, against a team that could very well do that same thing this year. The Lions have a solid team, led by Stafford and Megatron, as well as Titus Young and Nate Burleson. Their defense is also great. For the Rams, Steven Jackson is still there, but there's not much else. The Lions could roll all over the Rams.
Lions over Rams
Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans
Another team without a big time receiver. The Dolphins do have Davone Bess, but if your number one receiver is owned in just 16.4% of ESPN leagues, you have a problem. The Texans, however, have one of the best Quarterback, Running back, Receiver combinations in Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, and Andre Johnson. Assuming they all can stay healthy, a big assumption, they could make a run for the championship.And this game is a good start.
Texans over Dolphins
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
The 49ers look great. A fantastic defense, solid running game, and an average passing game. Many people think they could reach the Superbowl. The Packers, have one of, if not the best quarterback in football. Aaron Rodgers has many targets in which to throw. Alex Smith has new acquisition Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree, and.... Randy Moss. In a game of complete opposites, a great offensive against great defense, offense should prevail. But it will be close.
Packers over 49ers
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks are a sleeper team. Russell Wilson could be the next Cam Newton or Michael Vick. And along with Marshawn Lynch, they have a great offense. The Cardinals have Larry Fitzgerald..... and John Skelton who stole the job away from millionaire Kevin Kolb. Marshawn and Russell Wilson will attempt to look their best, while Fitzgerald will catch everything that is thrown to him.
Seahawks over Cardinals
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
An NFC South rivalry. Cam Newton vs. Josh Freeman. Everyone is wondering what Cam Newton will do. Will he have a sophomore slump, or will he have another great season. The Buccaneers are looking to rebound from a disappointing season. Freeman, who now has a great receiver in Vincent Jackson will try to throw as much as possible. Cam Newton will run, a lot, and it will be hard for the buccaneers to catch him.
Panthers over Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning's second act begins at Qwest field. For the Broncos receivers, it is a feeling of joy. Unfortunately, they will be taking on the best passing defense in the game last year. Peyton has some options and hopes to develop DeMaryius Thomas in a top threat, like Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. Ben Roethlisberger has his two main targets, Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace. Their defense is also top notch. Though the team is getting older, they are still the Steelers.
Steelers over Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
A fierce AFC North rivalry begins again. The duo of A.J Green and Andy Dalton starts in year two with big expectations. The Ravens begin this season feeling a bit old, and tired. But with Ray Rice and young receiver Torrey Smith, anything can happen. Both of these teams have great defenses. This is another game that will come down to homefield advantage.
Ravens over Bengals
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
To round out Week 1 of the NFL season, are two teams in different places. One team, the Chargers finished 8-8 last season and was disappointed. The other, the Raiders, finished 8-8 and were happy. The Chargers still have Philip Rivers, but they lost their biggest threat, Vincent Jackson. The Raiders have Carson Palmer, and young star Denarius Moore. Also, they have Darren McFadden, who if healthy could be very explosive. The Chargers are also always slow starters.
Raiders over Chargers
