Saints vs Packers: 37-30 Packers
The defending champs will start the season off 1-0 when they defeat the Saints on Thursday night. The quarterback duel of Aaron Rodgers vs Drew Brees should be a good one to watch. The reason the Packers have an edge in this one over the Saints is because of their defense, and the fact that this game is being played in Green Bay.
Giants vs Redskins: 27-13 Giants
Even though both teams did not have great off-seasons, the Giants are still the better of the two. Rex Grossman is not a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL, and the Redskins will learn that on Saturday. The Giants offense will be too much for the Redskins’ defense to handle.
Falcons vs Bears: 24-20 Falcons
Both teams are very talented, but Atlanta’s offense will eventually take over this game. After adding another threat in Julio Jones, the Falcons not only have one of the best running games in the league but one of the best passing games as well.
Bengals vs Browns: 20-17 Browns
With Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco out, and Andy Dalton and AJ Green in, it will be interesting to see how the Bengals offense does this year. Peyton Hillis will not have as good as a year as he did last year but will start off the season strong against a weak Bengals defense.
Bills vs Chiefs: 28-13 Chiefs
The Chiefs were great last season as Jamaal Charles emerged as one of the best running backs in the league. He will get more carries this season, which means more yards and more touchdowns. The Bills on the other hand, were not great last season, and should have a similar turnout this year.
Eagles vs Rams: 38-24 Eagles
The Rams will be good this season, but the Eagles’ offense is just way too talented. The Eagles will look to make a statement this week, showing everyone that they have what it takes to go to the Super Bowl.
Lions vs Bucs: 24-23 Bucs
Both teams are young, talented teams on the rise and should have decent seasons. The reason the advantage goes to the Bucs in this game is simply because they are playing at home. Stafford vs Freeman should be a great matchup at quarterback but Freeman has a slight edge over Stafford right now.
Titans vs Jaguars: 28-24 Titans
Chris Johnson will be playing in week one and will make an impact right away. Maurice Jones-Drew vs Chris Johnson will be a great matchup to watch, but the advantage goes to the Titans. The Jaguars do not have answers at quarterback and have a weak defense.
Steelers vs Ravens: 24-17 Ravens
The game is being played in Baltimore, which is a huge advantage for the Ravens. Both teams have spectacular defenses and very good running games. The game will be a thriller to watch, but the Ravens should pull out the victory.
Colts vs Texans: 35-21 Texans
Peyton Manning is hurt, but whether or not he plays is not the issue. This will be the year the Texans finally overtake the Colts as the leader of the AFC South. The Texans have one of the best offenses in the football with a top three wide receiver, a top three running back, and a top ten quarterback. On top of that, the game is being played in Houston so look for a barnburner in favor of the Texans.
Panthers vs Cardinals: 20-13 Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald has finally found someone to throw him the ball in Kevin Kolb. The Cardinals will beat the Panthers at home, and Cam Newton will have a decent game.
Vikings vs Chargers: 27-17 Chargers
The Vikings have the best running back in the league, but the Chargers are overall a much better team. In fact, many experts are predicting the Chargers to finally make it to the Super Bowl. Of course we know that they always choke in the playoffs but that is besides the point. The Chargers have an explosive offense with Vincent Jackson back, and added some players to the defensive side.
Seahawks vs 49’ers: 23-17 49’ers
Classic unpredictable NFC West showdown. This game can be decided by a coin flip because you never know how each team will play every week. Frank Gore is healthy (for now), and that should be enough to give the 49’ers a win at home over the Seahawks.
Jets vs Cowboys: 30-24 Jets
The Cowboys replaced their coach and cut half of their team this past year, while the Jets brought in two veterans wide receivers to help out Mark Sanchez. Both teams will bring explosiveness and energy to the game, but the Jets will come out on top.
Patriots vs Dolphins: 35-20 Patriots
The Patriots brought in a bunch of veteran players this season including Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth, and recently acquired Brian Waters. This could be the year they return to the Super Bowl, with Tom Brady and the offense ready to go. The Dolphins should be interesting to watch this year with Reggie Bush taking carries, but the Patriots will overpower Miami on Monday night.
Raiders vs Broncos:24-20 Raiders
The second Monday night game will be closer than the first, as the Raiders and Broncos square off in Denver. Darren McFadden should have another good season, while the Broncos have many questions to answer. Who will be playing quarterback in five weeks? Will Knowshown Moreno stay healthy? Is Von Miller a bust? Some of these questions will start to find answers after week one.