2011 NFL Week 1 Predictions and Picks

It’s time for the 2011 NFL week 1 predictions and picks. The week 1 schedule of the NFL season kicks off on Thursday night, September 8 with New Orleans at Green Bay. The Saints Packers matchup will be nationally broadcast on NBC and features two terrific teams in what should be the game of the week in the NFL.

The Packers had an “all-world” finish to the 2010 season which included a Super Bowl title. Aaron Rodgers proved he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. But New Orleans isn’t that far removed from their own Super Bowl title. Could this possibly be a preview of the NFC championship game? Either way, this kickoff opener is a fantastic way to start the 2011 season. What are my predictions and picks for this opener of the 2011 schedule? I think the Saints are more than capable of being a dominant power in the NFC once again. Unlike mid-season, Lambeau Field won’t exactly be the frozen tundra that we have come to expect. It’s a tremendous quarterback battle with Drew Brees settling in against Rodgers.
With that in mind, I expect a competitive showdown with a good deal of points. My predictions and picks for this week one Thursday opener–Packers win a close one 34-30. Rodgers is good for 3 touchdown passes and Ryan Grant excels in his return after an injury plagued 2010. Brees is fantastic but it’s not enough in the end as the Saints watch too many Lambeau leaps to count.

Next up on the 2011 NFL week 1 schedule is the full slate of Sunday games. Atlanta travels to Chicago in what could be a very intriguing game. Bears fans have the lasting image of Jay Cutler leaving due to injury in the NFC title game against the above mentioned Packers last season. Falcon fans don’t have it much better with memories of a tail whooping in the playoffs at home against those same Packers. Either of these teams could be serious contenders this season regardless of the outcome of this contest. I think the Bears defense will be a little too much for Matt Ryan and company at Soldier Field. Cutler is solid and Chicago wins 26-17.

My predictions and picks continue with Cincy in Cleveland. Can the Browns continue any momentum from last season and are the Bengals done without Carson Palmer? This Ohio battle could come down to the wire but I don’t really think so in week 1. My predictions have the Browns opening this one up late for a 27-13 win.

Buffalo travels to Kansas City in a game that many will predict as a Chiefs win. I can’t disagree with that notion but in week one you never know which teams will show up. Still, my predictions and picks have KC winning 31-14.

Philadelphia is in St. Louis for what could be one of the most unpredictable games of the week. The Rams are certainly growing while the Eagles are hoping to take another step in the Michael Vick era.
Sam Bradford isn’t a rookie anymore and bigger things are expected. I’m going with the upset here as the Rams walk away with a 27-23 victory over Vick and company.

Next up on the 2011 Week 1 schedule is Detroit at Tampa Bay. The Lions have looked excellent in preseason but it will be tough to win in Florida. My gut feeling says Tampa Bay wins an ugly one 17-16. A single turnover could flip the outcome.

The Tennessee Titans open a new coaching era and should have Chris Johnson back in Jacksonville. The Jags are a hard team to figure out but they’ve played well at home. Still, I think the Titans will find a way to win a defensive struggle 20-17.

Baltimore hosts Pittsburgh in a huge AFC matchup. Can the Ravens knock off one of the Super Bowl favorites? This one could be a classic and defenses will step up–I think the Ravens get the edge just because they are at home and pull off a 16-14 win.

The Colts are in Houston in the opener on the 2011 Week 1 schedule for both clubs. The Texans haven’t exactly looked the part of the contender while the Colts have the status of Peyton Manning in question. If Peyton suits up and plays, Colts win 27-21. If Peyton sits, look for Houston to edge Indianapolis 23-16.

The New York Giants are in Washington during week one of the NFL season. All indications are that the Giants will be back to form this year. My predictions say they’ll win going away in week one by the tune of a 27-17 victory. The Giants defense will cause havoc in the backfield all day long.

Seattle is in San Francisco in a game that won’t get much national pub. Neither team figures to be in the playoff race as the two squads rebuild. I look for the 49’ers to win 23-9 thanks to the fine running of Frank Gore.

Minnesota begins the Donovan McNabb era in San Diego. Unfortunately, the McNabb era won’t start with a bang but a thud. The Chargers roll to a 34-21 victory at home. Philip Rivers tosses 2 TD passes in the victory and the Cargers running attack adds two more scores on the ground.

Arizona hosts Carolina in another contest with a couple of teams trying to rebuild. The Panthers could get a huge road win if they show up. I think the two headed running game(Stewart and Williams) of Carolina helps the Panthers edge out a 14-13 win on the road.

Dallas is on the road at New York to face the Jets. Call me crazy but I think the Cowboys have a legitimate shot to steal a win on the road during week of the NFL schedule. In fact, I’m going on the line to say Dallas wins the opener 24-20. Romo has a lot to prove this season and I believe he’ll make at least one statement during week one with a rock solid effort.

There are two Monday night games on the opening week schedule. Let’s start with the earlier contest as New England travels to Miami. Tom Brady is just too much offense and I figure the Pats to win 26-17.

The final game features Oakland at Denver on Monday night. The Raiders have a shot to win going away but I think the home opener in front of the home folks at Invesco Field should propel the Broncos to a 28-20 victory.

That’s it for my 2011 NFL week 1 predictions and picks. As usual, I’ll be back next week to throw up another set of weekly scores and predictions during week 2. Until then, have a great week everybody!


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