Read em and weap.
Indianapolis @ Chicago: Tall order for Andrew Luck here in week one as, not only is the rookie on the road, but he's playing one of the more talented teams in the NFL. Expect the highs and lows throughout this one for Luck, but the Bears are the far superior team, and it'll show after four quarters.
New England @ Tennessee: The champions of the AFC begin their march back to New Orleans on the road against a Titans team led by first year starter Jake Locker. I was impressed with Locker in the preseason, and I think Chris Johnson is poised for a comeback year, but can the Tennessee defense hold its own? I don't see it. Give me the Pats.
Buffalo @ New York Jets: And so it begins, the Tim Tebow watch of course, as the Jets take on the Bills in an AFC East rivalry here in week one. The Buffalo defense is much improved, thanks in large part to offseason prize Mario Williams, and that, combined with the Jets offense, gives me a good feeling about the Bills in this one.
Washington @ New Orleans: Much like Andrew Luck, a tough week one draw here for RGIII. Going into the Superdome as a rookie and leaving with a win is asking a lot of the second overall pick, but it's not him that I see being the downfall for the Redskins in this game, it's the Saints offense. Based on that, give me the black and gold.
Jacksonville @ Minnesota: Adrian Peterson's status is up in the air for this one, but I don't see it making much of a difference. The Vikings have something to work with in second year QB Christian Ponder, and based on QB play alone I like Ponder over Gabbert, and the Vikings over the Jags.
Atlanta @ Kansas City: This is one of the tougher games to pick, personally, in week one as I see the Chiefs having a strong bounce back year after a 7-9 campaign a season ago. Matt Ryan and the Falcons could potentially have one of the stronger offenses in 2012, and I like them to go far this season, but as for tomorrow, I like the Chiefs in an upset.
Philadelphia @ Cleveland: The Eagles will be a serious contender this year if Michael Vick can stay healthy. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and LeSean McCoy are only a few of the weapons Vick has to work with, and with a rookie QB in Brandon Weeden having to keep up with an offense like that, I like the Eagles to leave the dawg pound with a win.
St. Louis @ Detroit: Jeff Fisher returns to the NFL and is greeted by Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson in Detroit, how's that for a welcome back party? The Detroit offense was strong last year, and I expect that to carry over into tomorrow's contest. Give me the Lions.
San Francisco @ Green Bay: One of the two premiere games this week here as this game features a true battle of the best defense vs the best offense. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are looking to wash away the bad taste in their mouth left by the Giants a season ago, as are the 49ers, who also fell victim to the eventual Super Bowl champs. In a game that could go either way, I'll take the Packers, as I don't see Alex Smith and company keeping pace.
Seattle @ Arizona: Russell Wilson makes his rookie debut here after taking the job from presumed starter Matt Flynn, while on the other side you have John Skelton at the helm over Kevin Kolb. The defenses in this game will decide the outcome, as both finished last season on a high, and based on that I'll take the Hawks over the Cards.
Carolina @ Tampa Bay: Cam Newton was outstanding a season ago in his rookie campaign, and I don't expect anything less of him this year. The Bucs are led by former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, and feature a revamped offense featuring weapons such as Dallas Clark and Vincent Jackson. This is Josh Freeman's final year to get it right after a miserable 2011, and although I believe the Bucs will keep it close, I can't go against Cam Newton. Give me the Panthers.
Pittsburgh @ Denver: The second premiere game of week one features the comeback of a one Peyton Manning. After missing all of 2011, Manning is back and looked like his old self in the preseason as he showed no signs of any lingering neck issues. The Steeler defense will be the true test for Manning and the Broncos new look offense, but given the location of this one, I'll take the Broncos at home.
Cincinnati @Baltimore: The Ravens are licking their chops to get back on the field after nearly earning a Super Bowl birth a season ago. The defense will be dominating, the offense will be hard to stop, and I believe Baltimore to be the front runner for AFC North champion. Andy Dalton was spectacular a season ago, and while I expect to see him put up more of the same numbers this year, I don't see it in week one. Give me the Ravens.
San Diego @ Oakland: How has Norv Turner lasted this long? Year after year the Chargers continue to fall well below expectations, yet the embattled head coach continues to man the San Diego sideline. Maybe that's because he's got a QB in Phillip Rivers who is just below the top tier level of QB's, and the chance to win continues to be there week after week when Rivers is behind center. If the Chargers don't go deep into the postseason this year expect Turner's unprecedented run to end, and I think the the San Diego players sense that, and it shows with a week one victory in Oakland.
Ravens vs Cowboys
Yes, it's bold, and probably won't pan out, but hey, Tony Romo looked pretty darn good the other night.
Check back tomorrow for all the pre-game coverage and in-depth analysis as the Miami Dolphins take on the Houston Texans, and don't forget to follow the live blog starting at kickoff!
Until then, I bid you farewell.
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