Week One Predictions: Ravens Will Roll

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

It was a wild opening game as we saw the Steelers barely get by the Titans. Santonio Holmes stole the show as he proved he's ready for the next big step in his NFL career.

Now, on to my other predictions:

MIA@ATL

Prediction: MIA 17 ATL21

This should be a close game, but the Falcons running attack and improved passing attack will be too much for the Wildcat Dolphins.

Studs: Ronnie Brown, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Fasano, Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

Duds: Chad Pennington, Ricky Williams, Both defenses

KC@BAL

Prediction: KC 3 BAL 27

This should be a blowout as the Ravens feast on a Chiefs offense that will be without Matt Cassel. Expect a huge game out of the Ravens' defense, especially Ray Rice and Derrick Mason.

Studs: Ray Rice, Derrick Mason, Ravens defense, Joe Flacco

Duds: Every KC player

PHI@CAR

Prediction: PHI 24 CAR 21

The Eagles will look to get off to a much better start than last year and we'll see Donovan McNabb play with a chip on his shoulder. Brian Westbrook looks healthy to start the season. The Panthers will look to keep up and both offenses will excel.

Studs: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams

Duds: Jake Delhomme, Both defenses

DET@NO

Prediction: DET 14 NO 31

The Saints should start the season off with a bang as they lick their chops for this tasty matchup. The Saints will be without Pierre Thomas, so look for Mike Bell to have a solid game. Start all your Saints, and only start Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson for the Lions.

Studs: All Saints, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson

Duds: Any other Lions player

DEN@CIN

Prediction: DEN 14 CIN 24

This should be a high-scoring affair, as neither defense is scary. Look for the Bengals offense to take off this year once again with a healthy Carson Palmer and motivated Ochocinco.

Studs: Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, Cedric Benson, Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal

Duds: Knowshon Moreno

MIN@CLE

Prediction: MIN 24 CLE 10

Brett Favre will look to get his season off to a great start and should do so with this easy matchup. Expect the Vikings to coast here, so I'd only start Braylon Edwards for the Browns.

Studs: All Vikings, Braylon Edwards

Duds: All other Browns players

NYJ@HOU

Prediction: NYJ 17 HOU 21

This game should be high-scoring as the Jets defense will be missing some starters and the Texans defense isn't scary. Expect both offenses to put up points here. I'd worry a bit about Matt Schaub—because of his injuries and no Kevin Walter—but I'd still start him.

Studs: Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, Thomas Jones, Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, Steve Slaton

Duds: Nobody

JAX@IND

Prediction: JAX 10 IND 21

Maurice Jones-Drew finally gets his time to shine, and he'll get off to a great start since the Colts will be without Bob Sanders. The Colts offense will be even better without Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez will excel in his absence. Expect both teams to score, but expect the Colts to roll.

Studs: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, Maurice-Jones Drew, Torry Holt

Duds: Joseph Addai and Donald Brown (only because of the time share)

DAL@TB

Prediction: DAL 24 TB 10

Dallas should get off to a great start in the post-TO era. Dallas shouldn't have any problems scoring here, while Tampa Bay will be held in check. Expect Dallas to roll.

Studs: All Cowboys, Antonio Bryant, Derrick Ward

Duds: Any other Bucs player

SF@ARI

Prediction: SF 21 AZ 24

These two teams usually always play close games, and expect the Niners to throw everything they have at the defending NFC champs. I'd start all your stud Cardinal, and Frank Gore and Josh Morgan for the Niners.

Studs: All Cardinals, Josh Morgan, Frank Gore

Duds: Both defenses

WAS@NYG

Prediction: WAS 10 NYG 21

Expect the Giants to start the season off well and the Skins to have trouble scoring. I'd start Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and the Giants defense. I'd stay away from most of the Redskins this week.

Studs: Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants defense, Chris Cooley

Duds: Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell, Eli Manning

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