Who Owns Whom Heading into the 2011 NFL Season?

We are on the cusp of returning to normalcy in the NFL, and after a rapid free agency, training camp and the always exciting preseason, we should be back to professional football in America in September. 

Football is about gaining a competitive edge over your opponent, both physically and mentally and translating that into victories. 

As we near the start of the regular season, let's take a look at what teams and players "own" their opponents, rivals and one-on-one matchups...

The Patriots Own the Bills

The New England Patriots own the Buffalo Bills. 

It's really as simple as that. 

Where to start?

Tom Brady and Co. have defeated the Bills 15 straight times, with wins coming both in heartbreaking and blowout fashion. 

If you're counting backwards, I'll help you out. 

Buffalo hasn't beaten New England since Opening Day in 2003. 

Michael Vick Owns the Redskins

How can anyone forget Michael Vick's superhero-like performance against the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football last year? 

Vick was hurt in the first contest against the Redskins but his explosive six-touchdown effort has to scare Washington as they gear up to play the Eagles in Week 6 this year.

It is safe to say No. 7 will go into that contest with loads of confidence.  

The Bears Own the Lions

The Bears have won six-straight games against the Lions dating back to 2007. 

In the season opener last year, Calvin Johnson's touchdown catch that was called back really delivered an extra sting to the Lions and their fans.

Chicago hasn't totally dominated the series of late, and are certainly on the verge of "owning" the Lions.

Something tells me Detroit will be a more formidable opponent in 2011.  

Adrian Peterson Owns the Chargers (Remember?)

Yes, I know it was in 2007, his rookie season, but the last time Adrian Peterson ran against the San Diego Chargers he set an NFL single-game record with 296 yards on the ground. 

Who do the Chargers play in Week 1 this year?

Mr. Peterson and the Vikings. 

The Bills Own the Bengals

Buffalo can't seem to beat Bill Belichick and the Patriots, but somehow, they've got the Bengals figured out. 

After their incredible comeback in Cincinnati last season, Buffalo made it 10 in a row against the Bengals—a streak that started in 1988. 

This is one streak that certainly flies under the radar. 

The Colts Own the Texans

Arian Foster's breakout game, Kickoff Weekend last year, in the Texans win against the Colts, improved Houston's record against their division rival to 2-15 all-time. 

Peyton Manning led his team to a win against the Texans in Week 8, so Indianapolis still holds a 16-2 edge. 

The Texans have been on the verge of a breakout season for a few years now, but before they make the playoffs they'll have to dethrone the Colts. 

The Steelers Own the Browns

During the Steelers' Super Bowl hangover of 2009, the Browns beat their AFC North rival 13-6, ending a 12-game losing streak.

Since then, Pittsburgh has destroyed the Browns by a total score of 69-19 and still have command of the series dating back to 2000. 

The Steelers are 20-2 against the Dawg Pound since the start of the new millennium, so yea, I'd say they own the Browns.  

Philip Rivers Owns the Month of December

The San Diego Chargers seem to have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but have fallen short of expectations the last few seasons.

They seemingly always stumble out of the gate, but their Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers really turns it up late in the year.

Rivers is 20-3 all-time in the month of December, has completed 62 percent of his passes, thrown 40 touchdowns to only 14 picks.

Now, all he needs to do is produce like that before the holiday season.