NFL Predictions: 5 Games That Will Become Instant Classics in 2012

Just under a month, folks.

The 2012-2013 NFL season is almost upon us, and while we can't be certain of everything that will happen during the season, we can be sure of one thing.

We are about to be served a huge piece of tasty football pie. 

Let's take a look at five games that have the potential to be instant classics in the upcoming season. 

Week 1, Broncos vs. Steelers

There are a couple of great storylines coming into this game, which we will be treated to in the very first week on Sunday Night Football.

This will be Peyton Manning's first competitive game after having season-ending neck surgery before last season started. All eyes will be on the future Hall of Famer to see if he is still capable of producing the same quality football he produced pre-surgery. 

This will also be Manning's first game for a team not named the Indianapolis Colts. Any football fan (besides Broncos fans) will tell you it's weird seeing Manning in a different jersey. The citizens of Denver will be hoping that Manning continues to dazzle the league.

The Steelers won't soon forget their wild-card loss to the Broncos last season at the hands of Tim Tebow. It won't matter that a different guy will be behind center—if anything, Ben Roethlisberger will want to beat a much better quarterback in Manning more than beating Tebow.

What a great way to kick off the season.  

Week 1, Redskins vs. Saints

RG3 made a strong case for the starting position for the Redskins on Thursday, going 4-of-6 with 70 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. 

If he does get the starting job, then his first test in the NFL regular season will be against Drew Brees and the disgraced New Orleans Saints.

Everyone knows about Bounty-gate, and it is going to have a major impact on how the Saints do this season, although the players are trying not to let it affect their game. 

If RG3 can pull off a win against the Saints, it will be his first step down the path toward NFL greatness, and this game will be remembered as the game when RG3 started winning. 

Week 3, Patriots vs. Ravens

The New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens have served up some great games in the past, and there's no reason that this installment of the rivalry should be any different. 

Look for Tom Brady's offense to duke it out with Ray Lewis' defense once again. Ray Rice always seems to have his best games against the Pats as well.

A high-scoring game, this one should be. 

Week 8, Giants vs. Cowboys

These two teams will have already met in Week 1, so no matter who wins that first game, the losing team will be out looking for revenge. 

Eli Manning will look to continue his ascension into the upper echelons of QB stardom, while Tony Romo continues to underachieve.

These teams seem to dish out fun-to-watch games anyway, so expect a testy affair and hopefully a lot of points on the board.  

Week 11, Bears vs. 49ers

The 49ers were the feel-good team of last year's season, finishing at 13-3 and missing out on a Super Bowl berth in the NFC Conference final to eventual champions New York Giants.

Alex Smith posted some impressive stats after previous disappointing seasons.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears look to bounce back after a disappointing 2011-12 season in which they finished 8-8 and lost QB Jay Cutler to injury with six games left in the season.

With Cutler healthy and excited to be reunited with WR Brandon Marshall, and with Matt Forte signing a new four-year, $32 million deal, the Bears look to be contenders once again. 

This game will be a big test for both offenses, with both QBs looking to prove themselves to their respective fans once again. San Francisco posted the league's best rush defense last season, so here's hoping the Bears are forced into a gunslinger battle with Alex Smith.