NFL Predictions 2012: Teams That Will Burst out of the Gates

In football, a good start isn’t always critical to a side’s ultimate success but, like so many other things in this sport, it wouldn’t go astray.

While a defeat out of the blocks most certainly isn’t what any team looks for, it can often galvanize some sides into becoming stronger as a unit for the oncoming struggles.

However, there are always those who look destined to shine from the start, even in the damp and dank autumn months.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most likely candidates to come out of the blocks all guns blazing this season.

Green Bay Packers

With Mike McCarthy at their helm, the Cheeseheads will be heartbroken if they do not capitalise on the massive expectations they set for themselves in the 2011-12 season.

That being said, we can expect to see another championship challenge from Mike McCarthy’s side in the coming months.

That may sound strange considering the Packers’ preseason loss to the San Diego Chargers last Thursday, but 2011’s 15-1 season would suggest that the current batch at Lambeau Field has the potential for a short memory.

One obstacle for the team is a raft of injuries that have crept up in recent months, making them a riskier pick for a good start than many would assume.

Denver Broncos

The last time that the Steelers made their way to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the home side managed their first playoff win since 2006 with an overtime victory.

The Broncos won’t be hoping for as close a scoreline this time around but are fully capable of achieving the same outcome.

It’s no secret that Peyton Manning will orchestrate the team with a kind of class that only a player of his seniority and experience can command against an aging Pittsburgh squad.

New England Patriots     

It’s impossible not to fancy the Pats’ chances of establishing a good run of form before November after looking at the side’s opening fixtures.

Three out of the Patriots' first four games see them going up against Tennessee, Arizona and Buffalo.

All three teams were in the middle third for defence against the pass last season which, while not an awful record, may make it difficult against an incoming Brady onslaught.

Houston will undoubtedly muster a challenge for the AFC title however, bringing us smoothly onto our last entrant.

Houston Texans

Gary Kubiak’s side finished the 2011 regular season as the NFL’s third best in passing defence and fourth best against the rush.

When you take into account their effectiveness in rushing themselves, the team’s opening fixture against the Miami Dolphins begins to look all the more enticing.

The Dolphins finished 2011 in the bottom quarter of rush defence and while a Week 2 meeting with the Jaguars will pan out differently, Houston will look to make their statement in the first weekend.

Last year’s AFC South champions would be my pick to repeat the feat and perhaps go even further this time around.