NFL Picks Week 1: Predictions for Most Important Divisional Games

Seven months after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl, Eli Manning and Co. return to the field with hopes of beginning their title defense with a victory. It marks the beginning of what's sure to be another memorable NFL season.

As always, games between teams from the same division hold a little bit more significance, even in the first week. With that in mind, let's take a look at three of the top divisional battles on tap for Week 1 and predict which team will pick up the victory.

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

It's hard to imagine a better opening game. Pitting America's Team against the defending champions should ensure the season gets off to a terrific start. The Giants won both games between the two teams last season.

Health will be the key for Dallas. Top targets Miles Austin and Dez Bryant have both been dealing with some lingering issues while Jason Witten is doubtful with a spleen injury. It will limit Tony Romo's options, especially late in the game.

The Giants have a few injury concerns of their own, but they should be in pretty good shape overall. It all comes down to which version of the team shows up. Will it be the one that went through a four-game losing streak last season, or the one that got hot to win the title?

Prediction: Giants 28, Cowboys 27

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

These teams are seemingly trending in different directions. The Bills made a couple marquee signings on defense and are a popular playoff pick. The Jets' offense has looked dreadful in the preseason, causing Rex Ryan's bunch to lose some luster.

All told, Buffalo will go as far as Ryan Fitzpatrick can carry the offense. The defense should be vastly improved thanks to an elite front four featuring Mario Williams, but Fitzpatrick must play like the franchise quarterback he's paid to be for the Bills to succeed.

The Jets' defense should be reliable as well. But with Mark Sanchez (or Tim Tebow) under center, New York needs its running game to become a much larger weapon in order to remain in the playoff race. Otherwise the Jets won't put enough points on the board from week to week.

Prediction: Bills 13, Jets 7

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

The Monday Night Football slate begins with two AFC North contenders. While the Bengals were one of the league's most surprising playoff teams last season, the Ravens once again cruised into the postseason but didn't reach their ultimate goal.

It will be interesting to see how Cincinnati reacts. Although the team's young roster has enough talent to take another step forward, teams will take them a lot more seriously this time around. Playoff teams don't get overlooked.

On the flip side, the Ravens are used to the pressure and should have an advantage in the opener. Joe Flacco must rebound from a down season for the offense to thrive, but all the other pieces are in place for another terrific season.

Prediction: Ravens 24, Bengals 14