NFL Week 1 Picks: Teams That Will Surprise out of the Gate

Throw away last season.

That's all in the past, at least for some NFL teams.

This is 2012 and there are several former cellar-dwellers who figure to get back on track this year.

Whether it be a revamped defense, a healthier squad or a change at quarterback, there are a few teams that look different this season and have reason for optimism.

Here's a look at a few teams that will surprise in Week 1, complete with predictions.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills got off to a tremendous start last season before injuries decimated the squad. 

Sure, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick stumbled down the stretch, but he didn't have star running back Fred Jackson. He also didn't have much blocking. That can certainly make life more difficult.

Now that Jackson is back and the Bills have helped Fitzpatrick with rookie tackle Cordy Glenn, I see the offense resembling the one that dominated early last season.

But the biggest reason why the Bills will give the New York Jets a game on Sunday is because of the revamped defense.

The Bills allowed 27.1 points per game last season while registering just 29 sacks. That very well might change this season with the addition of Mario Williams and rookie cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who both are expected to be game-changers in Buffalo.

Don't be surprised if the Bills take this one. In fact, I am predicting they will.

Prediction: Bills 23, Jets 17

Seattle Seahawks

Rookie Russell Wilson's emergence under center changes everything for the Seahawks.

Seahawks quarterbacks completed just 58.7 percent of passes for 6.8 yards per attempt last season, both marks ranked 20th in the NFL. This was despite having a running back in Marshawn Lynch that went "Beast Mode" all over the league.

Wilson has looked very sharp this preseason, which is why he stole the starting quarterback job from offseason signing Matt Flynn.

Preseason play doesn't usually mean much, except when a rookie quarterback excels in the the all-important third exhibition game by going 13-of-19 for 185 yards and two touchdowns against the starting defensive unit of the Kansas City Chiefs.

You add in the underrated Seahawks defense, which ranked fifth in the NFL with 1.48 points allowed per drive last season (via FootballOutsiders.com) and you have a recipe for a strong start to the season.

Prediction: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 13

Kansas City Chiefs

A lot of the Chiefs' success this season will depend on quarterback Matt Cassel, but there is undoubtedly talent on this team.

On offense, you have receiver Dwayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles (who comes back from injury). On defense, you have cornerback Brandon Flowers and linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson.

Even if Cassel improves marginally, I see the Chiefs being a winning club in 2012-2013.

That doesn't mean they will beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday (that's asking a bit much), but I do think they will show strides in Kansas City.

Prediction: Falcons 24, Chiefs 21

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