Week 1 NFL Predictions: Picking Winners for Biggest Games This Weekend

The matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers is the biggest game of Week 1, and it's also one of the toughest games to predict. 

There are a few other monster matchups to get the NFL season kicked off, too, and as a result, there will be some excellent teams starting the 2012 season with a loss.

These are the games that will determine which playoff teams will get off to hot starts and which ones will have a mountain to climb after the first weekend of football is complete. 

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

Final Score: 49ers Win 23-20

This game is a quintessential clash of the titans.

The Packers possess the NFL's top quarterback and offense, and the 49ers possess the NFL's top defense led by a host of top-flight defenders. Both teams are far from perfect, though, and the winner will be decided by the team that can best exploit the weaknesses of their opponent. 

The Packers didn't face any defense in 2011 like the one the 49ers bring into Lambeau. The closest comparison was the defense of the Kansas City Chiefs—the team that gave the Pack their sole loss a year ago. 

The 49ers will bring plenty of pressure to Rodgers without needing to blitz, allowing seven men to cover the field. It's a recipe for success, and I expect the 49ers to execute it to perfection. 

The 49ers have pass-protection issues on offense. Alex Boone is a first-year starter at the right guard position after spending his first few years in the NFL as a backup tackle, and he struggled at times during the preseason. 

Alex Smith, believe it or not, looks as confident and poised out on the field as Rodgers, and if his offensive line protects him, the 49ers will win. 

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Final Score: Bills Win 20-9

I haven't been bashful about my Jets bashing lately, and for good reason.

Mark Sanchez is in danger of turning into David Carr after last year's pass-happy debacle, and this summer's atrocity the Jets call an offense.

The New York Jets don't possess a viable running game, and the offensive line can't protect their quarterback. Their defense may well be awesome in 2012, but if the team doesn't fix its issues on offense, it won't matter how dominant its defense may be.

Just ask the San Francisco 49ers, pre-Harbaugh.

The Buffalo Bills haven't been sharp on offense, either, but at least they have two good running backs in Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller who can take pressure off of Ryan Fitzpatrick until he and his wide receivers develop the chemistry that's been lacking so far this summer. 

On defense, the Bills are going to feast on Sanchez, and unless you're a Bills fan, it isn't going to be pretty. 

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos

Final Score: Broncos Win 30-17

Peyton Manning has something with the Denver Broncos he hasn't had in years: a viable running game. 

Jon Fox would be smart to make sure his offense utilizes said running game on a regular basis against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Broncos pound the rock, Manning will have a field day in the passing game as a result. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to face a swarming defense that will make life a living hell for Ben Roethlisberger. Von Miller, Elvis Dumvervil and the gang will overwhelm the already-ailing Steelers offensive line, and I expect to see them tally upwards of five sacks.

Home-field advantage is going to be a huge factor in this game for the Broncos, especially considering that it's the first regular season home game for Manning. 

I predict that the Broncos will go up big in the first half, and then they'll slow things down on offense in the second half to keep Big Ben and the Steelers offense off the field. 

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

Final Score: Ravens Win 31-17

I fear Andy Dalton is headed for a sophomore slump in 2012, though it's not really going to be his fault. The Cincinnati Bengals offensive line is in shambles due to the fact that two starters went down this preseason with major injuries.

Even though the Baltimore Ravens are without Terrell Suggs, the Ravens will still put plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Haloti Ngnata demands a double team every single play, and therefore provides his teammates with one-on-one matchups. 

Joe Flacco is going to have a monster year, and given the sad state of affairs in the Bengals secondary, he's going to get the 2012 season started with a bang. Torrey Smith will have a huge game, and I'm looking for a breakout performance from Dennis Pitta. 

The Bengals aren't heading in the right direction in 2012, and this first game will only be a shadow of things to come.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78