NFL Predictions 2012: Breaking Down Monday Night Matchups for Week 1

We will be treated to two divisional clashes to start off Monday Night Football in Week 1 as the Cincinnati Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens and the San Diego Chargers head into the "Black Hole" to battle the Oakland Raiders.

As with every season, each team has been tinkered with during the offseason, sporting its fair share of additions.

What you did last season doesn't matter. This is a new season with new obstacles to conquer.

Here's a look at the two MNF matchups to start off the 2012-2013 NFL season.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

When: Monday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. ET

Some are expecting the up-and-coming Bengals to win the AFC North this season. They have an emerging force on offense in quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green, a new running back in former Patriot BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and the team only allowed 20.2 points per game last season (ninth in the NFL).

The Bengals also allowed just 25 sacks last season, keeping Dalton upright and giving him time to survey the field; something that is critical for a young quarterback.

Of course, the Ravens were 2-0 against Cincinnati last season, as the offense emerged and the defense remained its usual, dominant self. The Ravens allowed 24.62 yards per drive last season (first in the league) and 1.29 points per drive (second). They frustrated Dalton in both of his games against them.

On offense, the Ravens will once again rely on running back Ray Rice to carry the load, as well as quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco found a sparkling new target last season in young receiver Torrey Smith. The 2011 second-round pick racked up 841 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season, averaging 16.8 yards per reception (13th in the league).

This should be a great divisional matchup right out of the gate, with the Ravens limiting Dalton and Co. just enough to come away with the victory in Baltimore, 24-21.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

When: Monday, Sept. 10 at 10:15 p.m. ET

In a matchup of two teams that disappointed in the AFC West last season, the Chargers will head into the "Black Hole" to face the Raiders on Monday night.

The Chargers and the Raiders didn't exactly have sterling defenses in 2011. The Chargers gave up 2.06 points per drive (26th in the NFL), while the Raiders gave up 2.08 points per drive (27th). 

The Chargers do have an advantage on offense, however, and picking up promising rookie pass-rusher Melvin Ingram could do wonders for their defense (they notched just 32 sacks last season). 

Quarterback Philip Rivers had perhaps the worst season of his career as a starter last season, accentuated by his 20 interceptions; however, he completed 62 percent of his passes for over 4,600 yards and 27 touchdowns. If he can curb his interceptions this season, he should be able to emerge from last year's struggles.

After Vincent Jackson departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, Malcom Floyd has been asked to step in his shoes. Floyd registered 43 catches for 856 yards and five touchdowns last season. His 19.9 yards per reception led the NFL.

Robert Meachem will man the No. 2 spot. He racked up 620 yards and six touchdowns in the New Orleans Saints' high-octane offense last season.

Overall, I don't trust the Raiders defense against the Chargers, nor do I trust quarterback Carson Palmer, who has tossed a combined 36 interceptions in his last two seasons (Palmer threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season).

The Chargers take this one, 27-21, before Raider Nation.