Week 1 NFL Picks: Games Destined to Be Lopsided Blowouts

The NFL's opening week will feature games of all varieties. Some will be nail-biters, while others will result in lopsided defeats.

It's unavoidable. Every NFL franchise would like to show up prepared for battle in Week 1, but it doesn't happen that way. Game plans will be off, players will miss assignments and expectations will be tweaked throughout the first game.

Let's take a look at three games that won't be close. I'd still watch if I were you, but don't expect any last-second drama from these contests.

Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans

The Dolphins will struggle to score, and the Texans will exploit the Dolphins' defense on a consistent basis in Sunday's game.

This is an easy one. Miami enters this season with very low expectations. Rookie Ryan Tannehill's development is the No. 1 priority, but he doesn't inherit much to work with.

Houston's defense is arguably the league's best unit, even after the departure of Mario Williams. They will attack Tannehill all day. Calling this a scary first game for the rookie would be an understatement.

Don't expect the Dolphins to slow down the Texans' attack like Houston will stifle theirs. Arian Foster and Ben Tate form the league's best running back duo, and Matt Schaub is an above-average signal-caller.

Look for Houston to win by three scores. Miami doesn't hold any advantages over their AFC counterpart, and it will be obvious from the first snap.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns

The Eagles will dismantle the Browns in Week 1, even though it appears Joe Haden will be in the lineup.

Philadelphia holds advantages on both sides of the ball. Their offense boasts playmakers, their defense is improved and the Browns have none of the above.

OK, I'll give the Browns some credit. Their defense was 10th in the league last season, but their offense won't help them enough for it to matter. They will be on the field a lot, and they will be worn out by the speed of the Eagles' skill players.

Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden doesn't have a prayer against the Eagles' pass rush. Trent Richardson may not be in the lineup, and he's the only possible respite for Weeden in the pocket.

Cleveland is a work in progress, at best. The Eagles aren't a Super Bowl contender, but they are very capable of feasting on a lesser opponent.

Their team speed will overwhelm the Browns, and Weeden, on Sunday.

St. Louis Rams vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions are one of the NFL's most exciting teams, but they are one-dimensional until they prove otherwise.

Either way, the Rams won't be able to exploit it. St. Louis will be better than their two-win season from last year, but Matthew Stafford will torch the secondary consistently. Who is going to cover Calvin Johnson? No one.

The Lions don't have a strong secondary, but the Rams don't have the weapons to show that weakness. Brian Quick is unproven, Danny Amendola is a slot threat, but the Rams have no major option to threaten the Detroit corners.

Detroit's run game is unproven, but their passing assault will be enough in this one. They will berate the Rams' defense with 40-50 passing attempts and win the game going away.