NFL Week 1 Picks: Quick Predictions for Every Game

It's about time pro football is back and we have some final quick picks before kickoff.

With more than a few key divisional matchups, Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season also brings us some pivotal conference games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers traveling to the Green Bay Packers are just two of the primo games to watch this weekend. And the potential onslaught of quarterbacks Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Drew Brees will also be closely examined.

To that end, let's take one last look at winners for opening kickoff of the 2012 season.

Slew of Early Games

Colts at Bears

Andrew Luck's debut will be closer than anticipated.

The Colts offense has decent talent across the board and the Chicago Bears defense must prove itself after an inconsistent 2012.

On the flip side, Jay Cutler is reunited with Brandon Marshall and the two-back tandem of Matt Forte and Michael Bush is impressive. Indianapolis has an improved defense, but Cutler's never had this kind of talent around him before.

Bears over Colts

Eagles at Browns

The Cleveland Browns can't catch a break as they host a legit NFC title contender in Philadelphia. The Eagles have much more overall talent and an offense capable of thrashing Cleveland's respectable defense.

Still, the Browns offense is improved despite the rookies needing to make an impact. And Philly's defense must get better against the run or 2012 might end up like 2011. Fortunately, the offseason upgrades pay off.

Eagles over Browns

Patriots at Titans

Tom Brady has so many receiving weapons to choose from the Tennessee Titans will be scattered all over the field.

In short, expect a lot of production from the Pats offense and a sound performance by Bill Belichick's defense. All Tennessee really has is running back Chris Johnson because the passing game still needs major work.

Patriots over Titans

More 1p.m. Kickoffs

Redskins at Saints

Much like Andrew Luck, the debut of Robert Griffin III for the Washington Redskins is highly anticipated.

Well, RG3 and Co. face the Saints in New Orleans which is never an easy game.

However, this game will be closer than expected as the Saints defense still must prove it can stop the run and pass. We know Drew Brees will dominate, though, so it comes down to execution in a high-scoring affair.

Saints over Redskins

Falcons at Chiefs

This will be quite a close contest as both Atlanta and Kansas City made some nice upgrades this offseason. Each offense has a solid running game to set up play-action, but the Falcons have the edge here with more established receivers.

Defensively, both teams are near even and it comes down to who can stuff the run first. Well, that was Atlanta's best area in 2011 and it continues in 2012.

Falcons over Chiefs

Jaguars at Vikings

For as much potential the Minnesota Vikings possess with Christian Ponder and Co., the Jacksonville Jaguars are a proven defense that will only build of last fall.

Also, don't discount Blaine Gabbert after a nice preseason and the Jags upgraded passing attack. The Vikings still lack in this area on both sides of the line.

Jaguars over Vikings

Final List of Early Matchups

Dolphins at Texans

If there's one game with blowout written all over it, it's Miami at Houston.

The Texans present a top three defense against rookie Ryan Tannehill and the youngster doesn't have any standout receiving targets, either.

On the contrary, Houston's offense is well-balanced and capitalizes from its defense providing excellent field position.

Texans over Dolphins

Bills at Jets

This is a key game for each team in 2012, because the winner here gains much confidence. Unfortunately for the New York Jets, Tony Sparano's offense faces a Bills defense will stellar potential.

In addition, Buffalo fields a more balanced offense and running game to control the tempo throughout.

Bills over Jets

Rams at Lions

Don't let the teams fool you, St. Louis will give Detroit some problems.

All the Lions have is an elite passing game and the Rams counteract that with Cortland Finnegan, not to mention some great rookie defensive backs for depth. The Motor City does have a defense capable of limiting St. Louie's offense, though, and it's not like the Rams have been explosive.

Lions over Rams

The Afternooners Get Showcased

49ers at Packers

If there's one game you watch in Week 1, San Francisco at Green Bay has to be it.

A potential NFC Championship game preview, this matchup features an elite offense (Packers) lining up against a dominant defense (49ers).

That's basically a wash, so the key matchup is the 'Niners offense versus the Packers defense. Last season the cheese fielded the NFL's worst defense and, counter-intuitively, Alex Smith developed well under Jim Harbaugh. Here, the better defense gets the win.

49ers over Packers

Seahawks at Cardinals

This is one underrated game between the Seattle Seahwaks and Arizona Cardinals. Each team has a solid defense to stop the opposing offense, therefore it will come down to the better pass protection and running game.

Well, Seattle has a edge here because the Cardinals are vulnerable along the offensive line and Russell Wilson has more poise than any quarterback in Arizona.

Seahawks over Cardinals

Panthers at Buccaneers

This game has a great chance of being the highest scoring contest of Week 1. Both Carolina and Tampa Bay weren't defensively sound in 2011, so much proving remains to be seen for 2012.

In turn, this NFC South matchup will get determined by the better offense. Each team can run the ball fairly well, but Cam Newton is the difference courtesy of his mobility and reliability at receiver.

Panthers over Buccaneers

Crucial Late Games with Big Implications

Steelers at Broncos

A rematch of the AFC Wild Card game last January has one major difference: Peyton Manning.

Pittsburgh's defense is still elite, although the Broncos defense is only improving.

With the Steelers offensive line susceptible to allowing sacks, Denver's offense remains balanced and wins a low-scoring contest.

Broncos over Steelers

Bengals at Ravens

This game will surprise us, because the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will put up points instead of being a defensive slug-fest.

Each team is multidimensional offensively and are virtually exact replicas of one another: strong ground game, one standout receiver and solid pass protection. So, the difference is the defensive front. Cincinnati may be younger, however the Bengals are healthier as well.

Bengals over Ravens

Chargers at Raiders

A game of polarizing philosophies as San Diego loves to throw and Oakland loves to run. It's a dual between Philip Rivers and Darren McFadden and both are capable of taking a game over.

The winner must then be determined by the more relenting defense. Each had its shortcomings in 2011 which proved costly, so 2012's challenge is to get more consistent. Well, it comes down to playmaking and Raiders' safety Tyvon Branch is the man who stands out.

Raiders over Chargers

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