NFL Week 1 Predictions: Teams That Will Open Season with Blowout Wins

The NFL season is short. Getting off to a strong start is paramount as teams look to avoid an early slump they might not be able to recover from. Better yet, scoring a blowout victory in Week 1 can provide a major boost of confidence.

Although hope springs eternal for teams around the league with the new season set to begin, there are already certain teams trending toward the pretender category. It's important for teams with playoff aspirations to take care of business against those opponents in the openers.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at a trio of teams who should be able to cruise to victory during the first week of regular-season action. For a complete list of every Week 1 matchup on tap, check out the league's official site.

New England Patriots (at Buffalo Bills)

The Patriots aren't the juggernaut they have been in past seasons—at least not as the season begins. But they are still the clear favorites in the AFC East and can make that even more obvious by going to Buffalo and picking up a sizable win.

While Tom Brady is working with a rebuilt receiving group, he showed no signs of slowing down during the preseason. He completed nearly 80 percent of his passes with a quarterback rating of 106. Now he gets to face a Bills defense without its top corner, Stephon Gilmore.

With Gilmore sidelined with a wrist injury and Buffalo having no depth to speak of at cornerback, Brady should have a field day. Add in the fact the Bills offense is still very much a work in progress and the Patriots should have very few problems in Week 1.

Prediction: Patriots by 20

Indianapolis Colts (vs. Oakland Raiders)

The Colts were one of the league's surprise teams last season. They completed an outstanding turnaround, going from 2-14 to 11-5 and a playoff berth. The days of flying under the radar are over, however. It's time to live up to the hype.

A lot will depend on the further development of Andrew Luck. He had a solid debut campaign, but also made plenty of rookie mistakes. If he can limit those turnovers, there's no reason Indianapolis can't meet or exceed last season's output.

The good news for Luck is he gets to face an Oakland defense that ranked 20th against the pass. He should be able to carve up the Raiders secondary, and Oakland won't have enough offensive firepower to fight back. Colts win big at home.

Prediction: Colts by 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at New York Jets)

Most teams can't wait for the preseason to end. The Jets could use another month of exhibition action to sort things out. The Buccaneers must take advantage of their reeling opponents and stop New York from building confidence throughout the game.

The good news for Tampa Bay is that it's a perfect matchup. The Bucs' biggest weakness last season was pass defense, where they ranked last in the NFL at nearly 300 yards against per game. Darrelle Revis' arrival should help, but it will probably take some time for him to reach full speed.

Revis and Co. shouldn't be under too much duress against his former team's lackluster passing attack. So with the defense in position to start the season on a high note and Doug Martin carrying the offensive load, the Bucs should win handily.

Prediction: Buccaneers by 14