NFL Week 1 Predictions: Breaking Down Sunday's Most Exciting Clashes

After Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos thumped the defending champion Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, we look ahead to Sunday's Week 1 matchups, which should feature some explosive action.

The Broncos' resounding 49-27 victory over the Ravens reminded everyone that every season marks a new chapter in the NFL. Manning threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns in the win.

This was after Denver's excruciating 38-35 loss to Baltimore at home in the divisional round of the playoffs last season.

So, what are the most exciting matchups on Sunday?

Here they are, complete with final predictions.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints

When isn't this an exciting matchup?

Since 2001, the Saints hold a 15-9 record against the Falcons, but Atlanta broke a four-game losing streak against New Orleans in Week 13 last season.

Both the Saints and Falcons feature explosive offensive attacks led by quarterbacks Drew Brees and Matt Ryan respectively. The Falcons added three-time Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson in the offseason, while the Saints will employ a three-headed attack of Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and the lightning-quick Darren Sproles.

The Falcons are generally regarded as the better team this season, primarily due to the discrepancy in team defense. While the Saints added former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis in the offseason, they still ranked 31st in opponents' points per drive and 32nd in opponents' yards per drive in 2012, via Football Outsiders. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is hoping to employ a blitz-heavy game plan this season to help matters, but ultimately it comes down to personnel. 

Due to the discrepancy in defense, I have the Falcons winning this one, even at the Superdome. The Saints are tough at the Superdome, but they aren't invincible.

Prediction: Falcons 31, Saints 27

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

After Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers ran all over the Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs last season, you can bet Aaron Rodgers and Co. are going to come into this matchup with revenge on their minds.

In fact, it appears star linebacker Clay Matthews has been thinking about that loss quite a bit.

Matthews said this week, per ESPN.com:

"

We had an entire offseason to focus on last year's loss, having time to kind of figure out a way to defend (Kaepernick). We obviously like to think we're better prepared to defend that type of offense and what he brings to the table.

"

Of course, a game plan can only do so much. And stopping the 49ers' read-option game is easier said than done, particularly in San Francisco. Kaepernick rushed for a quarterback-record 181 yards against the Packers in the playoffs last season. The Packers may be able to slow down Kaepernick and Co., but they won't be able to stop San Francisco's rushing attack.

You may say that the Packers should stack the box, but 1) the read-option can still move defenders out of position and 2) Kaepernick has the arm strength and accuracy to make Green Bay pay for such a game plan.

The loss of receiver Michael Crabtree to injury hurts San Francisco's receiving corps, but the Niners did sign former Raven Anquan Boldin in the offseason and their running game could be even more unstoppable with Kendall Hunter back in the fold. Hunter rushed for 371 yards on 5.2 yards per carry last season before getting hurt.

San Francisco has a better defense than Green Bay and more balance on offense. As much as I like Aaron Rodgers, I like San Francisco better.

Prediction: 49ers 37, Packers 30 

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Both the Cowboys and Giants can put up points.

What will determine this contest will be the Giants' long list of injuries.

The Giants ranked 19th in opponents' points per drive and 31st in opponents' yards per drive last season, via Football Outsiders.

In the offseason, they lost safety Stevie Brown (eight interceptions in 2012) to a torn ACL, and even if top defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul does play, he is dealing with a back injury.

On top of that, the chemistry between Hakeem Nicks and Eli Manning will probably need a little time to develop this season after the wideout was injured last season. Victor Cruz also suffered a bruised heel in the preseason.

The Cowboys have problems of their own after going 8-8 last season, but they don't have as many question marks as the Giants do. I expect them to take this one at home.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Giants 30