NFL Week 1 Predictions: Who Twitter Is Picking to Emerge Victorious This Weekend

Excitement is in the air as the NFL season is officially underway. 

Let's take a look at the two NFC North playoff teams from 2014 and some of the issues surrounding those games.

Will a key injury hold the Detroit Lions back? Can the San Diego Chargers overcome a big loss on offense? Which wide receiver will step up for Green Bay? How will Jay Cutler look in John Fox's offense?

Lions at Chargers

The biggest question mark surrounding the Lions as they enter their matchup with the Chargers is how the defense will hold up without DeAndre Levy.

The linebacker hasn't practiced in over two weeks, and it was revealed on Wednesday that the 28-year-old is dealing with a hip injury.

The assumption is that the injury will keep Levy out of this weekend's game. If that holds true, how will the Lions defense look without its best player? Levy is a three-down linebacker for Detroit and plays an important role in stopping the run. 

With Ndamukong Suh leaving the Lions in free agency, Levy was expected to have an impact blitzing the quarterback this year. 

The Lions ranked No. 1 in rush defense last season. Even without Levy that unit shouldn't have much difficulty dealing with San Diego. In 2014, the Chargers ranked 30th in rushing at just 85.4 yards per game, according to ESPN.com.

With Haloti Ngata in the lineup, the Lions shouldn't have much trouble stopping the run. Meanwhile, the Lions secondary will face a big test. Philip Rivers is a productive quarterback who can toss the football all over the field. Can the new-look defensive line create enough pressure to help the secondary out? If not, I expect Rivers to have a field day.

Missing a big target 

The key loss for San Diego is Antonio Gates, who is suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy.

Gates is one of the best tight ends in the history of the league, so it seems like the Lions are catching a break with his absence. Yet Rivers has been phenomenal in the 10 games he's played without Gates.

Ladarius Green was expected to take over most of the playing time with Gates suspended, but the tight end missed Thursday's practice with a concussion and it seems unlikely he'll play on Sunday.

Who wins?

"

The @Chargers will beat the @Lions 27-21. You heard it here first. #BoltUp #1-0

— Jeff McKinley (@Jeff_theRef) September 6, 2015"

"

Lions gonna beat the Chargers IMO

— #DETvsSD 0-0 (@_LionsMafia_) June 23, 2015"

Despite the Lions likely playing without their top defensive player, the team should have enough to pull off the road win in Week 1. 

The secondary remains an underrated aspect of the team, and the defensive line should generate enough pressure to keep Rivers uncomfortable. 

On offense, it'll be interesting to see if Matt Stafford takes a step forward in Year 2 of Joe Lombardi's offense. Ameer Abdullah is an electric runner and should have a big day if the offensive line creates space.

Prediction: Lions 24, Chargers 20

Packers at Bears

It's the oldest rivalry in the NFL, but it's been pretty lopsided over the last several years. The Packers have dominated the Bears and won nine of their last 10 games against Chicago.

Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, but he will be without his biggest weapon on Sunday. 

"

Jordy Nelson Injury: Packers confirm Green Bay wide receiver will ... http://t.co/Yc0ozJZFCa

— Packers Rumors (@PackersTRumors) September 7, 2015"

Jordy Nelson suffered an ACL tear during the preseason and is out for the season. Randall Cobb is dealing with a sprained shoulder but is expected to play this weekend. 

The spotlight is on Davante Adams, a 2014 second-round draft pick, who is in prime position for a breakout season. 

If Cobb is limited, the Packers need Adams to step up and carry the receiving corps. 

Offensive issues

The Bears have some issues on the offensive side of the ball themselves. 

Chicago traded its No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets during the offseason. The organization feels strongly that Alshon Jeffery is ready to assume the role as the team's top target, but the injury bug has struck Chicago's receiving group.

Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson are all listed as questionable for the season opener. Losing all three is devastating for the Bears' chances of shocking the Packers. 

Who wins?

History says that the Packers should be heavy favorites. 

Jay Cutler has struggled mightily against Green Bay throughout his career. With a new coaching staff trying to implement a different system, I expect the Packers to run away with this game early.

"

AR vs the Bears since 2011: 7-1 record (only L came when he got hurt) 2,052 PYD, 24 TDs & 4 INTS. #Packers pic.twitter.com/QsBmcYaM4F

— Brennen Rupp (@brennen_james) September 11, 2015"

Rodgers is the type of quarterback who can make any receiver look like a Pro Bowler. I expect the newly signed James Jones to have a big day and Eddie Lacy to shred a defense that ranked among the worst in 2014.

Green Bay 34, Chicago 10