NFL Week 1 Predictions: Outcomes For Every Game This Weekend

Ladies and gentleman, the time has come. The 2010 NFL season kicks off in three days, and with my playoff and Super Bowl predictions made, it is time for the weekly predictions.

In week one, we have plenty of good match ups. From division rivals, to post-season foes, we have many playoff team battling each other in the first week of the year.

Let's get on with the show. I am hoping my prediction record of 2010 begins on a good note ( will be making my predictions on B/R every week).

Give me your thoughts, and more importantly, follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis

Opening Night: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings stretches during warmups prior to an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at the Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, on September 2, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minn

What a way to kick off the NFL season. A rematch of last years dramatized NFC Championship game between the Vikings and the Saints.

Will Brett Favre and the Vikings get revenge? I think they will come up short on opening night.

Both teams are dealing with stars missing due to injury ( Sidney Rice and Darren Sharper).

However, Favre didn't play his best pre-season performance this year. The ankle still seems to be a problem for number four, and I am not sure if he is ready to take the extra pounding this year.

The Saints opened up the pressure on Favre last season, and they will do that on Thursday night for sure.

More importantly, I am not sold on the weak secondary of the Vikings, despite of the attempt to improve it in the off-season.

I give the edge to New Orleans in front of their home crowd on week one.

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 02: Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants runs in a first quarter touchdown past Patrick Chung #25 of the New England Patriots on September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by

The first regular season opener at the New Meadowlands stadium is a rematch of the last game at the old Giants stadium.

The result? A whopping defeat by the Carolina Panthers.

This time, I seek revenge for the G-Men.

Defensive end Julius Peppers bolted for Chicago, and now the pass rush is one of the more questionable units in the league.

Eli Manning has plenty of weapons to throw to, and the decreased pass rush won't help the Panthers secondary.

More importantly, Matt Moore isn't looking as stellar as he did toward the end of last season.

The new stadium will end up with a win, no doubt.

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 02: Dennis Dixon #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers after Byron Leftwich left with an injury during the preseason game on September 2, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin the season without Ben Roethlisberger, but in my opinion, will end in a close win.

Pittsburgh's defense was statistically a top five unit, despite not having Troy Polamalu and Aaron Smith for majority of the season.

The run defense should be stout against Michael Turner, creating pressure for Matt Ryan to pass to win the game.

In the end, a few big plays by a conservative Steelers offense will give them the edge over the playoff bound Falcons.

I'll say Pittsburgh wins at home by a field goal.

Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Jake Delhomme #17 of the Cleveland Browns throws a first quarter pass while playing the Detroit Lions during preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The battle of the bottom feeders of the NFL. More importantly, both teams have coaches on the hot seat in 2010.

Who starts off 1-0 on the year? I'll stick with the AFC North and those Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland's offensive line is one of the more talented, yet underrated groups in the league.

The running game should create enough balance for Jake Delhomme to find his young receivers.

Also, we should see Josh Cribbs and the " Cyclone" formation, which is bound to work against a weak Buccaneers defense.

I'll say the Browns win by six.

Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars

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DENVER - AUGUST 29: Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos congratulates quarterback Tim Tebow #15 following his fourth quarter touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado.

Both of these teams are very similar: had disappointing ends to their 2009 seasons, stars dealing with injuries, and both looking to prove the doubters wrong.

Who do I give the edge to? For now, I'll say the Broncos.

I understand Elvis Dumervil, arguably the league's best pass rusher, is out for the whole year.

However, the Jaguars don't have Maurice Jones-Drew at 100%, which is a problem as he gets the offense going.

Without Jones Drew being fully healthy, the running game won't be as solid as anticipated to begin the year.

Kyle Orton is a good game manager, and will lead Denver to a victory in week one.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

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INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

I am really tempted to pick my sleeper of the 2010 season, the Houston Texans.

But in week one, I am not going against Peyton Manning, who has been given plenty of time to study up on the Texans defense.

A shoot out is almost a certainty. The difference? Peyton Manning has been clutch time after time in the fourth quarter, and has plenty of weapons to support him in the last minutes of a game.

The biggest killer is on the defensive side. Brian Cushing will miss the game due to suspension, and the Texans secondary is a young unit, and one with inexperience in big games ( loss of Dunta Robinson doesn't help).

Give me the Colts in a close game, a three point win to be exact.

Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans

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CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 28: Runningback Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans walks on the sidelines before the start of their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (P

Here is my upset pick of the week: the Raiders over the Titans.

In fact, I don't deem it as much of a surprise. Oakland showed the success of winning on the road, and this week is no different.

Al Davis made upgrades to the defense, specifically to stop the run. The upgrade at defensive line, and the drafting of Rolando McClain should prevent Chris Johnson from going off on Sunday.

Jason Campbell leads a confident offense with a young group of receivers making their mark.

I'll take the Raiders, winning by four points. I have spoken Raider Nation. You have given me grief for my predictions for them (8-8 this year). They better not let me down!

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 21: Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs after making a reception during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

Are the Miami Dolphins really Super Bowl contenders? It will be tough to tell when they are playing a weak team such as the Bills.

The acquisition of Brandon Marshall creates balance in this Dolphins offense, making the Wildcat more dangerous for Buffalo to stop.

On the flip side, the Bills don't have many weapons. CJ Spiller is the only guy I can see making some exciting things happen this year.

Lee Evans will ave difficulty going up against a Dolphins secondary that is on the rise.

I'll give the Phins a good early start to their year.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears rushes against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Radiers defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Another potential upset I can see coming is the game between the Lions and the Bears.

Detroit and Chicago made quite a few upgrades on both sides of the ball, but who gets the edge?

I'll give the win to the Bears, who will get the victory by ten points.

Julius Peppers will improve the aging pass rush, and should do well against a questionable Lions offensive line.

Jay Cutler did not do well in the pre-season, but should do decent enough against a weak secondary for Detroit.

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots

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GEORGETOWN, KY - JULY 31: Chad Ochocinco (left) #85 and Terrell Owens (right) #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals are pictured during the Bengals training camp at Georgetown College on July 31, 2010 in Georgetown, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Ochocinco-Owens combination in Cincinnati should be fun to watch.

However, I don't think it will be to exciting this Sunday, taking on the New England Patriots.

The Patriots were flat out embarrassed by the Ravens in the playoffs last season at home, and normally get revenge the next time they hit the home turf.

Tom Brady is one season removed from his return from knee surgery, and looks similar to his MVP days of a few years ago.

Bill Belichick will put his defense in a good situation to succeed, and help shut down the potent offense of the Bengals.

I'll take the Patriots by a field goal.

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks on before the game against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Sam Bradford will start the 2010 season as the Rams starting quarterback.

He did show promise in his last two pre-season games, but I think they'll come up short to the Cardinals.

Starter Derek Anderson brings a long ball presence which will open up the offense in the end for Larry Fitzgerald and the rest of receivers.

I'll take the Cardinals in a ten point victory.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

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OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 28: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL preseason game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 28, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The 49ers begin their run to the NFC West crown with a victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

The combination of Frank Gore in the back field, combined with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree on the receiving end will be to much for a Seahawks defense in transition.

On the other side, Matt Hasselbeck does not have much of a supportive cast upon him. Who does he face? A 49ers defense that is on the rise and can emerge as one of the top units in the league this season.

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers watches as his teammates take on the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 59-24. (Photo

I have high hopes for the Green Bay Packers, who will start off on a winning note in 2010.

The high powered Packers offense will be to much for an Eagles defense that doesn't have the same fire as it used to under Jim Johnson.

For the Eagles offense, it will be very similar to Green Bay's of a few years ago. They are going through the transition with Kevin Kolb as the quarterback, and it will take a full year under his belt before we truly see his true potential.

It will stay close until the end, but Green Bay will get the victory.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys looks fora receiver as he receives some pressure from defensive tackle Amobi Akoye #91 of the Houston Texans during a football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August

The first Sunday night game of the season features two rivals from the NFC East. While the Cowboys look to defend their division crown, many are picking the 'Skins to be a playoff team with Donovan McNabb as quarterback.

However, I'll say Tony Romo leads his team to victory.

The biggest question heading into the game is Donovan McNabb. Having injured his ankle a few weeks ago, we have no idea whether or not it is near 100%. The 'Skins running game is one of the weakest in football right now, and another target needs to emerge besides Chris Cooley.

Washington's defense can cause trouble, but in the end Dallas will be on top.

Monday Night Football: Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 2: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens yells to his teammates against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL preseason game at the Edward Jones Dome on September 2, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Ravens 27-21. (Photo by

This Monday night showdown between the Ravens and the Jets may arguably be the most watched after week one.

Both teams made the playoffs last year, with top defenses, and dominating running games. They also went through upgrades in the off season.

More importantly, both teams are missing key players. The Ravens are being attacked by the injury bug, having lost Domonique Foxworth for the year, Ed Reed for six games, and Jared Gaither may not play in the opener.

Darrelle Revis has just signed an extension with the Jets. However, will he be in full football shape with only one week of contact drills until the big game?  Santonio Holmes is missing the first four games due to a suspension, and Antonio Cromartie has been dealing with issue in his hip.

The game is going to come down to the quarterbacks, Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez. Both are going to have a bit of difficulties. However, I'll take my chances with Flacco, who is ready to show why he is ready to take the next step into being a great quarterback.

The addition of Anquan Boldin may be to much for a Jets defense with a rusty Revis.

Another close game, but I'm taking my chances with the veteran leadership of the Ravens.

Monday Night Football: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Head coach Norv Turner talks with Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

The second Monday Night game won't have as many viewers, but could be closer than people think.

San Diego will be without their top receiver and offensive line man. Is Malcom Floyd ready to step in as the number one target?

Is Ryan Matthews ready to be the top back in this offense as everyone expects?

The Chiefs are improved with new coordinators on both sides on the ball.

In the end though, the Chargers will win a close match up within the division.