NFL
HomeScoresDraftRumorsFantasyB/R 99: Top QBs of All Time
Featured Video
EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 16:  Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets passes against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets passes against the New York Giants during their game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 16, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)Nick Laham/Getty Images

NFL Week 1 Picks: Predicting All 16 Games; Will The Ravens Beat The Jets On MNF?

Mihir BhagatSep 12, 2010

With the 2010 NFL season underway, it's time for predictions!

Here are my Week 1 picks for all sixteen games. You'll see some interesting selections, including my thoughts on the much-anticipated Monday Night Football game when the Baltimore Ravens travel to New York to take on the Jets.

Note: I will be giving out my game-by-game predictions along with various other articles previewing the week's games. 

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints

1 of 16
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07:  Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints passes quarterback Drew Brees #9 the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Ga
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints passes quarterback Drew Brees #9 the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Ga

Winner: New Orleans Saints

Since the game's over, I won't go into detail.

Here's my original prediction, along with my observations on the game. 

Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2 of 16
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)
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)

Winner: Cleveland Browns

Heading into the season, I expected the Browns to play solid defense and rely on their running game. However, after the preseason, I have some added confidence that Jake Delhomme may be a decent starter.

Either way, though, I expect the Browns to win this game.

The Buccaneers simply have too many holes on their roster.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

3 of 16
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 15:  Quarterback Chad Henne #7 and running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after a long run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Land Shark Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolph
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Quarterback Chad Henne #7 and running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after a long run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Land Shark Stadium on November 15, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolph

Winner: Miami Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills are my 'favorite' to post the worst record in the league, and that starts today.

In my opinion, the Dolphins are a very talented squad who could surprise some people this season. If they want to be competitive in the AFC East, there's no way that they can lose this game. 

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football
Mississippi Football

Cinccinati Bengals @ New England Patriots

4 of 16
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 02:  Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a first quarter pass against the New York Giants on September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a first quarter pass against the New York Giants on September 2, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Winner: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are a team that has been lying under the radar due to the hype that their division rival New York Jets have received. I think Coach Belichick will thrive off of it, and prove the doubters wrong. 

Despite making significant improvements during the offseason, I expect the Bengals to come up a bit short. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

5 of 16
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07:  Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Pho
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Pho

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

This could arguably be the most important game of the week, as the Houston Texans will be determined to prove the world that they can get over the hump and beat the Colts.

However, I don't think they have what it takes to do so yet (especially without Brian Cushing). Not to worry though, as they'll have another shot in Week 8

Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars

6 of 16
KANSAS CITY - SEPTEMBER 28:  Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos looks on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 33-19.  (Photo by: J
KANSAS CITY - SEPTEMBER 28: Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos looks on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 33-19. (Photo by: J

Winner: Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have been conducting themselves in an unorthodox manner that has me truly questioning their direction.

Moreover, with all the key losses and injuries they've suffered in the offseason, their roster is depleted of the talent necessary to be a competitive team.

All that aside, though, the Broncos have found a way to win games and I expect them to beat the lowly Jaguars today. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers

7 of 16
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Winner: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are a team n the rise, and are poised for their third consecutive winning season.

On the other hand, the Steeelers franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for the first four games of the season. That being the case, they won't have enough fire power to win this game.

Note, this is Troy Polamalu's return from a knee injury that sidelined him for most of last season.

Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans

8 of 16
SEATTLE - AUGUST 14:  Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans rushes during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 14, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans rushes during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 14, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Winner: Tennessee Titans

Yes, the Oakland Raiders have made tremendous improvements during the offseason and could very likely end their streak of losing seasons this year.

Still, Chris Johnson and the Titans may just be too much to handle especially considering they play with their own chip on their shoulder. 

Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants

9 of 16
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27:  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Winner: New York Giants

After upsetting the Patriots in the Super Bowl a few years ago, the New York Giants have been on a gradual decline primarily due to their lost identity.

They are no longer effectively executing the strategies that made them such a successful team that season.

However, I expect them to get back to that starting in this game.

Plus, there's no way that the Giants don't open up their new stadium by getting revenge after the Panthers stomped them 41-9 in Week 16 last season.

Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

10 of 16
CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears warms-up before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears warms-up before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Winner: Chicago Bears

Both teams have made improvements over the offseason, but I think the Bears are simply a better team which is why they will win this game.

Plus, a Mike Martz offense is tough to stop the first time around without knowing what to expect. 

Also, watch out for Julius Peppers and how Matthews Stafford responds to the pressure.

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams

11 of 16
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02:  Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game against the Washington Redskins at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the first quarter of the preseason NFL game against the Washington Redskins at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in

Winner: Arizona Cardinals

Even though the Cardinals have digressed due to key offseason losses, they should still be able to beat their division rival St. Louis Rams.

The Rams are in a rebuilding process, and simply aren't at the level where they can be competiive.

Be sure to watch out for how the Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson tandem play out.

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

12 of 16
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 7:  Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 7: Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on December 7, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Winner: Green Bay Packers

I look at virtually every line of this matchup, from the quarterback to the secondary and I give the nod to the Packers.

This is the start of a big-time season for them. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Seatttle Seahawks

13 of 16
ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The 49ers beat the Rams 17-16.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get
ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 17-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are set to take over the NFC West, and their first challenge is to beat a team that has won it in four of the past six years.

Head Coach Mike Singletary has the 49ers prepared and they should start the season strong and take this game. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins

14 of 16
HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys calls out a play at the line of scrimmage during a football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 23-7. (Photo by Bob Levey/
HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys calls out a play at the line of scrimmage during a football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 23-7. (Photo by Bob Levey/

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Honestly, this game could go either way and I wouldn't be surprised.

There are question marks all over both teams, and depending on their responses a winner will be determined.

For now, though, I'm going with the Cowboys. 

Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets

15 of 16
INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16:  Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The Colts defeated the Rav
INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Rav

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

What better way to kickoff Monday Night Football than a heated battle between two potential Super Bowl contenders?

I think the Ravens will edge the Jets in this one, primarily because of their advantage offensively. Joe Flacco has all the pieces in place to elevate his game, and I believe he will do so.

A matchup that will play a huge role will be whether or not Darrelle Revis can come back from his prolonged contract holdout and shutdown Anquan Boldin

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

16 of 16
NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27:  Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to throw a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Saints defeated the Chargers 36-21.  (Photo by Chris G
NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to throw a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Chargers 36-21. (Photo by Chris G

Winner: San Diego Chargers

Sure, the Chargers are without their Pro Bowl wide receiver and left tackle. On the flip side, the Kansas City Chiefs don't even have a Pro Bowler at those positions to start with.

The point being, the Chargers are a much more skilled team than the Chiefs are and should win this game.

I do expect them to put up a fight, especially because they play at home in a nationally televised game. 

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football
Mississippi Football
Packers Bears Football

TRENDING ON B/R