NFL Predictions 2011: 17 Games That Will Ruin Undefeated Seasons

Although there is a lockout looming in the NFL that doesn't mean we can't predict how the 2011 season could play out if a labor deal is ever agreed upon.

In the history of the NFL, there has only been two teams to ever finish the regular season undefeated. The likelihood of it happening again in 2011 is extreme, so here are 17 games that will keep teams from going unbeaten.

Do you think anyone has a chance of going undefeated in 2011? If not, where do you think the pitfalls for your team are? Let us know.

17. New York Giants at New England Patriots

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Giants aren't really a big threat to go undefeated in 2011, but I do think they could be a playoff threat. Playing the Patriots almost assures that they won't go undefeated.

The Patriots are going to be looking for retribution for their 2008 Super Bowl loss to the Giants that ended their run at a perfect season. How fitting would it be for the Pats to end the Giants run at perfection.

Honestly, even if the Giants get passed the Pats they won't be going undefeated; this is just the toughest game on the schedule.

16. Seattle Seahawks at Baltimore Ravens

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts while taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

The Seahawks made an improbable run to the playoffs in 2010, becoming the first team to win a division despite finishing under .500. That's not to say that the Seahawks will be going undefeated in 2011, especially considering their schedule.

Although the Seahawks have games against the Browns, Steelers, Falcons, Eagles and Packers, I think the game that will do them in is the one in Baltimore against the Ravens.

The Seahawks offense may have a very difficult time dealing with a superb Ravens defense, and their defense is also going to have a tough time stopping an improved Baltimore offense.

15. Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Cowboys were one of the most disappointing teams in 2010.

Part of that could be attributed to the fact that Tony Romo went down with a broken collarbone, but it could also be attributed to the fact that something needed to change with the leadership of the team.

They have a new coach in 2011, a healthy Romo, and potentially a playoff caliber team.

The schedule doesn't do Dallas any favors, but the one game that stands out the most is a game at New England. Playing the Pats is already going to be a tough task, but playing in the confines of Gillette Stadium is going to make it that much tougher.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids a tackle by Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saint

I know the Buccaneers had an outstanding 2010 season, but I think the 2011 season could be the one that really dictates the direction of the franchise.

If they continue the success from last season, then they could be amongst the NFL's best for the next decade. If they struggle I think it could spell doom for the franchise.

Playing in the toughest division in football is going to have an affect on the team, but they still could be a playoff team.

The game between the Bucs and the Packers hearkens back to the Brett Favre and Warren Sapp days between these two franchises. While the Bucs could be a playoff team in 2011, they still won't get past the Pack.

13. St. Louis Rams Vs. Baltimore Ravens

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 26: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome on December 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the 49ers 25-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The Rams came within a single game of making the playoffs in 2010, and most of that success was due to the arrival of Sam Bradford.

In 2011 the Rams will be looking to make the next step, and the best way to accomplish that would be to win the division.

The toughest game the Rams have on their schedule is the Baltimore Ravens.

The Rams offense still has a ton of holes on their roster, many of which will be exposed in a game against the Ravens.

12. Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Lance Briggs #55 of the Chicago Bears reacts while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Bears actually over-performed in 2010, and believe it or not, they were actually the team that won the NFC North, not the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

I don't know if the Bears will be able to recapture their success from a season ago, but this is one game that will be very telling.

I don't know if this is the toughest game on the Bears schedule, but this is definitely a measuring stick game.

11. Kansas City Chiefs Vs. New York Jets

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vish

The Chiefs are another team that seemed to show up out of nowhere in 2010.

They won the AFC West for the first time since 2003, and they made the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

The Chiefs should continue their progression in 2011, but it could also be a season where they struggle to recapture that success.

The Jets are a team that could really spell trouble for the Chiefs.

10. San Diego Chargers Vs. Green Bay Packers

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers delivers a pass against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensing

The Chargers seem to be a team on the rise every year.

They certainly have a ton of talent on the roster, but how that talent translates to on-field success seems to be the thing they have a tough time figuring out.

After failing to make the playoffs in 2010, it will be interesting to see how they bounce back in 2011. If they fail to make the playoffs it could be the end of the road for head coach Norv Turner.

The Chargers do seem to play well in big games against the best teams in the league. In 2011 they will be hosting the Packers who will be coming off a Super Bowl win. Will the Chargers be able to knock off the Packers?

We'll see.

9. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball as linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers chases him in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh,

This matchup is always one to pay attention to during the NFL season. These two division rivals seem to always have some of the hardest hitting and most entertaining games.

In 2010 the two split the regular season series, but in the playoffs the Steelers were able to come away with a win that helped propel them to a Super Bowl berth.

I know Joe Flacco beat the Steelers in one game last year, but it just seems like he has a tough time playing Pittsburgh.

I think that trend continues in 2011.

8. Atlanta Falcons Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons rolls out to pass against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Phot

The Falcons looked like they were going to be the NFC favorites entering the playoffs, but after a whooping by the Packers, Atlanta was left asking for the license plate number from the truck that destroyed their season.

In a game between these two NFC foes the storyline will undoubtedly turn to Michael Vick. Before going to prison for dog fighting he was a beloved star in Atlanta.

Now he has been reborn in Philadelphia. 

I think Vick is going to do everything possible to knock off his former team in his first game back in Atlanta.

7. Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16.

This is another matchup that is one to watch every year.

The Pats and Colts always seem to have some epic games that come down to the last minute. However, more often than not it seems like the Pats come away victorious.

The Colts had a tough year in 2010. They didn't have the success they had become accustomed to in recent years, and yet somehow they still made the playoffs.

Next season should be interesting for the Colts. If they are able to improve over their lackluster 2010 season they could end up being a real threat.

Their matchup with the Pats will be an important one.

6. New England Patriots at New York Jets

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

To see some good old fashioned hatred be sure to pay attention to not only this game, but the week leading up to the game. After all, in the playoffs this year the Jets made sure to talk about the Pats in every way possible. The constant talk seemed to put a lot of pressure on the Pats.

New England and New York doing battle seems to bring out the best in these two.

Now that Rex Ryan has gone on record as saying that the Jets would be winning the Super Bowl in 2011, this game becomes a lot more important.

5. New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with Jonathan Vilma #51 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 17-14 at the Georgia Dome on December 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

One of the best games to look forward to in 2011 is the matchup between the last two Super Bowl champs. New Orleans was unable to follow-up a Super Bowl championship with much success in the playoffs, but they could get back there in 2011.

The Saints actually were a part of the biggest upset in playoff history when they lost to the Seahawks during the playoffs this year. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back from that.

A game in New Orleans between the Saints and Packers would be a fireworks show that the Saints would probably be able to win, but having to play at the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field changes that.

4. New York Jets at New England Patriots

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 24-19. (Photo b

Rex Ryan went on record recently and guaranteed a Super Bowl win in 2011.

After back-to-back AFC title game appearances it doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to think the Jets could come away with a championship.

The Jets and Patriots have had some epic battles over the last few years, and 2011 will be no different.

I expect a lot of talk between these two teams (mostly by the Jets), but I think both teams will split the match-ups when all is done.

3. Philadelphia Eagles Vs. New York Jets

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against Jarius Wynn #94 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylva

The Eagles actually nearly knocked off the eventual Super Bowl champs in the first round of the playoffs, however Michael Vick threw an interception in the waning minutes to give the win to the Packers.

Had the Eagles knocked off the Packers we could be talking about Super Bowl MVP Michael Vick this offseason instead of Aaron Rodgers. Now that the Eagles will have an offseason with Vick getting all the reps as the No. 1 quarterback, we could be looking at a fantastic season by him in 2011.

The game to watch for them would be when they host the Jets. Not only could it be a Super Bowl preview, but it could also be the game that prevents the Eagles from going undefeated.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during the National Anthem during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

The Steelers bounced back after a 2009 season where they missed the playoffs for just the third time since 2000. Not only did they make the playoffs in 2010, they made it all the way to the Super Bowl before dropping to the buzz saw that was the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers could have a tough time reclaiming their 2010 success, unless they are able to get some help on the offensive line.

One game that could be really troublesome for the Steelers is the game at Indianapolis. Not only do the Colts have an outstanding pass rush, but they also have a quarterback that could take advantage of an average Steelers secondary.

1. Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers calls signals at the line of scrimmage under center Scott Wells #63 against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.

Of all the teams in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers seem like the only team that could come close to finishing the season undefeated. While I highly doubt they will actually go undefeated, they have the best chance.

The Packers not only have a battle-tested roster, but they also have a ton of guys coming back from injury that will be hungry to prove that they make the team better.

One game that I think the Packers could have trouble with is their game in Chicago. Last year the Bears actually swept the Super Bowl champs, and I think they could end up being tough to handle again in 2011.