2011 NFL Schedule: Predicting Upsets for Each Week of the NFL Season
The 2011 NFL schedule was just released, but will the NFL lockout come to an end so we can all enjoy the sport that we know and love?
Last season, we saw a number of teams come out of nowhere and shock the football world. No one could have seen the Kansas City Chiefs winning the AFC West. Or how about the Atlanta Falcons posting the best record in the NFC. Did anyone have any idea that the Seattle Seahawks would make the playoffs and win their first-round game with a below .500 record in the regular season?
When we take a look at this year's schedule, there are a number of great games set up that really could go either way. But what team is going to be the most surprising this year? Who will be the Kansas City Chiefs of the 2011 season?
Let's break down one potential upset pick from each week in the 2011 NFL season.
Buckle up and get ready, this should be a good one.
Week 1: Oakland at Denver
1 of 17
Who: Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
Where: Invesco Field - Denver, Co.
When: Monday, Sept. 12 @ 10:15 p.m.
Outlook: The Raiders open up the 2011 season with the second game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader against the Denver Broncos.
Last year, Oakland surprised some people by cruising to an 8-8 record while not losing a single divisional game. But heading into this year, there are some questions to be answered with this team.
Who will be the starting quarterback? Will Nnamdi Asomugha be a member of the team in 2011? How will Hue Jackson fare in his first year as the team's head coach?
While Oakland has a lot of questions to be answered, Denver can't possibly be any worse than they were in 2010.
Tim Tebow has a year of experience under his belt, and while Kyle Orton may be the starting quarterback by the time this game arrives, one would have to assume that Tebow will see the field in this season opener.
Denver has the second pick of this April's draft where they are expected to add an impact player on defense. Combine that with the fact that they will get Elvis Dumervil back, a defensive end who led the NFL in sacks in 2009, and this should be a much improved defense.
Look for Denver to come out strong and open up the season with an upset victory in the final game of Week 1.
Make it: Denver 28, Oakland 24
Week 2: Arizona at Washington
2 of 17
Who: Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Redskins
Where: Fed Ex Field - Landover, MD
When: Sunday, Sept. 18 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: These are two teams that both underachieved in 2010 and have the job of trying to rebuild their rosters in 2011.
When you look at both Arizona and Washington, they have two huge things in common: Both teams need a quarterback.
Fortunately for Arizona, they have the No. 5 selection in this month's NFL draft and should have a shot at landing either Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert, the two top quarterbacks in this year's draft class.
Washington, on the other hand, has the No. 10 pick in the draft, which is too late in the first round to land one of those top two quarterbacks and probably too late in the second round to land anyone in the second tier group of quarterbacks.
At this point in the season, assuming there is a season, Rex Grossman could be the Redskins starting quarterback. That just doesn't bode well for Washington against Arizona, or anyone in the NFL for that matter.
Make it: Arizona 27, Washington 21
Week 3: Miami at Cleveland
3 of 17
Who: Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium - Cleveland, OH
When: Sunday, Sept. 25 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: This game could be the story of two different teams heading in opposite directions.
The Cleveland Browns had some impressive games last season, including an unexplainable victory over New England.
With a healthy Colt McCoy and a top-10 draft pick on the way, the Browns appear to be on the upswing. McCoy had an average rookie season, but has a year of experience under his belt now and should be better in 2011. Peyton Hillis had a breakout year last season and looks to be a mainstay in that Cleveland backfield. If the Browns can add Julio Jones with that No. 6 pick, this has the potential to be an explosive offense.
On the other hand, Miami seems to be heading in the opposite direction.
Chad Henne had a terrible year last season, and both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown could be out of town by the time the 2011 season roles around. It's just a matter of time before Brandon Marshall becomes a real headcase for this team and then they could officially hit rock bottom.
I see Cleveland taking this game in a close one.
Make it: Cleveland 20, Miami 13
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Week 4: Indianapolis at Tampa Bay
4 of 17
Who: Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL
When: Monday, Oct. 3 @ 8:30 p.m.
Outlook: Look out for the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2011.
The Buccaneers finished 2010 with a 10-6 mark and just missed the playoffs.
Quarterback Josh Freeman is a rising star in this league and LeGarrette Blount had a fantastic rookie season and should build on that in his sophomore campaign.
Tampa Bay has always had a solid defense and it should stay that way in 2011, especially if the Bucs are able to land a defensive end in this year's draft, perhaps Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan or Iowa's Adrian Clayborn.
On the other end, I expect Indianapolis to be good again in 2011. Peyton Manning is still one of the best in the NFL, and he should have a healthy receiving core this season.
With that said, I think that both of these clubs are playoff bound in 2011. I just think that home-field advantage turns out to be the difference in this one and allows Tampa Bay to squeak out an early season upset victory.
Make it: Tampa Bay 27, Indianapolis 20
Week 5: Chicago at Detroit
5 of 17
Who: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Where: Ford Field - Detroit, MI
When: Monday, Oct. 10 @ 8:30 p.m.
Outlook: The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise. And after the way last year's game ended against Chicago, the Lions are going to want revenge in this one.
Lions fans have waited a long time to get a Monday Night Football game, and now they got their wish against their NFC North rival.
Chicago had a great season in 2010, but they have glaring holes on the offensive and defensive lines, both of which can't be immediately fixed through the draft. Jay Cutler had a solid season, but he needs some more protection to keep him healthy for a full year.
I think that Chicago will have a solid year in 2010, but the same can be said for Detroit. This will be a signature win for a team that is heading in the right direction at the right time.
Make it: Detroit 24, Chicago 20
Week 6: New Orleans at Tampa Bay
6 of 17
Who: New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, FL
When: Sunday Oct. 16 @ 4:00 p.m.
Outlook: It seems like everyone expects the Saints and Falcons to battle it out for the top spot in the NFC South this season. But don't be surprised to see Tampa Bay right in that mix as well.
As we pointed out earlier in this slideshow, Tampa Bay should have a promising offense in 2011 and should be able to add some talent to that defense through the NFL draft.
New Orleans is still one of the elite teams in the NFL, but they regressed last year after their Super Bowl season in 2010. Drew Brees is one of the best in the game today, but this team fails to find a permanent answer at the running back position, which could hurt them in the future.
These two teams will meet twice in 2011, but Tampa Bay takes this one on their home field.
Make it: Tampa Bay 38, New Orleans 34
Week 7: Washington at Carolina
7 of 17
Who: Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers
Where: Bank of America Stadium - Charlotte, NC
When: Sunday, Oct. 23 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: I know it might be crazy that I could be picking Carolina to win any game after the abysmal season they had in 2010. But all signs point to Carolina being better in 2011. Unfortunately for Washington, they can not say the same.
The Panthers hold the No. 1 pick in this month's draft, and assuming that the pick is Cam Newton, he should have a feel for the NFL game by the time Week 7 roles around.
Washington, on the other hand, might not have a quarterback by this point in the season. They will likely go after a QB through free agency, but with the current lockout in place, no one has any idea who that quarterback might be.
If there was one guarantee to make about this game, it's that it should be an ugly one between two bad teams. On this day, Carolina just happens to be a little better.
Make it: Carolina 20, Washington 12
Week 8: Jacksonville at Houston
8 of 17
Who: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Where: Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX
When: Sunday, Oct. 30@ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: The Houston Texans regressed last year, which was not something that was expected with this team coming into the season.
Now heading into 2011, the Texans have found their answer at running back with Arian Foster and should have a healthy Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, which has the potential to be the best quarterback-receiver combo in football.
After a disappointing 2010 season, the Texans will be rewarded with a high draft pick this year, which should add a boost to a pretty mediocre defense.
On the other side, Jacksonville just appears to be a team in limbo. They always seem to be good enough to finish right near .500 every year, but never quite good enough to win their division and make any type of noise in the postseason.
Houston will be better in 2011, and with what we've seen lately with Jacksonville, they will be, well, just the same as always.
Either way, this game should be a score-fest, with two of the worst secondaries in all of football.
Make it: Houston 31, Jacksonville 21
Week 9: Green Bay at San Diego
9 of 17
Who: Green Bay Packers vs. San Diego Chargers
Where: Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
When: Sunday, Nov. 6 @ 4:15 p.m.
Outlook: The Green Bay Packers very well could be the most loaded team in the NFL next season. Coming off a Super Bowl title, the Packers have to be the early season favorite to repeat, but they can't win every game they play.
The Chargers are a team that are coming off a disappointing season, but all signs point to this group being better in 2011. Phillip Rivers had an MVP-like season last year, and with a healthy running game, this team should be playoff-bound.
The Packers could have the best record in the NFL next season, but no team is going to go undefeated, and if there is one game that Green Bay could very well lose, this one really does stand out.
Make it: San Diego 28, Green Bay 24
Week 10: New York Giants at San Francisco
10 of 17
Who: New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers
Where: Candlestick Park - San Francisco, CA
When: Sunday, Nov. 10 @ 4:15 p.m.
Outlook: The San Francisco 49ers are one quarterback away from being a good NFL football team.
Jim Harbaugh takes over as head coach and will be looked at to lead this team back to the postseason. The good news for the 49ers is that having a .500 record should be just enough to get there with the division they play in.
On the other hand, the Giants are a team that are just four years removed from a Super Bowl title. But for some reason, Eli Manning and the Giants just can't seem to find a level of consistency. Something has to be done with this backfield because the idea of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw sharing carries just isn't going to work out for this team.
It's up in the air whether either of these teams are going to be playoff-bound in 2011, but look for the 49ers to escape with a close win in this Week 10 game.
Make it: San Francisco 21, New York Giants 20
Week 11: San Diego at Chicago
11 of 17
Who: San Diego Chargers vs. Chicago Bears
Where: Soldier Field - Chicago IL
When: Sunday, Nov. 20 @ 4:15 p.m.
Outlook: Chicago is coming off an NFC North Championship season, but a poor showing in the NFC title game could result in a down year for the Bears in 2011.
On the other hand, San Diego had a poor year in 2010 for their standards, but look for this team to bounce back this year. Phillip Rivers has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and it is only a matter of time before that running game gets going again.
Sure, these are two good teams, but any time a team comes into Chicago and steals one from the Bears' home field, that has to be considered an upset.
That's exactly what will happen in this Week 11 matchup.
Make it: San Diego 27, Chicago 21
Week 12: New England at Philadelphia
12 of 17
Who: New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA
When: Sunday, Nov. 27 @ 4:15 p.m.
Outlook: At this point, we would have to assume that Michael Vick will be the starting quarterback for the Eagles, which means that this game should feature a dynamite quarterback matchup.
Look for both of these teams to be playoff-bound in 2011, but neither of them are going to go undefeated on the year.
These are two of the most explosive offenses in all of football, but both of the defenses are question marks heading into this season. Expect there to be a ton of points scored in this one, and most likely, it will come down to the final drive.
This would be a signature win for Michael Vick and one that I think he will get.
Make it: Philadelphia 35, New England 30
Week 13: Tennessee at Buffalo
13 of 17
Who: Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium - Orchard Park, NY
When: Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: This is a matchup of two bad football teams. But in 2010, Buffalo was worse, which is why beating Tennessee would make this an upset.
Tennessee is a team that could have a huge quarterback issue at this time next year. They have parted ways with Vince Young, Kerry Collins is way past his prime and that leaves Rusty Smith as the lone quarterback on this roster.
The Titans have the No. 8 pick in this year's draft, and by that point, both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert should be off the board.
On the other end, Buffalo has some quarterback issues as well, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is a much better option than both Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith.
Neither of these teams have a good defense, which means that this game should just be down-right ugly all the way around.
In the end, Tennessee makes it just a little bit more ugly than Buffalo.
Make it: Buffalo 16, Tennessee 10
Week 14: New York Giants at Dallas
14 of 17
Who: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Where: Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TX
When: Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 8:20 p.m.
Outlook: This is one of the best rivalries in all of sports and the potential of an upset would make it that much more exciting.
We have to assume that Dallas is going to bounce back and have a better season than they did in 2010. Tony Romo should be back healthy and it looks like Dallas might get him some much needed protection by taking the top offensive tackle prospect in this year's draft, USC OT Tyron Smith.
The defense should be decent, but they do need to address some holes in that secondary if they are going to be a playoff team in 2011.
On the other end, New York should be in the playoff hunt, but their running game remains a bit of a question heading into the season. Will Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs both be back?
This is a late-season game, so playoff implications could be on the line in this one. Look for Dallas to deliver a huge victory in front of their home fans.
Make it: Dallas 31, New York 23
Week 15: Green Bay at Kansas City
15 of 17
Who: Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Where: Arrow Head Stadium - Kansas City, MO
When: Sunday, Dec. 18 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: Kansas City was one of the most surprising teams in the NFL last season, winning their division and making a playoff push.
The Chiefs excel with running the football, and right now the Green Bay Packers are in need of a defensive tackle who can be used to defend the run. The Chiefs ranked first in the league last year in rushing, averaging over 164 yards per game.
On the other end, the Packers are the defending Super Bowl champs, and it will be tough for anyone to beat this team with the talent they are bringing back.
It looks like both of these teams could be playoff-bound this year. But in this one, Kansas City gets the best of Green Bay.
Make it: Kansas City 27, Green Bay 23
Week 16: San Francisco at Seattle
16 of 17
Who: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Where: Qwest Field - Seattle, WA
When: Saturday Dec. 24 @ 4:15 p.m.
Outlook: Both of these teams have a lot of question marks heading into the 2011 season, so it will be interesting to see if this game has any playoff implications at this point in the season.
If Matt Hasslebeck does indeed retire, we could be looking at a Alex Smith vs. Charlie Whitehurst matchup. Let's just hope that these teams make some moves at the quarterback position so we wouldn't have to be subjected to watching those two go at it.
Seattle edged out the division last year with a 7-9 regular season record. I could see both of these teams going at it again this year, with St. Louis certainly in that mix as well.
I know Seattle has home field here, but look for San Francisco to sneak out of town with a victory in this one.
Make it: San Francisco 27, Seattle 23
Week 17: Tampa Bay at Atlanta
17 of 17
Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Where: Georgia Dome - Atlanta, GA
When: Sunday, Jan. 1 @ 1:00 p.m.
Outlook: This is a matchup between two up-and-coming teams in the NFL.
I think that at the end of the season both of these teams should be playoff-bound. But if you look at this game, Atlanta could already have a playoff spot wrapped up by this point, while Tampa Bay might need to win this game in order to get in.
Josh Freeman is a star in the making, and Matt Ryan is already a star in this league. But if Atlanta is already in the playoffs by this point, don't expect Ryan to take a chance and play in this one.
It will be close, but look for Tampa Bay to steal a victory in Atlanta.
Make it: Tampa Bay 24, Atlanta 21
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