NFL Week 1 Predictions: 5 Games That Won't Even Be Close

If you play fantasy football, these are the games that can significantly hurt you, or help you, in a great manner.

Also, if you're favorite team happens to be on the bad end of it, you feel a personal hit from the loss.

But counter-intuitive to that, if you're team wins, it gives you much hope for the season at hand.

All this being said, here are five Week 1 games that will be blowouts.

Vikings-Chargers

Minnesota is on the decline, even with Adrian Peterson still in the backfield.

And how many teams do you know get younger at QB, even though the guy they signed (Donovan McNabb) is 34 years old?

In addition, WR Sidney Rice is now in Seattle, and San Diego remains a top-five offense and defense.

Special teams is really the Vikings only hope, as that is the Chargers weakness.

However, you can bet on coach Norv Turner putting an over-emphasis on football's third area, as that prevented the Chargers from making the postseason a year ago.

With Phillip Rivers still under center, and an array of weapons around him, San Diego does work on the Vikings defense, while keeping Adrian Peterson in check.

Prediction: San Diego 38, Minnesota 13

Patriots-Dolphins

In 2010, it was a blowout each time in New England's favor.

And that won't change in 2011.

Miami currently has Chad Henne and Matt Moore to choose from at QB, so they're still about a million steps behind Tom Brady at this point.

Now, the Patriots are no longer with safety Brandon Meriweather (now in Chicago), so if Miami wants to keep it close, airing it out to Brandon Marshall is the key, as is getting Reggie Bush the rock as much as possible.

However, don't think for a second that coach Bill Belichick won't be prepared for any trickery, especially in Week 1 against a division rival on the road.

Prediction: New England 42, Miami 17

Bills-Chiefs

Last season this game came down to overtime, in which K.C. snuck out with the 13-10 victory.

Well don't anticipate the same close game in 2011.

This time around, Buffalo no longer has WR Lee Evans (Ravens), LB Paul Posluszny (Jaguars), or safety Donte Whitner (49ers).

And, the Chiefs are still intact with RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, and safety Eric Berry.

Not to mention in 2010 Kansas City led the NFL in rushing, whereas the Bills were dead last.

Prediction: Kansas City 31, Buffalo 10

Panthers-Cardinals

The only thing keeping the Panthers alive in this game will be their rushing attack, as that will be the Cardinals' weakness.

Carolina has a trio of RBs in DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Goodson, all of whom can run the ball effectively.

However, with Patrick Peterson, Kerry Rhodes, and Adrian Wilson in the Arizona secondary, WR Steve Smith won't be open at all.

Now, Carolina's TEs of Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey do provide a solid receiving target, but they'll be more useful as run-blockers in this game.

Problem, the Panthers' run game won't be able to keep up with Arizona's high flying offense of QB Kevin Kolb, TE Todd Heap (better than either of Carolina's TEs), and WR Larry Fitzgerald.

Shortly into the game, the Cards' will eventually stop the Panthers' ground game and force Cam Newton to throw.

Advantage Arizona.

Prediction: Arizona 34, Carolina 14

Bengals-Browns

It may appear to be a blowout just because you're seeing the team names "Cleveland" and "Cincinnati."

However, both are headed in opposite directions, with the Browns going up.

The Bengals are almost completely revamped on offense with rookie QB Andy Dalton, and WRs A.J. Green and Jordan Shipley.

Also, the defense is now without cornerback Johnathan Joseph, who was arguably their best pass defender.

As for Cleveland, QB Colt McCoy is the real deal, along with RB Peyton Hillis and rookie WR Greg Little.

Defensively, DB Joe Haden will be able to matchup with A.J. Green, and rookie DLs Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard will be a travesty for the Bengals' OL in the trenches.

Prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 7

Be sure to check on John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.