NFL Predictions 2011: 5 Underdogs That Will Pull off Upset Victories Week 1

It rarely happens in pro sports, but upsets are more common than we think.

The NFL has definitely had its fair share of upsets.

Whether it's early or late in the season—or in the playoffs—upsets are going to occur.

They are, in fact, so relevant in sports, that the games wouldn't be so interesting without them.

The first week of pro football is around the corner, and there are sure to be some upsets.

Here are five to kick off the 2011 season.

Lions over Buccaneers

Both of these teams are definitely on their way up in 2011.

The question is—who improves more this season?

Tampa Bay is coming off a seven-win turnaround in 2010 from 2009, and Detroit finally has something to cheer about for the first time since Barry Sanders was in the backfield.

In Week 1, the Lions travel to Tampa to take on the young Bucs' (pun intended), and have some business to conduct of their own.

Provided that QB Matthew Stafford remains healthy, The Motor City could very well be in the playoff hunt, while many critics are being cynical toward the Buccaneers.

This game could make or break either team's season.

With no one being able to cover Lions WR Calvin Johnson for Tampa Bay, and with the Detroit front seven controlling the line of scrimmage, Tampa Bay falls.

Prediction

Lions 21, Buccaneers 16 

Texans over Colts

Although this appears to be the year that the Houston Texans have a legit shot at winning the AFC South, they won't do so until they defeat the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts pass defense has no answer for stopping Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels.

Even though Arian Foster is hurt, the Texans will use the pass to set up the run later on.

As for Indy, they're simply just battling too many key injuries, and the signing of formerly-retired QB Kerry Collins was done out of desperation.

Even if Peyton Manning is a go, he's not 100 percent.

In addition, Houston bolstered their pass defense in acquiring DBs Danieal Manning and Johnathan Joseph.

Prediction

 Texans 28, Colts 17

Broncos over Raiders

The double-header of Monday Night Football comes in the form of the Oakland Raiders traveling to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Broncos.

This game is very important for Denver, as all eyes will be on new head coach John Fox, QB Kyle Orton and rookie second-overall pick Von Miller.

The Broncos have significantly improved this offseason by drafting Miller and adding RB Willis McGahee, rookie OL Orlando Franklin and rookie DB Rahim Moore.

As for Oakland, they no longer have TE Zach Miller, OL Robert Gallery or CB Nnamdi Asomugha.

They have Terrelle Pryor, but he won't be playing in this game. And TE Kevin Boss isn't nearly as reliable as Miller.

Plus, after getting demoralized by the Raiders at home in 2010, the Broncos are out for blood.

Prediction

 Broncos 27, Raiders 10

Redskins over Giants

This one may be a bit of a stretch, but with pretty much everyone discounting the Redskins in 2011, it's only added motivation for them to come out and play well.

The thing about Washington is that we're just not entirely sure who they are or what we're going to get from them.

The only thing for certain is that LBs London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo are beasts, as is DB LaRon Landry.

If there's any way Washington wins this game, it's because they get pressure on Eli Manning throughout and don't turn the ball over.

The Giants are far too talented to lose unless the Redskins get to them early.

New York needs to run the ball effectively while forcing as many turnover on downs as possible for Rex Grossman.

Although Rex is one of the most inconsistent QBs to ever play in the NFL, if his confidence gets going, he can get the job done.

Prediction

 Redskins 20, Giants 17 (OT)

St. Louis over Philadelphia

It you thought the previous one was far-fetched, this one probably tops that.

Shortly after the lockout had ended and once the preseason got rolling, the Philadelphia Eagles were dubbed the "Super Bowl-or-bust" franchise for 2011.

And rightfully so, as they acquired Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown, Ryan Harris and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, among others.

The Rams, on the other hand, are riding with second-year QB Sam Bradford and the legs of RB Steven Jackson.

If there's any weakness in Philly, it's their front seven. St. Louis really needs to control the clock and not turn the ball over.

Also, if Rams DL Chris Long can continually get pressure on Michael Vick, it'll only be to St. Louis' advantage, because no one on the Eagles OL will be able to block him.

Prediction

Rams 24, Eagles 21

Be sure to check on John on Bleacher Report.

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