NFL Predictions Week 1: Eagles' Defense Will Prevail over Sam Bradford's Rams

The Philadelphia Eagles' dream team starts their season on Sunday in St. Louis against the Rams.

Bodog lists the Eagles as 5.5-point favorites.

They have had their issues in the preseason and new teams do tend to take a few weeks to gel, but the Rams shouldn't give the Eagles any problems.

For one, while Sam Bradford is an emerging star, the Philadelphia secondary is loaded with talent. Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will give Bradford a really hard time as he tries to find open receivers. 

The front seven will then be able to shift all of their attention to shutting down Steven Jackson and the St. Louis run game.

Offensively, Michael Vick should do just fine on a turf field. He'll get out on the run and won't be slowed down in any way when he gets moving. When the Rams try to shut his legs down, the weapons will be there to pass to.

I don't believe Philadelphia will make the Super Bowl. That's a blueprint for success that will work against the Rams, but not the elite teams in the conference.

As 5.5-point favorites, the Eagles should have no problem covering. I don't see this as being much of a game.

The Rams are good and should win the NFC West, but they will have issues playing against the top teams across the conference. The good news for them is that every team in their division will lock horns with Philly this year.

St. Louis’ best chance in this game is to take advantage of every mistake that the Eagles make. Even by doing that, they can’t make any mistakes of their own. That’s just not realistic.

Look for the Eagles to come out a little slow, but ultimately put the Rams away in the second half. St. Louis and Bradford will have moments, but not nearly enough of them.

Prediction: Eagles 34, Rams 20