Green Bay Packers: 5 Reasons Green Bay Will Roll on New Orleans

Thursday night's opening game pits the Green Bay Packers against the New Orleans Saints, and while many predict this to be a close game between the last two Super Bowl champions, the Packers have the talent to shock many people and blow out the Saints on opening day.

Here are five reasons that I believe the Green Bay Packers will win the first game of the season by a much larger margin than many people may believe.

5. They Are Playing at Home

While the Lambeau Field advantage isn't necessarily as big in September as it is in December or January, Lambeau Field is going to be electric on Thursday night, as Packers fans will be loudly supporting their defending Super Bowl champions for Week 1.

Last season, the Packers were 7-1 at home, signaling a home-field advantage for the Packers that is becoming more prevalent than when Aaron Rodgers first became the starter in Green Bay, where the Packers were only 4-4 at home.

4. The Packers Have Rolled on Similar Teams

In the playoffs last year, the Packers came into Atlanta and stomped on them in a 48-21 rout.

In many ways, the Falcons and Saints are similar teams in that they have a high-powered offense with a defense that has been known to give up points at times.

The Packers seemingly have the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, which helped them against Atlanta, and could help them against New Orleans.

3. The Saints Give Up Points

As I mentioned in the last slide, the Saints have a defense that prides itself on turnovers, but not necessarily preventing points from being scored.

Just look at their own playoff loss, where they allowed the 7-9 Seahawks to roll up 41 points on them.

The Packers have a defense that prides itself on turnovers as well, but they are also able to prevent points from being scored. Their corners frequently shut down big name receivers, while their defensive line is able to shut down the run.

2. The Packers Have More Offensive Weapons

Although the Saints offense is certainly prolific, the Packers have one of the best receiving corps in the league with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and now Randall Cobb.

In addition, they have several tight ends that have proven their pass-catching abilities in Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Ryan Taylor and D.J. Williams.

The Saints may have a better running game, but the Packers' receiving corps is superior.

1. The Packers Will Defend the Title Well

The Packers may go into the season opener with a chip on their shoulder, as they have faced some scrutiny for not having offseason, player-organized workouts like the Saints did.

Thus, many people are saying the Saints are more ready for the season.

The Packers have veteran leadership that knows the importance of preparedness, and they will not let success get to their heads. Unlike what many people might think, the Packers will not get complacent, and they will not get too cocky.

They know that this is a new season and that they have to play to win just like they did last year.