5 Bold Predictions for NFL Week 1

As we inch closer to the start of the 2011 NFL season, the anticipation is growing in the minds of all football fans.

The season kicks off tonight in a Thursday night game between the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints, so get ready because here are five bold predictions on what is going to go down this weekend.

New Orleans Will Defeat Green Bay

Sorry Packers fans, but the road to a possible repeat at the Super Bowl begins with a loss to the Saints.

Yes, the Packers are favorites in this game and the game will be played at Lambeau field, but I still see the Saints overcoming and winning this game.

The Saints desperately want to get back into the Super Bowl picture and they have the tools to pull it off this year. Not that Aaron Rodgers isn't a determined and star quarterback, but I believe Brees has more determination this season and will dominate this game.

It will be high-scoring to say the least, and I fully expect new additions Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram to make a big impact in the running game for New Orleans.

It will also be interesting to see whether Ryan Grant or James Starks get more touches for the Packers, but in the end, I still see the Saints pulling out the win. 

Julio Jones Will Get His First 100-Yard Game

Julio Jones will be playing in his first regular season NFL game against the Chicago Bears Sunday afternoon in Chicago.

The Atlanta Falcons gave up a plethora of draft picks just to acquire Jones, and I fully expect the Falcons and their star quarterback Matt Ryan to utilize Jones' play-making abilities, which were put on display in his time with Alabama.

Jones may be the No. 2 receiver for Atlanta this season behind Roddy White, but with another big-time receiver to throw to, I'm sure Matty Ice is foaming at the mouth to throw the ball to Jones.

I see Jones getting several touches on Sunday and cashing in his first 100-yard receiving game as an NFL wideout.

Minnesota Will Defeat San Diego

Another upset prediction, I believe that the Minnesota Vikings are going to surprise everyone and defeat the San Diego Chargers this Sunday.

Donovan McNabb can still play football, for those who have forgotten, and the loss of Sidney Rice is not the end of the world by any means considering they still have the speedy Percy Harvin.

With the loss of Brett Favre, Minnesota should also move away from their pass-oriented offense of last season and can now give the ball more to Adrian Peterson, who will be able to shine from the backfield.

It should be a close game, but I see Minnesota winning this one.

New England Will Score at Least 40 Points

For the last two predictions, I thought that I would stick to Monday Night Football.

When the New England Patriots play the Miami Dolphins during the first game on Monday night, I expect a complete slaughter to occur.

Tom Brady will use all of his assets on the field as passing targets, and expect BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley to get a lot of touches from the backfield.

The Patriots will win their first game of the season against the Dolphins, and I predict that they will score upwards of 40 points.

Oakland Will Defeat Denver

The second game to be played this Monday will be between the Oakland Raiders and the Denver Broncos. It should be a close game, but I predict that the Raiders will pull off the win. 

The Raiders have the tools to be a decent team this year, and I think players such as Darren McFadden and Jacoby Ford will be impact players this season for the Oakland offense.

There is a case to be made about Denver winning as well, but I have a feeling that this game will belong to the Raiders.

Thanks for reading—share your thoughts and get ready for this long-awaited weekend!