NFL Picks Week 1: Clashes That Will Keep You on Edge of Your Seat

The 2011 NFL season is finally here as the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints kickoff the season in primetime fashion on Thursday night.

At certain points during this offseason, fans wondered if the regular season would start on time, but the NFL and NFLPA did their job in time, and we will not be neglected of a full NFL season. Thankfully, everything was worked out on time, and we are now blessed to be able to watch these upcoming games:

1. Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets

 The first Sunday night game of the year pits Rex Ryan against his brother and new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan.

After missing nearly the entire season last year, Tony Romo will be back in action in an attempt to lead his team back to the playoffs. Unfortunately for him, his first regular-season game is against the ferocious Jets defense.

They will bring the pressure early and often, and the secondary will make things difficult on Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Mark Sanchez struggled at times during last season, and even with Terrance Newman out of the game, he will have his up and downs in this game. DeMarcus Ware will be sure to get in on Sanchez as much as possible and will likely punish him on a number of occasions.

In the end, the Jets defense will limit Romo and the Cowboys just enough to come away with a victory.

Final Score: 

Dallas Cowboys 17
New York Jets 20

2. Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

 Since when do the Ravens and Steelers disappoint? Never. These two teams have been locked in some real battles over the past two seasons, and while the Steelers have had their number, it doesn't take away from the excitement.

These two teams hit like no other and play some intense, hard-nosed football.

The Ravens are hoping Joe Flacco will finally have his breakout year, while the Steelers are hoping they can return to the Super Bowl.

Baltimore is going to need Ray Rice to get rolling early this season after losing Willis McGahee this offseason, so expect a heavy dose of Rice early in this game.

Ben Roethlisberger will look to show off a couple of his young weapons Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders early in this game. The Ravens lost cornerback Josh Wilson this offseason and will find themselves struggling to contain the deep ball.

Expect Big Ben to keep his unbeaten streak against the Ravens alive. 

Final Score: 

Pittsburgh Steelers 21
Baltimore Ravens 20

3. Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

 Two of the best young teams in the NFL collide in what will unfortunately be a blacked-out game for those in the viewing area.

Thankfully for those outside of Tampa, we get to catch the action live and in full.

Matthew Stafford is healthy and brings Calvin Johnson, Jahvid Best and the ferocious Lions defensive line with him to Tampa in what should be an epic battle.

Josh Freeman proved himself as one of the best up-and-coming quarterbacks last season, and LeGarrette Blount proved himself as one of the most powerful rookie running backs in the game.

Defense is the name of the game in this matchup, so if you love defensive struggles, be sure to tune into this one.

Final Score:

 Detroit Lions 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16

4. New York Giants at Washington Redskins

With Rex Grossman leading the charge for the Redskins in Week 17 last season, the Redskins lost a close game by a score of 17-14 against a more talented Giants team.

The Giants are suffering from plenty of injuries on the defensive side of the ball with Terrell Thomas, Jonathan Goff and Osi Umenyiora all out.

This Redskins team is more talented than the one that Grossman had in Week 17 of last season, as they added Tim Hightower, Jabar Gaffney, Josh Wilson, Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen in the offseason.

It may surprise some people, but the Redskins are going to knock off the Giants in a stunner.

Final Score:

 Washington Redskins 23
New York Giants 20