2011 NFL Schedule: 5 Teams Dreading Their Week 1 Opponents

I can guarantee you that every team in the NFL is excited for their 2011 season opener.

That being said, there are a few teams that have to be absolutely dreading their Week 1 opponents.

Perhaps they know that they are overmatched and are facing a far greater opponent, but I don’t think that necessarily has to be the case. Sure, you know that you are overmatched as a team, but I don’t think that’s where the greatest fear comes from.

I believe it’s the teams on upset watch that have to have that nervous feeling in their stomachs. They know they are the better team, but at the same time, they know that their opponent is coming out with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

Here are five teams that have to be dreading their Week 1 matchups:

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Personally, if I had to go against the Ravens defense, I would be scared out of my mind. I have a feeling that the Steelers aren’t shaking in their boots like I would be, but they can’t be too happy to be playing the Ravens.

Anytime these two teams meet, it becomes a war on the turf pretty much. It’s aggressive, hard-hitting, ruthless football and somebody is bound to get hurt.

The Steelers are coming off a Super Bowl loss, and they’re going to be put to the test right away by the talented Ravens.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

This game has all the makings of a revenge game for the Houston Texans. The Colts have beaten up on them year after year, and they always seem to stand in the way of their playoff hopes. Now the Texans get to square off at their house with a weak and reeling team after the loss of Peyton Manning.

This could get ugly very quick.

St. Louis Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

This is going to be a very tough game for the Eagles. They have to go into the Rams dome, which will undoubtedly be loud, and play a very talented and somewhat underrated team.

Everybody thinks that the Eagles are the dream team, but I think they are susceptible to an upset here in Week 1. There’s a lot of pressure on them to succeed, and the Rams are hungry to prove their legitimacy.

Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals

I believe the Cardinals have to be feeling just a little bit uneasy about the prospects of facing Cam Newton and the Panthers. Even though we got a good look at Newton, he still has the potential to go off and shock the NFL on any given play.

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins

Simply put, I think the Dolphins are looking square in the eyes of a blowout here, and they know it. The Patriots are going to be a very good team again, and the Dolphins have one of the worst quarterback situations in the league.

The game’s on Monday Night Football, which means the Dolphins are facing national humiliation.

There's nothing worse than that.