NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 1

That fabled time of year is drawing ever closer, only days away. The time of year when Sundays are no longer just the "day before the Monday", the time of year when true competition comes alive, rivalries are renewed, and the excitement is mounting. Football season is upon us, mere days away from the first kickoff of the season, and no better way to commemorate it then doing some week one NFL predictions and outlooks.

Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Last time these two teams met up, Tennessee was the first team in 2008 to gain over 300 yards on the Steelers, and beat them with a resounding 31-14 score. This time these two meet its going to be a different ball game. The loss of Albert Haynesworth will show a weakened Titans Defensive line, along with a familiar inability to run the ball on the Steelers tough Defense. Pittsburgh will open it up through the air, and edge the Titans in a relatively competitive game.

Players to watch in this game:

Titan's WR Justin Gage - Steeler's TE Heath Miller

Proposed Score : Steelers 24 - Titans 17

Miami Dolphins Vs Atlanta Falcons

Two of the biggest surprises in 2008 were the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons massive improvements and play. Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5 in a single year, and Atlanta showed true offensive potential with the 2nd best RB and 4th best WR in the league. If Miami can contain Michael "The Burner" Turner from running up and down the field at will then the game will be much closer then if they fail to answer for Atlanta's talented tailback. Chad Pennington had the 2ns highest QB rating last year and knows how to play the game efficient and productive, and the defensive back talent has improved as well. But in the end, I dont see the 'Fins stopping Atlanta's run game, and it will just open up the pass to Roddy White and recently acquired Tony Gonzalez.

Players to watch in this game:

Miami's QB Chad Pennington - Atlanta's RB Michael Turner

Proposed Score : Miami 13 - Atlanta 21





Kansas City Chiefs Vs Baltimore Ravens

Kansas City has newly acquired QB Matt Cassel, but they've also lost Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, and will most likely see a mediocre rebuilding phase this year with a new QB and no over achieving offensive talent. Look for Baltimore to establish a steady run game, fortified by surprisingly capable 2nd year QB Joe Flacco, and the continually iron clad Ravens defense that was 2nd in the league last year, led by interception hungry Ed Reed (had the most INT's in 2008).

Players to watch in this game:
Baltimore's Le'Ron McClain- Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe

Proposed Score: Kansas City 7 - Baltimore 17






Philadelphia Eagles Vs Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles come into this season both carrying possibilities of talented offenses. Carolina with double threat RB's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart as well as the always deadly WR Steve Smith; and Philly with a capable QB in Donovan Mcnabb, speedy WR Desean Jackson, and potential filled RB Brian Westbrook. Carolina's offense is going to surge in this game, with arguably the best RB tandem in the league (even against Philly's solid defense).

Players to watch in this game:
Carolina's LB Jon Beason - Philadelphia's WR Desean Jackson

Proposed Score: Philadelphia 17 - Carolina 28






Denver Broncos Vs Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer's back in Cincinnati. Kyle Orton has replaced Jay Cutler in Denver. Two QB controversies for speculation, and don't look for either to have a field day. Even with Denver's talented WR's, their lack of any sort of rushing attack and poor defense will keep this game close for Cincinnati as they show some improvement over last year in continuity. Look for it to come down to the final minutes, with Denver just edging out a win over Cincinnati as Orton adapts to the offense and they try and establish a running game with newly acquired Corelll Buckhalter and just drafted Knowshon Moreno.

Players to watch in this game:
Denver's QB Kyle Orton - Cincinnati's WR Chad Johnson

Proposed Score: Denver 13 - Cincinnati 10






Minnesota Vikings Vs Cleveland Browns

Last year the Cleveland Browns had the 28th ranked run defense in the league, and the Minnesota Vikings has the number one ranked running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. Cleveland also had the 2nd to worst offense in the league, never mustering any potential during the season, while Minnesota had the 6th ranked defense. Cleveland has not made any off season improvements to the point where things look much any brighter for them this year (their QB situation does not look particularly promising either). Look for this game to be a perfect start for Peterson's perennial phenomenal statistics. I can put up with the whimsical notion what it will be competitive for perhaps a quarter or quarter and a half till Minnesota, and AP run away with this one (far far away).

Players to watch in this game:
Minnesota's Adrian Peterson - Cleveland's Braylon Edwards

Proposed Score: Minnesota 31 - Cleveland 10






New York Jets Vs Houston Texans

The Jets and the Texans are too teams sitting on the fence between getting by and showing their true potential. Matt Schaub is back from injuries and is a prominent passer int he league, while on the Jets side, they have decided to start rookie QB Mark Sanchez. Because of the inexperience of starting with rookie Sanchez at QB, look for the Jets to lean on the run, or perhaps even utilize their tight ends more often then normal to build up Sanchez's comfort and confidence (the pressure he feels could be a game changer). Schaub on the other hand has the better array of offensive weapons, led by 2008 league leading receiver Andre Johnson. Both teams have average defense's and it'll be a competitive game with the Texans pulling out a hard fought victory.

Players to watch in this game:
Houston's DE Mario Williams - New York's QB Mark Sanchez

Proposed Score: New York 17 - Houston 23






Jacksonville Jaguars Vs Indianapolis Colts

Inter-division games are always hard fought, and so can be said for the two-a-year Indianapolis vs Jacksonville match ups. Indianapolis's run defense will be without Bob Sanders, but should see decent improvement due to the draft editions of rookie defensive tackles Terrance Taylor and Fili Moala. Look for the Jaguars to gain sufficient yards on the ground but fail to pull off the crunch time plays through the air, or stop Peyton Manning when they really need to. This will not be a game in which Indy's poor run game should show any improvement so look for them to go to the air, pinpointing Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez while Wayne is likely double covered. Should be a battle as always with Indy edging it out int he fourth.

Players to watch in this game:
Jacksonville's RB Maurice Jones-Drew - Indianapolis's WR Anthony Gonzalez

Proposed Score: Jacksonville 17 - Indianapolis 24






Detroit Lions Vs New Orleans Saints

The Detroit Lions went a teary eyed 0-16 last year, acquiring a first round draft pick and signing Matthew Stafford, and making him the starting QB. Positive play by Stafford could certainly point the lions in a good direction for 2009 after such an embarrassing season last year. They have some great play makers on their team in RB Kevin Smith and WR Calvin Johnson, if they can utilize them and play smart, they could win some games this season, though this will not be one of them(especially not with that carried-over last ranked defense from last year). New Orleans passing attack is a force to be reckoned with led by the talented Drew Brees who threw for over 5000 yards last year, and does not look to slow down too much this year.

Players to watch in this game:
Detroit's QB Matthew Stafford- New Orleans WR Devery Henderson

Proposed Score - Detroit 13 - New Orleans 28





Dallas Cowboys Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both the Cowboys and Buccaneers went 9-7 last year and failed to make the playoffs. Both teams are looking for new play makers and leaders to emerge to bring them back to their dominant selves. The Buccaneers have a solid defense and are trying to find their identity on the offensive side of the ball, though Antonio Bryant was a keystone to their offense last year and should continue to put up solid numbers this year. Dallas had the best defensive end in the league in Demarcus Ware, and is trying to sort out their wide receiver corp, though they still have Jason Witten, arguably one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Look for a competitive match up, it could go either way, but it looks like Dallas will tip this one in their favor based on offensive talent and quarterback play.

Players to watch in this game:
Dallas TE Jason Witten - Tampa Bay's RB Derrick Ward

Proposed Score: Dallas 23 - Tampa Bay 13





San Francisco 49ers Vs Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a loss in the Superbowl, and while they will not rebound to another Superbowl berth, they do stand to play pretty well this year. Their first game of the year squares them off against division rival San Fransisco. Look for the 49ers to do good rushing the ball, but once Arizona puts up some points and forces the 49ers to try and keep up then Arizona will pull away. The cardinals have two of the best wide receiver's in the league and look for them to be on display against San Fran's average pass defense (though they shouldn't get too cocky around talented defensive players Patrick Willis and Justin Smith). Look for Arizona to pull away towards the end due to the superior passing game (though hard fought division games are never a surprise).

Players to watch in this game:
San Fransisco's RB Frank Gore - Arizona's DT Darnell Dockett

Proposed Score: San Fransisco 14 - Arizona 23






Washington Redskins Vs New York Giants

Another divisional match up, placing the bottom of the division Redskins vs the top of the division Giants The lack of a true number one wide receiver will put a damper upon New York's offense and will allow the Redskins to put more pressure on Manning to make mistakes. Jason Campbell is no superstar but they have a very capable running back in Clinton Portis and wide receiver in Santana Moss, while the Giants lost Derrick Ward in the off season to the Bucs, putting more pressure on Brandon Jacobs. This has the possibility to go either way but I feel that the Redskins will might not be able to pull of an upset because of the Giants rock solid defense, but ill take a risk.

Players to watch in this game:
Washington's TE Chris Cooley - New York's QB Eli Manning

Proposed Score: Washington 17 - New York 13





St. Louis Rams Vs Seattle Seahawks

St. Louis faces off against Seattle in a battle with seemingly little fire in either team. Both the Seahawks and Rams are coming off rough seasons and looking to rebound. Both quarterback situations have not been what they've used to be and the teams have suffered because of it (the 'hawks leading receiver last year was their TE John Carlson). Look for Steven Jackson to have a good game on the ground and help edge the rebuilding Rams over the Seahawks in a game that is truly up for grabs. Both teams need big improvements in defensive talent and productivity as they both ranked near last in the league in overall yards allowed. Both team's need to show improvement fast as they were the two bottom teams in their division the year previous.

Players to watch in this game:
St. Louis WR Donnie Avery - Seattle's QB Matt Hasselbeck

Proposed Score: St. Louis 13 - Seattle 9




Chicago Bears Vs Green Bay Packers

This off season the Bears made an improvement at quarterback acquiring Jay Cutler in a trade with the Broncos. He'll be bringing his strong arm to a team that already has great running back in Matt Forte, and he should make the wide receiver corp looked better than it is. He just needs to be aware that both Charles Woodson and Nick Collins have interception potential and not to force anything and the defense needs to be aware of Green Bay's offensive potential that was not indicative in their record. Aaron Rodgers has shown the ability to be a great quarterback and has the talent of two thousand yard receivers to throw to, as well as a decent running back in Ryan Grant. If they let Cutler show them up through the air then it will be a tough day for them, but if they can utilize their play makers then its their ballgame, im going to pull for pull that Cutler improves this offense, but this one could be quite close.

Players to watch in this game:
Chicago's QB Jay Cutler - Green Bay's RB Ryan Grant

Proposed Score: Chicago 24 - Green Bay 23



Buffalo Bills Vs New England Patriots

Tom Brady's back, and we'll get a look if he's back at his old form Monday night against the Bills, and if he is, boy will it be a long night for Buffalo. Marshawn Lynch will not be able to play in this game so that all but turns down Buffalo's running game. Needless to say, New England's offense is set to pummel Buffalo, look for Brady and Welker to have big games, making fantasy owners proud. If some quarterback continuity can be established then Lee Evans could have an acceptable game but nothing too glamorous as they will not be able to run well enough to open up the pass, and Evans has little support from his fellow wide receivers as far as talent goes.

Players to watch in this game:
Buffalo's RB Fred Jackson - New England's WR Randy Moss

Proposed Score: Buffalo 9 - New England 24




San Diego Chargers Vs Oakland Raiders

The last game of the week places San Diego against division competitor Oakland. The Raiders have yet to form into a real football team so I really don't see this going anyway then the Chargers. They have a superior running game even with aging Ladianian Tomlinson, and one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league in Philip Rivers. As long as rivers is aware of the skill set of Nnmadi Asomugha then he should have no problems picking the Raiders apart. Look for Antonio Gates to be an easy target for Rivers throughout the game.

Players to watch in this game:
San Diego's WR Vincent Jackson - Oakland's TE Zach Miller

Proposed Score: San Diego 23 - Oakland 10