DFWsportsonline NFL Week 1 Predictions
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DFWsportsonline’s panel of football “experts” weighs in on the NFL games for each week. Follow our panel to see who really knows the game, or, follow Penny (heads, visiting team wins – tails, home team wins).
We also provide key matchups to watch for in each week.
| George | Gene | Dave | Matt | Felix | Penny | |
| Cowboys@Giants | Giants | Cowboys | Giants | Giants | Cowboys | Giants |
| Colts@Bears | Bears | Bears | Bears | Bears | Bears | Colts |
| Falcons@Chiefs | Chiefs | Falcons | Falcons | Falcons | Chiefs | Falcons |
| Eagles@Browns | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Eagles | Browns |
| Redskins@Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints | Saints |
| Rams@Lions | Lions | Lions | Lions | Lions | Lions | Rams |
| Patriots@Titans | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots | Patriots |
| Jaguars@Vikings | Vikings | Vikings | Jaguars | Vikings | Jaguars | Vikings |
| Bills@Jets | Bills | Bills | Bills | Jets | Jets | Jets |
| Dolphins@Texans | Texans | Texans | Texans | Texans | Texans | Texans |
| Seahawks@Cardinals | Seahawks | Seahawks | Seahawks | Seahawks | Cardinals | Seahawks |
| 49ers@Packers | Packers | Packers | Packers | Packers | Packers | Packers |
| Panthers@Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers | Panthers | Buccaneers |
| Steelers@Broncos | Steelers | Broncos | Steelers | Steelers | Steelers | Broncos |
| Bengals@Ravens | Ravens | Ravens | Ravens | Ravens | Ravens | Ravens |
| Chargers@Raiders | Raiders | Raiders | Chargers | Raiders | Chargers | Raiders |
Key matchups of the week:
Dallas offensive line vs NY defense – The Cowboys’ already suspect offensive line was riddled with injury during the preseason. The starting unit has had limited practice time and will need to gel quickly against one of the NFL’s premier defensive fronts. 2nd year tackle Tyron Smith has to adjust to a move to the left side, while Doug Free switches to the right. The center of the Dallas line has been a shuffle all offseason. All of this spells trouble as they line up against Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Mathias Kiwanuka. How this unit fares could make or break the Cowboys season.
Drew Brees against the Redskins defense – Forget the hype of RGIII going to Washington. The real story of this game will be if the Saints can keep the ball out of Griffin’s hands. The Saints led the league in both total offense and passing yards last season. The Redskins already had a middle of the road defense, and then lost safety Tanard Jackson, who was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Expect a big day for Brees as the Saints are out to prove they can win without bounties.
San Diego offense against Oakland – Look for Philip Rivers to stretch the field with passes to Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson while using Antonio Gates to keep the chains moving. Gates will look to return to form after being hobbled by injuries the last two seasons.
Peyton Manning versus the Steel Curtain – Manning would probably have preferred not to begin his return to football from a neck injury to be against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were the number 1 team against the pass in 2011, allowing less than 200 yards average passing per game. This will be a major test for Manning and the Broncos’ ability to protect him.
