The Broncos are led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who is coming off neck surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2011 season. The Steelers were knocked out of the playoffs last year by Denver, which had Tim Tebow (now with New York Jets) playing quarterback in that game.
There are other games that should make for very interesting openers as the Atlanta Falcons travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, which are looking to atone for an 2011 injury riddled season that saw them finish fourth in the AFC West.
The New Orleans Saints, with the 'bounty gate' suspensions being thrown out, will play host to the Washington Redskins, led by rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. Another rookie QB, Andrew Luck, the top pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, will lead his team against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
The San Francisco 49ers, a pick by many to win the Super Bowl (including right here at heftyinfo) will be in Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers in what could be the best game of the opening week.
An of course, Monday Night Football will have the TWO games on opening weekend as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals while the nightcap game will feature San Diego going against Oakland.
The following offers a capsule form breakdown for the first week of the season.
Indianapolis at Chicago - The Bears have a revamped offense that may well outshine their aging defense. The Colts are beginning a new era with rookie QB Andrew Luck.
Philadelphia at Cleveland - Can Eagles' QB Michael Vick stay in one piece? The Browns are counting on rookies at the two most important offensive positions this year.
St. Louis at Detroit - New Head Coach (Jeff Fisher) for the Rams. The Lions are looking to move forward in 2012.
Miami at Houston - The Texans are a consensus choice to make the Super Bowl this season. Should be a yawner win for them in Week One.
Atlanta at Kansas City - The Falcons looking to make some strides this year will get a BIG test in their opener on the road. The Chiefs want to prove to many they are the real deal in 2012.
Jacksonville at Minnesota - MJD is back! (Although he may not see action in the opener) Will AP be ready for the Vikings?
Washington at New Orleans - Will the QB battle between RG3 and Drew Brees live up to the billing? Nope... Saints roll.
Buffalo at New York Jets - The Bills came unhinged after a great start last year while the Jets slid to .500 record and out of the playoffs. This should be a really good game between two teams looking to move up in the AFC East.
New England at Tennessee - Tom Brady and company facing the Titans, who always seem to be in the mix late in the season. But, it is the opening game, so take the Pats.
Seattle at Arizona - Another rookie starting QB (Seattle's Russell Wilson) goes against QB John Skelton for the Cards. Who? This game could go down to the wire between two evenly matched teams.
Carolina at Tampa Bay - Quarterback Cam Newton looking to have an encore performance this season for the Panthers. The Bucs looking to atone for a disastrous 2011 season.
San Francisco at Green Bay - The game of the day perhaps as the Packers, led by 2011 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, will look to dismantle a top notch defense. Not gonna happen as this game will likely come down to the wire with the defenses shining.
Pittsburgh at Denver - The Steelers are always solid and their defense will get tested by future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning in the Mile High City.
MONDAY NIGHT GAMES
Cincinnati at Baltimore - The Ravens looking to put a beat down on the Bengals in prime time.
San Diego at Oakland - These rivals may go to OT to decide this one. It could come down to which team makes less mistakes as Chargers' QB Philip Rivers and Oakland QB Carson Palmer each has thrown 20 or more interceptions in which they played full seasons.
No comments:
Post a Comment