Joe's NFL Opening Drive: Week 1

After an offseason of hold-outs, firings and signings, the NFL season is back in full force and so is my Opening Drive! Here are the games to watch for during this first weekend of football. (I'm not bothering to put their records down. They're all 0-0.)

Carolina Panthers at
New York Giants

If the Giants are going to make strides in the NFC East, this is the type of game they need to win. Unfortunately the Panthers' running game has made better defenses than the Giants look pedestrian. If the G-men don't slow them down early, don't be surprised if the Panthers sneak out of the Big Apple with a victory.

Atlanta Falcons at
Pittsburgh Steelers

A month without Big Ben begins today as the Falcons come to town. Dennis Dixon has more mobility but can't win games on his own. Rashard Mendenhall will see a ton of carries as Mike Tomlin avoids putting too much pressure on his quarterback. His defense is good enough to slow down the Falcon offense, so ATL QB Matt Ryan has to ensure that his team scores touchdowns and doesn't just settle for field goals.

Indianapolis Colts at
Houston Texans

I almost didn't talk about this game. Until the Texans actually win a game against the Colts, it's never going to be "their year." As good as the Texan offense is, the Colts still have Peyton Manning. In weeks one through twelve, that's as close to an automatic win as you get.

Cincinnati Bengals at
New England Patriots

Is your popcorn ready? No? What are you waiting for? In the AFC North, winning your division games isn't an easy task, but the Bengals managed to go 6-0 last season. That won't happen again, so racking up wins outside the north is paramount. Their defense gets an early test against a Patriot offense that appears in mid-season form, so Carson Palmer can't wait a couple weeks to hit his groove. There could be an aerial display today in Boston.

San Francisco 49ers at
Seattle Seahawks

With everyone (including me) picking the Niners to take this defense without much resistance, the Seahawks have an early opportunity to change some minds if they can win at home on Sunday. Pete Carroll's team is talked about as having more finesse than toughness, so going out and beating the tough-as-nails Singletary's squad would be a huge step for his renovated 'Hawks. If the Niners cruise to a win, the division race is probably already over. (Too soon?)

Green Bay Packers at
Philadelphia Eagles

Despite already being anointed the Super Bowl champs, the Packers can't afford to slip-up early against a young Eagles squad. Aaron Rodgers has to keep scoring touchdowns so his defense can focus against stopping the opponent's passing attack, Green Bay's only real weakness. Kevin Kolb will make plenty of mistakes.

Dallas Cowboys at
Washington Redskins

This NFC East rivalry is always a fun one to watch, so tune in on Sunday night. Donovan McNabb has something to prove in his opener with the 'Skins but his ankle still isn't fully healed. That could mean less mobility and more hits taken from DeMarcus Ware and that Cowboy pass rush. I look for Tony Romo to have a big day. Oh, and that fat and lazy Haynesworth guy will play a bit.

Baltimore Ravens at
New York Jets 

Monday night's opening game is going to be a slug-fest. Both defenses talk loud and hit hard, but there can be only one! (Sorry, Highlander on the brain. How often does that happen?) This game boils down to one fact: I trust Joe Flacco more than Mark Sanchez. Ravens win.

Happy football everyone!