NFL Week 1 Preview & Predictions

Peyton Manning is set to make his Denver Broncos debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. (Justin Edmonds)

Since I have had a super busy week, I am only giving a very brief preview before my predictions. Additionally, since this is this Week 1, I will do all the games. After this week, I will focus on giving more in-depth previews of the five best games each week.

Indianapolis Colts @ Chicago Bears - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

Everyone will of course be focusing on the NFL debut of Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, but it is also Bears quarterback Jay Cutler's debut since suffering an injury midway through last season. Luck will benefit greatly if his defense is able to play well in his support. The Bears have also added wide receiver Brandon Marshall to an offense that already features running back Matt Forte.

Prediction: Bears 27 Colts 17

Philadelphia Eagles @ Cleveland Browns - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

Expectations are high for the Eagles once again, so they must get off to a good start in Week 1. It will greatly help banged up quarterback Michael Vick if LeSean McCoy can get his touches and have a big game. The Browns are debuting a rookie quarterback as well, 28-year-old Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State. Fellow rookie running back Trent Richardson is expected to play after missing time in the preseason with a knee injury.

Prediction: Eagles 27 Browns 13

St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The most integral part of the Rams offense might be their offensive line. They must give quarterback Sam Bradford the time to throw and open up lanes for running back Steven Jackson. The Rams secondary will have their hands full as well. The Lions offense will be even more pass heavy with running back Jahvid Best out. With the likes of quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the Lions should be just fine offensively.

Prediction: Lions 31 Rams 13

New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

Bill Belicheck will have his Patriots masterfully prepared for another season. While many of the leading faces have stayed the same, the Patriots have added some youth and versatility, especially on defense. Expectations are high for rookie defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. The Titans will need a big game out of star running back Chris Johnson to help slow down the Patriots and to take pressure off young quarterback Jake Locker.

Prediction: Patriots 34 Titans 20

Atlanta Falcons @ Kansas City Chiefs - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The Falcons offense has become one of the most dangerous and diversified ones in the league. Quarterback Matt Ryan has a stable of quality wide receivers (Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Harry Douglas) and running backs (Michael Turner, Jason Snelling, and Jacquizz Rodgers). The Chiefs always seem to be on the brink of great things, but just don't have what it takes to get over the top. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, I don't believe they added enough to make a difference this season.

Predictions: Falcons 31 Chiefs 17

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Minnesota Vikings - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

The Jaguars are still in search of their identity. While star running back Maurice Jones-Drew was holding out for a new contract, they struggled in the preseason. The offensive line must give young quarterback Blaine Gabbert time to throw to his receivers, especially talented rookie Justin Blackmon. The Vikings are a much improved football team from last season. Young quarterback Christian Ponder has continued to grow and mature. Even if they are without star running back Adrian Peterson, who is  a game-time decision, I believe they have enough offense to get the job done.

Prediction: Vikings 20 Jaguars 16

Washington Redskins @ New Orleans Saints - 1:00 PM EST, FOX

The big story for the Redskins is the debut of versatile rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin has all of the tools to be an excellent quarterback in the league. What remains to be seen is how long it will take for him to smoothly transition into the NFL. This is a big game for the Saints as well. They are looking to put the bounty scandal behind them for good. Playing well in Week 1 is a great way to go about this.

Prediction: Saints 31 Redskins 17

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

The Bills look to build upon last season's success. One crucial aspect of that is the diversification of their offense. Running back duo Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller's hard rushing opens up the door for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's passing and vice versa. The Jets added more talent, but it hasn't necessarily manifested itself on the field yet. Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow have the opportunity to work well with and benefit each other greatly. They just need to spend time working out the wrinkles.

Prediction: Bills 17 Jets 16

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans - 1:00 PM EST, CBS

The Dolphins are a young team that still needs to develop and mold together. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill will have to be on his toes against a dangerous Texans defense. Running back Reggie Bush adds a diverse element to the Dolphins offense, but isn't the consistent every down back that Tannehill needs. The Texans offense is of course explosive with quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster, and wide receiver Andre Johnson. However, it might be the Texans defense that is even better this season. Many of the same faces are returning, but the unit should also benefit from the addition of new players, such as rookie linebacker Whitney Mercilus.

Prediction: Texans 34 Dolphins 10

Late games will be added soon.