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betting » Previews » NFL 2011 - Week 1 - Makings Of The NFL Champs

NFL 2011 - Week 1 - Makings of the NFL Champs

By Joe, BettingExpert.com | Edited

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aaron rodgers

Here we go! The Green Bay Packers return with QB Aaron Rodgers in the main role against the New Orleans Saints, the defending champions against the champions of 2010. Other title contenders like the New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers and New York Jets are all in action. Play Ball.

 

 

NFL 2011 Week 1

 

 

Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints

The NFL season starts with the reigning champion Green Bay Packers hosting the former champions, New Orleans Saints on Thursday evening at the Lambeau Field. The home side is definitely in form for this first game of the season as they recorded a 3-1 preseason overall record. The last three games saw three consecutive wins over Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. After cutting two more players from their 53 man roster, the Packers are the second youngest team with ten rookies on the payroll. This is something that needs to be taken into consideration as the defending champion have issues on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, Quarterback Aaron Rodgers should be able to handle his business and put them on the scoreboard often.

The Saints go marching on or is that just something of the past? Are QB Drew Brees and the Saints only in hope? He will be up against some dominating pass defense and there will be a bit more pressure on Brees in his first game of the season. The good thing about the Saints is that they also have elite pass protection that can give the Packers a run for their money. Therefore, turnovers will be key to the Saints chances of winning the game and also by creating big plays. The addition of Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles will have a major impact and this combination in the Saints backfield will only improve their chances. The Saints went 2-2 overall in their pre-season games.

 

Verdict: Quick and simple, passing will be the key. Packers should have the edge it this one out with Rodgers making the big plays.

 

 

San Diego Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Sunday will see the Chargers and Vikings facing off. And it will be offense that will determine the winner in this clash. The Chargers will host the Vikings at the Qualcomm Stadium, a perfect to showcase for the world of what American football is all about. The Vikings have a potent running game but the Chargers will counter that with their passing game. QB Phillip Rivers will be key to the Chargers win with three receivers, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates. The trio are strong and have the ability to catch anything in the air. This is where the game is to be won.

Minnesota will have to forget their disappointment last season and come back even stronger with character, led by QB Donovan McNabb. They are a weakened side losing Ray Edwards, so the pass rush is left for Jared Allen to get the job done. This limits the ability of the Vikings on defense. If they fall behind the Vikings will have to resort to the passing game. Having said that, the Vikings can certainly sustain long drives, so the more they see the ball, the more confidence they will gain.

 

Verdict: High scoring game where both offenses should dominate. The Chargers should be able to find a bit more.

 

 

New York Jets vs. Dallas Cowboys

Sunday evening game between the New York Jets and the Dallas. On national TV, the winner will show America and the world who is a legitimate title contender. The New York Jets might have felt hard done from their Championship defeat a season ago, but it is one better than the season before for Coach Rex Ryan. This season, his aim, the fan’s aim and the aim of QB Mark Sanchez will be to see themselves getting into the Superbowl, one step better than last year. Together they are in their third year and the pressure is on Sanchez to take the next step. The Jets are 2-2 in their pre-season and reviewing their roster, last Sunday saw Greg McElroy on injured reserve, releasing Aaron Maybin and signing seven to the practice squad following the defeat to the Eagles 24-14. Rex Ryan has a lot to think about and once again with many hardknock decisions.

The Cowboys fared no better than the Jets in their pre-season run up. They went 2-2, losing one and winning one travelling, most recently a defeat of 17-3 to the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys are struggling to find the right players, with no full backs, letting 2 kickers go and also having four tight ends on the roster. This is not the ideal start for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, Rex Ryan’s brother, in stopping the Jet’s offense. The Cowboys will have to rely on QB Tony Romo to make every play inch perfect to get onto the scoreboard in New York.

 

Verdict: Too early for the Cowboys and the system should work for the Jets, a win for the home team.

 

 

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

Monday Night football is back as the Dolphins host the AFC favorites, New England Patriots at the Sun Life Stadium. This one is an explosive game after witnessing the Miami Dophins go 3-1 in the pre-season. The play of QB Chad Henne built some confidence with receiver Brandon Marshall and together they will be looking for many trips to the endzone this season. However, it is Reggie Bush that will be the one additional element to the roster that might determine the difference for Miami this season. There is a good vibe and scent of winning in the air in Miami, which could lead to the Dolphins causing the week one upset.

The New England Patriots are expected to win the AFC East so no brownie points for you guessing that. Their first game against the Dolphins could have a negative effect into their season if they were to lose as next up is the San Diego Chargers at home. Their quick playoff exit last season must have hurt QB Tom Brady’s confidence and their last two games in the pre-season saw them slumping against both the Detroit Lions and New Year Giants, ending an overall 2-2 record in the pre-season. Coach Bill Belichick's no nonsense approach will ask a lot of Brady and RB Benjarus Green-Ellis. They will need to perform while additions Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco have made good impressions, but it’s the regular season that counts.

 

Verdict: Hard one to call on Monday night, but Patriots have the players to sum things up, Dolphin needs to find their groove.



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