Ten Week 1 predictions

Week 1 has finally arrived, and here are 10 predictions to get you started.
1. The Patriots' defense won't hold up. Ty Warren(notes) and Leigh Bodden(notes) are out for the year, and several spots — particularly corner — are unsettled for New England. The Bengals were a run-first team last year, but they won't be against a Patriots defense that has trouble getting to the quarterback and is unsure of nfl throwback jerseys
how it will match up outside with its young corners. Expect Carson Palmer(notes) and Co. to put up 30-plus points.
2. Houston won't be ready. Brian Cushing(notes) has been suspended, Dunta Robinson(notes) is in Atlanta, and the Texans still don’t have a consistent pass rusher opposite Mario Williams(notes). Despite the sentiment that this is the year Houston will reach the playoffs, the defense isn’t solid enough to slow the Indy attack. Expect Peyton Manning(notes) to spread the field, splitting out Dallas Clark(notes) often, and attack a secondary that lacks ideal depth. The Colts will win going away.
3. Jacksonville will finally stretch the field. When coordinator Dirk Koetter came to Jacksonville in 2007, many assumed he would feature his trademark vertical passing attack. But the team didn’t have the receiving threats to pull that off. But now the Jags have receivers — Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas — who can threaten the edges. Look for more of a downfield passing attack beginning this week against Denver, which should in turn open up running lanes for Maurice Jones-Drew.
4. The Falcons' pressure will win out. The Falcons took a slight step back last year, partly due to a defense that struggled to get pressure. Expect that to change this season, beginning Sunday at Pittsburgh. New left end Kroy Biermann will be a difference-maker opposite John Abraham, and tackle Peria Jerry — who missed most of last season — will provide a push inside. Look for the quickness and speed of Atlanta’s front four to create havoc for Dennis Dixon all afternoon.
5. Campbell will throw multiple picks. Defensive coordinators know Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell doesn't handle pressure very well, as evidenced by his stats last year in Washington (15 interceptions, 13 fumbles and 43 sacks). Look for Tennessee to use a lot of Dallas Cowboys jersey
stunts and come hard at Campbell and rookie center Jared Veldheer. Tennessee will play its back seven in coverage almost exclusively and force Campbell to check down or throw into coverage.
6. Stafford will throw more TD passes than Cutler. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has plenty of weapons in Detroit’s two-tight end set, a reliable run game and the ability to check down to the open man. Bears coordinator Mike Martz’ pass-oriented system features five- and seven-step drops that will expose Jay Cutler to an improved Lions front four. Look for Stafford to win this QB matchup.
7. Bradford will take a beating. Everyone has been impressed by Rams rookie Sam Bradford, but he hasn’t seen a real NFL defense yet — and neither has his line. Expect Cardinals coordinator Bill Davis to use an expanded blitz package, bringing pressure from different spots on every snap. With rookie Rodger Saffold at left tackle and disappointing Jason Smith at right tackle, it will be a long afternoon for Bradford.
8. It'll be a tough start for Kolb. Kevin Kolb will find out quickly it’s not easy to replace a legend. In Andy Reid's pass-heavy offense, Kolb won't be able to make decisions as quickly as predecessor Donovan McNabb, which will put additional pressure on his line. Look for the Packers to use multiple pressure looks that will have Kolb on the ground much of the day.
9. The Jets won't fly. Yes, the Jets' defense is good, but the offense is a concern. New York had the top rushing game in the league last year but sent two of its key pieces — running back Thomas Jones and guard Alan Faneca — packing. Too much is expected of Mark Sanchez, and there’s too much pressure on the defense to carry the load against a balanced Ravens offense. The tabloids will be screaming in New York on Tuesday morning.
10. Cassel will come alive. Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has shown steady improvement, and he has a nice group of weapons in the passing game. The team also has a legitimate rushing duo in Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles. If those two can force an eighth defender into the box, look for coach Todd Haley to put the game in Cassel’s hands. Expect the Chiefs to hang with San Diego's high-powered offense and pull out an upset.
— RealScouts, a team of Minnesota Vikings jersey
pro football scouts, analyze NFL players, coaches and teams for Sporting News.