Best Pictures (Week 1)

    In our first installment of the series "Best Pictures", we hand picked eight snapshots from Week 1. Enjoy! Comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport! Also, if you wish to set up a link exchange with The NFL Report, email me at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!

Chris O'Meara/AP Photo

Jeffrey Phelps/AP Photo

Ron Schwane/AP Photo

Ric Tapia/NFL

Mike Roemer/AP Photo

Nick Wass/AP Photo

Week 1 Scores

Robert Griffin III

Cowboys over Giants 24-17

Bears over Colts 41-21

Eagles over Browns 17-16

Lions over Rams 27-23

Patriots over Titans 34-13

Falcons over Chiefs 40-24

Vikings over Jaguars 26-23

Redskins over Saints 40-32

Jets over Bills 48-28

Texans over Dolphins 30-10

49ers over Packers 30-22

Cardinals over Seahawks 20-16

Buccaneers over Panthers 16-10

Broncos over Steelers 31-19

Ravens over Bengals 44-13

Chargers over Raiders 22-14

Important Announcement

After tonight's closing of Week 1, The NFL Report is excited for what lies ahead. Week 2 means new segments such as the Game of the Week Preview (GOWP) and the Game of the Week Review (GOWR). There will be the Week 1 scoring updates coming out Tuesday night, as well as the top photos from Week 1 (all of these will be weekly occurrences) and our traditional power rankings every three weeks. There might also be the top plays as well as mistakes every so often, so keep an I out for that. A Fantasy Football Injury Report Update before Sunday's game, and last but least, we will keep you update on The NFL Report's record when it comes to our predictions. Comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport! If you wish to set up a link exchange, email me at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!

Best NFL Memes (August Edition)

The best memes from the month of August! Email me your favorite NFL memes at ledzepfan09@gmail.com!

Playoff Predictions: Super Bowl

49ers over Texans: In this low scoring Super Bowl showdown, tempers are flaring, and the two defenses are succeeding in keeping the score low. It may not be the most exciting Super Bowl, but the game will be close until the very end. Alex Smith and the 49ers offense will be shaken early by this Houston defense, but soon find their groove in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the 49ers defense gave up an early lead, but are able to get in Schaub's head. By the time the dust settles, the San Francisco 49ers are Super Bowl champs once again, and John Harbaugh earns his first championship in the NFL.
Final Score: 49ers over Texans 20-14

Playoff Predictions: NFC Championship

49ers over Packers: Week 1's game proved that San Francisco is the real deal. The team looked great against Green Bay, and managed to beat them on the road. Aaron Rodgers will once again have extreme difficulty playing against this extraordinarily talented defense in the playoffs, and even the 49ers offense will be dominant. Green Bay fans will be forced to watch their talented squad lose a second time to Alex Smith and the 49ers, as they miss out on the Super Bowl once again. Who would have thought Smith would be piloting a Super Bowl caliber team?

Playoff Predictions: AFC Championship

Texans over Patriots: This preseason showed just how weak the Patriots offensive line looks without last year's starters. Both Logan Menkins and Sebastion Vollmer are coping with injuries, where as Matt Light (and possibly Brian Waters) has retired from the game. The Texans defense has an infamous pass rush, and will prevent Brady from forming a rhythm all game. Brady does not enjoy scrambling in the pocket, and has always loved the ability to stay in one place. Meanwhile, Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will be constantly connecting downfield, where as Arian Foster racks up a hundred yards or so with several touchdowns. A relatively high scoring game that results in a Houston victory.

Playoff Predictions: Divisional Round

AFC:

Texans over Ravens: A rematch of the 2011 divisional round, this time the Texans come out on top. The Ravens defense is aging quickly, and the Texans offense will take advantage. Meanwhile, the Texans defense is young and talented, and Ray Rice will have to bear too much of the burden.

Patriots over Bengals: Cincinnati's lack of experience hurts when playing a team like the New England Patriots, one of the best playoff contenders within the past 10 years. Brady has new weapons to throw to, while Gronk and Welker remain his top targets.

NFC:

Packers over Lions: The Packers offense is quite possibly the best in the league, especially with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The Packers organization now has a chip on their shoulder after losing to New York in the Conference Finals. Detroit is not yet stable enough to conquer the Packers in such an important game.

49ers over Eagles: This defense will no doubt bang around Michael Vick, who has never been labeled as "clutch" in the playoffs. Justin Smith and Patrick Willis are both freaks of nature, and will be the stars of this Divisional Round game. Alex Smith proves he can win big games, and therefore lead San Francisco back into the Conference finals.

Week 1 Predictions

     The NFL season is underway! Last Wednesday's game starring New York and Dallas shocked everyone, for the Cowboys were able to defeat the reigning champions. Many teams have undergone big changes, and several stars from around the league are in new cities. The free agency shipped players such as Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow, and Vincent Jackson across the country. Upsets, injuries, and thrillers shape the game we know, and are sure to take place in Week 1. The opening week of football is bound to have exciting endings, and The NFL Report has everything you need to know!

Justin Smith (Kyle Terada/US Presswire)

Game to Watch: 49ers @ Packers: What better way to start off Week 1 than to watch Green Bay take on San Francisco? Two of the most accomplished franchises in NFL history will start their season's at historic Lambeau Field. Tomorrow's game will be a battle between offense and defense, where it will most likely come down to the final seconds. The 49ers added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, and Brandon Jacobs in order to enhance their offense, where as the Packers signed running back Cedric Benson. These two teams are the preseason favorites to win the NFC Championship, and rightfully so. Aaron Rodgers is coming off an MVP season, where as the 49ers fell short of the Super Bowl when losing to New York in an overtime thriller. However, it will be too difficult for San Francisco to march into Wisconsin and steal a win from the Green Bay Packers.
Packers over 49ers 24-13


Stand Out Performance: QB Cam Newton: The Carolina Panthers did not know what to expect from Cam Newton when they drafted him first overall, but in no way did he disappoint. Newton now holds 27 different records, all of which in just his first NFL season. In Week 1, the Carolina Panthers will face-off against the Tampa Buccaneers, the worst scoring defense in the league. In 2011, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed a league high 26 rushing touchdowns, as well as 30 passing touchdowns. Cam Newton is capable of throwing a deep ball down field, and rushing for a big gain.Thanks to his exceptional capabilities, Newton's Week 1 will be a fantasy football gem.
Cam Newton: 375 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD


Player to Watch: QB Peyton Manning: A neck injury kept Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, from playing all of the 2011 season. The Indianapolis Colts were unable to keep their quarterback, who ended up signing with John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Now, we will see if Manning's neck will restrain him from playing like his former self, or if the injury is just a thing of the past. He will not have the same receiving corp as he did during his prime (Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark), but Manning has a way of making the players around him better. Can Manning bear the burden of Denver's organization, or will it be all too much? We will find out tomorrow...
Peyton Manning: 295 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 INT


Week 1 Predictions:

Giants over Cowboys

Bears over Colts

Eagles over Browns

Lions over Rams

Texans over Dolphins

Chiefs over Falcons

Vikings over Jaguars

Saints over Redskins

Jets over Bills

Patriots over Titans

Seahawks over Cardinals

Packers over 49ers

Panthers over Buccaneers

Broncos over Steelers

Ravens over Bengals OT

Chargers over Raiders

Playoff Predictions: Wild Card

AFC:
Texans over Chargers: Unfortunately for the Houston Texans, Matt Schaub was not able to play in the playoffs due to injury, the main reason why they didn't defeat Baltimore in the divisional round. His health is vital, but Arian Foster and Andre Johnson would be able to pick up the slack in 2012. San Diego is not quite as well rounded as the Houston Texans, and therefore will not be able to beat them on the road.

Bengals over Chiefs: Both teams are extremely inexperienced, but the Bengals are more talented on offense and defense. AJ Green is entering his sophomore season in the NFL, and has great chemistry with Andy Dalton. The defense did well in 2011, and drafted corner back Dre Kirkpatrick to enhance their pass defense. This battle of inexperience will be a good one, but Cincinnati will defeat the Chiefs on the road.

NFC:
Lions over Falcons: Historically, the Lions have won just one playoff game in their 50-year history, but this is Detroit's year. However, it all depends on whether or not Stafford can stay healthy. Calvin Johnson is un defend able, especially when Stafford is throwing to him. Atlanta never crosses my mind as a team who can make it all the way to the Super Bowl. The biggest upset for the first round of the playoffs.

Eagles over Bears: Philadelphia's Dream Team is bound to succeed in 2012, and home field advantage gives them the upper hand over Chicago. Michael Vick is injury prone, and he is the difference maker in these playoffs. Jay Cutler does not have the clutch factor necessary to succeed in the post season.

NFC Final Predictions

1. Green Bay Packers (14-2): The Packers are too talented, offensively and defensively, to lose their crown at the the top of the NFC.

2. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): An already extraordinary defense, this organization improved their offense when acquiring three big offensive weapons.

3. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): The defense lost Curtis Lofton, but added cornerback Asante Samuel. The offense on the other hand has absolutely nothing to worry about.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (12-4): Last year was not a good season for Eagles fans, but a turnaround is expected in 2012. Michael Vick will have to stay healthy if they want a spot in the Super Bowl.

5. Chicago Bears (12-4): The addition of Brandon Marshall will restore his chemistry with quarterback Jay Cutler. Watch out for the Bears in the playoffs!

6. Detroit Lions (11-5): Stafford's capability of staying healthy worries me, but this offense is unstoppable if he's throwing to Megatron.

NFL Report Update: New Orleans Saints

Breaking News: Today, a panel of officials overturned the NFL's original ruling on the Saints Bounty Program. Now, four players who were originally suspended will be able to play all 16 games in 2012. One of those players, Jonathan Vilma, is a leader of the Saints defense and a former pro-bowler. This new ruling will affect the fate of New Orleans defense tremendously, keeping them in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs.

2012 NFL Predictions (NFC West)

1. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): The 49ers may not have spent bug bucks on a lone offensive weapon this past off season, but instead stocked up on three new additions for the same price. Randy Moss and Mario Manningham are meant to give quarterback Alex Smith more weapons besides Ted Ginn and Michael Crabtree. The running game recently acquired ex-Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, a back-up to Frank Gore. The defense has the best front seven in the NFL, led by stars such as Justin Smith and Patrick Willis. It was impossible to run over this defense last season, but the pass defense isn't any easier from an offensive standpoint. Alex Smith will need to be the Smith who showed up to play in the NFC Championship Game, and not the one we have seen for the past six years.

Week 1: 49ers @ Packers L
Week 2: Lions @ 49ers W
Week 3: 49ers @ Vikings W
Week 4: 49ers @ Jets W
Week 5: Bills @ 49ers W
Week 6: Giants @ 49ers L
Week 7: Seahawks @ 49ers W
Week 8: 49ers @ Cardinals W
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: Rams @ 49ers W
Week 11: Bears @ 49ers W
Week 12: 49ers @ Saints L
Week 13: 49ers @ Rams W
Week 14: Dolphins @ 49ers W
Week 15: 49ers @ Patriots L
Week 16: 49ers @ Seahawks W
Week 17: Cardinals @ 49ers W



2. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Even though the Seahawks took the chance in signing Matt Flynn, coach Pete Carroll announced that Russell Wilson will be the Week 1 starter against the Cardinals. This comes as a surprise, for Wilson is just a third-round rookie, and the organization appears to be basing too much of their decision off of the preseason games. The running game will fare well if Marshawn Lynch can stay healthy. Seattle did a complete 180 when it came to their defense, and by the end of 2011, their lineup was ruled one of the best in the league. However, I do not agree with Seattle's first round pick, selecting defensive end Bruce Irvin when many more talented players were still available. The Seahawks are extremely close to another playoff appearance, but the quarterback situation needs to be more stable.

Week 1: Seahawks @ Cardinals L
Week 2: Cowboys @ Seahawks L
Week 3: Packers @ Seahawks L
Week 4: Seahawks @ Rams W
Week 5: Seahawks @ Panthers L
Week 6: Patriots @ Seahawks L
Week 7: Seahawks @ 49ers L
Week 8: Seahawks @ lions L
Week 9: Vikings @ Seahawks W
Week 10: Jets @ Seahawks W
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: Seahawks @ Dolphins W
Week 13: Seahawks @ Bears L
Week 14: Cardinals @ Seahawks W
Week 15: Seahawks @ Bills W
Week 16: 49ers @ Seahawks L
Week 17: Rams @ Seahawks W


3. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): In last April's draft, the Arizona Cardinals spent their first round pick on wide receiver Michael Floyd. Though Floyd's selection was smart in taking away the triple team from Larry Fitzgerald, in no way will it ever be able to fix their problems at quarterback. Ever since Kolb moved to Arizona and suffered from yet another concussion, he has been playing scared, always making a bad decision so he will not have to take the hit. John Skelton on the other hand did not do well throughout the duration of the preseason, not playing to his full capability. The defense struggled at certain points in the season, and I doubt things will change in 2012. Arizona's offense will rely heavily on how their quarterback(s), and whether or not they can be clutch in close situations.

Week 1: Seahawks @ Cardinals W

Week 2: Cardinals @ Patriots L

Week 3: Eagles @ Cardinals L

Week 4: Dolphins @ Cardinals W

Week 5: Cardinals @ Rams L

Week 6: Bills @ Cardinals W

Week 7: Cardinals @ Vikings W

Week 8: 49ers @ Cardinals L

Week 9: Cardinals @ Packers L

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: Cardinals @ Falcons L

Week 12: Rams @ Cardinals W

Week 13: Cardinals @ Jets L

Week 14: Cardinals @ Seahawks L

Week 15: Lions @ Cardinals L

Week 16: Bears @ Cardinals L

Week 17: Cardinals @ 49ers L

4. St. Louis Rams (1-15): Sam Bradford has not quite lived up to his number overall pick, where as the other quarterback capable of number one (Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton), have gone above and beyond. The Rams attempted to add a weapon to this offense by acquiring Brandon Lloyd, but their decision was unsuccessful. The draft did not go well either, when they missed out on two of college football's best receiver prospects. Steven Jackson will not be able to put the offense on his back, and Bradford has yet to prove he can guide his team to success. The defense is nothing special, and it will take a while for this team to have a remote chance at the playoffs. St Louis fans; hopefully Robert Woods will be available by the time it is St Louis' time to pick in next year's draft. 

Week 1: Rams @ Lions L

Week 2: Redskins @ Rams L

Week 3: Rams @ Bears L

Week 4: Seahawks @ Rams L

Week 5: Cardinals @ Rams W

Week 6: Rams @ Dolphins L

Week 7: Packers @ Rams L

Week 8: Patriots @ Rams L

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: Rams @ 49ers L

Week 11: Jets @ Rams L

Week 12: Rams @ Cardinals L

Week 13: 49ers @ Rams L

Week 14: Rams @ Bills L

Week 15: Vikings @ Rams L

Week 16: Rams @ Buccaneers L

Week 17: Rams @ Seahawks L

Opening Kickoff

Tonight, we will watch the NFL season opener between inter-division rivals known as the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Seven long, boring months went by since the last NFL game took place, and this evenings opener is sure to not disappoint. New York is coming off of a Super Bowl victory, where as the Dallas Cowboys missed last season's playoffs yet again, and are looking to rebound from their disappointing season. Sunday afternoon's symbolize the relaxation incorporated with watching football, and are something we will look forward to each week for the next several months. Surprises, upsets, and disappointments are a part of the game, and only adds to this great sport. So grab some popcorn, sit down on the couch, and turn on this evening's game. Are you ready for some football?

Prediction: Giants over Cowboys 27-16

2012 NFL Predictions (NFC South)

1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): The Atlanta Falcons will likely take advantage of the Saints crumbling franchise, and based on how much talent they have on their roster, they clearly deserve the number one spot in the division. Michael Turner is 30 years old, old for any running bad. Luckily, Turner has been playing like he's 20 for the past few seasons, and even if his statistics were to drop off slightly, the running game will be fine. Matt Ryan on the other hand is entering the prime of his career, and he has the option of throwing to Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and the up and coming wide receiver in Julio Jones. Offense will be key, but the defense still has it's stars that can be the difference between a win and a loss. Corner back Asante Samuel was added in the off season, and should be able to improve a mediocre pass defense. This is Atlanta's time to win their division, and maybe Matt Ryan will be able to win his first championship.

Roddy White (Eliot Kamenitz/The Times-Picayune)

Week 1: Falcons @ Chiefs W
Week 2: Broncos @ Falcons W
Week 3: Falcons @ Chargers W
Week 4: Panthers @ Falcons W
Week 5: Falcons @ Redskins W
Week 6: Raiders @ Falcons W
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Falcons @ Eagles L
Week 9: Cowboys @ Falcons W
Week 10: Falcons @ Saints L
Week 11: Cardinals @ Falcons W
Week 12: Falcons @ Buccaneers W
Week 13: Saints @ Falcons W
Week 14: Falcons @ Panthers W
Week 15: Giants @ Falcons W
Week 16: Falcons @ Lions L
Week 17: Buccaneers @ Falcons W



2. New Orleans Saints (9-7): If you haven't heard already, the New Orleans Saints were caught by the NFL holding a bounty program, run by their defensive coordinator Greg Williams. The fines not only removed their head coach, several defenders, and the GM for half a season, but the bounty will shake-up this organization for years to come. Drew Brees and his elite wide receiver corp will keep them in the hunt for a playoff spot, but it is the defense that will hurt most. Newly added linebacker Curtis Lofton missed the final preseason game, and might even miss the season opener against Washington. Brees' leadership will be tested, but if the franchise can do without Sean Payton, then maybe New Orleans remains a threat for the Super Bowl.

Jimmy Graham (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Week 1: Redskins @ Saints W
Week 2: Saints @ Panthers L
Week 3: Chiefs @ Saints W
Week 4: Saints @ Packers L
Week 5: Chargers @ Saints W
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Saints @ Buccaneers L
Week 8: Saints @ Broncos L
Week 9: Eagles @ Saints W
Week 10: Falcons @ Saints W
Week 11: Saints @ Raiders W
Week 12: 49ers @ Saints W
Week 13: Saints @ Falcons L
Week 14: Saints @ Giants L
Week 15: Buccaneers @ Saints W
Week 16: Saints @ Cowboys L
Week 17: Panthers @ Saints W



3. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Cam Newton shocked the world last season by putting up unseen numbers. Keep in mind; he was a rookie! As a sophomore quarterback in the NFL, this will be his second biggest test to see if he can handle the pressure. Him and wide receiver Steve Smith got along quite well, but Smith began to fade once the double coverage came. Carolina now has the best running game in football with Mike Tolbert, DeAngelo Williams, and obviously Cam Newton. The NFC South is an offense-heavy division, and Carolina's defense struggled last season. That is why the panthers went out and drafted linebacker Luke Kuechly, in my book the best defender to come out of last April's draft. There is just the right amount of youth and experience on this team, which is why I believe the Carolina Panthers have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.

DeAngelo Williams (Kim Klement/Getty Images)

Week 1: Panthers @ Buccaneers L
Week 2: Saints @ Panthers W
Week 3: Giants @ Panthers W
Week 4: Panthers @ Falcons L
Week 5: Seahawks @ Panthers W
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Cowboys @ Panthers W
Week 8: Panthers @ Bears L
Week 9: Panthers @ Redskins L
Week 10: Broncos @ Panthers W
Week 11: Buccaneers @ Panthers W
Week 12: Panthers @ Eagles L
Week 13: Panthers @ Chiefs L
Week 14: Falcons @ Panthers L
Week 15: Panthers @ Chargers L
Week 16: Raiders @ Panthers W
Week 17: Panthers @ Saints L


4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): A disappointing 2011 led to Tampa signing two big offensive names; wide receiver Vincent Jackson and guard Jahri Evans. Josh Freeman now has an all-star receiver to throw to, but will it be enough? The running duo of LaGarrette Blount and Doug Martin will do well against the weak NFC South defenses, and Josh Freeman will have to cut down on the interceptions if they wish to win close games. Besides the drafting of safety Mark Barron, however, they did nothing to fix their absolutely atrocious defense, which ranked dead last in several major defensive categories. I'm not sure what their approach will be, but unless the defense pulls off a miraculous turn around, the Bucs will remain at the bottom of the food chain once again.

Vincent Jackson (Dave Martin/AP Photo)

Week 1: Panthers @ Buccaneers W
Week 2: Buccaneers @ Giants L
Week 3: Buccaneers @ Cowboys L
Week 4: Redskins @ Buccaneers L
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Chiefs @ Buccaneers L
Week 7: Saints @ Buccaneers W
Week 8: Buccaneers @ Vikings W
Week 9: Buccaneers @ Raiders L
Week 10: Chargers @ Buccaneers L
Week 11: Buccaneers @ Panthers L
Week 12: Falcons @ Buccaneers L
Week 13: Buccaneers @ Broncos L
Week 14: Eagles @ Buccaneers L
Week 15: Buccaneers @ Saints L
Week 16: Rams @ Buccaneers W
Week 17: Buccaneers @ Falcons L