NFC Games To Watch This Weekend - Mparas1432's Blog

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Mparas1432's Blog

NFC Games To Watch This Weekend Stuck

Posted on September 8, 2012 at 11:33 PM.

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Washington Redskins vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 PM Fox

Why to Watch:

Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III was matched up tough with his first assignment will be in the superdome. The Saints not only have a high powered offense that could give the Redskins problems, but they are also motivated to prove themselves after Bounty Gate. Each team has something big to prove in 2012.

X-Factor:

Brendan - The Saints No Longer Suspended Players

This was a bombshell on Friday afternoon. With the Saints now having DE Will Smith and LB Johnathan Vilma at their disposal that makes things even tougher on Robert Griffin III and the beat-up Redskins Offensive Line. We have no idea what kind of conditioning the suspended players are in, but it sounds like Will Smith looks like he is looking to play.

Vilma is one of the emotional leaders of that defense, and it would be hard to believe that he hasn�t kept himself in somewhat good condition. New Orleans defense gets a huge boost for this game.

Matt � The endless amount of running backs of Shanahan�s system

Over the years, Mike Shanahan�s zone blocking scheme produced countless numbers of quality running backs. If this year�s running backs (Evan Royster, Roy Helu Jr, Alfred Morris) all find success, then the Saints could find themselves in trouble.

Washington will have to run the ball to control time of possession so the Saints don�t have the opportunity to score. Running the ball will also help RG3 adjust to the pro game.

The Saints will be out for blood, but running the ball could help delay, or even spoil, the slaughter

Prediction:

Brendan - Well, to be fair, before the suspensions were lifted I saw this as a blowout. I still see it that way. New Orleans offense is way too much for this Redskins secondary to handle. The suspension of Tanard Jackson and loss of Brandon Merriweather will leave either Reed Doughty or Dejon Gomes starting. Yuck.

New Orleans wins 41-17.

Matt � Even if Vilma plays, I�m still not completely sold on the Saints defense. The additions of Brodrick Bunkley and Curtis Lofton were solid, but will they be a much better defensive unit than last year? It�s hard to tell.

Luckily, they still have a man named Drew Brees.

28-17 Saints.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers, 4:30 FOX

Why to watch:

It�s not often that week 1 is a potential NFC conference championship, but that�s what we�re getting with the Packers-49ers. This matchup is everything a football fan should want in a game. The Packers� explosive offense against the 49ers� lock down defense make for a must watch clash.

X-Factor:

Brendan - Wide Receiver Randall Cobb

If Cobb is able to get anything going in the return game it will give the Packers an extra advantage their offense probably didn�t even need. If Cobb the receiver is able to show off his game-breaking speed, the 49ers could be in serious trouble. With a bevy of receiving options, the Packers have the options to spread out the 49ers and pick them apart.

Granted, this sounds great on paper, but the 49ers have one of the best defenses assembled in the NFL today.

Matt � Alex Smith and his new receivers

Green Bay�s defense struggled in 2011, although all eyes still will be on Alex Smith to see if he can be more than just a game manager. Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, AJ Jenkins, and Michael Crabtree gives Smith plenty of options in the passing game. However, Smith�s inconsistencies throughout the years make it no guarantee that San Francisco�s offense will be better this year.

If San Francisco�s defense struggles is less than perfect, it will be up to Smith to keep up a shootout.

Prediction:

Brendan - Both teams have great defenses, but the Packers have the clear advantage on offense and are playing at home. I�m going to go with the Packers, but I don�t think it will be as high-scoring as a lot of people think.

Pack open the season with a win, 20-16.

Matt � Expect a pretty close game. The Packers might have the best offense in the NFL, but I�m a big believer in San Francisco this year. Keeping all 11 starters in San Francisco is huge.

San Francisco rolls into Green Bay and scores an upset.

24-21 49ers