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2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners

By Erik Lambert

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (center) gestures before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (center) gestures before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals

Many people believe this could be a Super Bowl preview. Of course that will not involve Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback for the Patriots. It’s certainly a tall order for the young kid to face a Cardinals team that reached the NFC championship last season in their own building. Never mind the fact their defense has improved by leaps and bounds with the return of Tyrann Mathieu and the arrival of Chandler Jones via trade. New England always finds a way to compete, this is a tough one.

Notable Injuries:

Sebastian Vollmer (NE) – Everybody remembers how overmatched the offensive line looked in the AFC championship last season. So for the Patriots to lose what has been their most dependable blocker in Vollmer hurts in too many ways to count. Tom Brady might be able to mask that when he returns, but can Garoppolo with all his inexperience? He has no other choice.

Key Matchup:

Tyrann Mathieu vs. Rob Gronkowski

The heavyweight bout every football fan wants to see. A beast tight end who is the best in football going against one of the most dynamic playmaking safeties. There is no doubt the two will meet a few times across the middle of the field. One has the size advantage, the other speed and quickness. Both are stars. It has the idea recipe of being that one matchup that won’t be the center of attention but will end up deciding the outcome.

Prediction:  Cardinals win 24-17

Next: PIT @ WAS

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