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Handicapping & NFL Betting – 2011 Schedule Preview

Shea Matthews weighs in with his 2011 NFL Schedule preview and points out with a TON of games to sort through, it may be difficult to decipher which games truly stand out from the rest in the 2011 NFL schedule…

NFL Betting – 2011 Schedule Preview

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It’s too early to throw down our first NFL bets for the 2011 season – the draft hasn’t even happened yet – but we can at least look forward to the games now that the NFL schedule is released.

Here’s a breakdown of some key games to look forward to.

Naturally, the lockout could change things. But the mediation continues and it’s a good sign that the NFL is going forward with the schedule for next season. On with it!

BEST WEEK 1 MATCHUPS

New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers

The last two Super Bowl champs slugging it out? Yes, please. It’ll be interesting to see if the Green Bay Packers hit the ground running again this season. They won the Super Bowl with a talent-laden roster but still had several key injuries. How much better could they be with guys like Jermichael Finley and Nick Barnett returning to the lineup?

Philadelphia Eagles @ St. Louis Rams

This wouldn’t be everyone’s pick but I like the idea of seeing Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy strut their stuff on the turf to open the season. It’ll also be interesting to see how quickly and effectively new Rams offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels impacts Sam Bradford’s progress under center.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Does this matchup need any introduction at all? Arguably the two toughest teams in the league, who happen to hate each other, butting heads in Week 1? It’s great for the fans but not so great for the players; the way these teams pound on one another, Big Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and the lot will be ready for the bye after one game.

OTHER TOP 2011 GAMES

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts (September 25)

We expect the Steelers to contend again this season – but what about the Colts? Is this a team on the decline? Peyton Manning well get a good test early in 2011 when Pittsburgh comes to town.

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (rematch: December 25)

Jay Cutler has plenty to prove in this game. It’s the first Packers/Bears meeting since the infamous 2010 NFC Championship game when Cutler injured his knee and didn’t return despite looking fairly spry on the sidelines. Cutler not only wants to showcase his skill against his division rivals, but he also wants to show the Pack how tough he is (or isn’t).

New York Giants @ New York Jets (December 24)

This should be a war between two teams starting to develop a rivalry. Ideally, the Giants and Jets will both be playoff contenders at this point. Maybe this Christmas-Eve battle will end being played in the snow. Cool.

THE “RETURN GAME” FACTOR

Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons (September 18)

The Eagles and Falcons have played each other since Vick returned to the NFL but Vick hasn’t started against the Falcons yet. What kind of reception will the fans give him? Will they herald their former hero or chastise the dog killer?

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots (November 21)

Scott Pioli, quarterback Matt Cassel and the old Patriots brain trust will look to make a statement when their Kansas City Chiefs travel to Foxboro. Matt Cassel and the entire Chiefs team broke out in 2011. Can they validate themselves as Super Bowl contenders by beating the Pats? And can Cassel outgun the man he once understudied for – Tom Brady?

Chicago Bears @ Denver Broncos (December 11)

It won’t quite be the same now that John Elway handed Josh McDaniels his walking papers but this is still a very nice opportunity for Jay Cutler to stick it to the Broncos. He’d love to show the team and fans that trading him was a horrible mistake.

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By Shea Matthews

Shea Matthews the Senior Writer at CP. Lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national papers. Shea applies his knowledge to sports betting + handicapping daily, and shares winning picks with the world.