
JIM TROTTER'S: PICKS OF THE WEEK
Among the full slate of 16 games to kick off the 2011 season, these are three of the most compelling matchups.
Saints at Packers
These two recent Super Bowl winners look a lot alike, but one team takes more defensive risks, and on Thursday night Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (below) will make New Orleans pay for them late.
Packers 24, Saints 20
Steelers at Ravens
Each of their last seven regular-season meetings was decided by six points or fewer, and a field goal separated them in each of the past four. This one should be no different.
Ravens 20, Steelers 17
Cowboys at Jets
In a Sunday-night battle of the Ryan brothers, clean-cut Jets coach Rex (with the better offensive line) prevails against disheveled Dallas defensive coordinator Rob (with the suspect secondary).
Jets 20, Cowboys 14
PHOTO
DAMIAN STROHMEYER