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