Alas, the time has come once again to bid ado to the nightmares of 2012’s NFL season. If you weren’t a Ravens fan than you likely had a disappointing past seven months. Luckily, today kicks off the start to a new season, with new players, and somewhat lofty expectations. 

Tonight’s inaugural game is likely to be one of the marquee matchups of the week if not the season. Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos host the defending Super Bowl champs the Baltimore Ravens. A repeat

Lets take a look at what to expect from this intriguing matchup.

Bronco’s Passing Against a Struggling Secondary

Last year the Bronco’s offense captained by Peyton Manning finished number four in overall offense for the league. They were able to do this without Wes Welker who finished second in receptions for the league at 118 catches.

Manning has Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker in addition to Welker which means he will be throwing early and often.

This is a juicy matchup because the Raven’s bolster a much weaker secondary than front seven. Elvis Dumerville, Terrell Suggs, and Chris Canty are just a few of the impact players up front for Baltimore. However, they are going through a rebuilding period on the back end as they try to replace Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard.  The combination of a messy Bronco’s backfield and a strong Raven’s front seven means huge numbers for Manning and all three of his weapons.

I predict a stat line of 30/45 for 300 yards and 4 TD’s for Manning and at least two of those touchdowns going to Demaryius Thomas.

Ravens Will Get Back to the Basics

A lot has changed for the Ravens since their upset against the Broncos last season in Denver.  Without the reliable Dennis Pitta and Anquan Boldin there is not a lot of aerial options for Joe Flacco. Look for the Ravens to rely heavily on their workhorse, Ray Rice, and the occasional deep pass to Torrey Smith.

Luckily for Flacco and Smith, the Broncos best corner, Champ Bailey, will not be playing tonight. Even with a weaker secondary, I do not see a likely shootout in the Mile High City. The Ravens will look to control the clock and keep Manning off the field as much as possible. Rice will have a monster game and Smith may be fortunate enough to get pay dirt, although I would not count on it.

I predict a stat line of 30 carries for 120 yards and at least 1 TD for Rice.

Denver Takes the Win

Less then eight months ago the Ravens flew into Denver and knocked off the AFC’s top team on their way to a Super Bowl Championship. The Broncos are out for blood and have the pieces together to handily win this matchup.

I do not see tonight being a repeat of January’s game and actually predict the Broncos will run away with this one 41-24.