The Saints were 11-5 last season as they attempted to repeat as champions, but they were upset in the wild-card round of the playoffs in Seattle. Saints QB Drew Brees had a typical Pro Bowl season, throwing for 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns, but he also threw a career-high 22 interceptions. The Saints had trouble running the ball last year, ranking 28th in the NFL. So they drafted former Alabama Heisman-winning running back with one of their first-round picks in April and also added former Charger third-down back Darren Sproles to replace Reggie Bush.

Of course the Packers are the reigning world champions. Green Bay’s playoff status was tenuous as late as Week 16 last season, but QB Aaron Rodgers returned from missing a game with a concussion and led a rout of the New York Giants. The Pack wouldn’t lose again last season, winning three straight road games as a wild card to reach the Super Bowl. There Rodgers was brilliant in beating the Steelers and winning MVP honors – he’s the favorite to win NFL MVP honors this year.

The Packers lost several key players to season-ending injuries this year so thus should be even better in 2011. For example, both running back Ryan Grant and tight end Jermichael Finley will make their returns tonight.

This is the first time the past two Super Bowl winners will meet in Week 1 since 2000. And since the NFL began opening on a Thursday night with the previous year’s Super Bowl champions, that team has won all seven games. New Orleans beat the Vikings 14-9 to open last year for its third straight Week 1 victory. The Packers have won four straight season openers. The two teams haven’t met since 2008.

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