NFL Week 1’s best matchups
Week 1 of the NFL season is finally here, so it’s time to take a look at some of the best matchups of week 1. The NFL schedule makers always start the season with a bang with some notable matchups and this season is no different.
Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL season will kick off on Thursday night in Kansas City as the defending champion Chiefs take on Super bowl hopefuls in the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs head into their season opener as 3 point favorites and will look to start their title defense season with a win.
While the Ravens led by MVP Lamar Jackson will look to get off to a 1-0 start that could go a long way in an AFC North that looks to be a two horse race. As far as season openers go it’s tough to find a better one than Chiefs-Ravens with two of the best QB’s in the league facing off in front of the entire country.
Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles
The second game of the NFL season will be a little different than normal with the Packers taking on the Eagles in a stand alone Friday night game in Brasil. The Packers are technically the road team in this game and head into the game as 2.5 point underdogs.
Green Bay led by the newly highly paid Jordan Love take on the Eagles tough defense and loaded offense led by Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown who will look to continue their great rapport in 2024. The Eagles have a few question marks even with their loaded roster it seems like Jalen Hurts and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni butted heads last season. So if the Eagles stumble at all out of the gate Sirianni could find himself on the hot seat.
Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns
In the marquee 4:25 Fox slot it should come as no surprise that we get the Dallas Cowboys in week 1. The Cowboys head to Cleveland as 2.5 point underdogs to a Browns team that seems to be building something if Deshaun Watson can turn back the clock and find the level of play he had early in his career.
While the Cowboys led by Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb are trying to build something in Dallas that isn’t just solid regular seasons. Mike McCarthy isn’t quite on the hot seat yet but if Dallas fails to win a playoff game this season I’d imagine his time in Dallas may be coming to an end. As far as week 1 matchups go I think it’s not as great as some of the other matchups but the Cowboys are always going to be given a marquee timeslot in week 1 as long as their somewhat competitive.
For Patriots fans this game has a little extra intrigue as well as Tom Brady will be making his broadcasting debut calling the game for Fox. So after Patriots fans watch their team take on Cincinnati in week 1 they can tune into Fox to see how Brady’s debut goes.
Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions
Wrapping up the first Sunday of the NFL season we get Mathew Stafford heading back to Detroit to take on Jared Goff and the Lions on Sunday Night Football. The Lions are 3.5 point favorites at home as the Rams have a high powered offense but without Aaron Donald their defense could struggle against the speedy weapons on the Lions.
It’ll always be a story when Stafford returns to Detroit, especially with how well the Lions played last season I think this is a great night cap to the first weekend of the NFL season. Can Stafford beat his old teams and get a Rams team that many think will be just on the outside of the playoff picture off to a good start. While the Lions are looking to build on their great season last year and hopefully take another step forward this year.
New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers
In the final game of the week 1 slate the Jets head to San Francisco as 4.5 point underdogs. The Jets led by 41 year old Aaron Rodgers coming off a major injury are putting all their playoff hopes on Rodgers health. The Jets have one of the best rosters in all of football but none of it will matter if Rodgers cant stay healthy.
While the 49ers have arguably the best roster in football and have been knocking at the door of a Super bowl the last few seasons. After getting all their contract situations figured out heading into week 1 it’s tough to see the 49ers doing anything but winning their division and being a favorite to win it all throughout the season.
As far as week 1 goes this is a great Monday night game to wrap up the week with Aaron Rodgers making his return against one of the best defenses in all of football. While Brock Purdy will look to continue to keep his doubters quiet against a Jets defense that’s loaded as well.
Listen below to Joe Murray and Dan Lifshatz break down week 1 of the NFL season.
