The Summer is a trying time for football fans. We either cling to training camp holdouts and late free agency signings for our entertainment or relive last season’s moments in wait for new action. The wait is finally over. The NFL season is about to kick off, and there is no shortage of high-profile matchups in week one. Star players will debut for new teams, rookies will get their first real action, and rivalries will be renewed. Every game is riddled with storylines, but I’ve narrowed the sixteen-game slate down to its top five matchups.
5. Texans @ Colts
It’s a battle between two second year quarterbacks with high expectations in Indianapolis. Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud has MVP expectations after a stellar rookie season, while Anthony Richardson still has plenty to prove for the Colts as he returns from injury. I’m looking to see how Shane Steichen will utilize the running ability of Richardson alongside one of the league’s best running backs in Jonathan Taylor. If the Texans are truly Super Bowl contenders, they’ll need to prove it with a decisive victory here.
HOU 28-17 IND
4. Jets @ 49ers
The Jets are fully committed to a Super Bowl run this season, and they have the opportunity to test their roster against one of the best in Week 1. With an improved offensive line, how will Aaron Rodgers look coming off of a torn Achilles’ suffered early last season? Will the Jets’ stellar defense be enough to limit the historic offensive production of this 49ers team? Both of these teams enter the 2024 season with title hopes, but only the Niners are serious contenders in my book. I expect them to get the job done at home.
SF 24-21 NYJ
3. Rams @ Lions
The Wildcard matchup between the Rams and Lions was one of the most anticipated games of the 2023 season. Detroit emerged victorious, and they’ll be favored to do the same to start this campaign. I’ll be watching the defensive front of the Rams closely in this one to see how new defensive coordinator Chris Shula plans to replace the production of the retired Aaron Donald. With a healthy offense, I expect Los Angeles to pull off the upset and get their revenge in Detroit.
LAR 27-24 DET
2. Packers vs. Eagles
The Packers and Eagles will meet in Sao Paolo for the first NFL game in Brazil. Green Bay comes into this season with high expectations after a Divisional round appearance in 2023. Newly-paid quarterback Jordan Love will lead an offense that should rank near the top of the league in production. The Eagles made clear moves to right the ship after a disappointing end to the 2023 season, tweaking their coaching staff and adding skill position players on both sides of the ball. I have the Eagles in the Super Bowl this year, so I’ll stick to my guns and pick them to squeak out a win.
PHI 20-17 GB
1. Ravens @ Chiefs
The storylines are abundant in this one. The Ravens will attempt to exact revenge on the Chiefs after their AFC Championship Game loss in January. They’ll do so without former defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald as Zach Orr steps into the role. Derrick Henry has joined up with Lamar Jackson to create the most dangerous backfield in football. Kansas City will attempt to be the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls this season. With some explosive additions at receiver, their offense should be one of the best in the league. I have the Chiefs starting their three-peat campaign off right and pulling out the victory at home.
KC 31-24 BAL
Hoping Colts have a strong season!
These games all look like they will be fun to watch!