Let the games begin
Time to take a look at how the games stack up on Week One of the NFL season. The games begin on Thursday, go to Brazil on Friday and continue on Sunday and Monday. There are some intriguing matchups and others that aren't as thrilling.
16. Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
It isn't surprising that a game between NFC South teams would be a dog of a matchup. Dennis Allen and the Saints best defeat the Panthers, who were the worst team in the league last year. The Saints are no lock but it is hard to see how they can fail here. Prediction: Saints 31, Panthers 13
15. Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Looking forward to seeing what Jayden Daniels can do in the NFL. The Heisman winner has the potential to be electric. Problem is what is around him in Washington. Dan Quinn takes over and has work to do. The Buccaneers figure to pester Daniels and Baker Mayfield should get the job done. Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Commanders 20
14. Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Sam Darnold returns to MetLife Stadium. You know the place he was supposed to call home as the franchise QB of the New York Jets. Rather, he is a journeyman. Daniel Jones and the Giants are not Big Apple rock stars. Prediction: Vikings 20, Giants 17
13. Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh and Antonio Pierce have at it in their first games -- officially -- as head coaches of teams in the AFC West. The Chargers are without Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. They will also be without a victory in Week One. Prediction: Raiders 27, Chargers 24
12. New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow just has to stay healthy for the Bengals to win this one. Jacoby Brissett is keeping the quarterback seat warm for Drake Maye. It would be a nice sentiment for the Patriots to win one for Jerod Mayo in his debut. Don't see that happening. Prediction: Bengals 28, Patriots 10
11. Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Excitement abounds in Chicago with Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze & Co. The Soldier Field faithful will get a big-time glimpse of a Bears offense that should round into shape. The Titans have fallen from the mighty AFC South team to one that will contend for the cellar. Prediction: Bears 24, Titans 21
10. Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
The game figures to be closer than many expect. That doesn't mean it will be a thriller. The Bill have reconfigured in the offseason but remain the team to beat in the AFC East. The Cardinals never quit last year and will be scrappy in 2024. Prediction: Bills 27, Cardinals 20
9. Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
This slips into the Top 10 because Kirk Cousins against Russell Wilson will create some intrigue. It is Raheem Morris' first game as Falcons coach and do not be surprised if Atlanta gives Mike Tomlin and the Steelers a handful. Prediction: Falcons 21, Steelers 20
8. Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
No Russell Wilson for the Seattle fans to boo. They do get to face Bo Nix in his NFL debut. That should play to the Seahawk defense's favor. A rookie on the road in his first start at QB is not easy, let alone in front of this loud crowd. Prediction: Seahawks 24, Broncos 13
7. New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
Will history repeat? Not the 49ers making it to the Super Bowl. Rather, Aaron Rodgers being lost for the season after four plays. Prediction: 49ers 26, Jets 16
6. Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Brazil)
Another Peaco*ck exclusive. Pass. Prediction: Packers 28, Eagles 27
5. Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
No one at the start of 2023 would have seen this as an exciting game a year later. Both teams have improved dramatically. The difference could be C.J. Stroud is far more proven than Anthony Richardson. Prediction: Texans 34, Colts 30
4. Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
One of the better games in Week One becomes a better watch and listen because it will be the debut of Tom Brady for FOX Sports. This one figures to be quite the tussle. Prediction: Cowboys 21, Browns 17
3. Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
This game has become so much more than Matthew Stafford vs. Jared Goff. It also is the first for the Rams sans Aaron Donald. Looking forward to the NFC North champs continuing their growth. Prediction: Lions 27, Rams 23
2. Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
A Sunshine State scramble provides the opportunity for plenty of offense and excitement. The Jaguars need to bounce back after a clumsy 2023. The Dolphins must prove they are more than bullies. Prediction: Dolphins 34, Jaguars 27
1. Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
The opening game of opening week is the best one. The Ravens come to Arrowhead in a battle of division winners. Will be intriguing to see if all the celebration by the Chiefs this offseason creates a Super Bowl hangover. Prediction: Ravens 27, Chiefs 23
This article originally appeared on List Wire: NFL Week 1 schedule rankings and predictions
