The 207-day break is finally almost over. Week One of the NFL season is here, and it brings a slate packed with intrigue, roster shakeups, and season-defining questions. Here’s a look at the biggest matchups, what to watch for, and how they might play out.
Cowboys vs. Eagles
Thursday, Sept. 4 – 7:20 p.m.
Line: Eagles -7.5
There is no better way to open the season than one of football’s fiercest rivalries on primetime. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in a matchup already heavy with storylines.
Dallas revamped its offense with the addition of George Pickens via trade with Pittsburgh. Mike McCarthy is gone, and Brian Schottenheimer takes over as first-year head coach and play-caller. Dak Prescott enters 2025 looking to bounce back to his 2023 form after a down year. On defense, the Cowboys face life without Micah Parsons, traded away just a week before kickoff. Still, the secondary remains strong: Trevon Diggs returns from injury and DaRon Bland is back with a new contract.
Philadelphia’s challenge is the same one all Super Bowl winners face, reloading for another run. They lost Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Darius Slay, Brandon Graham to retirement, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to trade. Even so, the roster is deep. The cornerback duo of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell looks ready to emerge as one of the league’s best.
The marquee battle will be Pickens and CeeDee Lamb testing themselves against DeJean and Mitchell. That matchup may decide the game.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Cowboys 27
Philadelphia has won 16 of its last 17 and is nearly impossible to pick against at home. Still, Prescott should deliver a strong performance in his first season post-McCarthy.
Chiefs vs. Chargers
Friday, Sept. 5 – 7 p.m.
Line: Chiefs -3
In an early season twist, Friday night football goes international, with the Chiefs and Chargers opening their seasons in São Paulo, Brazil.
All eyes will be on Travis Kelce. By his standards, 2024 was a down year. Was it the first sign of age, or does he still have another All-Pro campaign in him?
The key position battle will be the offensive lines. The Chargers lost All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater for the year, forcing rookie Joe Alt to shift to the blindside and Trey Pipkins III to step in at right tackle. The Chiefs also have questions. Joe Thuney, a four-time Super Bowl winner and two-time All-Pro, is gone. First-rounder Josh Simmons takes over at left tackle. With so many moving pieces, cohesion may decide the game.
Prediction: Chiefs 23, Chargers 21
Patrick Mahomes is 10-2 against the Chargers, and he continues to rule the AFC West much like Tom Brady once ruled the AFC East. Expect him to grind out another division win.
Dolphins vs. Colts
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Colts -1.5
This is not Anthony Richardson’s team anymore. Daniel Jones won the quarterback battle in Indianapolis, and it could be a career-saving move for him. Jones joins a young WR room eager for stability and carries the hopes of a franchise still searching for a reliable answer at quarterback.
Miami is eager to move on from its injury-riddled 2024 season. The Dolphins still boast the league’s fastest offense with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and they added Darren Waller in a trade with the Giants. Waller’s unique size-speed combination could pose problems for the Colts defense. The pass rush remains ferocious with Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, Jaelan Phillips, and rookie Chop Robinson.
Prediction: Dolphins 30, Colts 17
Miami should start fast. This early-season game could prove to be a key wild-card tiebreaker down the line.
Steelers vs. Jets
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Steelers -3
The spotlight is on the quarterback swap: Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh and Justin Fields in New York.
The Steelers’ roster saw sweeping changes. George Pickens is out, replaced by DK Metcalf. Russell Wilson and Fields made way for Rodgers. Najee Harris is gone, Kaleb Johnson is in. Minkah Fitzpatrick departed while Jalen Ramsey arrived. The question is whether this overhaul makes them better or worse.
For the Jets, Fields is on his third team in five years, and it feels like a now-or-never season. The Jets’ offensive line has been a weak point, but they’ve invested heavily. Armand Membou, a standout from Missouri, joins 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu at tackle. If the line holds, Fields has a chance to prove himself.
Prediction: Jets 20, Steelers 14
At 41, Rodgers is far less mobile than Fields, and Pittsburgh’s offensive line remains shaky. The Jets’ pass rush should force Rodgers into uncomfortable spots.
Panthers vs. Jaguars
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Jaguars -3
The spotlight will be on Travis Hunter, the most electrifying player in college football last year, making his NFL debut. The biggest matchup, though, is Carolina’s WR group against Jacksonville’s secondary. The Jaguars finished last in pass defense in 2024, and the Panthers arrive with an intriguing set of weapons. Bryce Young now has first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan and veteran Hunter Renfrow after the team traded Adam Thielen to Minnesota.
Both teams start former No. 1 overall picks at quarterback, and both QBs enter hungry to prove they can deliver on expectations.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Jaguars 17. Bryce Young finally looks like a top-10 quarterback. Surrounded by his best supporting cast yet, he should be poised for a breakout.
Cardinals vs. Saints
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Cardinals -5.5
It may not be the most glamorous matchup, but this one brings plenty of intrigue. Marvin Harrison Jr. enters his second year ready for a breakout, while rookie Will Johnson, despite pre-draft knee concerns, has already impressed as a potential lockdown corner.
The Saints’ quarterback situation is unsettled. Spencer Rattler gets the start, still chasing his first career win after six losses. Tyler Shough waits in the wings as a second-round rookie.
Prediction: Cardinals 33, Saints 21
The NFC West is wide open, and Arizona needs to capitalize. Kyler Murray’s return to form could start here.
Giants vs. Commanders
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Commanders -6.5
Washington shocked the NFL last year behind Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The front office doubled down in the offseason, adding Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to an offense already anchored by Terry McLaurin.
The Giants went the opposite direction, rebuilding their quarterback room with Russell Wilson, rookie Jaxson Dart, and backup Jameis Winston. While the offense searches for an identity, the defense looks imposing. Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and rookie Abdul Carter form one of the league’s scariest pass rushes, with Jevon Holland added to the secondary.
Prediction: Commanders 23, Giants 20
New York’s defense will keep them in games, but Daniels’ mobility gives Washington the edge.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Buccaneers -1.5
This game could help decide the NFC South. Michael Penix Jr. begins his second year with a strong supporting cast and a full season in the system. Atlanta finally invested in its pass rush, drafting first-round edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
Tampa Bay counters with perhaps the league’s best WR group. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and rookie Emeka Egbuka form a devastating trio. Baker Mayfield has led the Buccaneers to two straight division titles but still seeks postseason success.
Prediction: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 28
Penix has the tools, accuracy, and targets to seize control of the division.
Bengals vs. Browns
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Bengals -5.5
The Bengals’ offensive line remains their Achilles’ heel, once again leaving Joe Burrow exposed. Cap space has been eaten up by major contracts, leaving the defense young and unproven.
Cleveland counters with a formidable defensive front, pairing rookie Mason Graham with Myles Garrett. Joe Flacco remains the starter for now, but both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are waiting in the wings.
Prediction: Browns 35, Bengals 33
Cincinnati has lost five of its last six openers, and Cleveland’s pass rush could overwhelm Burrow.
Raiders vs. Patriots
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 12 p.m.
Line: Patriots -2.5
Pete Carroll takes over in Las Vegas, bringing a run-heavy identity and a rookie back in Ashton Jeanty, nicknamed “The Silver Surfer.” Amari Cooper returns after seven years, and Geno Smith reunites with Carroll.
In New England, Mike Vrabel begins his tenure with a rebuild around young quarterback Drake Maye. The Patriots added Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and rookie Kyle Williams, while also overhauling their offensive line with four new starters. How quickly that line gels will be key.
Prediction: Raiders 17, Patriots 14
Carroll’s culture shift should pay immediate dividends, with Las Vegas grinding out a win.
49ers vs. Seahawks
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 3:05 p.m.
Line: 49ers -2.5
Brock Purdy signed a massive extension in May, but questions remain. With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined to start the season, his receiving options are thinner than ever. Seattle’s secondary, featuring Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, is well positioned to challenge him.
The Seahawks also endured big changes. Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett are gone. Sam Darnold takes over at quarterback, joined by Cooper Kupp and first-round guard Gray Zabel.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, 49ers 10
San Francisco’s defense finished 29th last year, and Seattle’s offensive upgrades should exploit them.
Titans vs. Broncos
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 3:05 p.m.
Line: Broncos -7.5
The Broncos ended a playoff drought last season with the league’s top defense and a strong first year under Sean Payton. They reloaded with J.K. Dobbins, Evan Engram, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga.
Tennessee begins a new era with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Patience will be the key word this year, as Ward and head coach Brian Callahan try to establish footing. History is against him as No. 1 overall QBs rarely win in their debuts.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Titans 6
Denver’s defense should dominate against a rookie making his first start.
Lions vs. Packers
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 3:25 p.m.
Line: Packers -2.5
Green Bay made headlines by acquiring Micah Parsons, but his availability is uncertain due to a back strain. Jordan Love remains under pressure to prove himself with a young WR group led by rookie Matthew Golden.
Detroit’s offense remains dangerous, but the line must adjust to life without Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson returns from injury, and the Lions expect him to look even better than before.
Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 24
The NFC North is loaded, and division games will be critical. Dan Campbell’s Lions look ready to fight for another playoff run.
Texans vs. Rams
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 3:25 p.m.
Line: Rams -2.5
Two quarterbacks with question marks headline this matchup, and health is a big part of the story. Matthew Stafford aggravated a back injury and missed most of camp, limiting his chemistry work with new star receiver Davante Adams.
Houston faces its own challenges. Joe Mixon and Tank Dell are out, Stefon Diggs left in free agency, and Laremy Tunsil was traded. C.J. Stroud must bounce back from his sophomore slump and prove he can keep the Texans’ offense afloat despite the adversity.
Prediction: Rams 21, Texans 17
Los Angeles’ young defensive ends Jared Verse and Braden Fiske could be the difference against a shaky Houston line.
Ravens vs. Bills
Sunday, Sept. 7 – 7:20 p.m.
Line: Bills -1.5
It is a playoff rematch with revenge on the line. The Bills knocked the Ravens out of the postseason last year, only to fall short themselves. Both teams reloaded for another run.
Baltimore overhauled its secondary, drafting Malaki Starks and signing Jaire Alexander to join Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Nate Wiggins. Buffalo added Joey Bosa and leaned heavily on defensive draft picks.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Bills 24
Expect Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews to make a revenge statement in Buffalo.
Vikings vs. Bears
Monday, Sept. 8 – 7:15 p.m.
Line: Vikings -1.5
The long-awaited debut of J.J. McCarthy arrives. Minnesota believes he can be the missing piece for a roster that went 13-4 last year. He enters with the benefit of Brian Flores’ elite defense supporting him.
The Bears, meanwhile, are trying to escape years of mediocrity. New head coach Ben Johnson rebuilt the offensive line with Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, then drafted Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. With Caleb Williams entering Year Two, expectations are soaring.
Prediction: Bears 30, Vikings 27
Chicago’s revamped offense and Williams’ growth make them a dangerous team. Expect them to make an early statement.
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