Notable NFL Week 1 Match-ups

A new season of the National Football League is upon us, speaking for everyone, we can not be more excited. With the rookie Quarterback class stronger than ever, it will be interesting to see who will ride the bench or start the first week. On the other hand, will the seasoned veterans etch their legacy even further, or will father time take his toll? With the first pick of the first round, will Baker Mayfield impress the league, or will he be another Johnny Manziel? Will Tom Brady finally succumb to old age, or can he and Bill Belichick have another championship run. I have compiled the most interesting week one match-ups, it’s an exciting new season, and we can not wait for these questions to be answered.

Jets vs. Lions (7:10 PM ET)

It’s still uncertain who the Quarterback for the Jet’s will be, either the rookie Sam Darnold or the comeback kid Teddy Bridgewater. Both QB’s have been impressive this pre-season and head coach Todd Bowles has a good idea who this starting quarterback will be week 1, of course, he’s the only one that knows. The Jet’s were 5-11 last season and are looking to upset the heavily favored Lion’s at home, but Stafford and company have a playoff mindset. The Lion’s nearly missed the wild card berth at 9-7 last season, and rookie head coach Matt Patricia will look to improve on a more solid defense. With a decent draft for the Lion’s, they will be looking for an outside shot to win the NFC North.

(Edit: Teddy Bridgewater has been traded to the New Orleans Saints)

Falcons vs. Eagles (8:20 PM ET)

It’s the battle of the birds in this week 1 matchup, and it should be a good one. Eagles still have questions at quarterback, and it really just depends on Carson Wentz, who had an MVP caliber season before it was cut short due to injury.  If Wentz can’t go, they will have to rely once again on super bowl MVP Nick Foles, who also had injury concerns following a preseason scare of a shoulder strain. After locking in the last NFC wild-card last season, the high flying (pun intended) offensive heavy Falcons look to continue their playoff streak. With amazing weapons like Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, Matt Ryan might have the season he had in 2016.

Bears vs. Packers (8:20 PM ET)

NFC rivals Bears and Packers square off in Lambeau field, the Packers are favorited to win this matchup and with Rodgers back as QB, it will be tough for the Bears. “The Pack” will have plenty of offense with the addition of Jimmy Graham, and the always solid Devante Adams as wide receiver. Green Bay also has an upside defense that might surprise many, with adding veterans and a well-coached staff. Sophomore QB Mitchell Trubisky will helm the Bears offense, and with flashes of solid quarterback play last season, he will have more of the playbook to work with. The defense can also have some upside if everyone is healthy, especially if Leonard Floyd, Kyle Fuller, and Roqaun Smith are on the field at the same time.

49ers vs. Vikings (1:00 PM ET)

Was there a hotter quarterback than Jimmy Garoppolo last season after being traded to the 49ers? In the 5 games he started last season, he won every game. If the streak continues into the 2018-2019 season, his team might be a dark horse and clinch a wild-card spot after the Rams most likely win the NFC West. Vikings locked up the NFC North last year and had the craziest play vs. the Saints of the playoffs. With the addition of Kirk Cousins, this potent offense including Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, and Adam Theilen, will make opposing teams need to play their A game. Well balanced in the pass and rush, and with a probably the best defensive team, they will be hard to beat.

Patriots vs. Texans (1:00 PM ET)

41-year-old Tom Brady is back for his 18th season, and we are waiting to see if time finally catches up to him. With Julian Edelman out for his 4 game suspension due to PED’s, his number one receiver is Chris Hogan, and Cordarrelle Patterson as his number two. Rex Burkhead and James White will share time at running back. It sounds like maybe this will be the year the Patriots take a step back, but I would never bet against coach Belichick. Injury aside, Deshaun Watson was electrifying last season at QB. His wide receiving core consisting of Deandre Hopkins and Will Fuller will intimidate NFL defenses, and their defense will intimidate NFL offenses. This is one matchup I will be tuning in on Sunday.

Steelers vs. Browns (1:00 PM ET)

Veteran Ben Roethlisberger might take on on the rookie 1st pick in the draft Baker Mayfield, or will it be the elusive Tyrod Taylor. We all know the weapons Big Ben has, but taking account for Le’Veon Bell’s slow start last season, and Antonio Brown turning 30, where will this offense be this season? Baker Mayfield has shown poise in the limited reps he has played, but none have been with the first stringers. Tyrod Taylor looks like he might be the starter week 1, and if he can pull off this upset, it will stay that way. This might be a week 1 matchup that will show us everything these two teams will look like this year.

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