NFL football is officially back.
The NFL is one of the most watched sports in the US and is officially back on Sept. 5 after a six month drought. To kick off week one, there are several big games that include a revenge game; a game overseas in Brazil; and a rookie QB making his first start.
Ravens look for revenge as they visit Chiefs on Thursday Night in NFL opener
Last time these two teams squared off was the AFC Championship in which the Ravens fell at home to the Chiefs 17-10. While the score shows a close game, anyone who watched knows the Ravens struggled heavily and the Chiefs had their way with them most of the game.
Overall this will be a tough match offensive for the Chiefs as the Ravens posted the number one ranked defense in defensive rankings last year. They will be looking to take advantage of this young Chiefs wide receiver (WR) group. On the defensive side of things, the Chiefs should be looking to stop the Ravens run game. The Ravens had the number one rushing attack last year and only added to it by adding former Titan and six-time 1000 yard rusher Derrick Henry.
As mentioned above the Ravens had the best rushing attack in the NFL last season and only got better with the addition of Henry. They should look to pound the run in this game and hit on quick pass plays to get the ball out early. For the defense, there is not much to say as they are going up against the best quarterback (QB) in football, Patrick Mahomes. They should look to create turnovers and keep the ball out of the Chiefs hands.
In the end, I have the Ravens falling just short of a win at Ravens 27 – Chiefs 29.
Packers and Eagles take a trip to Brazil on Friday Night
This contest marks the first NFL game ever to be in South America and the first Friday game in week one since the 1970s. Both teams are coming off surprise seasons.
On the Packers side, many expect last season to be a rebuild/retool year and for them to not compete. They did just the opposite winning nine games and becoming the first seventh seed to win a playoff game in NFL history. They went out in the offseason and added two major stars in running back (RB) Josh Jacobs and safety (S) Xavier McKinney in hopes of building off a strong year.
For the Eagles, it went the opposite. The Eagles started out 11-1 but ended up losing seven straight to end the season, including a first round playoff exit. In hopes to turn things back around, they went out and added superstar RB Saqoun Barkley and six new starters on defense.
Overall, this will be a good matchup and should be a fun game to watch. I have the Eagles escaping Brazil 1-0 after a 23 to 20 victory over the Packers.
New look Bears look to hold off the improved visiting Titans
Caleb Williams makes his debut at home against the Titans. He will be looking to turn the trend as a first overall pick rookie QB has never won in week one of the NFL since 2002. The Titans will be looking to play spoiler with their much improved roster and overhauled team.
Bears’ WRs Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze will be looking to take advantage of an updated Titans secondary including newcomer and lockdown cornerback (CB) L’Jarius Sneed. Titans QB Will Levis will be looking to avoid pressure as he is dealing with last year’s number one ranked defense in creating turnovers.
If the Titans want to win this game, it will need to be off quick plays and big runs. This comes from bringing in several new offensive weapons in WRs Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and RB Tony Pollard. The defense has a new signal caller in off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones via trade from the Rams.
Both young QBs will have struggles and I expect a defensive battle for the most part leading to a score of Titans 17 – Bears 24.
Rest of Week 1 NFL games and predictions:
Panthers at Saints: Panthers win 30-27 in a close one to start season off right
Vikings at Giants: Giants barely get by 13-10 in a low scoring game
Patriots at Bengals: Bengals come out swinging with a blow out 29-10 win
Steelers at Falcons: Kirk Cousins leads Falcons offense to a big day and a 30-7 win
Texans at Colts: Texans show out and blow out Colts 37-17
Cardinals at Bills: Cardinals pull off upset of the week 22-21 over favored Bills
Jaguars at Dolphins: Jaguars claw by 25-22 in the battle of Florida
Broncos at Seahawks: Seahawks win 24-10 and make rookie QB Bo Nix have a rough day
Raiders at Chargers: Justin Herbert gets a weird win of 13-9 over Raiders
Cowboys at Browns: Browns win shootout 44-38 in overtime
Commanders at Buccaneers: Buccaneers blow out Commanders 31-7 in Florida heat
Rams at Lions SNF: Lions show out again 45-30 and ruin second homecoming for Matthew Stafford
Jets at 49ers MNF: Jets offense stays healthy in massive win of 30-21 over 49ers
