Which team will surprise in week 1 of the NFL?
So the 102nd season of the “National Football League” is finally in the starting blocks. After the partially jam-packed offseason with draft, free agency, training camps and preseason, the kickoff to week one awaits on Friday morning, 2:20 a.m. German time. The opening game is traditionally played by last year’s Super Bowl champion and thus the Los Angeles Rams welcome the Buffalo Bills.
Following the season opener, the first week then really gets underway on Sunday, starting at 19:00. Nine of the 16 matches will take place in prime time, followed by another four matches at 22:25 on Sunday. As usual, the “Sunday” and “Monday Night Game” will conclude the programme. We have highlighted the majority of these matches for you. The season will probably be more exciting than ever from the point of view of the fact that a total of ten teams will start with a new head coach.
New head coaches are not only to be found in teams undergoing a rebuild, but also in contenders for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. The closest favourites to win the NFL title this season are the Buffalo Bills with quarterback Josh Allen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with comeback quarterback Tom Brady and the Kansas City Chiefs with playmaker Patrick Mahomes.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills – Sep 09, 02:20am
The reigning Super Bowl champions, who defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Las Vegas in February, actually start the first game of the season as underdogs. The L.A. Rams lost several building blocks from last year’s team in the offseason. The most important personnel is probably that of offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, who was an extremely reliable figure on the offensive line in recent years and retired at the age of 40. There was also an important change in terms of pass receivers: Robert Woods moved to the Titans, in return the franchise signed Allen Robinson from Chicago. The defence could once again become the team’s showpiece.
According to the odds, the Bills are currently the number one contender for the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but it will also be a long season for Sean McDermott’s team. Last season, the Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the playoffs. The offseason naturally brought some changes to Buffalo, and strictly speaking, the wide receiver core and offensive line haven’t necessarily gotten better. On defense, which was one of the best in the league last season, there was a blockbuster signing in Van Miller and that will make the defensive line extremely stronger.
New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens – September 11, 7:00pm
The Jets enter their second season with quarterback Zach Wilson, whom they selected second overall in the 2021 draft, and their second season with head coach Robert Salah. The personnel changes should have made it a little easier for the playmaker. The offensive line that is supposed to protect him should be at least mediocre in the NFL thanks to various commitments. In week one, however, Zach Wilson will have to rest due to injury and so QB Joe Flacco will start on the Jets’ side. To that end, the group of pass receivers has been given some depth and talent. On the defensive side, which has also been bolstered by free agents, a number of injured players are also returning. Presumably, more than half of the starting spots on that side will be filled by newcomers.
After a very disappointing last season, which was mainly marked by injuries, the Ravens are among the extended circle of favourites this year. Baltimore used the break between seasons to strengthen the offensive line in order to put more focus on the running game. With a quarterback like Lamar Jackson in his contract year, that’s obviously imperative. The departure of established pass receivers leaves a hole, making this position group worse overall than it has been recently. Defensively, the NFL’s new and thus youngest defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, can build his new defense around one of the strongest secondaries in the entire league.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns – Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m.
During the non-playoff period, two teams kept creating plenty of conversation. The Panthers because they traded for Baker Mayfield, and the Browns because they did just that for Deshaun Watson. This fact alone ensures that the duel in week one is under a special star. That’s because Baker Mayfield was still the starting quarterback in Cleveland last year. He was selected first overall by the Browns in the 2019 draft. However, he was desperate to leave the team after the team just signed ex-Housten quarterback Watson for a horrendous price.
The latter, in turn, has not stepped on an NFL field since 2020 because he has been accused by numerous women of sexual abuse. In the meantime, there was a court case regarding this accusation and directly afterwards the punishment on the part of the NFL. Watson will therefore miss the first eleven games of the season. Therefore Cleveland will start in Carolina with Teddy Bridgewater as playmaker, which will significantly weaken the offense. On the other side, Baker Mayfield will start for the Panthers. Certainly highly motivated and some anger in his belly.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts – September 03, 3:30pm
The Texans have finally been able to really ring in the team’s rebuild. That’s because the trade with the Cleveland Browns, who brought in former starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, has left the Texans with plenty of draft capital for years to come and finally some free money to spend. But it’s no secret that Houston is once again entering a transition year. Again with new head coach Lovie Smith, who was defensive coordinator last year, and with many rookies who are expected to develop accordingly. There are no changes from last year at the playmaker position. Ex-Standford quarterback David Mills will lead the team.
The Colts also have a lot of new players. Among other things, they got rid of Matt Ryan, who was quarterback in Atlanta for 13 years, from the Falcons. That should be an upgrade at the most important position. Frank Reich’s team will continue to rely on its tremendous running game. It was the best in the league last season and the offensive line, which is partly responsible for a functional running game, has been strengthened again. One change to the Colts’ coaching staff was the departure of defensive coordinator Matt Eberfluss, who has now taken his first head coaching position with the Chicago Bears. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has a strong defensive line at his disposal on paper, and the defensive line in particular could dominate.
Washington Commanders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – Steptember 11, 7:00 p.m.
With a new name the team from the capital starts into the upcoming season. The “Washington Redskins” (1937-2020) became the “Washington Football Team” in 2020 and now the “Washington Commanders”. The personnel change that caused a lot of discussion was the relatively early trade in the offseason with the Indianapolis Colts. In this trade, Carson Wentz was brought to the Commanders as a new playmaker. To make things easier for him, investments were made in pass receivers and skill players. So the circumstances should be right for Wentz, on what is now his third NFL team. On the defensive side, the front line in particular must improve. That line, if no one is out due to injury, will start five players Washington selected in the first round of the draft between 2017 and 2020.
The Commanders’ first opponent will be the Jaguars from Jacksonville, who have been the worst team in the NFL twice in a row and thus were allowed to select a player twice in the first place in the draft. For the “1st Overall Pick” of 2021, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, it is a matter of proving what he is made of this season. Almost everything around him has been changed. With Doug Pederson, a Super Bowl champion with the Eagles in 2018, a new head coach has also arrived. In addition, the offensive line was strengthened and investments were made in wide receivers. In addition, the defence will have a completely new face. Overall, Jacksonville spent more guaranteed money than any other team ever has.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots – Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m.
With the Dolphins and the Patriots, two teams from the AFC East will meet. It will be an exciting and important season for the Dolphins and their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as the playmaker’s future is at stake. In the very aggressive offseason, a rookie head coach was hired in Mike McDaniel, who previously worked as offensive coordinator with the 49ers. Furthermore, the new coaching staff made some blockbuster moves and thus the next step in team development is likely. Tyreek Hill, one of the best wide receivers in the league, was signed. In order for him to be used by Tua, the pass blocking was strengthened with superstar Armstead from the Saints, among others. Expect the running game to take on a bigger role in the offensive scheme.
The New England Patriots have some unanswered questions ahead of the new season. Especially on offense, they have taken a major hit with the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. On paper, the Patriots may lack individual quality The line that will protect quarterback Mac Jones in his second year, however, will once again be one of the better offensive lines. The Patriots’ defensive construct looks to remain almost unchanged up front, as it was very strong in the final third of the season. Still, with the personnel changes in the second line of the defense, it will be very difficult to reach the level again.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints – Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m.
A new era begins for both teams. For the Falcons, it begins the time without Matt Ryan at quarterback and for the Saints, it begins the time without head coach Sean Payton, who had been calling the shots since 2006. In the NFC South duel in week one, the Saints are the favourites. For the Falcons, Marcus Mariota replaces Matt Ryan as playmaker. Nobody in Atlanta believes that he is a long-term solution. Mariota has third-round pick and rookie Dasmond Ridder, who showed good signs in the preseason, breathing down his neck. The receiver group was further weakened by the NFL’s suspension of Calvin Ridley.
Dennis Allen, the Saints’ defensive coordinator since 2015, is now the new man on the sidelines. In recent years, he has ensured that the New Orleans defence has always been one of the best in the league. Now, as head coach, he is expected to do the same with the entire team. The defence will continue to be the showpiece, even though they had to let Gardner-Johnson, an important player, go to Philadelphia a few days ago. The offence around quarterback Winston will get a huge upgrade, especially in terms of pass receivers. First, Michel Thomas returned from injury, plus the franchise signed Jarvis Landry from the Browns and drafted Chris Olave in the first round. Last but not least, the Saints added one of the best playmakers in the entire league in Alvin Kamara.
Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles – September 11, 7:00pm
When looking for winners and losers from the offseason, the Lions and Eagles are each on the winning side. The Lions are entering their second year under head coach Dan Campell and a crucial year is dawning for playmaker Jared Goff. If the Lions’ win total is as low as last year’s, it will probably be his last season in the Motor City. The team he leads was significantly strengthened in the draft and free agency. On the offensive line, three first-round picks will likely be on the field from the start, and there was also fresh personnel for the pass receiver position.
In Philadelphia, one of the surprise teams last year, the development of the team is going faster than expected. The offense around quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to be built around the running game and it gives it a good baseline. However, Hurts will have to prove this season that he can take a step forward as a passer. Nick Seriani and his coaching staff have done a great job of assembling the Eagles squad and have given Hurts a true playmaker with the signing of A.J. Brown. The Offense and Defense Line will be able to dominate games and so the Eagles can most certainly compete for the division win in the NFC East.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sept. 11, 7:00 p.m.
The second best team of the past NFL season opens the new season in their own stadium and welcomes the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals were the surprise last year. With a strong squad around quarterback Joe Burrow, who returned from injury, and rookie Ja’Marr Chase, they even made it to the Super Bowl in the end. There, their relatively weak offensive line was their undoing, and to prevent that from happening again, it was strengthened accordingly. Even if the team has not become worse on paper, it remains questionable whether Cincinnati can have a similarly strong season.
The Steelers are entering the “after-BigBen era”, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ended his active career after last season. He was a 2004 draft pick of the Steelers and took them to two Super Bowl victories. Now the playmaker is called Mitchell Trubisky and came from the Buffalo Bills, where he was last backup. His backup will be Kenny Pickett, who was selected in this year’s draft. No matter which playmaker it will be, he will have a hard time behind the fragile offensive line. The Steelers also lost quality on defense, but will still be able to cause problems for a lot of teams in this league.
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers – September 11, 7:00 p.m.
The Chicago Bears have been in absolute upheaval at least since this offseason. The one thing that sets the team apart from other franchises in rebuilding is that they have a young and talented quarterback in Justin Fields. Otherwise, the Bears have deteriorated at almost every position compared to last year and there have been plenty of big-name departures. Fields is expected to protect a completely new offensive line, but it will probably be one of the weaker ones in the NFL, so the circumstances for him will be anything but good. There are also big question marks when it comes to pass receivers. Overall, Chicago probably has one of the worst squads in the entire NFL.
A strong squad that nevertheless raises question marks is the San Francisco 49ers. Last year’s NFC Conference Finals participant is now making the expected change at the quarterback position. Trey Lance replaces Jimmy Garoppolo at the most important position and must now show that he is worth the high price San Francisco paid for him. After the preseason, the focus will be on the weak offensive line, which could become a real problem. But if Trey Lance and the line in front of him play a solid season, the team from California will be a contender for the playoffs again.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Sept. 11, 10:25 p.m.
A duel in the far north of the USA. Behind the Vikings around quarterback Kirk Cousins lies a disappointing last season, in which they missed the playoff participation with a record of 8-9. The personnel consequence that followed was the parting of ways with head coach Mike Zimmer. Former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell took over for him. The circumstances for quarterback Cousins will be good and the basic offensive structure is unlikely to change. To that end, the franchise broadened the pass receiving options with a trade for Jalen Reagor. The backfield, consisting of the running back duo of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, is one of the best in the league.
For the Packers, many pundits are asking the question before the season: who will catch the passes of superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers? With the departure of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard will likely slide into the number one receiver role. There was a late strike at wide receiver in the draft, but at least Christian Watson will likely become a mainstay. With Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, there are also two veterans for this position in the squad. Again, the defence is expected to be extremely strong. This could somewhat surprisingly become the decisive team part in Green Bay.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Kansas City Chiefs – September 11, 10:25pm
The Cardinals got off to a strong start to the season last year and are among the favourites for a playoff spot in the tight NFC West again this year. However, star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will miss the start of the new season as he has to serve his NFL-imposed doping suspension. So many eyes will be on Marquise Brown, who was signed from Baltimore as a pass receiver. He thus celebrates a reunion with his ex-college quarterback Kyler Murray. The latter, in turn, must now prove he is worth the expensive contract he signed before the start of this year’s training camp.
The Cardinals’ first opponent will be the Chiefs, who have been perennial title contenders since the Patrick Mahomes era began. He went through arguably his first real rough patch in the NFL last year, but then impressed again in the playoffs with exceptionally strong quarterback play. There are questions on the offensive side of the ball as to how the departure of Tyreek Hill can be compensated. But it’s also clear that head coach Andy Reid will find ways to get this offense rolling.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders – Sept. 11, 10:25 p.m.
Chargers vs Raiders – This does ring a bell. This game was the last regular season game last year and only the winner could make the playoffs. Las Vegas won the game in overtime. At the start of the new NFL season, both teams will meet again directly in a divisional duel. The AFC South could become the strongest division in the entire league this season. One reason for this is that the Chargers have improved compared to last season. Playmaker Justin Herbert is entering his third NFL year and was already a top-5 quarterback in 2021. Plus, head coach Brandon Staley is entering his second year and has some experience by now. The receiver group and playmaker group is very strong. In addition, the improved offensive line will help Herbert a lot.
The Raiders will start with a new head coach. Josh McDaniels, who was offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick, takes over the team from the city that never sleeps. Playmaker Derek Carr was joined by a familiar face during the off-season, having played with Davante Adams in college. That will certainly give the Raiders’ offence a boost. Due to the tight and strong division, losing is already a must from week one onwards.
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Giants – September 11, 10:25 p.m.
Last year’s AFC South winners failed to make the playoffs on a field goal with the clock running out against the eventual AFC champions from Cincinnati. Now the Titans experienced quite a rebuild, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. That makes the team a surprise package. Ryan Tannehill is still the starting quarterback, but with A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, two of his top three starting positions are no longer on the team. That will give the offense a different look, though of course it’s also very dependent on running back Derrick Henry. A regression of the Titans as a team as a whole cannot be ruled out.
The New York Giants are in the midst of a rebuilding process. For quarterback Daniel Jones, it’s a do-or-die season. He has to show this year that he can be the long-term solution at the playmaker position. If the Giants become one of the worst teams in the NFL and thus get to select a player early in the upcoming draft, they could select a new quarterback there, for example. The new head coach of the team from the “Big Apple” is Brian Daboll. He was most recently the offensive coordinator for the Bills. Realistically, New York will be in third place in the NFC East at the most.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sep 12, 02:20am
As was the case last year, the Cowboys face the Buccaneers in week one. Last season, this was the opening game of the 101st NFL season, as the Bucs had won the Super Bowl the previous year. America’s Team” has been waiting for this very title since 1995, and there is not much to suggest that this season will be enough for a sixth title overall. Mike McCarthy’s team has lost a lot of quality in terms of personnel. Not only did Dallas lose Amari Cooper and Cedric Wilson in the receiver group, but the offensive line has also been weakened. So for one of the best running back duos in Elliott and Pollard, the circumstances don’t get any easier. The defence, which had 26 interceptions last season, will have a hard time reaching that level again.
During the season break, there was one dominant topic in Tampa Bay at the beginning: the Brady retirement. And then: the Brady comeback. The seven-time Super Bowl champion will thus continue to play for the Buccaneers and that ensures that the Florida franchise is once again one of the closer favourites. However, there are also important changes, as Bruce Arians took his hat and Todd Bowles takes over as head coach. Furthermore, superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski, one of Brady’s most important playmakers, has retired. However, the receiver group is still wide and well-positioned. The defense will continue to be one of the best in the league despite some departures.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos – Sept. 13, 02:15 p.m.
The final game in week one is a special one as it marks the return of Russell Wilson to Seattle. The Seahawks selected the quarterback in round three of the 2012 draft and he subsequently served as Seattle’s starter for ten years. In the summer, they parted ways and traded him to the Denver Broncos. This marks the beginning of a new era in Seattle. It seems unlikely that one of the two quarterbacks currently on the roster will be the long-term solution. The team from Washington State will go into the season with starter Geno Smith. The franchise is in a bit of a rebuild and faces an uncertain season. They are maximum underdogs in the tight and strong NFC West division.
The Denver Broncos have now found the piece of the puzzle that the franchise has been missing with the aforementioned Russell Wilson. For the past few years, the team has had mediocre starting quarterbacks at best. For Wilson, the trade also pays off financially, as the Broncos signed him to a new five-year contract before the start of the season. The team from Colorado will still be a surprise package, because with Nathaniel Hackett the team has a rookie head coach. However, the circumstances with the offensive line and pass receiving group will probably make it easier for the new playmaker to shine. They also have a new defensive coordinator in Ejiro Evero, but he has no playcalling experience so far. However, he will find a defensive line that will be among the league leaders, especially at the linebacker and safety positions.
