The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2023 season is stacked with mountainous matchups, and now we agree with bought you lined with what it’s essential know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation journalists lift us the largest keys to every game and a gallant prediction for every matchup.
Moreover, ESPN Stats & Data be taught gives a mountainous stat to know and a having a bet nugget for every contest, and our Football Energy Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a game projection. Analytics writer Seth Walder picks out every matchup’s largest X part, and story analyst Eric Temperamental hands out functional story soccer intel. Lastly, Walder and Temperamental give us closing ranking picks for every game. The entirety you respect to want to know is here in a single set to aid you to salvage ready for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s salvage into the total Week 1 slate, at the side of Brock Purdy vs. Kenny Pickett, a fight of Ohio in Cleveland, the originate of the Jordan Fancy era for Inexperienced Bay and an NFC East game at Metlife Stadium on Sunday night. It all culminates with a “Monday Evening Football” matchup between the Payments and the Jets on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday except infamous.)
Jump to a matchup:
SF-PIT | CIN-CLE | CAR-ATL
JAX-IND | TB-MIN | TEN-NO
ARI-WSH | HOU-BAL | GB-CHI
LV-DEN | PHI-NE | MIA-LAC
LAR-SEA | DAL-NYG | BUF-NYJ
Thursday: DET 21, KC 20
49ers at Steelers
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: SF -2.5 (41)
Storyline to peep: Whereas Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy agree with been selected 242 picks apart in the 2022 NFL draft, every enter this season as the incumbent initiating quarterback for their organizations — and each enter Sunday’s game with one thing to cowl. For Pickett, or now not it is displaying that he can continue the momentum from the quit of final season and orchestrate a extra explosive offense. For Purdy, or now not it is proving that final twelve months wasn’t a fluke and that he’s recovered from his offseason UCL repair surgical operation on his correct elbow. — Brooke Pryor
Fearless prediction: Sever Bosa will pull a T.J. Watt — playing in the opener and posting extra than one sacks correct style days after signing a lucrative contract extension (5 years, $170 million) with the 49ers. The Niners query him to play in opposition to the Steelers no subject now not taking fragment in practising camp until this week. He’ll be going in opposition to Steelers tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor, who ranked thirty fourth (89.5%) and Thirtieth (89.9%) among tackles in flow block safe rate, respectively, in 2022. That is heart of the pack however serene a brilliant matchup for the NFL’s reigning Defensive Participant of the Year. — Sever Wagoner
Stat to know: Final season, the usage of movement used to be key to Purdy’s success. When San Francisco outdated movement, Purdy’s QBR nearly doubled, and he threw 11 touchdown passes to 2 interceptions. That have to be receive to the test, as the Steelers’ defense led the NFL in opponent touchdown-to-interception ratio on performs with movement.
Matchup X part: Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt. One sneaky weakness for the 49ers is their offensive line (besides Trent Williams). Watt can make Purdy’s return to action dicey in a flash. — Walder
Injuries: 49ers | Steelers
What to know for story: The 49ers agree with truly appropriate some of the toughest inch defenses in the league. They allowed the fewest speeding yards (1,014) to running backs final season. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Pittsburgh is 3-0 in opposition to the unfold (ATS) in its past three Week 1 video games. San Francisco is 0-3 ATS in Week 1 for the duration of that span. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Steelers 21, 49ers 17
Walder’s opt: 49ers 26, Steelers 23
FPI prediction: SF, 55.9% (by a median of two.2 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Bosa’s unusual contract gives foundation for subsequent wave of 49ers stars … Why Fitzpatrick’s Steelers are sweating the vital choices in 2023 … Can 49ers destroy by way of championship window earlier than it closes?
Bengals at Browns
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CIN -2 (forty eight)
Storyline to peep: How does Joe Burrow peek? The Cincinnati Respectable Bowl QB left out nearly the total preseason with a strained correct calf hurt and started practising easiest final week. All-Respectable Browns flow-rusher Myles Garrett destroyed the Bengals’ offense in Cleveland final twelve months with 1.5 sacks and 4 QB hits — and he’ll be aiming to make essentially the most of any Burrow rustiness this time round, too. — Jake Trotter
Fearless prediction: The Bengals will live winless at Cleveland. The Browns agree with obtained 5 straight home video games vs. the Bengals, which is tied for the longest home profitable flow by both team in the historical past of the rivalry. Burrow is serene working his way succor from hurt, and the defense is incorporating two unusual safeties, Dax Hill and Sever Scott. Couple these components with an improved Cleveland defense and the addition of receiver Elijah Moore for QB Deshaun Watson, and it equals yet every other rivalry safe for the Browns. — Ben Tiny one
Stat to know: No player has posted a elevated flow escape safe rate in opposition to a single opponent than Garrett in opposition to the Bengals since 2017 (31%). He has recorded 11 sacks in nine video games over that span, and Cleveland is 7-2 in these video games.
Matchup X part: Bengals offensive style out Orlando Brown Jr. The Bengals’ unusual blindside protector has a most essential project in Week 1 — stopping Garrett. The right news for Cincinnati is Brown would possibly possibly also be the most effective protector Burrow has had since coming into the league. — Walder
Injuries: Bengals | Browns
What to know for story: Cleveland running succor Sever Chubb has averaged 17.4 story choices in nine career video games in opposition to the Bengals. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Divisional home underdogs are 7-0 ATS in Week 1 over the final 5 years (4-1-2 straight up). They are 15-2-1 ATS since 2012, and 21-5-1 ATS since 2009. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Bengals 23, Browns 20
Walder’s opt: Browns 23, Bengals 16
FPI prediction: CIN, 59.2% (by a median of 3.4 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Burrow taking fragment solely after return from calf tension … Browns’ Watson says he’s extra healthy than he used to be in 2020
Panthers at Falcons
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: ATL -3.5 (39.5)
Storyline to peep: No. 1 total opt Bryce Younger makes his first originate for the Panthers, and Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 opt, will play in his first game for the Falcons. How Younger handles Atlanta’s unusual-peek defensive procedure led by a revamped flow escape and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and how the Falcons exhaust Robinson in their station-agnostic offense would possibly possibly also simply be the 2 keys to who wins Sunday. — Michael Rothstein
Fearless prediction: Younger will flow for additional than 300 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in his first originate. He has performed in the Georgia Dome earlier than — his first college originate used to be there in 2021 when he threw four touchdown passes for Alabama — and he’ll be facing a Falcons defense that ranked 25th (giving up 3,942 yards) in opposition to the flow a twelve months ago. — David Newton
Stat to know: The final quarterback drafted first total who obtained their first NFL originate used to be David Carr in 2002. Such quarterbacks agree with long past 0-13-1 since then.
Matchup X part: Panthers defensive style out Derrick Brown and the Carolina inch defense. The Panthers are the underdogs here, and their most effective chance of pulling the upset is to conclude the Falcons from getting occurring the floor and forcing Desmond Ridder to position the ball in the air. — Walder
Injuries: Panthers | Falcons
What to know for story: Drake London will pose a anguish to a Panthers defense that gave up the fourth-most yards to wide receivers final season. In 2022, nearly 40% of London’s total receiving yards came for the duration of the four video games wherein Ridder used to be the initiating quarterback. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: The Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their past seven Week 1 video games. The Panthers are 7-13 ATS in their past 20 Week 1 video games. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Falcons 27, Panthers 24
Walder’s opt: Falcons 22, Panthers 14
FPI prediction: ATL, 55.9% (by a median of two.2 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Why Panthers’ Burns is now not retaining out … Expectations for Robinson in Year 1
Jaguars at Colts
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: JAX -5.0 (forty five.5)
Storyline to peep: The Colts have not obtained a season opener since 2013, and their winless flow of nine straight openers is now tied for the 2nd-longest in NFL historical past. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson (the No. 4 total opt) would possibly be having a peep to alternate that. The Jaguars have not obtained a game in Indianapolis since 2017, shedding 5 consecutive times at Lucas Oil Stadium. One in all these streaks would possibly be damaged. — Stephen Holder
Fearless prediction: The Jaguars will sack Richardson six times. Jacksonville’s flow escape is a most essential anguish, however it indubitably would possibly be ready to confuse the rookie with disguised coverages and blitzes. Richardson will destroy a few runs, however he’ll also inch himself into a sack or two. In 2022, the Jaguars season-high for sacks in a game used to be 5 … in opposition to the Colts in Week 2. — Mike DiRocco
Stat to know: In his first two season openers, Trevor Lawrence is 0-2 with four passing touchdowns, four interceptions and a 55.9% completion share.
Matchup X part: Richardson. How can it now not be? So powerful variance rests with him, and the Colts’ chances here will hinge on how ready he’s to make straight away. — Walder
Injuries: Jaguars | Colts
What to know for story: Lawrence averaged 19.5 story choices over the final 11 video games of 2022. He now has yet every other playmaker in Calvin Ridley, who led the league in air yards and red zone targets when he performed the total 2020 season. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: The Jaguars are 13-2-1 ATS in opposition to the Colts since 2015. The Colts had been appreciated in the outdated 10 conferences. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Jaguars 31, Colts 20
Walder’s opt: Jaguars 21, Colts 17
FPI prediction: JAX, 64.5% (by a median of 5.4 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Can Lawrence destroy Jaguars passing files in 2023? … From shooting hoops to ball safety, Steichen making affect on Colts
Buccaneers at Vikings
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: MIN -5.5 (forty five.5)
Storyline to peep: Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will tie an NFL tale by making a Week 1 originate for more than a couple of groups in three consecutive years. And he will strive to beat a Vikings franchise that has the league’s 2nd-most effective profitable share (.731) in Week 1 home openers for the rationale that 1970 AFL-NFL merger. — Kevin Seifert
Fearless prediction: Tight quit T.J. Hockenson will tie a career-high with two touchdown catches in opposition to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers’ defense surrendered nine touchdowns to tight ends for the duration of the normal season final twelve months — the fifth-most in the NFL. With Justin Jefferson getting the lion’s share of attention from Todd Bowles and the aggressive nature of that defense, it lends itself to a mountainous day for Hockenson. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins is 6-9 as a initiating quarterback in his career vs. NFC South groups — his worst tale in opposition to any division.
Matchup X part: Buccaneers cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III. Tampa Bay desires its corners to gradual Justin Jefferson and power the Vikings to rely on their secondary receiving choices (receivers Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn and Hockenson). Even serene, that would possibly be now not easy. But closely marking the most effective wide receiver in soccer is the station to originate. — Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Vikings
What to know for story: Final season, wide receivers caught 66% of their targets and averaged a league-high 192 receiving yards per game in opposition to the Vikings’ secondary — which is serene Minnesota’s largest weakness. That bodes effectively for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s Week 1 story outlooks. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Overs agree with been 8-2 in Minnesota home video games final season, at the side of the playoffs (8-1 in past nine). Over the past three seasons, overs are 20-6 in Vikings home video games. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Buccaneers 27, Vikings 20
Walder’s opt: Vikings 19, Buccaneers 16
FPI prediction: MIN, 67.1% (by a median of 6.4 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Bucs’ offense gives encouraging signs heading into Week 1 … Vikings’ Cousins is conscious of his job is ‘on the line’ this season … As time restrict nears, Buccaneers’ Evans making an try for safety
Titans at Saints
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: NO -3 (41)
Storyline to peep: One in all a very noteworthy matchups will characteristic Saints left style out and 2022 No. 19 total opt Trevor Penning maintaining the blind aspect in opposition to the Titans’ flow escape. Penning’s efficiency will seemingly dictate the success of present Saints quarterback Derek Carr and his potential to salvage the ball to his receivers. — Katherine Terrell
Fearless prediction: Derrick Henry will escape for 150 yards and DeAndre Hopkins will agree with 100-plus receiving yards. Hopkins mentioned he wished to enroll in the Titans thanks to Henry, who’s presence will warrant single protection on the out of doorways for Hopkins. Henry has yet to face the Saints in his career (he used to be injured the past twice these groups performed), however Hopkins has 23 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns in three video games in opposition to Recent Orleans. — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Saints agree with obtained their past four season openers, the longest flow in franchise historical past. It be tied for the 2nd longest active flow in the NFL, trailing the Chiefs (eight straight).
Matchup X part: Saints receiver Michael Thomas. If Thomas is the relaxation respect his extinct self, he’ll combine with Chris Olave to make for a ambitious receiving duo. — Walder
Injuries: Titans | Saints
What to know for story: Since 2013, Hopkins ranks first in receptions, 2nd in receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns. He averaged 16.8 story choices per game final season. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in Week 1 beneath coach Mike Vrabel (0-3 ATS over the final three seasons). The perfect duvet came in the lone occasion it has been an underdog in Week 1 (2019 at Browns). Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Saints 21, Titans 18
Walder’s opt: Saints 38, Titans 10
FPI prediction: NO, fifty three.4% (by a median of 1.3 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Tannehill enters closing twelve months of contract mad to ‘attack this season’ … After injuries, Saints WR Thomas eyes NFL comeback … How Titans GM Ran Carthon bought his dream job … Haener suspended for violating the NFL’s PED protection
Cardinals at Commanders
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: WSH -7 (38)
Storyline to peep: Washington’s defensive line is anchored by Respectable Bowl tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — who blended for 19 sacks final season. This community will face a Cardinals offensive line with an inexperienced heart in Hjalte Froholdt, who has four career begins, and contains three unusual starters. If the Cardinals desire any chance to safe this game, they’re going to want to by some means adjust this front — and perform so with an inexperienced quarterback, no subject whether or now not or now not it is Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune. — John Keim
Fearless prediction: James Conner will style with 100 yards and a touchdown in his 2023 debut, capping a day wherein he has 20 carries and 5 catches. All offseason, the message from the Cardinals used to be that they agree with been going to commit to the inch this season, and we are going to inquire of it straight away. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: The Commanders have not lost a home game to the Cardinals since 1998, profitable eight straight.
Matchup X part: Cardinals offensive style out Paris Johnson Jr. If the Cardinals agree with a chance in opposition to the Commanders, they’re going to want to give protection to their quarterback from a noteworthy Washington flow escape. They would possibly be able to now not perform that without right play from Johnson in his NFL debut. — Walder
Injuries: Cardinals | Commanders
What to know for story: The Cardinals’ worst defensive season came in 2003, with 452 choices allowed in 16 video games, however this would possibly possibly also simply be worse. For story managers who budge quarterbacks and tight ends, the Cardinals’ defense is an most attention-grabbing goal. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Washington has now not closed as at least a seven-point favourite since Week 12 of 2017 (-7 vs. the Giants). And Washington has now not been a seven-point favourite in Week 1 since 2000 (-7 vs. Cardinals). Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Commanders 24, Cardinals 10
Walder’s opt: Commanders 19, Cardinals 3
FPI prediction: WSH, 63.8% (by a median of 5.2 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Would possibly perchance perchance well the Cardinals originate a fifth-round rookie? … Magic Johnson preaches championship practices to Commanders … Gannon mum on initiating quarterback … Will Rivera’s mountainous bets on Bieniemy, Howell flow bust for all?
Texans at Ravens
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: BAL -10 (43.5)
Storyline to peep: Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ defense peek to continue their hot streaks. In four career season openers, Jackson has thrown 12 touchdown passes and one interception, for a 82.7 Complete QBR, which is 2nd easiest to Patrick Mahomes since 2006. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 total opt who threw an FBS-high 85 touchdown passes in his two years as initiating QB for Ohio Issue, faces a now not easy debut. Below coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore is 14-2 (.875) in opposition to rookie quarterbacks at M&T Bank Stadium. — Jamison Hensley
Fearless prediction: Set up aside a question to the Texans’ secondary to salvage their hands on the ball and intercept Jackson quite a lot of times. Houston invested in the unit this offseason on the draft and by way of free agency, and unusual coach DeMeco Ryans, the ragged Niners defensive coordinator, is calling performs. And the Texans are facing the Ravens’ unusual offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is identified to operate a flow-heavy offense. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: Baltimore is 9-2 (.818) vs. Houston in franchise historical past, their fourth-absolute top safe share in opposition to any opponent. The Ravens final lost to the Texans in 2014.
Matchup X part: Monken. How perform Jackson and the offense fare in the unusual procedure? This would possibly possibly furthermore be a most essential signal of how Baltimore’s season will flow. — Walder
Injuries: Texans | Ravens
What to know for story: The Texans’ defense allowed essentially the most speeding yards (2,412) and touchdowns (22) to running backs final season. Baltimore running succor J.K. Dobbins is wholesome, and the Ravens are heavy favorites, so look him to grind on the floor. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: The Ravens are 43-0 outright as double-digit favorites in the normal season. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Ravens 31, Texans 17
Walder’s opt: Ravens 34, Texans 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 73.5% (by a median of 9.1 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Howard placed on IR, to flow over first four video games … What’s going to Jackson and Ravens’ unusual offense peek respect? … Why the Texans spent $118M in guaranteed money to give protection to Stroud
Packers at Bears
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: CHI -1 (42)
Storyline to peep: With Jordan Fancy replacing Aaron Rodgers (26-5 in opposition to Chicago since 2008, at the side of the playoffs) at quarterback, Inexperienced Bay appears to be like to lengthen its safe flow to nine straight over its NFC North foe. Each groups underwent most most essential construction this offseason, and whereas the quarterback station used to be the largest alternate for Inexperienced Bay, the supporting solid round third-twelve months Bears quarterback Justin Fields (as effectively as six unusual starters on defense) appears to be like vastly varied than the one Chicago fielded for the duration of final season’s three-safe style. — Courtney Cronin
Fearless prediction: The Bears led the NFL in speeding yards per game final season, and easiest six groups allowed extra speeding yards per game than the Packers. However the Packers will support the Bears beneath 100 yards speeding thanks in share to a youthful defensive front and a concerted effort by defensive coordinator Joe Barry to originate faster this twelve months. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: The Packers’ Matt LaFleur is 8-0 in his head-coaching career vs. the Bears. He is one safe timid of tying the longest profitable flow in opposition to a single opponent to begin a Packers coaching career in the Trim Bowl era (Mike McCarthy, nine straight wins vs. the Lions).
Matchup X part: Packers tight quit Luke Musgrave. Whether or now not it is Musgrave or receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, Inexperienced Bay is going to desire a 2nd flow-catcher to emerge alongside 2nd-twelve months receiver Christian Watson. — Walder
Injuries: Packers | Bears
What to know for story: Fields has a brand unusual receiver to heart of attention on in DJ Moore, who has averaged 5.0 yards after the receive per reception over the final 5 seasons. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Fields is 8-16-1 ATS in his career, the 2nd-worst tale among quarterbacks to originate at least 25 video games in the Trim Bowl era (Colt McCoy). Fields is 4-8-1 ATS at home. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Packers 24, Bears 21
Walder’s opt: Packers 24, Bears 17
FPI prediction: CHI, 51.5% (by a median of 0.6 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: What agree with Packers carried out otherwise to steer clear of yet every other Week 1 anxiousness? … Bears list historical Peterman as QB2 behind Fields … How Packers’ offense will alternate from Rodgers to Fancy
Raiders at Broncos
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: DEN -3.5 (44)
Storyline to peep: The Broncos’ offense — the league’s lowest-scoring outfit final season — and quarterback Russell Wilson (career-low 16 TD passes in 2022) would possibly be beneath extreme scrutiny. Any chance they want to quit a six-game shedding flow in opposition to the Raiders will hinge on facing Raiders running succor Josh Jacobs and edge rusher Maxx Crosby effectively. Jacobs has rushed for at least 100 yards in four of the six video games, whereas Crosby has 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits. — Jeff Legwold
Fearless prediction: Jacobs, no subject lacking all of practising camp and the exhibition season in a contract stalemate, will agree with extra than 100 yards from scrimmage. Finally, the most most essential-team All-Respectable running succor has feasted on the Broncos in his career, going 7-0 with 721 speeding yards and nine touchdowns on 154 carries (4.7 yards per lift) along with 15 catches for 158 yards. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: Wilson is 5-1 all-time vs. Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. A sixth safe would tie for his most vs. any opposing quarterback (6-1 in opposition to Colin Kaepernick).
Matchup X part: Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr. If Jerry Jeudy is out or puny, the Broncos’ passing attack is going to desire to rely on Mims straight away. Whether the rookie can make an affect in his debut would possibly possibly also resolve if the Broncos can maintain with what is usually an genuine Raiders offense. — Walder
Injuries: Raiders | Broncos
What to know for story: Denver running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are noteworthy Week 1 starters in opposition to a Raiders defense that gave up 20 touchdowns in opposition to the inch final season. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Over the past 5 seasons, the Raiders are 9-1 ATS in opposition to the Broncos (8-2 outright), at the side of 6-0 ATS as an underdog (4-2 outright). The Raiders are 4-0 ATS up to now two seasons in opposition to the Broncos. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Broncos 30, Raiders 23
Walder’s opt: Raiders 23, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: DEN, 59.1% (by a median of 3.4 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Jones says Raiders sent disaster team to his home … Can Wilson adapt to Payton’s offense? … Wilson discovering out on the job after unhurried originate with Raiders … Surtain gearing up for yet every other shot at Adams
Eagles at Patriots
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: PHI -4 (forty five)
Storyline to peep: The Eagles are coming off a season wherein they totaled the third-most sacks in NFL historical past (70), and the Patriots’ largest ask mark is their offensive line. The Patriots’ line has managed injuries, illness and inconsistency all the way in which by way of practising camp to the purpose that the projected initiating 5 hasn’t performed a single snap collectively. Patriots coach Invoice Belichick mentioned of the Eagles’ D: “Their front is dominant, the most effective flow-speeding front in the league by moderately a bit.” — Mike Reiss
Fearless prediction: Recent England’s particular groups will ranking a touchdown. The Eagles agree with had lots of turnover on their particular groups items and can seemingly need a whereas earlier than the operation is solely buttoned up. One carryover from final season is punter Arryn Siposs, who had a pricey errant kick in Trim Bowl LVII in opposition to the Chiefs. He’ll be facing off in opposition to Marcus Jones, who led the league in punt return yards (362) and broke off an 84-yard return for a touchdown final season en route to being named first-team All-Respectable as a rookie. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Recent England quarterback Mac Jones’ 4.5 QBR when pressured final season used to be the worst among 31 certified quarterbacks. The Eagles ranked first in flow escape safe rate final season (52.7%), whereas the Patriots ranked twenty ninth (32.9%).
Matchup X part: Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche. With 11.5 sacks and a 19% (above realistic) flow escape safe rate, Uche is usually a disruptor who would possibly possibly well cause considerations for the ambitious Eagles offense. — Walder
Injuries: Eagles | Patriots
What to know for story: The Eagles allowed a league-low 4.9 yards per flow strive final season. Jones and the Patriots’ offense are in for a now not easy Sunday afternoon after the offensive line struggled for the duration of preseason and practising camp. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Since 2000, groups that lost in the outdated season’s Trim Bowl are 4-19 ATS in Week 1 the following season (0-3 ATS up to now three seasons). Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Eagles 24, Patriots 20
Walder’s opt: Eagles 30, Patriots 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 61.9% (by a median of 4.4 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: For the length of the Eagles’ resolution to draft Carter … Stevenson smitten by teaming with Elliott in Patriots’ backfield
Dolphins at Chargers
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: LAC -3 (51)
Storyline to peep: The Chargers made clear Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa by no way bought comfy in Week 14 final season, limiting him by eradicating swiftly-timing throws and the heart of the self-discipline. Miami coach Mike McDaniel had a total offseason to establish how to counter that implies, however Los Angeles will agree with well-known individual flow-rusher Joey Bosa readily available after he didn’t play final twelve months’s matchup thanks to a groin hurt. Whoever dictates the tempo and nature of the Dolphins’ flow game will agree with a enormous serve. — Daniel Greenspan
Fearless prediction: Miami will inch for 150-plus yards in opposition to the NFL’s fifth-worst inch defense from a season ago, at the side of a 100-yard game from an inspired Raheem Mostert, quieting the focus on Miami shopping and selling for a running succor. The Dolphins averaged 4.8 yards per lift in final twelve months’s loss to the Chargers however would possibly possibly well by no way moderately commit to the inch. That changes this twelve months. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert used to be dominant out of doorways the pocket in 2022, ranking third in QBR (86.2), first in passing yards (901) and tied for 2nd in passing touchdowns (seven). It used to be also truly appropriate some of the Dolphins defense’s largest weaknesses, because it allowed the 2nd-absolute top QBR (82) to opposing quarterbacks out of doorways the pocket.
Matchup X part: Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson. Unique off a forgettable 2022 advertising and marketing campaign, Jackson will play a very vital feature in stopping a passing attack that used to be ruthlessly atmosphere pleasant final season. Whether Jackson performs respect he did in 2021 or 2022 will flow a great way in figuring out how the Chargers perform Sunday — and this season. — Walder
Injuries: Dolphins | Chargers
What to know for story: Discover for Herbert and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to seize away darkness from the vertical passing game beneath unusual offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He led Cowboys offenses to realistic 8.3 air yards per flow strive in his four-twelve months tenure. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Tagovailoa is 9-5-1 ATS in his career as an underdog. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Chargers 24, Dolphins 16
Walder’s opt: Dolphins 34, Chargers 31
FPI prediction: LAC, 55.4% (by a median of two.0 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Conserving Tagovailoa simply would possibly be tested vs. Chargers … Largest questions for the Chargers coming into the 2023 season
Rams at Seahawks
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: SEA -5.5 (46)
Storyline to peep: The opener marks Bobby Wagner’s return to Seattle after one season with the Rams. The Seahawks brought succor the future Corridor of Reputation linebacker as share of an overhaul to their front seven after ending Thirtieth in inch defense final season. The Rams agree with been tied for Twenty seventh in speeding final twelve months and would possibly possibly well simply now not agree with well-known individual receiver Cooper Kupp, that will enable Seattle to heart of attention extra attention on stopping the inch. — Brady Henderson
Fearless prediction: Rams running succor Cam Akers will continue the set he left off in opposition to Seattle to quit the 2022 season with yet every other 100-yard speeding game. Even with the emphasis the Seahawks placed on bettering in opposition to the inch, Akers will change into the fifth Rams player to tale four consecutive video games with 100 or extra speeding yards over the final 30 seasons. — Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: The Seahawks’ four straight wins in season openers is the longest flow in franchise historical past and is tied for the 2nd-longest active flow in the NFL.
Matchup X part: Rams receivers Tutu Atwell and/or Puka Nacua. With Kupp out, the Rams are going to desire receiving aid from somewhere as a replace of receiver Van Jefferson and tight quit Tyler Higbee. Enter these two unhurried-round story sleepers, who every agree with a chance to make an instantaneous affect. — Walder
Injuries: Rams | Seahawks
What to know for story: Kupp is out for Week 1, which puts Higbee in the highlight. The Seahawks’ defense allowed the 2nd-most story choices to tight ends final season, and Higbee has averaged 0.96 story choices per goal in his career. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Seattle has lined in three straight season openers. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Seahawks 27, Rams 21
Walder’s opt: Seahawks 23, Rams 13
FPI prediction: SEA, 62.7% (by a median of 4.7 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: How McVay hit the reset button after refined twelve months … Seahawks query Smith-Njigba (wrist) to play vs. Rams … Carroll principles out Adams for Seahawks opener
Cowboys at Giants
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Spread: DAL -3.5 (forty five.5)
Storyline to peep: Cowboys defenders DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons teed off on correct style out Evan Neal and the Giants’ offensive line final season, to the tune of 5 sacks in the 2 conferences. Neal altered his stance this offseason, and the Giants grunt he has “improved.” Now he correct style desires to trust his formula in video games; otherwise Lawrence and Parsons would possibly possibly well derail Recent York’s possibilities of producing any offense. — Jordan Raanan
Fearless prediction: The Cowboys’ priority in the offseason used to be to shore up the inch defense, which led to the drafting of defensive style out Mazi Smith in the most most essential round. Seeing Giants running succor Saquon Barkley in Week 1 would possibly be a test. Barkley has extra video games with fewer than 51 yards speeding in opposition to Dallas (5) than 100-yard video games (two), however he will tally extra than 100 yards on this one and perform so on 25-plus carries, as the Cowboys will make him work for it. — Todd Archer
Stat to know: Quarterback Dak Prescott appears to be like to lengthen his 10-game safe flow in opposition to the Giants on Sunday. With a safe, he would tie Roger Staubach for the longest safe flow in opposition to the Giants since at least 1950.
Matchup X part: Neal. If he’s hasn’t improved from Year 1, quarterback Daniel Jones better peep out. But if we’re about to inquire of a Year 2 jump, that would possibly possibly well pay most most essential dividends for the Giants’ offense. — Walder
Injuries: Cowboys | Giants
What to know for story: Since 2014, Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks is truly appropriate one of seven gamers in the league with 8,500-plus receiving yards and forty five-plus receiving touchdowns. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: The Giants agree with been 13-4 ATS final season (14-5 ATS at the side of playoffs), the most effective mark in the NFL. They agree with been 10-2 ATS as underdogs and 3-1 ATS as home underdogs (2-1-1 straight up). Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Cowboys 28, Giants 23
Walder’s opt: Cowboys 31, Giants 17
FPI prediction: DAL, 55.3% (by a median of two.0 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Interior Parsons’ rush for a Cowboys Trim Bowl title … Barkley sees his game going to a brand unusual, improved diploma … Cowboys peek to ‘Rob The entirety’ with ‘Carpe Omnia’ slogan … Shepard serene has his ‘wiggle’ after ACL dawdle
Payments at Jets
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Spread: BUF -2.5 (46)
Storyline to peep: The Jets agree with long past eight straight video games in opposition to the Payments without scoring extra than 20 choices. Enter Aaron Rodgers, their unusual offensive catalyst. He’ll be tested by a defense that allowed easiest 5.7 yards per dropback final season (sixth in the NFL). — Successfully off Cimini
Fearless prediction: Whichever defense finishes the game with extra sacks will safe. For both groups on this mountainous AFC East matchup, the offensive line is an explain of weakness, and so they’re going to be tested in most essential ways in opposition to two noteworthy defensive fronts. The team that protects its quarterback better will arrangement out with the early serve in the division inch. — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to know: Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is 3-1 with seven passing touchdowns, three speeding touchdowns and 4 interceptions in season openers as a starter. He’ll change into the most most essential Payments quarterback to originate 5 straight openers since Jim Kelly (11 straight from 1986-96).
Matchup X part: Jets offensive style out Mekhi Becton. The fastest way for the Jets’ season to flow south is by way of offensive line failures. Becton is a ask mark at correct style out, having easiest performed one game the past two seasons, however the 2020 first-round opt undoubtedly has upside, too. — Walder
Injuries: Payments | Jets
What to know for story: Final season, Jets receiver Garrett Wilson caught 56.5% of his 147 targets for 1,103 receiving yards. Now he’ll be catching passes from Rodgers, who sports activities a career 65.3% completion share. Trace Week 1 rankings. — Temperamental
Having a bet nugget: Rodgers is 6-1 ATS and 5-1-1 outright as a typical-season home underdog. He is 6-0 ATS and 5-0-1 outright up to now six instances. Read extra.
Temperamental’s opt: Jets 27, Payments 24
Walder’s opt: Jets 20, Payments 17
FPI prediction: BUF, 57.6% (by a median of two.8 choices)
Matchup have to-reads: Diggs: Being Payments captain ‘way extra’ this twelve months … ‘Inviting Knocks’ finale recap: Rodgers’ UFO tale and extra … For Allen, Payments’ season opener gives opportunity to showcase development … Fixing the 5 NFL QBs who regressed essentially the most in 2022
