Today marks the first of 18 Sundays with NFL football! We have eight games in the early afternoon window and five in the late afternoon, along with Sunday Night Football in East Rutherford. All 32 NFL teams look different, even the defending Super Bowl champions lost on Thursday night! Without wasting more time, here are my picks for Week 1.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
This matchup interests me, as it’s a young quarterback battle between Bryce Young, the Panthers’ No. 1 overall pick, and Desmond Ridder. Adam Thielen is expected to make his debut as a Panther after spending his entire career with the Vikings. I think Young shines in his NFL debut against the Falcons, and I see Carolina beginning the season with a win.
Tune in to Panthers at Falcons at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
Cincinnati Bengals (-2) at Cleveland Browns
In the 100th edition of the Battle of Ohio, the Bengals are coming into this game after recently signing quarterback Joe Burrow to make him the highest-paid player in the NFL. He’s not 100% healthy, but he should be enough to beat the Browns without Deshaun Watson.
Tune in to Bengals at Browns at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5) at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will begin a new era with head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson. The Jaguars are coming off the franchise’s best season since making the AFC Championship game a few years ago, where they lost to the Patriots. Trevor Lawrence showed why he could be one of the best quarterbacks in the league last season. Calvin Ridley will finally play after being suspended all of last season. With Jonathan Taylor not playing, this should be an easy win for the Jaguars.
Tune in to Jaguars at Colts at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings (-4)
The Buccaneers will also begin a new era, with Tom Brady retiring after last season. Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson seems to be a sure thing, but losing key players such as running back Dalvin Cook and defensive back Patrick Peterson could make them vulnerable today. However, I don’t think it matters, as the Vikings should get a win today.
Tune in to Buccaneers at Vikings at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Tennessee Titans at New Orleans Saints (-3)
This game is a toss-up for me, as I think both teams can find ways to win. However, I’m a huge fan of Derrick Henry, and the addition of DeAndre Hopkins makes the Titans’ offense hard to face. I also like Derek Carr, but I think it will take some time to get acquainted with a brand-new offense.
Tune in to Titans at Saints at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
San Francisco 49ers (-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers
I can see how the Steelers can win this game with a defense that improved with the acquisition of Patrick Peterson. However, I don’t think their offense can compete with the 49ers’ defense, and I think San Francisco has a better all-around team.
Tune in to 49ers at Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commanders (-7)
The Cardinals are a mess right now, with Kyler Murray not playing and Marquise Brown questionable for today’s game. I’m not a fan of the Commanders this year, but I think Sam Howell will have a good game against the worst team in the NFL.
Tune in to Cardinals at Commanders at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
It will be a difficult NFL debut for C.J. Stroud, as he faces the Ravens. There’s a lot to be excited about with the Ravens this year, especially with Lamar Jackson getting paid. Baltimore should win this game with ease.
Tune in to Texans at Ravens at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (-1.5)
It’s weird to see the Bears as the favorite in this game, but it’s even weirder to not see Aaron Rodgers starting for them. It will begin a new era with Jordan Love getting the start, but I think Rodgers’s departure will make the team regress temporarily. I like Justin Fields’s potential this season, especially with the new addition of wide receiver D.J. Moore. I’ll take Chicago in Week 1.
Tune in to Packers at Bears at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at New England Patriots
It will be a special game in Foxborough, as Tom Brady comes back to Gillette Stadium after his retirement. DeVante Parker is not expected to play, but Rhamondre Stevenson is. I like the Patriots, but it’s hard to pick against the defending NFC Champions. I’ll take the Eagles to win.
Tune in to Eagles at Patriots at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3)
I’m taking the upset here because Jerry Jeudy is out for the Broncos, and I think there will be a game or two of growing pains for Sean Payton’s time in Denver. I like the Raiders by a field goal today.
Tune in to Raiders at Broncos at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)
I like the Chargers because I think the Dolphins are too injury-riddled, especially on defense, with their secondary not at full strength. Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense will decide the game today.
Tune in to Dolphins at Chargers at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-5)
Despite Jamal Adams and Devon Witherspoon being out in Seattle’s secondary, I like the Seahawks’ chances today. Cooper Kupp is on the IR for the Rams, and I think they were not impressive in the preseason.
Tune into Rams at Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
Dallas Cowboys (-3) at New York Giants
The NFC East will be fun this year, and I think it will be a terrific atmosphere for the first Sunday Night Football of the season. I think the Cowboys look better on paper, and they will win by a field goal tonight.
Tune in to Cowboys at Giants at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Buffalo Bills (-2.5) at New York Jets
There’s no doubt that Aaron Rodgers will be in the Hall of Fame one day, but I think the Bills have a slightly better team in the loaded AFC East. It will be back and forth, but Josh Allen will make the difference in the first Monday Night Football of the year.
Tune in to Bills at Jets on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+.
Calhoun's Corner 