NFL Week 1 picks, schedule, odds, injuries, fantasy tips

The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2023 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we have you lined with what it’s worthwhile to know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters carry us the most important keys to each sport and a daring prediction for every matchup.

Moreover, ESPN Stats & Data analysis offers an enormous stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, and our Soccer Energy Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a sport projection. Analytics author Seth Walder picks out every matchup’s greatest X issue, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody fingers out useful fantasy soccer intel. Lastly, Walder and Moody give us last rating picks for each sport. Every thing you need to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.

Let’s get into the total Week 1 slate, together with Brock Purdy vs. Kenny Pickett, a battle of Ohio in Cleveland, the beginning of the Jordan Love period for Inexperienced Bay and an NFC East sport at Metlife Stadium on Sunday night time. All of it culminates with a “Monday Night time Soccer” matchup between the Payments and the Jets on ESPN. (Recreation occasions are Sunday until famous.)

Thursday: DET 21, KC 20

1 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: SF -2.5 (41)

Storyline to look at: Whereas Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy had been chosen 242 picks aside within the 2022 NFL draft, every enter this season because the incumbent beginning quarterback for his or her organizations — and every enter Sunday’s sport with one thing to show. For Pickett, it is exhibiting that he can proceed the momentum from the tip of final season and orchestrate a extra explosive offense. For Purdy, it is proving that final 12 months wasn’t a fluke and that he is recovered from his offseason UCL restore surgical procedure on his proper elbow. — Brooke Pryor

Daring prediction: Nick Bosa will pull a T.J. Watt — taking part in within the opener and posting a number of sacks simply days after signing a profitable contract extension (5 years, $170 million) with the 49ers. The Niners count on him to play towards the Steelers regardless of not taking part in coaching camp till this week. He’ll be going towards Steelers tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor, who ranked thirty fourth (89.5%) and thirtieth (89.9%) amongst tackles in cross block win price, respectively, in 2022. That is center of the pack however nonetheless a positive matchup for the NFL’s reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr. — Nick Wagoner

Stat to know: Final season, using movement was key to Purdy’s success. When San Francisco used movement, Purdy’s QBR practically doubled, and he threw 11 landing passes to 2 interceptions. That ought to be put to the check, because the Steelers’ protection led the NFL in opponent touchdown-to-interception ratio on performs with movement.

Matchup X issue: Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt. One sneaky weak point for the 49ers is their offensive line (in addition to Trent Williams). Watt could make Purdy’s return to motion dicey in a flash. — Walder

Accidents: 49ers | Steelers

What to know for fantasy: The 49ers have one of many hardest run defenses within the league. They allowed the fewest speeding yards (1,014) to working backs final season. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Pittsburgh is 3-0 towards the unfold (ATS) in its previous three Week 1 video games. San Francisco is 0-3 ATS in Week 1 throughout that span. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Steelers 21, 49ers 17Walder’s choose: 49ers 26, Steelers 23FPI prediction: SF, 55.9% (by a median of two.2 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Bosa’s new contract offers basis for subsequent wave of 49ers stars … Why Fitzpatrick’s Steelers are sweating the small print in 2023 … Can 49ers break via championship window earlier than it closes?

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: CIN -2 (48)

Storyline to look at: How does Joe Burrow look? The Cincinnati Professional Bowl QB missed virtually your entire preseason with a strained proper calf harm and started working towards solely final week. All-Professional Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett destroyed the Bengals’ offense in Cleveland final 12 months with 1.5 sacks and 4 QB hits — and he’ll be aiming to take advantage of any Burrow rustiness this time round, too. — Jake Trotter

Daring prediction: The Bengals will stay winless at Cleveland. The Browns have received 5 straight residence video games vs. the Bengals, which is tied for the longest residence profitable streak by both crew within the historical past of the rivalry. Burrow continues to be working his means again from harm, and the protection is incorporating two new safeties, Dax Hill and Nick Scott. Couple these components with an improved Cleveland protection and the addition of receiver Elijah Moore for QB Deshaun Watson, and it equals one other rivalry win for the Browns. — Ben Child

Stat to know: No participant has posted the next cross rush win price towards a single opponent than Garrett towards the Bengals since 2017 (31%). He has recorded 11 sacks in 9 video games over that span, and Cleveland is 7-2 in these video games.

Matchup X issue: Bengals offensive sort out Orlando Brown Jr. The Bengals’ new blindside protector has a important project in Week 1 — stopping Garrett. The excellent news for Cincinnati is Brown might be the most effective protector Burrow has had since coming into the league. — Walder

Accidents: Bengals | Browns

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What to know for fantasy: Cleveland working again Nick Chubb has averaged 17.4 fantasy factors in 9 profession video games towards the Bengals. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Divisional residence underdogs are 7-0 ATS in Week 1 over the previous 5 years (4-1-2 straight up). They’re 15-2-1 ATS since 2012, and 21-5-1 ATS since 2009. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Bengals 23, Browns 20Walder’s choose: Browns 23, Bengals 16FPI prediction: CIN, 59.2% (by a median of three.4 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Burrow taking part absolutely after return from calf pressure … Browns’ Watson says he is higher than he was in 2020

1 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: ATL -3.5 (39.5)

Storyline to look at: No. 1 general choose Bryce Younger makes his first begin for the Panthers, and Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 choose, will play in his first sport for the Falcons. How Younger handles Atlanta’s new-look defensive scheme led by a revamped cross rush and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and the way the Falcons use Robinson of their position-agnostic offense could possibly be the 2 keys to who wins Sunday. — Michael Rothstein

Daring prediction: Younger will cross for greater than 300 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in his first begin. He has performed within the Georgia Dome earlier than — his first school begin was there in 2021 when he threw 4 landing passes for Alabama — and he’ll be dealing with a Falcons protection that ranked twenty fifth (giving up 3,942 yards) towards the cross a 12 months in the past. — David Newton

Stat to know: The final quarterback drafted first general who received their first NFL begin was David Carr in 2002. Such quarterbacks have gone 0-13-1 since then.

Matchup X issue: Panthers defensive sort out Derrick Brown and the Carolina run protection. The Panthers are the underdogs right here, and their finest probability of pulling the upset is to cease the Falcons from getting occurring the bottom and forcing Desmond Ridder to place the ball within the air. — Walder

Accidents: Panthers | Falcons

What to know for fantasy: Drake London will pose a problem to a Panthers protection that gave up the fourth-most yards to huge receivers final season. In 2022, practically 40% of London’s complete receiving yards got here in the course of the 4 video games by which Ridder was the beginning quarterback. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Falcons are 1-6 ATS of their previous seven Week 1 video games. The Panthers are 7-13 ATS of their previous 20 Week 1 video games. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Falcons 27, Panthers 24Walder’s choose: Falcons 22, Panthers 14FPI prediction: ATL, 55.9% (by a median of two.2 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Why Panthers’ Burns is not holding out … Expectations for Robinson in Yr 1

1 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: JAX -5.0 (45.5)

Storyline to look at: The Colts have not received a season opener since 2013, and their winless streak of 9 straight openers is now tied for the second-longest in NFL historical past. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson (the No. 4 general choose) shall be trying to change that. The Jaguars haven’t received a sport in Indianapolis since 2017, dropping 5 consecutive occasions at Lucas Oil Stadium. One in every of these streaks shall be damaged. — Stephen Holder

Editor’s Picks

2 Associated

Daring prediction: The Jaguars will sack Richardson six occasions. Jacksonville’s cross rush is a significant situation, however it is going to be in a position to confuse the rookie with disguised coverages and blitzes. Richardson will break a couple of runs, however he’ll additionally run himself right into a sack or two. In 2022, the Jaguars season-high for sacks in a sport was 5 … towards the Colts in Week 2. — Mike DiRocco

Stat to know: In his first two season openers, Trevor Lawrence is 0-2 with 4 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions and a 55.9% completion proportion.

Matchup X issue: Richardson. How can it not be? A lot variance rests with him, and the Colts’ possibilities right here will hinge on how prepared he’s to provide instantly. — Walder

Accidents: Jaguars | Colts

What to know for fantasy: Lawrence averaged 19.5 fantasy factors over the previous 11 video games of 2022. He now has one other playmaker in Calvin Ridley, who led the league in air yards and pink zone targets when he performed your entire 2020 season. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Jaguars are 13-2-1 ATS towards the Colts since 2015. The Colts had been favored within the earlier 10 conferences. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Jaguars 31, Colts 20Walder’s choose: Jaguars 21, Colts 17FPI prediction: JAX, 64.5% (by a median of 5.4 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Can Lawrence break Jaguars passing information in 2023? … From taking pictures hoops to ball safety, Steichen making influence on Colts

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: MIN -5.5 (45.5)

Storyline to look at: Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will tie an NFL file by making a Week 1 begin for various groups in three consecutive years. And he’ll attempt to overcome a Vikings franchise that has the league’s second-best profitable proportion (.731) in Week 1 residence openers because the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. — Kevin Seifert

Daring prediction: Tight finish T.J. Hockenson will tie a career-high with two landing catches towards Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers’ protection surrendered 9 touchdowns to tight ends in the course of the common season final 12 months — the fifth-most within the NFL. With Justin Jefferson getting the lion’s share of consideration from Todd Bowles and the aggressive nature of that protection, it lends itself to an enormous day for Hockenson. — Jenna Laine

Stat to know: Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins is 6-9 as a beginning quarterback in his profession vs. NFC South groups — his worst file towards any division.

Matchup X issue: Buccaneers cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III. Tampa Bay wants its corners to sluggish Justin Jefferson and power the Vikings to depend on their secondary receiving choices (receivers Jordan Addison and Ok.J. Osborn and Hockenson). Even nonetheless, that shall be powerful. However intently marking the most effective huge receiver in soccer is the place to start out. — Walder

Accidents: Buccaneers | Vikings

What to know for fantasy: Final season, huge receivers caught 66% of their targets and averaged a league-high 192 receiving yards per sport towards the Vikings’ secondary — which continues to be Minnesota’s greatest weak point. That bodes properly for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin’s Week 1 fantasy outlooks. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Overs had been 8-2 in Minnesota residence video games final season, together with the playoffs (8-1 in previous 9). Over the previous three seasons, overs are 20-6 in Vikings residence video games. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Buccaneers 27, Vikings 20Walder’s choose: Vikings 19, Buccaneers 16FPI prediction: MIN, 67.1% (by a median of 6.4 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Bucs’ offense offers encouraging indicators heading into Week 1 … Vikings’ Cousins is aware of his job is ‘on the road’ this season … As deadline nears, Buccaneers’ Evans looking for safety

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: NO -3 (41)

Storyline to look at: One of the essential matchups will function Saints left sort out and 2022 No. 19 general choose Trevor Penning defending the blind aspect towards the Titans’ cross rush. Penning’s efficiency will seemingly dictate the success of latest Saints quarterback Derek Carr and his capacity to get the ball to his receivers. — Katherine Terrell

Daring prediction: Derrick Henry will rush for 150 yards and DeAndre Hopkins can have 100-plus receiving yards. Hopkins stated he wished to hitch the Titans due to Henry, who’s presence will warrant single protection on the surface for Hopkins. Henry has but to face the Saints in his profession (he was injured the previous two occasions these groups performed), however Hopkins has 23 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns in three video games towards New Orleans. — Turron Davenport

Stat to know: The Saints have received their previous 4 season openers, the longest streak in franchise historical past. It is tied for the second longest lively streak within the NFL, trailing the Chiefs (eight straight).

Matchup X issue: Saints receiver Michael Thomas. If Thomas is something like his outdated self, he’ll mix with Chris Olave to make for a formidable receiving duo. — Walder

Accidents: Titans | Saints

What to know for fantasy: Since 2013, Hopkins ranks first in receptions, second in receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns. He averaged 16.8 fantasy factors per sport final season. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

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Liz Loza has massive expectations for Chris Olave in Week 1 towards the Titans.

Betting nugget: Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in Week 1 underneath coach Mike Vrabel (0-3 ATS over the previous three seasons). The one cowl got here within the lone occasion it has been an underdog in Week 1 (2019 at Browns). Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Saints 21, Titans 18Walder’s choose: Saints 38, Titans 10FPI prediction: NO, 53.4% (by a median of 1.3 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Tannehill enters last 12 months of contract excited to ‘assault this season’ … After accidents, Saints WR Thomas eyes NFL comeback … How Titans GM Ran Carthon received his dream job … Haener suspended for violating the NFL’s PED coverage

1 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: WSH -7 (38)

Storyline to look at: Washington’s line of defense is anchored by Professional Bowl tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — who mixed for 19 sacks final season. This group will face a Cardinals offensive line with an inexperienced middle in Hjalte Froholdt, who has 4 profession begins, and consists of three new starters. If the Cardinals need any probability to win this sport, they will must by some means management this entrance — and accomplish that with an inexperienced quarterback, no matter whether or not it is Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune. — John Keim

Daring prediction: James Conner will end with 100 yards and a landing in his 2023 debut, capping a day by which he has 20 carries and 5 catches. All offseason, the message from the Cardinals was that they had been going to decide to the run this season, and we’ll see it instantly. — Josh Weinfuss

Stat to know: The Commanders have not misplaced a house sport to the Cardinals since 1998, profitable eight straight.

Matchup X issue: Cardinals offensive sort out Paris Johnson Jr. If the Cardinals have an opportunity towards the Commanders, they are going to have to guard their quarterback from a robust Washington cross rush. They cannot try this with out good play from Johnson in his NFL debut. — Walder

Accidents: Cardinals | Commanders

What to know for fantasy: The Cardinals’ worst defensive season got here in 2003, with 452 factors allowed in 16 video games, however this could possibly be worse. For fantasy managers who stream quarterbacks and tight ends, the Cardinals’ protection is a perfect goal. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Washington has not closed as no less than a seven-point favourite since Week 12 of 2017 (-7 vs. the Giants). And Washington has not been a seven-point favourite in Week 1 since 2000 (-7 vs. Cardinals). Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Commanders 24, Cardinals 10Walder’s choose: Commanders 19, Cardinals 3FPI prediction: WSH, 63.8% (by a median of 5.2 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Might the Cardinals begin a fifth-round rookie? … Magic Johnson preaches championship practices to Commanders … Gannon mum on beginning quarterback … Will Rivera’s massive bets on Bieniemy, Howell go bust for all?

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: BAL -10 (43.5)

Storyline to look at: Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ protection look to proceed their sizzling streaks. In 4 profession season openers, Jackson has thrown 12 landing passes and one interception, for a 82.7 Whole QBR, which is second solely to Patrick Mahomes since 2006. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 general choose who threw an FBS-high 85 landing passes in his two years as beginning QB for Ohio State, faces a difficult debut. Beneath coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore is 14-2 (.875) towards rookie quarterbacks at M&T Financial institution Stadium. — Jamison Hensley

Daring prediction: Anticipate the Texans’ secondary to get their fingers on the ball and intercept Jackson a number of occasions. Houston invested within the unit this offseason on the draft and thru free company, and new coach DeMeco Ryans, the previous Niners defensive coordinator, is looking performs. And the Texans are dealing with the Ravens’ new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who is thought to function a pass-heavy offense. — DJ Bien-Aime

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Stat to know: Baltimore is 9-2 (.818) vs. Houston in franchise historical past, their fourth-highest win proportion towards any opponent. The Ravens final misplaced to the Texans in 2014.

Matchup X issue: Monken. How do Jackson and the offense fare within the new system? This shall be a significant sign of how Baltimore’s season will go. — Walder

Accidents: Texans | Ravens

What to know for fantasy: The Texans’ protection allowed essentially the most speeding yards (2,412) and touchdowns (22) to working backs final season. Baltimore working again J.Ok. Dobbins is wholesome, and the Ravens are heavy favorites, so search for him to grind on the bottom. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Ravens are 43-0 outright as double-digit favorites within the common season. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Ravens 31, Texans 17Walder’s choose: Ravens 34, Texans 20FPI prediction: BAL, 73.5% (by a median of 9.1 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Howard positioned on IR, to overlook first 4 video games … What’s going to Jackson and Ravens’ new offense appear like? … Why the Texans spent $118M in assured cash to guard Stroud

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: CHI -1 (42)

Storyline to look at: With Jordan Love changing Aaron Rodgers (26-5 towards Chicago since 2008, together with the playoffs) at quarterback, Inexperienced Bay seems to increase its win streak to 9 straight over its NFC North foe. Each groups underwent main building this offseason, and whereas the quarterback place was the most important change for Inexperienced Bay, the supporting forged round third-year Bears quarterback Justin Fields (in addition to six new starters on protection) seems vastly totally different than the one Chicago fielded throughout final season’s three-win end. — Courtney Cronin

Daring prediction: The Bears led the NFL in speeding yards per sport final season, and solely six groups allowed extra speeding yards per sport than the Packers. However the Packers will maintain the Bears underneath 100 yards speeding thanks partly to a youthful defensive entrance and a concerted effort by defensive coordinator Joe Barry to start out sooner this 12 months. — Rob Demovsky

Stat to know: The Packers’ Matt LaFleur is 8-0 in his head-coaching profession vs. the Bears. He’s one win shy of tying the longest profitable streak towards a single opponent to start a Packers teaching profession within the Tremendous Bowl period (Mike McCarthy, 9 straight wins vs. the Lions).

Matchup X issue: Packers tight finish Luke Musgrave. Whether or not it is Musgrave or receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, Inexperienced Bay goes to wish a second pass-catcher to emerge alongside second-year receiver Christian Watson. — Walder

Accidents: Packers | Bears

What to know for fantasy: Fields has a brand new receiver to focus on in DJ Moore, who has averaged 5.0 yards after the catch per reception over the previous 5 seasons. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Fields is 8-16-1 ATS in his profession, the second-worst file amongst quarterbacks to start out no less than 25 video games within the Tremendous Bowl period (Colt McCoy). Fields is 4-8-1 ATS at residence. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Packers 24, Bears 21Walder’s choose: Packers 24, Bears 17FPI prediction: CHI, 51.5% (by a median of 0.6 factors)

Matchup must-reads: What have Packers performed in a different way to keep away from one other Week 1 catastrophe? … Bears listing veteran Peterman as QB2 behind Fields … How Packers’ offense will change from Rodgers to Love

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Matt Bowen is optimistic about DJ Moore’s fantasy prospects within the Bears’ offense this season.

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: DEN -3.5 (44)

Storyline to look at: The Broncos’ offense — the league’s lowest-scoring outfit final season — and quarterback Russell Wilson (career-low 16 TD passes in 2022) shall be underneath severe scrutiny. Any probability they’ve to finish a six-game dropping streak towards the Raiders will hinge on dealing with Raiders working again Josh Jacobs and edge rusher Maxx Crosby successfully. Jacobs has rushed for no less than 100 yards in 4 of the six video games, whereas Crosby has 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits. — Jeff Legwold

Daring prediction: Jacobs, regardless of lacking all of coaching camp and the exhibition season in a contract stalemate, can have greater than 100 yards from scrimmage. In any case, the first-team All-Professional working again has feasted on the Broncos in his profession, going 7-0 with 721 speeding yards and 9 touchdowns on 154 carries (4.7 yards per carry) together with 15 catches for 158 yards. — Paul Gutierrez

Stat to know: Wilson is 5-1 all-time vs. Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. A sixth win would tie for his most vs. any opposing quarterback (6-1 towards Colin Kaepernick).

Matchup X issue: Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr. If Jerry Jeudy is out or restricted, the Broncos’ passing assault goes to wish to depend on Mims instantly. Whether or not the rookie could make an influence in his debut may decide if the Broncos can sustain with what could possibly be a very good Raiders offense. — Walder

Accidents: Raiders | Broncos

What to know for fantasy: Denver working backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are strong Week 1 starters towards a Raiders protection that gave up 20 touchdowns towards the run final season. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Over the previous 5 seasons, the Raiders are 9-1 ATS towards the Broncos (8-2 outright), together with 6-0 ATS as an underdog (4-2 outright). The Raiders are 4-0 ATS up to now two seasons towards the Broncos. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Broncos 30, Raiders 23Walder’s choose: Raiders 23, Broncos 20FPI prediction: DEN, 59.1% (by a median of three.4 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Jones says Raiders despatched disaster crew to his residence … Can Wilson adapt to Payton’s offense? … Wilson studying on the job after late begin with Raiders … Surtain gearing up for an additional shot at Adams

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: PHI -4 (45)

Storyline to look at: The Eagles are coming off a season by which they totaled the third-most sacks in NFL historical past (70), and the Patriots’ greatest query mark is their offensive line. The Patriots’ line has managed accidents, sickness and inconsistency all through coaching camp to the purpose that the projected beginning 5 hasn’t performed a single snap collectively. Patriots coach Invoice Belichick stated of the Eagles’ D: “Their entrance is dominant, the most effective pass-rushing entrance within the league by fairly a bit.” — Mike Reiss

Daring prediction: New England’s particular groups will rating a landing. The Eagles have had lots of turnover on their particular groups models and can seemingly want a while earlier than the operation is absolutely buttoned up. One carryover from final season is punter Arryn Siposs, who had a expensive errant kick in Tremendous Bowl LVII towards the Chiefs. He’ll be dealing with off towards Marcus Jones, who led the league in punt return yards (362) and broke off an 84-yard return for a landing final season en path to being named first-team All-Professional as a rookie. — Tim McManus

Stat to know: New England quarterback Mac Jones’ 4.5 QBR when pressured final season was the worst amongst 31 certified quarterbacks. The Eagles ranked first in cross rush win price final season (52.7%), whereas the Patriots ranked twenty ninth (32.9%).

Matchup X issue: Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche. With 11.5 sacks and a 19% (above common) cross rush win price, Uche is usually a disruptor who may trigger issues for the formidable Eagles offense. — Walder

Accidents: Eagles | Patriots

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Tyler Fulghum explains why he takes the factors with the Patriots within the Week 1 matchup with the Eagles.

What to know for fantasy: The Eagles allowed a league-low 4.9 yards per cross try final season. Jones and the Patriots’ offense are in for a troublesome Sunday afternoon after the offensive line struggled throughout preseason and coaching camp. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Since 2000, groups that misplaced within the earlier season’s Tremendous Bowl are 4-19 ATS in Week 1 the next season (0-3 ATS up to now three seasons). Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Eagles 24, Patriots 20Walder’s choose: Eagles 30, Patriots 20FPI prediction: PHI, 61.9% (by a median of 4.4 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Contained in the Eagles’ determination to draft Carter … Stevenson enthusiastic about teaming with Elliott in Patriots’ backfield

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Unfold: LAC -3 (51)

Storyline to look at: The Chargers made certain Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa by no means received snug in Week 14 final season, limiting him by taking away quick-timing throws and the center of the sphere. Miami coach Mike McDaniel had a complete offseason to determine tips on how to counter that method, however Los Angeles can have star pass-rusher Joey Bosa obtainable after he did not play final 12 months’s matchup due to a groin harm. Whoever dictates the tempo and nature of the Dolphins’ cross sport can have an enormous benefit. — Daniel Greenspan

Daring prediction: Miami will run for 150-plus yards towards the NFL’s fifth-worst run protection from a season in the past, together with a 100-yard sport from an impressed Raheem Mostert, quieting the discuss Miami buying and selling for a working again. The Dolphins averaged 4.8 yards per carry in final 12 months’s loss to the Chargers however may by no means fairly decide to the run. That modifications this 12 months. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Stat to know: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was dominant outdoors the pocket in 2022, rating third in QBR (86.2), first in passing yards (901) and tied for second in passing touchdowns (seven). It was additionally one of many Dolphins protection’s greatest weaknesses, because it allowed the second-highest QBR (82) to opposing quarterbacks outdoors the pocket.

Matchup X issue: Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson. Contemporary off a forgettable 2022 marketing campaign, Jackson will play an important position in stopping a passing assault that was ruthlessly environment friendly final season. Whether or not Jackson performs like he did in 2021 or 2022 will go a great distance in figuring out how the Chargers do Sunday — and this season. — Walder

Accidents: Dolphins | Chargers

What to know for fantasy: Search for Herbert and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to gentle up the vertical passing sport underneath new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He led Cowboys offenses to common 8.3 air yards per cross try in his four-year tenure. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Tagovailoa is 9-5-1 ATS in his profession as an underdog. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Chargers 24, Dolphins 16Walder’s choose: Dolphins 34, Chargers 31FPI prediction: LAC, 55.4% (by a median of two.0 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Conserving Tagovailoa upright shall be examined vs. Chargers … Largest questions for the Chargers coming into the 2023 season

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Unfold: SEA -5.5 (46)

Storyline to look at: The opener marks Bobby Wagner’s return to Seattle after one season with the Rams. The Seahawks introduced again the longer term Corridor of Fame linebacker as a part of an overhaul to their entrance seven after ending thirtieth in run protection final season. The Rams had been tied for twenty seventh in speeding final 12 months and will not have star receiver Cooper Kupp, which can enable Seattle to focus extra consideration on stopping the run. — Brady Henderson

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Daring prediction: Rams working again Cam Akers will proceed the place he left off towards Seattle to finish the 2022 season with one other 100-yard speeding sport. Even with the emphasis the Seahawks placed on bettering towards the run, Akers will develop into the fifth Rams participant to file 4 consecutive video games with 100 or extra speeding yards over the previous 30 seasons. — Sarah Barshop

Stat to know: The Seahawks’ 4 straight wins in season openers is the longest streak in franchise historical past and is tied for the second-longest lively streak within the NFL.

Matchup X issue: Rams receivers Tutu Atwell and/or Puka Nacua. With Kupp out, the Rams are going to wish receiving assist from someplace aside from receiver Van Jefferson and tight finish Tyler Higbee. Enter these two late-round fantasy sleepers, who every have an opportunity to make an on the spot influence. — Walder

Accidents: Rams | Seahawks

What to know for fantasy: Kupp is out for Week 1, which places Higbee within the highlight. The Seahawks’ protection allowed the second-most fantasy factors to tight ends final season, and Higbee has averaged 0.96 fantasy factors per goal in his profession. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Seattle has lined in three straight season openers. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Seahawks 27, Rams 21Walder’s choose: Seahawks 23, Rams 13FPI prediction: SEA, 62.7% (by a median of 4.7 factors)

Matchup must-reads: How McVay hit the reset button after tough 12 months … Seahawks count on Smith-Njigba (wrist) to play vs. Rams … Carroll guidelines out Adams for Seahawks opener

8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Unfold: DAL -3.5 (45.5)

Storyline to look at: Cowboys defenders DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons teed off on proper sort out Evan Neal and the Giants’ offensive line final season, to the tune of 5 sacks within the two conferences. Neal altered his stance this offseason, and the Giants insist he has “improved.” Now he simply must belief his method in video games; in any other case Lawrence and Parsons may derail New York’s possibilities of producing any offense. — Jordan Raanan

Daring prediction: The Cowboys’ precedence within the offseason was to shore up the run protection, which led to the drafting of defensive sort out Mazi Smith within the first spherical. Seeing Giants working again Saquon Barkley in Week 1 shall be a check. Barkley has extra video games with fewer than 51 yards speeding towards Dallas (5) than 100-yard video games (two), however he’ll tally greater than 100 yards on this one and accomplish that on 25-plus carries, because the Cowboys will make him work for it. — Todd Archer

Stat to know: Quarterback Dak Prescott seems to increase his 10-game win streak towards the Giants on Sunday. With a win, he would tie Roger Staubach for the longest win streak towards the Giants since no less than 1950.

Matchup X issue: Neal. If he is hasn’t improved from Yr 1, quarterback Daniel Jones higher be careful. But when we’re about to witness a Yr 2 leap, that might pay main dividends for the Giants’ offense. — Walder

Accidents: Cowboys | Giants

What to know for fantasy: Since 2014, Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks is one among seven gamers within the league with 8,500-plus receiving yards and 45-plus receiving touchdowns. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Giants had been 13-4 ATS final season (14-5 ATS together with playoffs), the most effective mark within the NFL. They had been 10-2 ATS as underdogs and 3-1 ATS as residence underdogs (2-1-1 straight up). Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Cowboys 28, Giants 23Walder’s choose: Cowboys 31, Giants 17FPI prediction: DAL, 55.3% (by a median of two.0 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Inside Parsons’ chase for a Cowboys Tremendous Bowl title … Barkley sees his sport going to a brand new, improved stage … Cowboys look to ‘Seize Every thing’ with ‘Carpe Omnia’ slogan … Shepard nonetheless has his ‘wiggle’ after ACL tear

Why Erin Dolan likes betting the Cowboys in prime time

Erin Dolan explains why she likes betting the Cowboys towards the unfold vs. the Giants.

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Unfold: BUF -2.5 (46)

Storyline to look at: The Jets have gone eight straight video games towards the Payments with out scoring greater than 20 factors. Enter Aaron Rodgers, their new offensive catalyst. He shall be examined by a protection that allowed solely 5.7 yards per dropback final season (sixth within the NFL). — Wealthy Cimini

Daring prediction: Whichever protection finishes the sport with extra sacks will win. For each groups on this massive AFC East matchup, the offensive line is an space of weak point, and they are going to be examined in important methods towards two sturdy defensive fronts. The crew that protects its quarterback higher will come out with the early benefit within the division race. — 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 develop into the primary Payments quarterback to start out 5 straight openers since Jim Kelly (11 straight from 1986-96).

Matchup X issue: Jets offensive sort out Mekhi Becton. The quickest means for the Jets’ season to go south is by way of offensive line failures. Becton is a query mark at proper sort out, having solely performed one sport the previous two seasons, however the 2020 first-round choose actually has upside, too. — Walder

Accidents: Payments | Jets

What to know for fantasy: 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 profession 65.3% completion proportion. See Week 1 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Rodgers is 6-1 ATS and 5-1-1 outright as a regular-season residence underdog. He’s 6-0 ATS and 5-0-1 outright up to now six situations. Learn extra.

Moody’s choose: Jets 27, Payments 24Walder’s choose: Jets 20, Payments 17FPI prediction: BUF, 57.6% (by a median of two.8 factors)

Matchup must-reads: Diggs: Being Payments captain ‘means extra’ this 12 months … ‘Onerous Knocks’ finale recap: Rodgers’ UFO story and extra … For Allen, Payments’ season opener offers alternative to showcase progress … Fixing the 5 NFL QBs who regressed essentially the most in 2022

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