The NFL Week 1 schedule is set to excite fans with 16 matchups that promise a thrilling start to the season. Kicking off on Thursday, Sept. 5, the opening week showcases some of the league's top talent and intriguing matchups.
The highlight of the opening week is certainly the captivating showdown between Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. This clash features some of the NFL's most electrifying players and sets the tone for an action-packed season.
In a rare twist, the Green Bay Packers will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday, adding an international flair to the early season. This game is part of the NFL’s expanding global reach, which also includes regular-season games in London and Mexico City, aiming to cultivate a more international fan base.
Sunday Packed with Action
The following Sunday is brimming with excitement as 13 games fill the schedule. Among the notable matchups, the Pittsburgh Steelers will go head-to-head with the Atlanta Falcons, promising a hard-fought battle. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are set to clash with the Cleveland Browns, a game that no doubt will attract plenty of attention from fans across the country.
The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Detroit Lions, with the latter favored by 3.5 points at home. The Lions ended last season with a potent offense, averaging 394.8 yards per game – third highest in the league. Quarterback Jared Goff spearheaded this offensive strength, throwing for 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Analyzing the Lions and Rams
Detroit’s home record is impressive, with the team going 8-1 in their past nine games on home turf. Additionally, they are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight September games and 5-1 against the spread in their last six matchups against NFC opponents. The Rams, on the other hand, have struggled on the road with four losses in their last five games against Detroit.
A predictive model, which has earned over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception, supports this outlook. The model boasts an overall record of 185-129 on top-rated picks dating back to the 2017 season and is currently on a 39-21 run since Week 7 of last season. This model has identified five confident best bets for Week 1, including the Lions to cover the spread against the Rams.
Key Matchup Insights
A potential mismatch in this week is the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots. The Bengals are favored by nine points, the largest spread of the week. Historically, the Patriots have had an edge in this matchup, going 6-2 against the spread in their past eight meetings with Cincinnati. However, they lost two of their final 10 games last season, making this less of a sure bet.
As the 2023 NFL season gets underway, fans can look forward to a mix of predictable outcomes and stunning upsets, a hallmark of the sport's enduring appeal. With a schedule packed with tantalizing matches, Week 1 is set to deliver the drama and excitement that have kept football enthusiasts glued to their screens year after year.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling week in the NFL season’s opening chapter. Whether you're a die-hard fan rooting for your team or a casual observer enjoying the spectacle, there's no shortage of reasons to be excited about the kickoff of the NFL season.