Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens
The first game of the 2024 NFL season is a rematch of last year’s AFC championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Star players will be featured for both teams, especially at quarterback between last year’s Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and regular season MVP Lamar Jackson. With the addition of star running back Derrick Henry for Baltimore, I expect the ground game to be a major component of the game. However, due to Mahomes’ career success as a starter in September posting a 15-4 record since 2017, I am picking Kansas City to win this low-scoring game.
Chiefs win 20-13
Friday, Sept. 6 at 8:15 p.m.
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
A Friday night game is taking place in the opening week of the season this year between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. In Jordan Love’s first year at quarterback, the Packers finished last season on a magical run winning a playoff game. eventually lost to the NFC champs in the divisional round. The Eagles on the other hand had a hot start to the year but lost six of their last seven games and suffered a 32-9 loss in the playoffs. Despite the Eagles losing star center Jason Kelce due to retirement this offseason, they were able to add star running back Saquon Barkley to their roster. I expect quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles roster to make a statement in their first game of the season and win big.
Eagles win 42-20
Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:00 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills
Despite over 85% of the bets placed on this game picking the Bills to win outright, I believe this game will be a challenge for Buffalo. Bills quarterback Josh Allen lost both his top two targets this offseason and due to an inexperienced group of receivers, I believe the Bills offense will struggle to move the ball. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is also returning for his first full season after tearing his ACL.is ability to scramble will put a lot of pressure on the Bills defense not to mention the addition of generational talent at receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals will break the hearts of Bills fans everywhere and win this game in Buffalo.
Cardinals win 24-14
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins
In a battle between two Florida teams, the Miami Dolphins will dominate this game from the beginning due to their speed at wide receiver and running back. In addition, Jacksonville lost star receiver Calvin Ridley to free agency. The Dolphins will win big.
Dolphins win 45-14
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
This NFC South matchup will be closer than it should be. The Carolina Panthers arguably have one of the worst rosters in the entire league, but ultimately I think the Saints will pull away late because of their running back Alvin Kamara.
Saints win 30-21
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals
As Joe Burrow returns to the field after having been plagued with injuries last season, I’d expect him to have a monster game against the worst roster in the league.
Bengals win 35-3
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons
These two teams were both in desperate need of improvement at the quarterback position last year. Both teams added a veteran and a younger QB to the room. I expect Russell Wilson to play poorly and Justin Fields to come into the game late for the Steelers. However, by that time the damage will already be done, Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons will have established too big of a lead to come back from.
Falcons win 28-17
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
This AFC South matchup will be between two of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL right now.t should be a good game early on, but the Houston Texans have too much firepower on offense for the Colts to handle. The additions of Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs this offseason will help immensely.
Texans win 31-21
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears
Despite Tennessee historically being a difficult matchup for teams with young quarterbacks, I think the loss of head coach Mike Vrabel will really show on the defensive side of the ball for the Titans. Caleb Williams, the 2024 number-one pick in the NFL Draft, will have a monster debut and he will account for four touchdowns.
Bears win 38-10
Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants
Truthfully this may be one of the most uneventful games of the weekend and one of the hardest to pick because both teams have atrocious rosters this season. I will pick the team with the best player to win.
Vikings win 17-14
Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4:05 p.m. and 4:25 p.m.
Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Broncos recently named rookie quarterback Bo Nix a captain for his leadership and strong performance in the preseason. However, he is going up against a very solid Seahawks team in his first game. They have explosive players on the offensive side of the ball. Additionally, the Broncos are 1-4 in their last 5 season openers. Bo Nix plays well, but the Broncos fall short.
Seahawks win 28-21
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
I expect this game to be low-scoring and short due to both teams prioritizing running the ball. Ultimately, this game will come down to a few big plays made at the quarterback position and I look to Justin Herbert to make those plays. Chargers win a close one
Chargers win 17-13
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels will be in a difficult matchup for his debut taking on a team that won a playoff game last year. Considering Tampa Bay is at home, I would expect them to win easily with a solid game from Baker Mayfield. I do expect to see some flashy plays from Daniels throughout the game.
Buccaneers win 31-14
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns
This is probably one of the most highly contested matchups on both sides of the ball. This game will come down to the wire. Dak Prescott will outplay Deshaun Watson. Without starting running back Nick Chubb, the Browns offense will struggle. I think Brandon Aubrey hits a game-winning field goal to put Dallas over the hump.
Cowboys 27-24
Sunday, Sept. 8 at 8:20 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford will return to Detroit in a matchup with his former team as the Rams take on the Lions. Lions Quarterback Jared Goff will also play his former team the Rams, as Stafford and Goff were traded for one another back in 2021. I expect this to be an emotional game for both sides, but I think the Lions will pull through in the end.
Lions win 32-24
Monday, Sept. 9 at 8:15 p.m.
New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers returns to the field for the Jets after a disappointing ending to his season last year, tearing his achilles on the first drive. The Jets do not match up well with the 49ers overall. I expect Rodgers to play well, but San Francisco’s defense will come up with more stops.
49ers win 34-28