It’s been a long wait since Super Bowl 57 which saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 back on February 12, 2023.
The new NFL season is closing in, with 16 games taking place from Thursday September 7th with the reigning champions start at home and face the Detroit Lions.
With the NFL Draft in the books and free agency over, we have gained an understanding of how teams could be shaping up this season.
The NFL Week 1 odds are being combed over with a fine-tooth comb and we have some of the most exciting match ups for you in this article.
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Let’s kick off with the opener, with last season Super Bowl champions welcome the Detroit Lions to Arrowhead Stadium.
With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the Chiefs are always a must watch team and we will how the core group of players come back to compete for a Super Bowl repeat this year.
Travis Kelce, Isaiah Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnoon all remain on the roster and the team will hope for more from wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Detroit are one of the most intriguing teams this season. After a dreadful start to last year, going 1-6 after seven games, they rallied and almost made the playoffs with a 9-8 finish.
Jared Goff will have a new wide receiver in Jahmyr Gibbs who was selected with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft 2023. David Montgomery also joins from the Chicago Bears at running back to give the Lions new weapons on offense.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
We don’t just have an AFC East rivalry match here; we also have the possible debut of Aaron Rodgers for the New York Jets.
Rodgers’ long running drama over his future this off-season ended with him joining the Jets who also brought in Randall Cobb, one of Rodgers favored wide receivers throughout his career, and added to their defense in the Draft with defensive end Will McDonald taken. In the first round.
For Buffalo, they will look to get back to their best from the start as once again, they are considered a real candidate for Super Bowl victory this season.
With Josh Allen at quarterback, they have one of the best all-rounders in the league. He has his key players in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis to throw to. Damien Harris has been brought in to replace Devin Singletary at running back and it will be interesting to see how explosive James Cook can be in his second season since being drafted in the second round as well as how Dalton Kincaid settles after being taken with the 25th overall pick at tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Having had Aaron Rodgers as a starter at quarterback since 2008, there are big changes happening in Green Bay. This is the new Jordan Love era and he has the comfort of regular running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to help cement his leadership on the team.
Jayden Reed was taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft to add a further weapon alongside the likes of second year pros Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
Chicago Bears also have a young quarterback, but Justin Fields has already shown his quality in the league.
The Bears have been very active in the offseason after losing 14 of their 17 games last time out.
Darnell White, an offensive tackle was taken with the 10th pick of the draft, Gervon Dexter at defensive tackle and Tyrique Stevenson (cornerback) were both taken in the second round.
DJ Moore has been the most exciting signing, giving Fields a huge talent at wide receiver to throw to and he could be a real difference maker to change Chicago’s fortunes from last season.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
Sunday night football is always a blast, and this NFC East match up will surely not disappoint.
Both sides impressed last season and reached the playoffs, with the Giants especially shocked us with their successes in year one of the Brian Daboll era.
The buildup to year two has seen Daniel Jones get his big contract to continue as quarterback, Darren Walker come in at tight end from the Las Vegas Raiders, and linebacker Bobby Okereke was brought in the beef up the defense.
Jalin Hyatt was drafted in the third round at wide receiver, but it seems a lot will be expected of Walker to add to the aerial threat which has been lacking for the Giants recently.
The Cowboys are moving on from Ezekiel Elliott, their long-time star running back, and giving Tony Pollard the start. They have so much talent on offense, including Ceedee Lamb and have made additions on defense too to try and compete once again in the playoffs this season.
