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ESPN workers
The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2022 season is stacked with good matchups, and we have now you lined with what it is advisable know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters deliver us the most important keys to every recreation and a daring prediction for every matchup.
furthermore, ESPN Stats & information supplies a large stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, and our soccer power Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a recreation projection. ESPN researcher Kyle Soppe arms out useful fantasy soccer intel, as properly. lastly, Seth Walder and Eric Moody give us ultimate rating picks for every recreation. the whole lot you should know is right here in a single spot which will assist you put together for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into the complete Week 1 slate, collectively with Baker Mayfield dealing with his outdated group, Pittsburgh kicking off its put up-Ben Roethlisberger period in Cincinnati, Patrick Mahomes vs. Kyler Murray and the Bucs meeting the Cowboys in Texas. all of it culminates with a Monday evening time soccer matchup between the Broncos and the Seahawks — Russell Wilson‘s return to Seattle — on ESPN. (recreation occasions are Sunday till in any other case famous.)
leap to a matchup:
NE-MIA | PHI-DET | CLE-automotive
JAX-WSH | NO-ATL | PIT-CIN
SF-CHI | BAL-NYJ | IND-HOU
KC-ARI | GB-MIN | LV-LAC
NYG-TEN | TB-DAL | DEN-SEA
Thursday: BUF 31, LAR 10
1 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: MIA -three.5 (forty six.5)
What to look at for: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has by no means misplaced to the Patriots in three profession video games, although he hasn’t been notably spectacular in any of these begins, throwing for 456 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. however on the selection side of issues, Patriots coach invoice Belichick has by no means misplaced 4 straight video games to the identical opponent all through his tenure with New England. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
daring prediction: Former Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker will rating a touchdown in his Patriots debut. The Dolphins’ No. 2 cornerback spot reverse Xavien Howard is a question mark with Byron Jones on the reserve/PUP record, and Parker has led the NFL in tight-window catches over the previous 5 seasons (decrease than 1 yard of separation), in line with NFL subsequent Gen Stats. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Patriots quarterback Mac Jones misplaced the 2021 season’s opening and shutting video games to the Dolphins, the one group that beat Jones a quantity of occasions all through his first NFL common season. Jones posted a forty 4.7 complete QBR with two passing touchdowns and an interception in these contests.
accidents: Patriots | Dolphins
What to know for fantasy: Will Tyreek Hill‘s quick-starting methods carry over to Miami? The receiver’s prime two video games final season acquired here inside the foremost month, and he scored in every of his first 4 video games inside the 2020 season. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 7-eight in the direction of the unfold (ATS) as underdogs since Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay. general, Belichick is fifty five-30-1 ATS as an underdog with the Patriots. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Dolphins 24, Patriots 20
Walder’s decide: Dolphins 31, Patriots 10
FPI prediction: MIA, fifty one.1% (by a median of zero.three factors)
Matchup should-reads: Aikman on what Jones and Brady have in frequent … The clock is ticking on Tua: How he is modified, and why there’s confidence in Miami … Patriots left early for South Florida to ‘get acclimated to the circumstances’
1 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: PHI -4 (forty nine)
What to look at for: Detroit was embarrassed forty 4-6 at house all through final season’s Week eight matchup with the Eagles, which is truly behind the group’s thoughts. Quarterback Jared Goff even said the Lions “owe them one.” The Lions’ offseason noticed them add key gamers on offense, collectively with receiver DJ Chark, however is that this a distinct group? Sunday gives Detroit’s first exact test. “there is not any extra standing outdoors ready for the gates to open, man,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We’re getting into, and so now there’s nowhere to run.” — Eric Woodyard
daring prediction: Eagles working again Miles Sanders will rating two touchdowns. if you happen to do not assume that is daring, have a look at his stat line from final season: 137 rushes, 754 yards and zero TDs. Not solely is he due, however he is working behind amongst the numerous best offensive traces inside the league and in the direction of a Lions protection that accomplished twenty eighth in the direction of the run in 2021, permitting one hundred thirty five yards per recreation. Sanders missed time this summer season on account of a hamstring damage however practiced in full this week. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts accomplished seventy seven% of his passes in final season’s opener (27-of-35 in a 32-6 win over Atlanta), the proper completion share by an Eagles QB with not decrease than 15 makes an try in an opener.
What to know for fantasy: Amon-Ra St. Brown was the fantasy darling down the stretch of final season, nonetheless the Lions receiver opens this season with healthful teammates and a date with an Eagles protection that ranked second in stopping WR fantasy factors in 2021. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Lions’ previous eleven video games in Week 1 have gone over the ultimate. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Eagles 34, Lions 24
Walder’s decide: Eagles 24, Lions 14
FPI prediction: PHI, sixty five.eight% (by a median of 4.eight factors)
Matchup should-reads: Eagles RB Sanders is ‘ready to go’ after damage … Lions place guard Vaitai on injured reserve … Okudah’s restoration from Achilles damage aided by household, unlikely buddies
1 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: automotive -2 (forty two)
What to look at for: Look no further than the battle between Panthers rookie left deal with Ikem Ekwonu and Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett. For Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield to have an alternative in the direction of his former group, Ekwonu — the sixth decide of the 2022 draft — should maintain his personal in the direction of the league’s third-ranked participant in sacks (sixteen) final season. — David Newton
daring prediction: Mayfield will flip the ball over twice inside the foremost quarter — however then throw two touchdowns inside the fourth quarter to current the Panthers an alternative for a comeback in the direction of his former group in Cleveland. it would take Mayfield, who went 29-30 in fifty nine profession begins with the Browns, barely time to settle in. — Jake Trotter
1:32
Mike Clay explains why he is eager to place numerous fantasy inventory in Deebo Samuel.
Stat to know: Jacoby Brissett can be the Browns’ starting quarterback rather then suspended Deshaun Watson. Brissett is 14-23 in his profession as a starter, however he is attempting to win three straight begins for the second time in his profession (2019). nonetheless, he did lose his solely fully different season-opening start — in 2019 whereas with the Colts.
What to know for fantasy: Over the previous two seasons, Panthers receiver Robbie Anderson‘s goal price is comparable when working again Christian McCaffrey is on the sector versus off of it, however when the All-professional working again is on the sector, Anderson’s catch price spikes from fifty seven.6% to seventy two.1%. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Carolina went 2-12 each ATS and outright in its final 14 video games of the 2021 season. general, the Panthers had been 5-12 ATS final season, tied with the Jaguars for the worst mark inside the NFL. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Browns 31, Panthers 17
Walder’s decide: Panthers 23, Browns 20
FPI prediction: automotive, fifty nine.4% (by a median of two.7 factors)
Matchup should-reads: Browns declare Mond off waivers to be third QB … Mayfield: No constructed-in animosity forward of Week 1 recreation Browns
1 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: WSH -2.5 (forty 4)
What to look at for: The quarterback matchup options the No. 1 decide inside the 2021 draft (Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence) and the No. 2 selection in 2016 (Washington’s Carson Wentz). however there are questions about each of them. As a rookie, Lawrence threw 12 touchdowns however turned the ball over 22 occasions. And we simply noticed Wentz traded for a second consecutive offseason. what goes to matter extra Sunday: a mannequin new coach for Lawrence in Doug Pederson, or a mannequin new start for Wentz in Washington? — John Keim
daring prediction: Wentz will redeem himself from final season’s Week 18 debacle in the direction of the Jaguars with 300 passing yards and two TD throws. The Jaguars sacked Wentz six occasions and intercepted him as quickly as inside the 2021 finale when Wentz was having fun with for the Colts. although the Jags’ cross rush is predicted to be so a lot elevated this yr with the addition of Travon Walker and Arden Key, the Commanders’ offensive line is pretty good and may retains these guys (and Josh Allen) at bay enough for Wentz to beat his former coach (Doug Pederson). — Mike DiRocco
Stat to know: The Jaguars had 29 turnovers final season, tied for the second most inside the NFL. They had been additionally outscored by 204 factors, worst inside the NFL and in franchise historic previous, and by no means scored larger than 26 factors in a recreation.
accidents: Jaguars | Commanders
What to know for fantasy: Commanders working again Antonio Gibson quietly ranked eighth in alternatives per recreation final season (rushes and targets) and finds himself in a matchup in the direction of a Jags protection that allowed a touchdown on 4.1% of RB carries a season in the past, the sixth-highest price. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Washington is 1-5 ATS in September video games underneath coach Ron Rivera, collectively with zero-three ATS final season. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Jaguars 27, Commanders 24
Walder’s decide: Jaguars 21, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: WSH, sixty one.7% (by a median of three.4 factors)
Matchup should-reads: What can we uncover out about Lawrence heading into yr 2? … Wentz extra comfy than ever, however will his recreation change? … Robinson would possibly get heavy workload vs. Commanders
1 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: NO -5.5 (forty two)
What to look at for: that is, in lots of methods, a second-likelihood recreation. it is the second time round debut for Saints coach Dennis Allen, who was eight-28 from 2012 to ’14 with the Raiders and commenced his NFL teaching profession with 4 seasons as a defensive assistant in Atlanta. it is additionally the second time round as a starter for Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 decide inside the 2015 draft who spent 4-plus seasons as a outcome of the starter in Tennessee, ending sixty two.9% of his passes for seventy six touchdowns and forty 4 interceptions. he’ll face the No. 1 decide of that 2015 draft, Jameis Winston, who’s starting his second season as a outcome of the starter for the Saints. — Michael Rothstein
daring prediction: vast receiver Michael Thomas will catch not decrease than 4 passes virtually two years to the day since he injured his ankle in the direction of the Buccaneers to start the 2020 season. Thomas’ standing has been up inside the air as he recovers from each his ankle damage and a latest hamstring damage, however when his latest suggestions are any indication, he is ready to as quickly as extra be truly one of many recreation’s best receivers. Thomas and Winston have barely had any snaps collectively, so there’s optimistic to be rust, however look forward to Winston to focus on Thomas early and typically. — Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan has 23 profession sacks in the direction of the Falcons, second most all time in the direction of Atlanta behind Kevin Greene’s 28.5 (sacks turned official for particular person gamers in 1982). in line with Elias sports activities Bureau evaluation, Jordan’s 23 are in all likelihood the most sacks by any lively participant in the direction of a single group.
What to know for fantasy: Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts averaged simply zero.23 fantasy factors per route run in the direction of the Saints final season, down virtually 37% from his price in the direction of the the rest of the NFL. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Falcons are zero-6 ATS in Week 1 over the previous six seasons, they usually had been zero-4 ATS as house underdogs final season. furthermore, the Saints have lined in 4 of the previous 5 conferences and 15 of the previous 23 conferences. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Falcons 21, Saints 20
Walder’s decide: Falcons 17, Saints thirteen
FPI prediction: NO, sixty nine.eight% (by a median of 6.1 factors)
Matchup should-reads: With a stacked WR corps, Winston studying to adapt … The coaches who common the offensive thoughts of Falcons coach Smith
1 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: CIN -6.5 (forty 4.5)
What to look at for: Cincinnati’s revamped offensive line will get a large test inside the season-opener. Pittsburgh’s defensive entrance options outdoors linebacker T.J. Watt, final season’s Defensive participant of the yr, and a mannequin new improve with linebacker Myles Jack. After bringing in La’el Collins, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, Cincinnati is searching for a large enchancment; it surrendered fifty five sacks inside the 2021 common season, which ranked thirtieth inside the NFL. — Ben youngster
daring prediction: The Steelers will win the turnover battle. To have an alternative in the direction of the defending AFC champs, the Steelers should put an emphasis on each caring for and taking away the soccer. The secondary has been lively all through camp in intercepting its personal quarterbacks, priming it for a large opening weekend in the direction of the Bengals’ Joe Burrow. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase had the second-most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL historic previous (1,455) final season, trailing solely invoice Groman’s 1,473 in 1960.
What to know for fantasy: Pittsburgh working again Najee Harris averaged underneath 4.zero yards per carry final season and was even worse in the direction of the Bengals. On 22 carries over two video games, he had sixty three yards — and he did not understand even 5 yards on 20 of these carries. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Steelers highway video games are 38-17-1 to the underneath since 2015. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Bengals 31, Steelers 30
Walder’s decide: Bengals 23, Steelers sixteen
FPI prediction: CIN, seventy eight.zero% (by a median of 9.1 factors)
Matchup should-reads: Trubisky voted a Steelers captain, listed as starting QB on depth chart … Trubisky, the Steelers and what it is want to be a caretaker quarterback
1 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: SF -6.5 (forty.5)
What to look at for: Quarterbacks Trey Lance (San Francisco) and Justin Fields (Chicago) had been taken eight picks aside inside the foremost spherical of the 2021 draft, and Sunday can be the foremost head-to-head meeting between them. Fields said he does not take the 49ers passing on him personally, nor does he take into account it supplies any motivation for him. The QBs are the foremost draw inside the season opener, however Chicago will in all likelihood be hoping the newly laid turf at Soldier area does not steal the spotlight after altering proper into a narrative for all of the incorrect causes in the course of the preseason. — Courtney Cronin
daring prediction: Niners defensive finish Nick Bosa will put up three sacks. Bosa had two sacks in per week eight win in the direction of the Bears final yr, and although Chicago labored to bolster its offensive line inside the offseason, there aren’t confirmed tackles at both spot outfitted to gradual Bosa. The Bears will undoubtedly throw a quantity of blockers Bosa’s methodology, however his freedom to flip sides on any given play will give him enough alternatives to get his second-profession hat trick. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel has eleven profession dashing TDs — collectively with eight in 2021 — for in all likelihood the most by any vast receiver since 1950. He lined up as working again on fifty eight performs in 2021, by far in all likelihood the most of any WR.
1:sixteen
Liz Loza explains the components which have led her to placing Aaron Rodgers at QB10 general.
What to know for fantasy: The Lions. The Texans. The Bears. that is your complete record of defenses that allowed extra yards per deep cross try than the 49ers final season. Chicago receiver Darnell Mooney had a quantity of deep catches in seven fully different video games final season and now has the WR1 position all to himself with Allen Robinson II in l. a.. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Bears had been zero-5 ATS as house underdogs final season and three-10 ATS as underdogs general. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: 49ers 34, Bears 14
Walder’s decide: 49ers 24, Bears thirteen
FPI prediction: SF, sixty five.eight% (by a median of 4.eight factors)
Matchup should-reads: it is lastly time for Lance to be the man for the 49ers … Getting healthful at proper time, Bears observe with all projected starters on offense … Offensive line, secondary two potential caveats to 49ers’ large Bowl aspirations … Why some take into account Fields will bounce again after rookie struggles
1 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: BAL -7 (forty 4.5)
What to look at for: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson faces the particular person he succeeded in 2018, Joe Flacco, who’s now the Jets’ momentary QB1 whereas Zach Wilson recovers from arthroscopic knee surgical procedure. Jackson may be rusty after not having fun with inside the preseason — his contract negotiations dominated the headlines — however it is important to imagine about his playmaking capacity will finally create factors for the Jets. Flacco, 37, has misplaced 14 of his previous sixteen begins. the earlier large Bowl MVP has defeated every group besides the Ravens and Seahawks. — rich Cimini
daring prediction: Baltimore tight finish Mark Andrews will set a profession-extreme with one hundred fifty receiving yards. Jackson goes to rely upon his favourite goal a lot extra with receiver Marquise Brown getting traded to Arizona and prime working again J.okay. Dobbins (knee) not being at full energy. The Jets allowed the third-most receiving yards to tight ends final season (1,113), giving up not decrease than one hundred to Kyle Pitts, Rob Gronkowski and Dallas Goedert. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Jackson threw 5 touchdowns in his solely fully different profession start in the direction of the Jets (Week 15 in 2019), tied for many in a recreation in his profession and tied for in all likelihood the most in a recreation in Ravens historic previous.
What to know for fantasy: The Jets’ protection was backside 5 in each yards allowed per cross try and yards allowed per completion final season, making this a golden alternative for Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman to repay the preseason hype that acquired here his methodology after Brown was traded to Arizona. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is 10-4 ATS in Week 1 video games, collectively with 5-1 ATS over the previous six seasons. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Ravens 36, Jets 17
Walder’s decide: Ravens 27, Jets thirteen
FPI prediction: BAL, seventy three.5% (by a median of seven.4 factors)
Matchup should-reads: Jackson models Friday deadline to droop talks on deal extension … Honeymooners, no extra: Why 2022 is large for Jets’ Saleh, Douglas
1 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: IND -7.5 (forty five.5)
What to look at for: The Colts outscored the Texans sixty two-three in two matchups final season, however they’ve not gained a season-opening recreation since 2013. This matchup will boil proper down to who can administration the trenches, as each teams want to run the soccer. The Colts have Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL in dashing yards (1,811) and dashing touchdowns (18) in 2021, whereas the Texans have supreme notion in fourth-spherical working again Dameon Pierce. Taylor posted not decrease than a hundred and forty dashing yards and a pair of TDs in each video games in the direction of Houston final season. — DJ Bien-Aime
daring prediction: Nyheim Hines can be the Colts’ main receiver inside the sport, a projection based mostly on the Colts’ said intentions to get him an elevated quantity of touches this season. Hines, technically a working again, carried out the position of a conventional slot receiver extensively all through teaching camp and figures to be closely involved as a cross-catcher. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Houston quarterback Davis Mills had 4 video games with 300-plus passing yards final season, most amongst rookie quarterbacks.
What to know for fantasy: Since 2013, a rookie RB has gotten not decrease than 19 touches in Week 1 9 occasions. In eight of these cases, that again both scored or surpassed a hundred twenty five complete yards. Houston’s Pierce finds himself in that spot and noticed his common draft place rise as a lot as one other participant in the course of the preseason. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: house underdogs in divisional video games are thirteen-2-1 ATS in Week 1 over the previous 10 seasons. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Colts 38, Texans 21
Walder’s decide: Colts 30, Texans 20
FPI prediction: IND, seventy two.5% (by a median of seven.zero factors)
Matchup should-reads: Leonard says he is on observe for first ache-free season since rookie yr … ‘converse can’t get it accomplished’: Texans motivated to set tone with redemption in the direction of Colts … Can Gilmore recapture All-professional sort with Colts? … Texans dynamic duo of Cooks and Mills ‘striving’ for perfection
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: KC -6 (fifty three.5)
What to look at for: each quarterbacks — Arizona’s Kyler Murray and Kansas metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes — could have favorable matchups Sunday. every will in all likelihood be dealing with a cornerback unit ripe for the deciding on; the Chiefs’ corps is youthful, whereas the Cardinals’ group is skinny on depth and expertise. And Mahomes is usually unbelievable in September, the place his 86.6 complete QBR is the proper of any participant in a calendar month as a outcome of the metric’s debut in 2006. count on the ball to be thrown so a lot. — Josh Weinfuss
daring prediction: Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will catch one hundred yards value of passes. Mahomes has thrived in 4 profession video games with out Tyreek Hill, throwing eight touchdowns with no interceptions and compiling a QBR of seventy eight.6. Smith-Schuster is the very best candidate amongst Chiefs vast receivers for a large recreation after he had a sturdy teaching camp. — Adam Teicher
Stat to know: Murray has 20 profession dashing touchdowns, the second most amongst QBs since he entered NFL in 2019 (Josh Allen, 23). And the Chiefs allowed seven such TDs to QBs final season, in all likelihood the most inside the NFL.
What to know for fantasy: Cardinals working again James Conner was the one participant with 4 video games inside the second half of final season with not decrease than 5 catches and a dashing TD. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: underneath coach Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals are three-zero ATS in Week 1 video games and 17-7 ATS in September/October. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Chiefs 36, Cardinals 30
Walder’s decide: Chiefs 34, Cardinals 30
FPI prediction: KC, fifty 4.zero% (by a median of 1.three factors)
Matchup should-reads: Why the Chiefs’ protection can’t start gradual but as quickly as extra … Cardinals place QB McCoy on IR, promote McSorley to again up Murray … Mahomes confirms Chiefs’ balanced WR strategy
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: GB -2 (forty seven)
What to look at for: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has lit up the Vikings like no fully different group in his profession. His touchdown-to-interception ratio in the direction of them (fifty six-to-7) is the proper for any licensed quarterback in the direction of a single opponent in NFL historic previous, in line with Elias sports activities Bureau evaluation. however his statistical performances have not on a daily basis led to victories; he is 15-10-1 general in the direction of the Vikings. If the Vikings win Sunday, Kirk Cousins will flip into the foremost quarterback ever to defeat Rodgers in three consecutive video games. — Kevin Seifert
daring prediction: The Vikings will finish truly one of Rodgers’ most distinctive streaks by deciding on him off not decrease than as quickly as. Rodgers has thrown 38 touchdown passes with out an interception in the direction of NFC North teams as a outcome of the start of the 2020 season. in line with Elias sports activities Bureau evaluation, that is the longest streak of passing TDs with out an interception in divisional video games in NFL historic previous. however he is breaking in a mannequin new group of receivers, and timing may be a draw again early on. do not be shocked if ex-Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith components proper into a turnover, whether or not it is with a quarterback stress or a tipped cross. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: Cousins has 4 profession video games with not decrease than 300 passing yards and three passing TDs in the direction of the Packers, tied with Drew Brees for the second most by any participant versus the Packers all time (Matthew Stafford, 5).
What to know for fantasy: How fortunate do you are feeling? Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen has scored north of twenty-two fantasy factors in 4 of his previous eight conferences with the Packers. That said, he has additionally did not understand even six factors three occasions in the direction of inexperienced Bay over that stretch. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The previous 4 conferences between these teams all went over the ultimate. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Vikings 24, Packers 21
Walder’s decide: Packers 27, Vikings 17
FPI prediction: GB, sixty five.three% (by a median of 4.6 factors)
Matchup should-reads: How NBA Bucks journey helped Packers coach LaFleur’s soccer education … Vikings coach O’Connell prioritized well being over depth this summer season — will it work? … Packers’ protection seems good on paper, however on the sector, ‘it seems even elevated’
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | unfold: LAC -three.5 (fifty two)
What to look at for: The Chargers spent money and assets in the course of the offseason to bolster their protection, buying and promoting for cross-rusher Khalil Mack and signing cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive linemen Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Morgan Fox in free agency. they may discover out if their investments paid off in the direction of a Raiders offense they may not cease in a important season-ending second in 2021. Las Vegas now has receiver Davante Adams, and there is a hazard the Chargers will in all likelihood be with out Jackson as he recovers from ankle surgical procedure. — Lindsey Thiry
daring prediction: Adams will set a profession report with 22 targets in his first NFL recreation with former school teammate Derek Carr. Adams had 123 receptions final season, most in NFL historic previous by a participant who then started the following season on a distinct group. He was focused 21 occasions in a Packers loss to the Lions in 2015, so he has seen this sort of quantity earlier than. And Carr focused tight finish Darren Waller 19 occasions in final season’s opener. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: Keenan Allen has one hundred-plus receiving yards in three of the previous 4 season-openers.
What to know for fantasy: l. a. quarterback Justin Herbert has averaged 23.three fantasy factors per recreation in 12 profession divisional matchups. He has thrown for larger than 310 yards in three of 4 video games in the direction of the Raiders, too, racking up 10 TD passes in the direction of simply one interception inside the method. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Chargers’ previous 9 September video games have gone underneath the ultimate, however their ultimate six video games final season all went over the ultimate. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Chargers 37, Raiders 27
Walder’s decide: Chargers 31, Raiders 23
FPI prediction: LAC, sixty one.zero% (by a median of three.2 factors)
Matchup should-reads: Adams finds his bliss en path to the Raiders … The 5 largest questions dealing with the 2022 Chargers … Former Raiders first-rounder Ferrell thinks new scheme ‘could make me flourish’
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | unfold: TEN -5.5 (forty three.5)
What to look at for: Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale’s aggressive blitz packages will test the safety guidelines for the Titans’ offensive line that options two new starters. The Titans have spent further time in safety conferences to put together the highway for Martindale, whose blitz share with the Ravens was tops inside the NFL for three seasons earlier than ending sixth final yr. furthermore, Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his new group of cross-catchers have labored diligently to advantageous-tune their sight modifications to permit them to get quick completions in the direction of the manhattan’s protection. — Turron Davenport
daring prediction: Titans working again Derrick Henry will run for one hundred fifty-plus yards. The King rushed for larger than one hundred fifty yards in two of the foremost 4 video games final season. he is healthful after recovering from a foot damage and faces final season’s twenty fifth-ranked run protection. The Giants did not usher in any foremost reinforcements up entrance and launched starting center linebacker Blake Martinez simply final week. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: Giants working again Saquon Barkley eclipsed one hundred scrimmage yards 20 occasions in his first two seasons (29 video games performed), tied for the second-most video games inside the NFL over that span. however he has larger than one hundred scrimmage yards simply twice in his previous two seasons (15 video games performed).
What to know for fantasy: every of Henry’s 14 best fantasy video games (PPR) have are out there Titans victories. Tennessee is a heavy favourite at house in the direction of a Giants group that allowed the seventh-most factors to opposing RBs final season. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Giants are zero-5 outright and ATS of their previous 5 Week 1 video games — they usually’re zero-6 ATS of their previous six video games as an underdog. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Titans 20, Giants thirteen
Walder’s decide: Giants 19, Titans sixteen
FPI prediction: TEN, seventy six.2% (by a median of eight.three factors)
Matchup should-reads: Redemption season for a extra vocal Barkley? … Tannehill using playoff letdown as ‘gasoline’ heading into new season … Can Golladay and Toney flip the nook this season? … Titans’ ‘plan’ for Henry has fully different offseason strategy for star RB … Shepard ‘ready to go’ in Week 1 after Achilles damage late in 2021 season
eight:20 p.m. ET | NBC | unfold: TB -2.5 (fifty one)
What to look at for: Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will flip into the foremost quarterback to start a recreation at forty five years outdated, and he does so after main the NFL in passing yards (5,316) and passing TDs (forty three) final season. He has additionally by no means misplaced to the Cowboys (6-zero). the one fully different quarterback with a minimal of 5 begins to be undefeated in the direction of Dallas is hall of Famer Joe Montana (5-zero). nonetheless the Cowboys have gained six of their previous 9 season-openers at house. — Todd Archer
daring prediction: Brady will throw for two touchdowns, the Bucs will add two extra on the underside, and Brady will get his first season-opening win on the highway since 2013. Brady is 15-4 in his profession in season-openers as a starting quarterback, the fourth-best QB report inside the large Bowl period for gamers with a minimal of 5 begins. and a quantity of fully different people contained in the Bucs group take into account that even collectively with his eleven-day absence all through teaching camp, he seems ready for an further good season. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: No group performed extra man safety than the Cowboys final season at sixty two%. Dallas returns seven of its prime 9 defensive backs by snaps performed from final season. In final season’s Week 1 meeting, it allowed Brady to throw 4 TDs in the direction of its man safety however did not permit larger than two passing touchdowns in the direction of man safety in a single other recreation.
accidents: Buccaneers | Cowboys
What to know for fantasy: Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans has been a fantasy disappointment to start every of the previous three seasons. Over that stretch of Week 1 video games, he has managed simply six catches and fifty 4 yards complete on his 118 routes. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is 15-9-1 ATS as a daily-season underdog, collectively with 5-2-1 ATS as a house underdog. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Buccaneers 31, Cowboys 23
Walder’s decide: Buccaneers 26, Cowboys 17
FPI prediction: TB, sixty two.5% (by a median of three.eight factors)
Matchup should-reads: Answering the most important questions about Brady’s 2022 season … Cowboys’ Parsons says Brady ‘conjures up me’ forward of rematch with Bucs … quick-handed already on offensive line, Buccaneers lose Hainsey and Leverett … Prescott: Cowboys ready to show doubters incorrect this season
Monday, eight:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | unfold: DEN -6.5 (forty 4.5)
What to look at for: After racking up in all likelihood the most wins over a participant’s first 10 seasons in NFL historic previous (113, collectively with playoffs), former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson begins the second act of his profession with the Broncos. His Denver debut comes in the direction of his former group, which traded him in March in truly one of many largest blockbusters the league has ever seen. Wilson can be the Broncos’ sixth fully different starting QB of their previous six openers. — Brady Henderson
daring prediction: Broncos outdoors linebacker Bradley Chubb could have his first two-sack recreation since 2020. He has had his healthiest offseason since his rookie yr in 2018 and is poised for a large yr, and Randy Gregory‘s arrival ought to give Chubb barely extra room to work. Chubb has battled accidents in two of the previous three seasons, collectively with two ankle surgical procedures in 2021. He has had simply 4 multi-sack video games in his profession, and solely a sort of — a 2.5 sack effort in the direction of the Jets in 2020 — has come since his rookie yr. — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Wilson has a ten-three (.769) report on Monday evening time soccer in his profession, the third best by a starting quarterback with 10-plus begins.
What to know for fantasy: From 2019 to ’21, Wilson averaged 22.4% extra fantasy factors per recreation at house than on the highway. however it is a highway recreation inside the place he has referred to as house for his complete profession. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Seahawks are 17-7 as house underdogs underneath coach Pete Carroll, collectively with 14-three ATS when getting not decrease than three factors. be taught extra.
Moody’s decide: Broncos 30, Seahawks thirteen
Walder’s decide: Broncos 27, Seahawks 9
FPI prediction: DEN, sixty six.7% (by a median of 5.1 factors)
Matchup should-reads: Wilson’s arrival helped maintain Jackson with Broncos, and that can be a key transfer … contained in the Wilson-Seahawks drama that led to the Broncos commerce … Broncos hope Wilson will assist flip Jeudy’s potential into touchdowns … regardless of doubters of his Seahawks, Carroll envisions ‘nothing however good issues taking place’
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