Brace yourself for an action-packed five days and nights of NFL football. We’re kicking off with a bang this Thursday night at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium.
It’s a monumental night for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, as they host the Baltimore Ravens, who are looking to pull off an upset similar to the Detroit Lions at the start of the 2023 season.
Don’t forget to update your Peacock app after the Olympics broadcast, as the Green Bay Packers face off against the Philadelphia Eagles. This matchup marks the first regular-season NFL game in Brazil and the first Friday night game on opening weekend since the St. Louis Cardinals faced the Los Angeles Rams on September 18, 1970.
To guide you through the rest of the weekend, we’ve ranked Week 1’s NFL games, from the most grueling to the least challenging, based on Field Level Average rankings:
1. Ravens vs. Chiefs, Thursday, September 5, 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark (field reporter)
This is not just another opener. It’s a rematch of last January’s AFC Championship game, which saw the Chiefs clinch a 17-10 victory. With Patrick Mahomes squaring off against Lamar Jackson, it’s the first Week 1 matchup in NFL history featuring opponents with multiple MVP awards. Mahomes boasts an incredible 21-1 career TD-INT ratio in Week 1 games.
2. Packers vs. Eagles, Friday, September 6, 8:15 p.m. ET (in Brazil)
Watch via Peacock: Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, Kaylee Hartung (field reporter)
The Eagles have revamped both their coordinators and added serious talent after last season’s Super Bowl run. The Packers, who started rocky but made it to the divisional round last season, will meet them on new ground in Brazil. Look out for star running backs like Saquon Barkley joining the Eagles and Josh Jacobs, 2022’s rushing king, now with Green Bay.
3. Jets vs. 49ers, Monday, September 9, 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters (field reporter)
Aaron Rodgers returns to Monday Night Football with a chip on his shoulder. After a season-ending injury last year, Rodgers aims to prove he’s still elite at 40. The Jets boast a formidable defense, while the 49ers have a cadre of stars, including Christian McCaffrey and multiple receiving threats.
4. Texans vs. Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Television: CBS: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty, AJ Ross (field reporter)
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had an outstanding season last year, going undefeated in the division. The Texans clinched the AFC South title in a thrilling upset over the Colts in last season’s finale. This Week 1 rematch is bound to be electrifying.
5. Cowboys vs. Browns, 4:25 p.m. ET
TV: FOX (4:25 p.m. ET): Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews (field reporter), Tom Rinaldi (field reporter)
Don’t miss this one, as it marks Tom Brady’s debut as a FOX analyst. The Browns, who had a stellar home record last year, will face off against a Dallas team that struggled on the road.
6. Bears vs. Titans, Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX: Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, Kristina Pink (field reporter)
All eyes will be on No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams as he aims to kick off his NFL career with a win. Meanwhile, the Titans will showcase their new receiver mix in the post-Derrick Henry era.
7. Lions vs. Rams, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC (8:20 p.m. ET): Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark (field reporter)
Matthew Stafford returns to Ford Field, but this time as a Ram. Jared Goff, looking for redemption, faces his old team once again. Their previous matchup ended in a nail-biting 24-23 Lions victory in the wild-card playoffs.
8. Steelers vs. Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver (field reporter)
This game is packed with subplots, including the return to Atlanta of former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, now the offensive coordinator for the Steelers.
9. Jaguars vs. Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins (field reporter)
Last season, Tua Tagovailoa was unbeatable at home, and he’ll look to replicate that magic. Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars will look to turn this into a Sunshine State shootout.
10. Cardinals vs. Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS: Tom McCarthy, Jay Feely, Ross Tucker, Tiffany Blackmon (field reporter)
Josh Allen will be aiming to silence any doubters by showcasing his connection with his No. 1 receivers. And Marvin Harrison Jr. is already turning heads.
11. Broncos vs. Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET
TV: CBS: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala (field reporter)
It’s a new beginning for rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who faces a challenging debut against Seattle’s loud crowd and a formidable defense.
12. Chargers at Raiders, 4 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (4:05 p.m. ET): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson (field reporter)
The Raiders and Gardner Minshew will look to prove they’re the team to beat over the Chargers.
13. Patriots vs. Bengals, 1 p.m. ET
Television: CBS: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn (field reporter)
Without Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ sideline will look different. But the excitement remains, especially with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s dynamic duo in action.
14. Vikings vs. Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan Olivi (field reporter)
LSU’s wide receiver duo Justin Jefferson (Vikings) and rookie Malik Nabers (Giants) promise a spectacular aerial show.
15. Buccaneers vs. Commanders, 4:25 PM ET
TV: FOX: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin (field reporter)
Watch out for Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ second overall pick, who is already getting high praise from teammates and coaches alike.
16. Panthers vs. Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Jen Hale (field reporter)
This divisional clash may not inspire a lot of confidence, but anything can happen in these gritty NFC South matchups.
Get ready for a thrilling Week 1, NFL fans! The drama, the excitement, the passion, it’s all here. Don’t miss a moment.
