As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, Week 1 promises a compelling slate of matchups that will set the tone for the weeks to come. The excitement begins on Thursday, September 5, with an impressive total of 16 games scheduled, keeping the adrenaline flowing for fans across the nation.
The showcase game features the Kansas City Chiefs against the Baltimore Ravens. With the electrifying trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the rest of the Chiefs' offense going up against Lamar Jackson, viewers are certainly in for a high-octane spectacle. This game highlights the remarkable talents of two of the league's most dynamic quarterbacks, ensuring it will be one of the marquee matchups of the opening weekend.
One of the more unique fixtures of the first week’s schedule is the Green Bay Packers’ clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, set to take place in Brazil on Friday. The NFL’s commitment to international locations continues to expand its global footprint, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Games in cities like London and Mexico City also feature on the calendar, underscoring the NFL's intent to grow American football far beyond the U.S. borders.
Sunday is the main attraction with 13 games scheduled, featuring a variety of intriguing matchups. The Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Atlanta Falcons, while the Dallas Cowboys will confront the Cleveland Browns. Another game to watch is the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Detroit Lions, where Jared Goff looks to lead the Lions past his former team.
It's worth noting that there are no double-digit favorites heading into Week 1, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the proceedings. The Cincinnati Bengals are the most solid favorites, giving nine points against the New England Patriots. This game might be a litmus test for the Patriots, who ended last season with a mixed record, losing two of their final ten games. Notably, the Patriots have strong past performances against the Bengals, posting a 6-2 mark against the spread in their last eight meetings.
Looking at individual favorites, the Detroit Lions are favored by 3.5 points at home against the Rams. Last season, the Lions were offensive powerhouses, averaging an impressive 394.8 yards per game, the third-highest in the NFL. Jared Goff’s stellar performances, including 4,575 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, significantly contributed to these numbers. Goff and the Lions have been dominant at home, going 8-1 in their last nine home games. Their early-season form also looks promising, with a 7-1 record against the spread in their last eight September games.
The Lions have shown particular prowess against NFC opponents, boasting a 5-1 record against the spread in their last six such matchups. Conversely, the Los Angeles Rams have struggled on the road against Detroit, losing four of their last five games at Ford Field. The predictive model, which has been on an impressive 185-129 run with its top-rated picks since 2017, forecasts that the Lions will cover the spread against the Rams.
Speaking of the model, it's had a lucrative track record for those following its recommendations, earning over $7,000 for $100 players. It has been particularly effective since Week 7 of last season, achieving a 39-21 run. For Week 1, the model has identified five confident bets, although specific details on those selections remain under tight wraps for now.
Each season brings its own surprises and narratives, and the kickoff of the 2023 season should be no different. Between the international venues, unpredictable favorites, and marquee matchups, this opening week looks to be every bit as engaging as fans could hope for. With a blend of young, dynamic talent and established superstars, the NFL is poised to provide a riveting start that will leave fans eagerly anticipating each following week’s slate of games.