Football fans, the wait is almost over. America’s game is back Thursday, Sept. 4 before a full weekend of NFL action kicks off as the regular season gets underway. For NFL diehards, fantasy managers and couch coaches, this means hope, joy, frustration and heartbreak when your first-round pick grabs his hamstring in Week 2. But for all fans, the opening weekend promises marquee matchups and compelling storylines.
Here’s a breakdown of key games to watch in Week 1:
Thursday, Sept. 4: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL season opener features the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, looking to repeat with a roster stacked with talent. Philadelphia boasts a dynamic running back in Saquon Barkley, a strong offensive line, Jalen Hurts under center and a defense led by Zack Baun. For the long-suffering Cowboys fanbase, the question is whether Dak Prescott can return to his 2023 Pro Bowl form. Another concern: how the Dallas defense will fare after losing Micah Parsons in a blockbuster trade to Green Bay.
Friday, Sept. 5: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Friday brings a marquee quarterback matchup in São Paulo, Brazil: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Kansas City remains a perennial Super Bowl contender, while the Chargers feature one of the league’s most explosive offenses, powered by rookie running back Omarion Hampton, veteran Najee Harris and a wide receiver corps led by Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen.
Sunday, Sept. 7: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers headlines this matchup. The 41-year-old quarterback is looking for one last run in what has been a storied yet controversial career. The Steelers have boasted one of the league’s best defenses for the past five years but have struggled offensively since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2022. Rodgers, who struggled last season as the Jets quarterback, will have a chance to redeem himself — starting against his former team. Meanwhile, all eyes are on how new additions DK Metcalf and Kaleb Johnson will fit into Pittsburgh’s offense.
Sunday, Sept. 7: Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
This NFC North clash features two rising teams with much to prove. The Lions return with a solid core and the reemergence of Aidan Hutchinson, aiming to build on recent seasons of hard-nosed football under outspoken coach Dan Campbell. But with new offensive and defensive coordinators, can they start strong against a bolstered Packers squad? Green Bay, which suffered an early playoff exit to the eventual Super Bowl champs last season, hopes the addition of four-time Pro Bowler Micah Parsons is the piece that pushes them into true contention.
Sunday, Sept. 7: Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
The marquee matchup of the week — and a rematch of last year’s AFC divisional round. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, two of the league’s premier quarterbacks, face off again on Sunday Night Football. Allen bested Jackson for MVP last season, but Jackson claimed the award the year before. Both teams are stacked with stars and Super Bowl aspirations. All eyes will be on Buffalo newcomer Joey Bosa and whether he, along with the Bills’ front seven, can contain Baltimore’s run game led by Derrick Henry and the ever-dangerous dual threat of Jackson.
