Opening Weekend in the NFL 2024

Last updated on 04 May 2025

Pizza time. Image by Jeff x DALLE.3.

Usually the first week of the NFL season is a little crazy. Teams have been building and scheming all summer for one game. Think of it as a college bowl game in terms of preparation and intensity. A win feels great. A loss feels catastrophic. But neither has much impact on the full season.

I don’t get too upset about huge upsets on week one. They mean little except for adding some pressure onto week 2. But, lose the first two games, and your season could be over.

So let’s check out opening weekend.

Week One:

(Oh, and if you use these picks to gamble, do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis. It’s just for fun.)

Ravens vs. Chiefs (Thursday Night) - the NFL has been giving us these season openers with the Super Bowl winner against a main rival for a few years. This game will be rough and could go either way. I expect both team to be in the AFC championship at the end of the year. I’m interested to see how Derek Henry is incorporated into the Ravens offense. I think this game will mean a little bit more to the Ravens. But, I don’t bet against Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs win. If, just because they are the home team.

Packers vs. Eagles (Sao Paolo, Brazil, Friday Night) - First time a NFL game has been played in Brazil. Packers are a trendy pick this year. They will be good. But I think the Eagles win. They have a talented roster. If they get beat it could be a tough season for them. They do seem to have some chemistry issues. But winning cures all. Eagles win.

Sunday Games 1:00PM

Steelers vs. Falcons - Tomlin has been tough on opening day. But neither of his QB’s inspire a lot of faith. Falcons had a lot of change in the off-season. If they’re ready, Falcons win.

Cardinals vs. Bills - Bills win. Josh Allen says screw you. I’m not over-rated.

Titans vs. Bears - Bears win. Caleb looks good.

Patriots vs. Bengals - This looks like the most lopsided game of week one. Bengals should romp. But they’ve had a tough time starting seasons and some turmoil. Chase isn’t signed yet. Although he probably will be by game time. Bengals win. But watch for the off-season of turmoil showing up on the field.

Texans vs. Colts - Good game. Texans win. Anxious to see Richardson at QB for the Colts. He’s showed some spark before his injury last year.

Jaguars vs. Dolphins - This will be a good one. Jaguars regressed a little last year. Could be mostly due to Trevor’s injuries. The AFC is tough. They need to show they are a top team. But Dolphins are talented, explosive, and innovative. Dolphins win.

Panthers vs. Saints - Saints win. But hopefully a better year for Bryce Young.

Vikings vs. Giants - Vikings win. They still have big play potential. Giants need talent.

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Sunday Late Games

Raiders vs. Chargers - Chargers have talent. They have a QB. Raiders don’t. Swagger doesn’t consistently win games. Chargers win.

Broncos vs. Seahawks - Tough winning week one on a re-building team with a rookie QB. Broncos are better this year. But Seahawks win.

Cowboys vs Browns - This is a tough one. I’m a Cowboy fan. Historically, they win their openers. But Browns win. Their defense is top three. Great pass rush and they don’t have to worry too much about a Cowboys running attack. Should be a good game but watch out for a surprise blowout shocker by the Browns.

Commanders vs. Buccaneers - Calling the upset. Commanders win. I don’t expect two good seasons in a row for Mayfield. Commanders are young and have a completely new coaching staff. Buccaneers are old.

Rams vs. Lions (Sunday Night) - Great game. I think both are playoff teams. Duh. But Lions are no longer the scrappy team fighting its way up. They are expected to win. Rams win.

Monday Night Game

Jets vs. 49ers - Another great game. We’ll see if Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers. Lots on the line. 49ers win. But if the Jets squeak out a win, watch out. Their next 4 games are winnable. Beat the 49er’s and they should be 5 - 0 going into the week 6 game against the Bills. That’s a playoff team.