If opening night is indicative of the next 271 games, then football fans can anticipate an incredible 2024 season. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens played a thrilling game that ended with an unlikely outcome with the overturning of Isaiah Likely’s out-of-bounds catch in the end-zone. Isaiah was one of the standout performers for the Ravens making nine catches, 111 yards, and a touchdown. The featured superstars under center, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, traded blows, but number 15 now has the edge head-to-head with a 5-1 record. After losing the opener last season to the Detroit Lions, the Chiefs relished the opportunity to start the season with a win. So, what are the next best games to watch this weekend, and who will win? In this article, we will discuss the five biggest games after opening night.
1. Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo-8:15 p.m. ET (Peacock)
For the first time in NFL history, a game will be played in South America when the Packers and Eagles face off in Sap Paulo, Brazil. The Packers appear to head into the contest more confident after a torrid stretch that led to a push into the wild card spot and a win over the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs. Green Bay will feel that Jordan Love is their quarterback of the future who will make further strides in his second season as a starter. On the other hand, the Eagles collapsed into the playoffs, and there is a perceived lack of chemistry between the star player, Jalen Hurts, and Head Coach, Nick Sirianni. However, the Eagles made good moves in signing Saquon Barkley in the backfield, bringing Offensive Kellen Moore to the fold and drafting well to shore up the defense. I think the Eagles fly high out of the gate and win this close matchup in a thriller.
Eagles 27-Packers 24
2. Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons-1 p.m. ET (Fox)
This will be an interesting matchup among teams that some analyst feel can contend in their respective conference. In the offseason, both teams made drastic changes in their quarterback personnel, with the Steelers signing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields while the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Pennix Jr. It feels that although Wilson and Cousins have been named starters, both will be under pressure due to the quality on the bench. It will be fascinating to see Arthur Smith, Steelers new Offensive Coordinator, matched up against the team that fired him after three seasons. The Steelers’ defense is one of the best in the league, while the offense has struggled to put points on the board. It means this will be a low-scoring game, but I think Kirk Cousins and the weapons will make enough plays to win this game.
Falcons 20-Steelers 17
3. Cowboys at Browns-Sunday 4.25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Dallas Cowboys enter this season with more questions than answers. It feels like they are under the most pressure because quarterback Dak Prescott and Head Coach Mike McCarthy are in the final year of their contracts. The schedule makers did not do them a favor in giving them an opener in Cleveland. The Browns are a scrappy team that finds joy in knocking off top teams. Last season, despite an injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns made the playoffs because of their strong defense. I think the Cowboys will struggle in this game on the road, and limited reps between Dak and Cee Dee Lamb, who finally agreed on an extension last week. It will be a low-scoring game, but Cleveland will squeak out a win.
Browns 21-Cowboys 20
4. Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions-Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
This will be a rematch of their playoff game last season, which marked the return of Matt Stafford to Detroit. Behind a thunderous home crowd, the Lions won 24-23 to progress into the divisional round. In this matchup, the storyline will be less about Stafford’s return and more about these intriguing teams. The Rams appear stacked on offense with Cooper Kupp’s return from injury alongside Puka Nacua on the outside. However, the defense will take a while to adjust in the absence of Aaron Donald. I think the Lions will capitalize by running the ball, and the Lions’ defense will hold up the Rams just enough to seal the victory.
Lions 30-Rams 24
5. New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers-Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
It’s the game the Jets have waited almost a year to see when Aaron Rodgers returns under center for their team. The first game of last season ended in disaster when Rodgers tore his Achilles and missed the entire season. It will be a difficult matchup for the Jets to fly across the country to face the ultra-talented 49ers squad on Monday Night Football. Rodgers will improve during the season, but I think it will be a slow start in a game dictated by the defense. The Jets’ defense will make this a close game, but San Francisco will make enough plays to pick up the win despite a few turnovers.
49ers 23-Jets 20