NFL Week 1 recreation picks, schedule information, fantasy soccer suggestions, odds, accidents, stats to know and extra
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The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2022 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we’ve got you lined with what you could know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters carry us the most important keys to each recreation and a daring prediction for every matchup.
Moreover, ESPN Stats & Info offers a giant stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a recreation projection. ESPN researcher Kyle Soppe palms out useful fantasy football intel, as properly. Lastly, Seth Walder and Eric Moody give us closing rating picks for each recreation. The whole lot you need to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL football.
Let’s get into the total Week 1 slate, together with Baker Mayfield dealing with his outdated crew, Pittsburgh kicking off its post-Ben Roethlisberger period in Cincinnati, Patrick Mahomes vs. Kyler Murray and the Bucs assembly the Cowboys in Texas. All of it culminates with a Monday Night time Soccer matchup between the Broncos and the Seahawks — Russell Wilson‘s return to Seattle — on ESPN. (Sport instances are Sunday until in any other case famous.)
Soar to a matchup:
NE-MIA | PHI-DET | CLE-CAR
JAX-WSH | NO-ATL | PIT-CIN
SF-CHI | BAL-NYJ | IND-HOU
KC-ARI | GB-MIN | LV-LAC
NYG-TEN | TB-DAL | DEN-SEA
Thursday: BUF 31, LAR 10
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: MIA -3.5 (46.5)
What to look at for: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has by no means misplaced to the Patriots in three profession video games, although he hasn’t been notably spectacular in any of these begins, throwing for 456 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. However on the opposite facet of issues, Patriots coach Invoice Belichick has by no means misplaced 4 straight video games to the identical opponent throughout his tenure with New England. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Daring prediction: Former Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker will rating a landing in his Patriots debut. The Dolphins’ No. 2 cornerback spot reverse Xavien Howard is a query mark with Byron Jones on the reserve/PUP record, and Parker has led the NFL in tight-window catches over the previous 5 seasons (lower than 1 yard of separation), in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Patriots quarterback Mac Jones misplaced the 2021 season’s opening and shutting video games to the Dolphins, the one crew that beat Jones a number of instances throughout his first NFL common season. Jones posted a 44.7 Complete QBR with two passing touchdowns and an interception in these contests.
Accidents: Patriots | Dolphins
What to know for fantasy: Will Tyreek Hill‘s fast-starting methods carry over to Miami? The receiver’s high two video games final season got here within the first month, and he scored in every of his first 4 video games within the 2020 season. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 7-8 in opposition to the unfold (ATS) as underdogs since Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay. General, Belichick is 55-30-1 ATS as an underdog with the Patriots. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Dolphins 24, Patriots 20
Walder’s choose: Dolphins 31, Patriots 10
FPI prediction: MIA, 51.1% (by a mean of 0.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Aikman on what Jones and Brady have in common … The clock is ticking on Tua: How he’s changed, and why there’s confidence in Miami … Patriots left early for South Florida to ‘get acclimated to the conditions’
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: PHI -4 (49)
What to look at for: Detroit was embarrassed 44-6 at residence throughout final season’s Week 8 matchup with the Eagles, which is definitely at the back of the crew’s thoughts. Quarterback Jared Goff even stated the Lions “owe them one.” The Lions’ offseason noticed them add key gamers on offense, together with receiver DJ Chark, however is that this a unique crew? Sunday affords Detroit’s first actual take a look at. “There isn’t any extra standing outdoors ready for the gates to open, man,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated. “We’re getting in, and so now there’s nowhere to run.” — Eric Woodyard
Daring prediction: Eagles operating again Miles Sanders will rating two touchdowns. In the event you do not assume that is daring, take a look at his stat line from final season: 137 rushes, 754 yards and 0 TDs. Not solely is he due, however he is operating behind the most effective offensive strains within the league and in opposition to a Lions protection that completed twenty eighth in opposition to the run in 2021, permitting 135 yards per recreation. Sanders missed time this summer season due to a hamstring harm however practiced in full this week. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts accomplished 77% of his passes in final season’s opener (27-of-35 in a 32-6 win over Atlanta), one of the best completion share by an Eagles QB with at the least 15 makes an attempt in an opener.
What to know for fantasy: Amon-Ra St. Brown was the fantasy darling down the stretch of final season, however the Lions receiver opens this season with wholesome teammates and a date with an Eagles protection that ranked second in stopping WR fantasy factors in 2021. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Lions’ previous 11 video games in Week 1 have gone over the full. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Eagles 34, Lions 24
Walder’s choose: Eagles 24, Lions 14
FPI prediction: PHI, 65.8% (by a mean of 4.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Eagles RB Sanders is ‘ready to go’ after injury … Lions place guard Vaitai on injured reserve … Okudah’s recovery from Achilles injury aided by family, unlikely friends
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CAR -2 (42)
What to look at for: Look no additional than the battle between Panthers rookie left deal with Ikem Ekwonu and Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett. For Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield to have an opportunity in opposition to his former crew, Ekwonu — the sixth choose of the 2022 draft — should maintain his personal in opposition to the league’s third-ranked participant in sacks (16) final season. — David Newton
Daring prediction: Mayfield will flip the ball over twice within the first quarter — however then throw two touchdowns within the fourth quarter to provide the Panthers an opportunity for a comeback in opposition to his former crew in Cleveland. It’d take Mayfield, who went 29-30 in 59 profession begins with the Browns, slightly time to settle in. — Jake Trotter
0:33
Mike Clay wonders if Baker Mayfield can salvage his fantasy soccer worth with the Carolina Panthers.
Stat to know: Jacoby Brissett would be the Browns’ beginning quarterback rather than suspended Deshaun Watson. Brissett is 14-23 in his profession as a starter, however he’s trying to win three straight begins for the second time in his profession (2019). Nevertheless, he did lose his solely different season-opening begin — in 2019 whereas with the Colts.
What to know for fantasy: Over the previous two seasons, Panthers receiver Robbie Anderson‘s goal price is comparable when operating again Christian McCaffrey is on the sector versus off of it, however when the All-Professional operating again is on the sector, Anderson’s catch price spikes from 57.6% to 72.1%. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Carolina went 2-12 each ATS and outright in its final 14 video games of the 2021 season. General, the Panthers had been 5-12 ATS final season, tied with the Jaguars for the worst mark within the NFL. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Browns 31, Panthers 17
Walder’s choose: Panthers 23, Browns 20
FPI prediction: CAR, 59.4% (by a mean of two.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Browns claim Mond off waivers to be third QB … Mayfield: No built-in animosity ahead of Week 1 game Browns
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: WSH -2.5 (44)
What to look at for: The quarterback matchup options the No. 1 choose within the 2021 draft (Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence) and the No. 2 choice in 2016 (Washington’s Carson Wentz). However there are questions on each of them. As a rookie, Lawrence threw 12 touchdowns however turned the ball over 22 instances. And we simply noticed Wentz traded for a second consecutive offseason. What is going to matter extra Sunday: a brand new coach for Lawrence in Doug Pederson, or a brand new begin for Wentz in Washington? — John Keim
Daring prediction: Wentz will redeem himself from final season’s Week 18 debacle in opposition to the Jaguars with 300 passing yards and two TD throws. The Jaguars sacked Wentz six instances and intercepted him as soon as within the 2021 finale when Wentz was taking part in for the Colts. Regardless that the Jags’ move rush is predicted to be significantly better this 12 months with the addition of Travon Walker and Arden Key, the Commanders’ offensive line is fairly good and can retains these guys (and Josh Allen) at bay sufficient for Wentz to beat his former coach (Doug Pederson). — Mike DiRocco
Stat to know: The Jaguars had 29 turnovers final season, tied for the second most within the NFL. They had been additionally outscored by 204 factors, worst within the NFL and in franchise historical past, and by no means scored greater than 26 factors in a recreation.
Accidents: Jaguars | Commanders
What to know for fantasy: Commanders operating again Antonio Gibson quietly ranked eighth in alternatives per recreation final season (rushes and targets) and finds himself in a matchup in opposition to a Jags protection that allowed a landing on 4.1% of RB carries a season in the past, the sixth-highest price. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Washington is 1-5 ATS in September video games beneath coach Ron Rivera, together with 0-3 ATS final season. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Jaguars 27, Commanders 24
Walder’s choose: Jaguars 21, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: WSH, 61.7% (by a mean of three.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: What do we know about Lawrence heading into Year 2? … Wentz more comfortable than ever, but will his game change? … Robinson might get heavy workload vs. Commanders
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: NO -5.5 (42)
What to look at for: That is, in some ways, a second-chance recreation. It is the second time round debut for Saints coach Dennis Allen, who was 8-28 from 2012 to ’14 with the Raiders and started his NFL teaching profession with 4 seasons as a defensive assistant in Atlanta. It is also the second time round as a starter for Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 choose within the 2015 draft who spent four-plus seasons because the starter in Tennessee, finishing 62.9% of his passes for 76 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. He’ll face the No. 1 choose of that 2015 draft, Jameis Winston, who’s starting his second season because the starter for the Saints. — Michael Rothstein
Daring prediction: Huge receiver Michael Thomas will catch at the least 4 passes virtually two years to the day since he injured his ankle in opposition to the Buccaneers to begin the 2020 season. Thomas’ standing has been up within the air as he recovers from each his ankle harm and a latest hamstring harm, but when his latest feedback are any indication, he is able to once more be one of many recreation’s finest receivers. Thomas and Winston have barely had any snaps collectively, so there’s positive to be rust, however look ahead to Winston to focus on Thomas early and sometimes. — Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan has 23 profession sacks in opposition to the Falcons, second most all time in opposition to Atlanta behind Kevin Greene’s 28.5 (sacks grew to become official for particular person gamers in 1982). In accordance with Elias Sports activities Bureau analysis, Jordan’s 23 are essentially the most sacks by any lively participant in opposition to a single crew.
What to know for fantasy: Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts averaged simply 0.23 fantasy factors per route run in opposition to the Saints final season, down practically 37% from his price in opposition to the remainder of the NFL. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Falcons are 0-6 ATS in Week 1 over the previous six seasons, and so they had been 0-4 ATS as residence underdogs final season. Moreover, the Saints have lined in 4 of the previous 5 conferences and 15 of the previous 23 conferences. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Falcons 21, Saints 20
Walder’s choose: Falcons 17, Saints 13
FPI prediction: NO, 69.8% (by a mean of 6.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: With a stacked WR corps, Winston learning to adapt … The coaches who shaped the offensive mind of Falcons coach Smith
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CIN -6.5 (44.5)
What to look at for: Cincinnati’s revamped offensive line will get an enormous take a look at within the season-opener. Pittsburgh’s defensive entrance options outdoors linebacker T.J. Watt, final season’s Defensive Participant of the Yr, and a brand new improve with linebacker Myles Jack. After bringing in La’el Collins, Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, Cincinnati is searching for an enormous enchancment; it surrendered 55 sacks within the 2021 common season, which ranked thirtieth within the NFL. — Ben Child
Daring prediction: The Steelers will win the turnover battle. To have an opportunity in opposition to the defending AFC champs, the Steelers should put an emphasis on each caring for and taking away the soccer. The secondary has been lively all through camp in intercepting its personal quarterbacks, priming it for a giant opening weekend in opposition to the Bengals’ Joe Burrow. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase had the second-most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL historical past (1,455) final season, trailing solely Invoice Groman’s 1,473 in 1960.
What to know for fantasy: Pittsburgh operating again Najee Harris averaged beneath 4.0 yards per carry final season and was even worse in opposition to the Bengals. On 22 carries over two video games, he had 63 yards — and he failed to achieve even 5 yards on 20 of these carries. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Steelers street video games are 38-17-1 to the beneath since 2015. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Bengals 31, Steelers 30
Walder’s choose: Bengals 23, Steelers 16
FPI prediction: CIN, 78.0% (by a mean of 9.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Trubisky voted a Steelers captain, listed as starting QB on depth chart … Trubisky, the Steelers and what it’s like to be a caretaker quarterback
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: SF -6.5 (40.5)
What to look at for: Quarterbacks Trey Lance (San Francisco) and Justin Fields (Chicago) had been taken eight picks aside within the first spherical of the 2021 draft, and Sunday would be the first head-to-head assembly between them. Fields stated he does not take the 49ers passing on him personally, nor does he imagine it provides any motivation for him. The QBs are the principle draw within the season opener, however Chicago shall be hoping the newly laid turf at Soldier Discipline does not steal the highlight after changing into a narrative for all of the flawed causes throughout the preseason. — Courtney Cronin
Daring prediction: Niners defensive finish Nick Bosa will put up three sacks. Bosa had two sacks in a Week 8 win in opposition to the Bears final 12 months, and although Chicago labored to bolster its offensive line within the offseason, there aren’t confirmed tackles at both spot geared up to sluggish Bosa. The Bears will undoubtedly throw a number of blockers Bosa’s method, however his freedom to flip sides on any given play will give him sufficient alternatives to get his second-career hat trick. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel has 11 profession speeding TDs — together with eight in 2021 — for essentially the most by any extensive receiver since 1950. He lined up as operating again on 58 performs in 2021, by far essentially the most of any WR.
1:32
Mike Clay explains why he is keen to place numerous fantasy inventory in Deebo Samuel.
What to know for fantasy: The Lions. The Texans. The Bears. That is your total record of defenses that allowed extra yards per deep move try than the 49ers final season. Chicago receiver Darnell Mooney had a number of deep catches in seven completely different video games final season and now has the WR1 function all to himself with Allen Robinson II in Los Angeles. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Bears had been 0-5 ATS as residence underdogs final season and 3-10 ATS as underdogs total. Read more.
Moody’s choose: 49ers 34, Bears 14
Walder’s choose: 49ers 24, Bears 13
FPI prediction: SF, 65.8% (by a mean of 4.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: It’s finally time for Lance to be the guy for the 49ers … Getting healthy at right time, Bears practice with all projected starters on offense … Offensive line, secondary two potential caveats to 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations … Why some believe Fields will bounce back after rookie struggles
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: BAL -7 (44.5)
What to look at for: Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson faces the person he succeeded in 2018, Joe Flacco, who’s now the Jets’ non permanent QB1 whereas Zach Wilson recovers from arthroscopic knee surgical procedure. Jackson may very well be rusty after not taking part in within the preseason — his contract negotiations dominated the headlines — however it’s important to imagine his playmaking means will finally create issues for the Jets. Flacco, 37, has misplaced 14 of his previous 16 begins. The previous Tremendous Bowl MVP has defeated each crew besides the Ravens and Seahawks. — Wealthy Cimini
Daring prediction: Baltimore tight finish Mark Andrews will set a career-high with 150 receiving yards. Jackson goes to depend on his favourite goal much more with receiver Marquise Brown getting traded to Arizona and high operating again J.K. Dobbins (knee) not being at full energy. The Jets allowed the third-most receiving yards to tight ends final season (1,113), giving up at the least 100 to Kyle Pitts, Rob Gronkowski and Dallas Goedert. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Jackson threw 5 touchdowns in his solely different profession begin in opposition to the Jets (Week 15 in 2019), tied for many in a recreation in his profession and tied for essentially the most in a recreation in Ravens historical past.
What to know for fantasy: The Jets’ protection was backside 5 in each yards allowed per move try and yards allowed per completion final season, making this a golden alternative for Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman to repay the preseason hype that got here his method after Brown was traded to Arizona. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is 10-4 ATS in Week 1 video games, together with 5-1 ATS over the previous six seasons. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Ravens 36, Jets 17
Walder’s choose: Ravens 27, Jets 13
FPI prediction: BAL, 73.5% (by a mean of seven.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jackson sets Friday deadline to suspend talks on deal extension … Honeymooners, no more: Why 2022 is big for Jets’ Saleh, Douglas
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: IND -7.5 (45.5)
What to look at for: The Colts outscored the Texans 62-3 in two matchups final season, however they have not received a season-opening recreation since 2013. This matchup will boil right down to who can management the trenches, as each groups need to run the soccer. The Colts have Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL in speeding yards (1,811) and speeding touchdowns (18) in 2021, whereas the Texans have supreme perception in fourth-round operating again Dameon Pierce. Taylor posted at the least 140 speeding yards and a pair of TDs in each video games in opposition to Houston final season. — DJ Bien-Aime
Daring prediction: Nyheim Hines would be the Colts’ main receiver within the recreation, a projection based mostly on the Colts’ acknowledged intentions to get him an elevated variety of touches this season. Hines, technically a operating again, carried out the function of a conventional slot receiver extensively throughout coaching camp and figures to be closely concerned as a pass-catcher. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Houston quarterback Davis Mills had 4 video games with 300-plus passing yards final season, most amongst rookie quarterbacks.
What to know for fantasy: Since 2013, a rookie RB has gotten at the least 19 touches in Week 1 9 instances. In eight of these situations, that again both scored or surpassed 125 whole yards. Houston’s Pierce finds himself in that spot and noticed his common draft place rise as a lot as another participant throughout the preseason. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: House underdogs in divisional video games are 13-2-1 ATS in Week 1 over the previous 10 seasons. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Colts 38, Texans 21
Walder’s choose: Colts 30, Texans 20
FPI prediction: IND, 72.5% (by a mean of seven.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Leonard says he’s on track for first pain-free season since rookie year … ‘Talk can’t get it done’: Texans motivated to set tone with redemption against Colts … Can Gilmore recapture All-Pro form with Colts? … Texans dynamic duo of Cooks and Mills ‘striving’ for perfection
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: KC -6 (53.5)
What to look at for: Each quarterbacks — Arizona’s Kyler Murray and Kansas Metropolis’s Patrick Mahomes — can have favorable matchups Sunday. Every shall be dealing with a cornerback unit ripe for the selecting; the Chiefs’ corps is younger, whereas the Cardinals’ group is skinny on depth and expertise. And Mahomes is often incredible in September, the place his 86.6 Complete QBR is one of the best of any participant in a calendar month for the reason that metric’s debut in 2006. Count on the ball to be thrown lots. — Josh Weinfuss
Daring prediction: Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will catch 100 yards price of passes. Mahomes has thrived in 4 profession video games with out Tyreek Hill, throwing eight touchdowns with no interceptions and compiling a QBR of 78.6. Smith-Schuster is the highest candidate amongst Chiefs extensive receivers for a giant recreation after he had a powerful coaching camp. — Adam Teicher
Stat to know: Murray has 20 profession speeding touchdowns, the second most amongst QBs since he entered NFL in 2019 (Josh Allen, 23). And the Chiefs allowed seven such TDs to QBs final season, essentially the most within the NFL.
What to know for fantasy: Cardinals operating again James Conner was the one participant with 4 video games within the second half of final season with at the least 5 catches and a speeding TD. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Beneath coach Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals are 3-0 ATS in Week 1 video games and 17-7 ATS in September/October. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Chiefs 36, Cardinals 30
Walder’s choose: Chiefs 34, Cardinals 30
FPI prediction: KC, 54.0% (by a mean of 1.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Why the Chiefs’ defense can’t start slow yet again … Cardinals place QB McCoy on IR, promote McSorley to back up Murray … Mahomes confirms Chiefs’ balanced WR approach
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: GB -2 (47)
What to look at for: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has lit up the Vikings like no different crew in his profession. His touchdown-to-interception ratio in opposition to them (56-to-7) is one of the best for any certified quarterback in opposition to a single opponent in NFL historical past, in response to Elias Sports activities Bureau analysis. However his statistical performances have not all the time led to victories; he has misplaced his previous two video games in Minneapolis and is 15-10-1 total in opposition to the Vikings. If the Vikings win Sunday, Kirk Cousins will turn out to be the primary quarterback ever to defeat Rodgers in three consecutive video games. — Kevin Seifert
Daring prediction: The Vikings will finish one among Rodgers’ most outstanding streaks by selecting him off at the least as soon as. Rodgers has thrown 38 landing passes with out an interception in opposition to NFC North groups for the reason that begin of the 2020 season. In accordance with Elias Sports activities Bureau analysis, that is the longest streak of passing TDs with out an interception in divisional video games in NFL historical past. However he is breaking in a brand new group of receivers, and timing may very well be a problem early on. Do not be shocked if ex-Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith components right into a turnover, whether or not it is with a quarterback strain or a tipped move. — Rob Demovsky
1:16
Liz Loza explains the components which have led her to placing Aaron Rodgers at QB10 total.
Stat to know: Cousins has 4 profession video games with at the least 300 passing yards and three passing TDs in opposition to the Packers, tied with Drew Brees for the second most by any participant versus the Packers all time (Matthew Stafford, 5).
What to know for fantasy: How fortunate do you’re feeling? Minnesota receiver Adam Thielen has scored north of twenty-two fantasy factors in 4 of his previous eight conferences with the Packers. That stated, he has additionally failed to attain even six factors thrice in opposition to Inexperienced Bay over that stretch. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The previous 4 conferences between these groups all went over the full. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Vikings 24, Packers 21
Walder’s choose: Packers 27, Vikings 17
FPI prediction: GB, 65.3% (by a mean of 4.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How NBA Bucks trip helped Packers coach LaFleur’s football education … Vikings coach O’Connell prioritized health over intensity this summer — will it work? … Packers’ defense looks good on paper, but on the field, ‘it looks even better’
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: LAC -3.5 (52)
What to look at for: The Chargers spent cash and sources throughout the offseason to bolster their protection, buying and selling for pass-rusher Khalil Mack and signing cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive linemen Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Morgan Fox in free company. They may discover out if their investments paid off in opposition to a Raiders offense they could not cease in a vital season-ending second in 2021. Las Vegas now has receiver Davante Adams, and there’s a risk the Chargers shall be with out Jackson as he recovers from ankle surgical procedure. — Lindsey Thiry
Daring prediction: Adams will set a profession document with 22 targets in his first NFL recreation with former faculty teammate Derek Carr. Adams had 123 receptions final season, most in NFL historical past by a participant who then started the next season on a unique crew. He was focused 21 instances in a Packers loss to the Lions in 2015, so he has seen this sort of quantity earlier than. And Carr focused tight finish Darren Waller 19 instances in final season’s opener. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: Keenan Allen has 100-plus receiving yards in three of the previous 4 season-openers.
What to know for fantasy: Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert has averaged 23.3 fantasy factors per recreation in 12 profession divisional matchups. He has thrown for greater than 310 yards in three of 4 video games in opposition to the Raiders, too, racking up 10 TD passes in opposition to only one interception within the course of. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Chargers’ previous 9 September video games have gone beneath the full, however their closing six video games final season all went over the full. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Chargers 37, Raiders 27
Walder’s choose: Chargers 31, Raiders 23
FPI prediction: LAC, 61.0% (by a mean of three.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Adams finds his bliss en route to the Raiders … The five biggest questions facing the 2022 Chargers … Former Raiders first-rounder Ferrell thinks new scheme ‘can make me flourish’
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: TEN -5.5 (43.5)
What to look at for: Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale’s aggressive blitz packages will take a look at the safety guidelines for the Titans’ offensive line that options two new starters. The Titans have spent further time in safety conferences to arrange the road for Martindale, whose blitz share with the Ravens was tops within the NFL for 3 seasons earlier than ending sixth final 12 months. Moreover, Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his new group of pass-catchers have labored diligently to fine-tune their sight changes to allow them to get fast completions in opposition to New York’s protection. — Turron Davenport
Daring prediction: Titans operating again Derrick Henry will run for 150-plus yards. The King rushed for greater than 150 yards in two of the primary 4 video games final season. He is wholesome after recovering from a foot harm and faces final season’s Twenty fifth-ranked run protection. The Giants did not herald any main reinforcements up entrance and launched beginning center linebacker Blake Martinez simply final week. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: Giants operating again Saquon Barkley eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards 20 instances in his first two seasons (29 video games performed), tied for the second-most video games within the NFL over that span. However he has greater than 100 scrimmage yards simply twice in his previous two seasons (15 video games performed).
What to know for fantasy: Every of Henry’s 14 finest fantasy video games (PPR) have are available in Titans victories. Tennessee is a heavy favourite at residence in opposition to a Giants crew that allowed the seventh-most factors to opposing RBs final season. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Giants are 0-5 outright and ATS of their previous 5 Week 1 video games — and they’re 0-6 ATS of their previous six video games as an underdog. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Titans 20, Giants 13
Walder’s choose: Giants 19, Titans 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 76.2% (by a mean of 8.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Redemption season for a more vocal Barkley? … Tannehill using playoff letdown as ‘fuel’ heading into new season … Can Golladay and Toney turn the corner this season? … Titans’ ‘plan’ for Henry has different offseason approach for star RB … Shepard ‘ready to go’ in Week 1 after Achilles injury late in 2021 season
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Spread: TB -2.5 (51)
What to look at for: Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will turn out to be the primary quarterback to begin a recreation at 45 years outdated, and he does so after main the NFL in passing yards (5,316) and passing TDs (43) final season. He has additionally by no means misplaced to the Cowboys (6-0). The one different quarterback with a minimal of 5 begins to be undefeated in opposition to Dallas is Corridor of Famer Joe Montana (5-0). However the Cowboys have received six of their previous 9 season-openers at residence. — Todd Archer
Daring prediction: Brady will throw for 2 touchdowns, the Bucs will add two extra on the bottom, and Brady will get his first season-opening win on the street since 2013. Brady is 15-4 in his profession in season-openers as a beginning quarterback, the fourth-best QB document within the Tremendous Bowl period for gamers with a minimal of 5 begins. And a number of other individuals throughout the Bucs group imagine that even along with his 11-day absence throughout coaching camp, he appears prepared for one more nice season. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: No crew performed extra man protection than the Cowboys final season at 62%. Dallas returns seven of its high 9 defensive backs by snaps performed from final season. In final season’s Week 1 assembly, it allowed Brady to throw 4 TDs in opposition to its man protection however didn’t enable greater than two passing touchdowns in opposition to man protection in another recreation.
Accidents: Buccaneers | Cowboys
What to know for fantasy: Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans has been a fantasy disappointment to begin every of the previous three seasons. Over that stretch of Week 1 video games, he has managed simply six catches and 54 yards whole on his 118 routes. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is 15-9-1 ATS as a regular-season underdog, together with 5-2-1 ATS as a house underdog. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Buccaneers 31, Cowboys 23
Walder’s choose: Buccaneers 26, Cowboys 17
FPI prediction: TB, 62.5% (by a mean of three.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Answering the biggest questions about Brady’s 2022 season … Cowboys’ Parsons says Brady ‘inspires me’ ahead of rematch with Bucs … Short-handed already on offensive line, Buccaneers lose Hainsey and Leverett … Prescott: Cowboys ready to prove doubters wrong this season
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | Spread: DEN -6.5 (44.5)
What to look at for: After racking up essentially the most wins over a participant’s first 10 seasons in NFL historical past (113, together with playoffs), former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson begins the second act of his profession with the Broncos. His Denver debut comes in opposition to his former crew, which traded him in March in one of many greatest blockbusters the league has ever seen. Wilson would be the Broncos’ sixth completely different beginning QB of their previous six openers. — Brady Henderson
Daring prediction: Broncos outdoors linebacker Bradley Chubb can have his first two-sack recreation since 2020. He has had his healthiest offseason since his rookie 12 months in 2018 and is poised for a giant 12 months, and Randy Gregory‘s arrival ought to give Chubb slightly extra room to work. Chubb has battled accidents in two of the previous three seasons, together with two ankle surgical procedures in 2021. He has had simply 4 multi-sack video games in his profession, and simply a type of — a 2.5 sack effort in opposition to the Jets in 2020 — has come since his rookie 12 months. — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Wilson has a 10-3 (.769) document on Monday Night time Soccer in his profession, the third finest by a beginning quarterback with 10-plus begins.
What to know for fantasy: From 2019 to ’21, Wilson averaged 22.4% extra fantasy factors per recreation at residence than on the street. However this can be a street recreation within the place he has known as residence for his total profession. See Week 1 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Seahawks are 17-7 as residence underdogs beneath coach Pete Carroll, together with 14-3 ATS when getting at the least three factors. Read more.
Moody’s choose: Broncos 30, Seahawks 13
Walder’s choose: Broncos 27, Seahawks 9
FPI prediction: DEN, 66.7% (by a mean of 5.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Wilson’s arrival helped keep Jackson with Broncos, and that could be a key move … Inside the Wilson-Seahawks drama that led to the Broncos trade … Broncos hope Wilson will help turn Jeudy’s potential into touchdowns … Despite doubters of his Seahawks, Carroll envisions ‘nothing but good stuff happening’
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