The 2024 NFL season is here, and fans across the country are buzzing with excitement as Week 1 approaches. It’s that time of year when hopes are high, and teams look to set the tone for the long season ahead. Week 1 is particularly fascinating because it offers a mix of potential upsets, emerging stars, and uncertainty as teams work through offseason rust. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or looking to make some smart picks, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of NFL Week 1 picks, predictions, and key matchups.
1. Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
The 2024 season kicks off with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, hosting the up-and-coming Detroit Lions. The Chiefs are perennial contenders, led by MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and their offense is expected to remain explosive. The Lions, while much improved under head coach Dan Campbell, will face a tough challenge in Arrowhead Stadium, one of the most hostile environments in the NFL.
Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs, should be competitive, but their defense still has some question marks, especially in the secondary. Mahomes will likely exploit those weaknesses, and while the Lions will keep it close, expect Kansas City to start their title defense with a win.
2. Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Pick: Buffalo Bills
In one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 1, the Buffalo Bills visit the New York Jets, with the latter debuting Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, are coming off another strong season, though they fell short of a Super Bowl appearance. The Jets, after years of struggles, believe Rodgers is the key to turning their fortunes around.
While the Jets’ defense, particularly their front seven, is one of the best in the league, it’s hard to bet against Josh Allen and Buffalo’s potent offense. Allen has a great rapport with star receiver Stefon Diggs, and the Bills’ defense, bolstered by Von Miller, should create enough pressure to make Rodgers uncomfortable in his first game with the Jets. Expect a close, low-scoring game, but the Bills should come out on top.
3. Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals, with one of the most explosive offenses in the league, head to Cleveland to face the Browns in an AFC North rivalry game. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins form a deadly offensive trio that should give any defense trouble. On the other side, the Browns are banking on quarterback Deshaun Watson returning to his Pro Bowl form after a disappointing 2023 season.
Cleveland’s defense, led by Myles Garrett, will be a tough test for the Bengals’ offensive line, but Cincinnati’s offensive firepower is hard to bet against. While the Browns will try to control the clock with running back Nick Chubb, Burrow and company should find enough success through the air to pull out a win on the road.
4. San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2024 season as one of the favorites in the NFC, boasting a stacked roster on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brock Purdy returns after an impressive rookie campaign, and the 49ers’ offense, featuring Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, is a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, are hoping to take a big step forward in 2024.
The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, will look to make life difficult for Purdy, but San Francisco’s ability to run the ball and dominate time of possession should allow them to dictate the pace of the game. Expect the 49ers’ defense, one of the best in the league, to pressure Pickett into mistakes, leading to a victory for San Francisco.
5. Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Pick: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers renew their historic rivalry in Week 1, but this year’s matchup has a different feel, with the Packers entering their first season post-Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love takes the reins as Green Bay’s quarterback, and while there’s optimism around his potential, it’s unclear how quickly he’ll adjust to being a full-time starter. The Bears, on the other hand, are hoping that Justin Fields takes the next step in his development.
Chicago’s offseason moves, including adding receiver D.J. Moore, should help Fields in the passing game. With the Packers in a bit of a transition phase, this feels like a game where the Bears can take advantage and pick up a win at home, ending their struggles against Green Bay.
6. Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl appearance, and their Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots looks favorable. Jalen Hurts leads one of the most balanced teams in the league, with the Eagles excelling in both the passing and running game. Meanwhile, the Patriots enter the season with questions on offense, particularly at quarterback with Mac Jones looking to rebound from a sophomore slump.
The Eagles’ defensive front, featuring Haason Reddick and Fletcher Cox, should overpower New England’s offensive line and keep Jones under constant pressure. Hurts and his playmakers, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, should do enough to secure a comfortable win on the road.
7. Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Pick: Dallas Cowboys
In a divisional rivalry game under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys face the New York Giants. The Cowboys enter 2024 with high expectations, boasting one of the most talented rosters in the league. Quarterback Dak Prescott will be looking to bounce back from a turnover-prone 2023, and with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, Dallas’ offense is dangerous.
The Giants, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, surprised many by making the playoffs last season, but Dallas has consistently had their number in recent years. The Cowboys’ defense, headlined by Micah Parsons, is one of the league’s best, and they should be able to limit the Giants’ offense. Expect the Cowboys to start the season with a road win.
8. Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers square off in what could be one of the highest-scoring games of Week 1. Both teams feature elite quarterbacks—Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins and Justin Herbert for the Chargers—and high-powered offenses. Miami’s receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will test the Chargers’ secondary, while Los Angeles counters with a dynamic offense of their own, featuring Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen.
This game will likely come down to which defense can make the most stops, and the Chargers’ unit, led by edge rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James, might have a slight edge. Playing at home, Los Angeles should be able to outscore Miami in a close, thrilling game.
9. Arizona Cardinals at Washington Commanders
Pick: Washington Commanders
The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2024 season in rebuilding mode, with quarterback Kyler Murray still recovering from injury and a new coaching staff in place. The Washington Commanders, while not expected to be contenders, have a solid defense and home-field advantage in this matchup.
Washington’s defense, led by Chase Young, should dominate the line of scrimmage against a Cardinals offense that lacks firepower. While the Commanders’ offense, led by quarterback Sam Howell, is still a work in progress, they should do enough to secure a victory in what could be an ugly, low-scoring game.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings open the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are entering their first season without Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield is expected to be the starter for Tampa Bay, and while they still have talented receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, it’s uncertain how well Mayfield will perform in this new offense.
The Vikings, led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, have a potent passing attack that should overwhelm Tampa Bay’s secondary. While the Buccaneers’ defense is strong, Minnesota’s offense should score enough points to win comfortably at home.
Conclusion
Week 1 of the NFL season offers plenty of intrigue and exciting matchups. While it’s always hard to predict outcomes early in the season, these picks are based on a combination of talent, offseason moves, and recent trends. Fans and bettors alike should look forward to a thrilling opening weekend that sets the tone for what promises to be another memorable NFL season.
