This week should absolutely be considered a national holiday. The National Football League returns and I cannot wait. Last season was truly one for the ages with incredible playoff finales, a fun Super Bowl, and what felt like a shift in league powers as different teams threw their hats in the mix. The first week should be a blast and we have you covered with our top 3 2023 NFL Games Week 1.
Miami Dolphins vs LA Chargers
This is a fun matchup between Justin Herbet and Tua Tagovailoa, two quarterbacks taken in the 2020 draft after Joe Burrow. The Fins chose Tua, and it seems like Herbert is the pick right now. The Chargers are in win-now mode, especially after being embarrassed in last year’s playoffs, being on the wrong side of one of the greatest comebacks in postseason history. The Fins fell apart down the stretch last year, mostly due to Tua’s injuries. Miami has invested in a deep and talented roster and their window is closing as players are getting older and they’ll have to pay the piper sooner rather than later. This is a heavy-hitting contest for Week 1 and sparks should fly on offense. I give the nod to the Chargers who don’t have to travel three time zones and are eager to get that game out of their minds. Prediction – Dolphins 24 Chargers 31
Dallas Cowboys vs NY Giants
The NFC East has become one of the most competitive divisions in all of football and the Cowboys vs Giants rivalry has been reignited now that the Giants are a playoff team once again. Daniel Jones was given a hefty contract extension in the offseason and New York was able to come to terms with Saquon Barkley on a new contract that will make him the lead back for another season. In Dallas, the Trey Lance trade has Dak Prescott on notice as the team could part ways with him after this season if he doesn’t put together a clean and healthy season with playoff success. This should be a tight division race which means that every game against an Eastern foe is of the utmost importance. I really like Brian Daboll and my trust in Mike McCarthy is very thin so I think the Giants will be ready to go in Week 1 with better preparation. Prediction – Cowboys 21 Giants 24
Buffalo Bills vs NY Jets
This is the most anticipated debut of a player since Tom Brady with the Buccaneers, and we have to wait until Monday night to see it. Aaron Rodgers is throwing on the New York Jets jersey and taking on the Buffalo Bills for the first time as a member of the AFC East. The Jets have been the hype of the offseason with Rodgers joining and recruiting guys like Allen Lazard and Dalvin Cook. But the best team in the East at this point is still the Bills who have the second-best player in all of football and one of the top offenses in the game. The Jets got the best of the Bills once last season with Zach Wilson at the helm, and it could happen again. Tom Brady began his Buccaneers career off with a loss, and I expect that Rodgers will too. Buffalo fans will travel well for this game and the Bills are simply better constructed. Prediction – Bills 22 Jets 17