2023 NFL Schedule Release: Ranking of all 16 Week 1 games, including Bills vs. Jets on ‘Monday Night Football’

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By Webdesk



The 2023 NFL Schedule is officially here. The league announced all 272 regular season matchups on Thursday, and its opening week of action is packed with big games, with the starting Lions visiting the reigning champion Chiefs to kick off all the action.

Which of the 16 different games from week 1 deserves the most attention? We’re glad you asked. Here we’ve ranked every 2023 season opener, including Detroit’s surprise debut to kick off the entire schedule:

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: Fox

Unless Kyler Murray makes miraculous progress in recovering from his injury, Colt McCoy will captain an overhauled Cardinals team against an annually mediocre Ron Rivera squad that counts on former fifth-rounder Sam Howell as its new signaller. Not exactly a recipe for fireworks.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

Yes, it’s divisional rivalry and Seattle should have the guns to be explosive again. But admittedly the Rams are in transition and we don’t know how Matthew Stafford’s arm will hold up after multiple injuries. Los Angeles’ once lauded defense is also a shell of its former self.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: CBS

Is there a scenario where Baker Mayfield leads a stunning upset in Minneapolis and takes over from Tom Brady? Certainly. But these are two recent contenders who have spent most of the off-season trying to save or lose money. At least Justin Jefferson against Todd Bowles’ “D” should be interesting.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: Fox

This isn’t a knock on No. 1 pick Bryce Young, who actually has a solid base in Carolina. But it’s hard to get too excited about a pair of teams that have gone 26-42 in the past two years. Atlanta had a busy offseason, but Arthur Smith still pulls off an old-fashioned, first offense with an unknown at QB.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: CBS

Russell Wilson as a Sean Payton comeback project carries some legitimate intrigue, but this further profiles itself as an uglier, lower-scoring fling with Jimmy Garoppolo and Josh McDaniels’ Patriots Turned Raiders on the other side.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: CBS

Another matchup between old-school teams that prefer physical rather than explosive, this one should draw attention to the mere fact that Derek Carr will wear a non-Raiders uniform for the first time in 10 years. But Tennessee is half committed to a rebuild and still employs a semi-pro receiving corps.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: Fox

Trevor Lawrence and Co. could well become appointment TV as they build on last year’s surprise playoff debut, especially with Calvin Ridley about to take the field. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson could also pose a major threat to the Colts, but the uncertainty of his passing and supporting cast means this could also be a lopsided affair.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: CBS

After a disappointing mid-season debut in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson is under pressure to revive the Browns as an AFC North contender. But Cincinnati is consensual to contend for the conference title with Joe Burrow now Orlando Brown Jr. as his bodyguard has. Just a good, solid divisional showdown.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: CBS

Many may sneeze at Houston’s inclusion in the top 10, and it’s true that their front office was once again heavily loaded with mid-range free agents this offseason. But the Texans will also trot out a legitimate new QB in CJ Stroud, and the opposing Ravens are a must-watch with Lamar Jackson freshly paid and looking to stay sane in a freshly filled offense.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 1pm ET | TV: Fox

Like Broncos-Raiders and Titans-Saints, this is a throwback matchup of ground-and-pound clubs. However, unlike those matchups, there is plenty of talent to be found on both sides. Kenny Pickett has one underrated supporting cast in Pittsburgh, where Mike Tomlin’s teams always fight harder than you think. The 49ers, meanwhile, are desperate to get back to title contention amid yet another QB controversy – this time between Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and somehow even Sam Darnold.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

You may have scoffed at this a few months ago, but look now: Jordan Love finally takes over from Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields finally has some guns at his disposal in Chicago. This could pave the way for the new NFC North. Green Bay owned the Bears during Rodgers’ long tenure, but how will Love handle the full-time starting duties?

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: CBS

Speaking of young QB pressure, the Dolphins are fast and confident on both sides of the ball, but they need Tua Tagovailoa to stay afloat despite a scary medical record; and the Chargers mostly stayed quiet this offseason, relying on Justin Herbert’s laser arm to carry them one more time. The sheer number of offensive and defensive weapons here – Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Jalen Ramsey, Bradley Chubb, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, etc. – is what really sells it.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | TV: CBS

Stylistically, New England may be more slow-paced than spectacular, and Mac Jones is far from universal appeal for QB. But Bill Belichick’s defense against Jalen hurts and the reigning NFC champions? The day Tom Brady, famous Eagles Super Bowl opponent, is back in town to be honored? It has the ingredients for a potential nail biter.

Date: Sunday September 10 | Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | TV: NBC

An NFC East rivalry that matters! Both sides made the playoffs in 2022 and both should battle for a return leg this year. Dak Prescott and Co. have a head start on premium spots, but the Giants have provided Daniel Jones with at least a slightly better offensive lineup after leading them to Dallas last postseason. This should go all the way to the wire in East Rutherford.

2. Lions at Chiefs

Date: Thursday September 7 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET | TV: NBC

The Lions hype may have finally gone a bit overboard as they barely hit .500 in 2022 and now open all season against the reigning champions. But let’s face it, no team looked more fiery on the stretch and then made a concerted effort to improve both sides of the ball this offseason. Jared Goff may not be Patrick Mahomes, but Dan Campbell’s starting squad has the struggle – and now, on paper, the talent – to keep things interesting at Arrowhead.

Date: Monday September 11 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN, ABC

Josh Allen vs. Aaron Rodgers. Need we say much more? Even after a relatively uneventful off-season, Buffalo should remain among the AFC elite due to its natural big playing ability. And the Jets, fair or not, now have Super Bowl dreams after a Tom Brady-level bet on longtime Packers QB. Rodgers will have no better chance to prove he still has it – with a new club, no less – than against a division rival under Monday night’s lights.





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