NFL Week 1: Key Storylines and Matchups

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The NFL regular season has arrived, bringing live coverage of Week 1 games. After weeks of training camp practices, preseason games, and final roster adjustments, the league’s 107th season is underway.

The regular season began with a rare Wednesday night matchup where the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks faced a setback as quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury on the fifth play before rallying to beat the New England Patriots 13-10. Thursday night’s play featured a historic first: an Australia-based showdown, with the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Los Angeles Rams 27-7.

Sunday’s action brings 13 more games, concluding Monday night with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Denver Broncos.

Five Storylines to Follow

New Faces and New Eras

Ten NFL teams feature new head coaches this season, hoping Week 1 propels them to greater achievements. Joe Brady steps up as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, replacing Sean McDermott after nine seasons. The Baltimore Ravens turn to Jesse Minter after 18 years under John Harbaugh’s leadership, with Harbaugh now aiming to revive the New York Giants.

Mike McCarthy reunites with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, intending to lead the Steelers to success. The Atlanta Falcons, after eight losing seasons, hope Kevin Stefanski offers improvement. Stefanski’s old team, the Cleveland Browns, brought in Todd Monken looking for stability in their quarterback situation.

The Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Raiders also start fresh chapters.

The last five seasons saw ten teams reach the playoffs in their coaches’ debut years. Who will achieve this milestone this season?

Jets at Titans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Falcons at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Browns at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Bills at Texans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Dolphins at Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
Cardinals at Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

Comeback Quests

Several stars return from injuries hoping to drive their teams back into contention. Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, limited to seven games last year, looks to rebound against NFC East favorite Philadelphia Eagles.

Deshaun Watson returns to the Browns post-Achilles surgeries, securing the starting role over Shedeur Sanders, poised for a pivotal season in Jacksonville.

Kyle Murray debuts with the Minnesota Vikings, recovered from a foot injury. The Indianapolis Colts celebrate Daniel Jones’s comeback after an Achilles tear ended his promising season.

In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes returns post-knee injury, aiming to reignite the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Ravens at Colts, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Browns at Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Packers at Vikings, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
Commanders at Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
Broncos at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN

Statement Opportunities

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud confronts lingering questions post-playoff meltdown, taking on Buffalo this Sunday. Similarly, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers aims to prove his worth against Chicago’s Caleb Williams.

Williams had a challenging second season with accuracy issues but still achieved six comeback wins and pushed the Bears to the divisional playoffs.

Bills at Texans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Bears at Panthers, 1 p.m. ET, Fox

Super Bowl or Bust?

Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen each strive for their inaugural Super Bowl ring, positioned within organizations at critical junctures.

Jackson and Allen see their teams opting for new, innovative leadership, hoping youthful creativity delivers on championship hopes.

Burrow, after near Super Bowl victory thwarted by the Rams, faces critical seasons following extended absences due to injuries.

Buccaneers at Bengals, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Ravens at Colts, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Bills at Texans, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Tick, Tick, Tick

The NFL demands early proof of performance, placing pressure on several coaches. Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets seeks to remedy past inadequacies with revamped staff and a seasoned Geno Smith.

Dan Quinn of the Commanders faces scrutiny post-5-12 season regression. Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to reverse a late-season collapse.

Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions aims for NFC re-entry post-9-8 disappointment.