From the first drive right through to the final snap, the Buffalo Bills showed everyone why they’re worthy of the Super Bowl hype, dismantling the reigning champions on Thursday's banner-hanging night and heading home with a decisive 31-10 victory.
Talk about a strong first impression.
Now, with the bar set sky-high we turn our attention to Sunday’s slate of games as 28 other teams look to steal the spotlight for themselves, followed by two more on Monday night in what should be an emotional affair in Seattle between Russell Wilson and his former team.
The NFL’s schedule-makers are kicking off 2022 with no shortage of drama and stellar matchups. Week 1 sees six divisional contests, five rookie head coaches, four quarterbacks facing familiar foes after free agency, three highly-anticipated new QB-WR duos… and too many good storylines to count in one article.
But let’s try anyway.
As we look ahead to all of the Week 1 action, we’re highlighting a storyline to watch in every game (all times Eastern).
Eagles @ Lions | Sunday 1 p.m.
Michigan kid and second overall draft pick Aiden Hutchinson gets his first taste of pro football at home, and yet all we really want from this one is a mic’d up Dan Campbell. Can the Lions’ grit-driven defence roar out of the gates, or are the Eagles truly as good as we think they are?
49ers @ Bears | Sunday 1 p.m.
Between his college career and one year in the pros, Trey Lance has started just 19 football games. For his 20th, he’s being handed the keys to a win-now team with Super Bowl-sized expectations. Is he ready?
Steelers @ Bengals | Sunday 1 p.m.
Despite making a Cinderella run to the Super Bowl last year, it feels like Joe Burrow and the Bengals need to prove themselves all over again. What better way to do so than against a hungry defence and division rival? Meanwhile, the Steelers open a new era without Big Ben.
Patriots @ Dolphins | Sunday 1 p.m.
Rookie bench boss Mike McDaniel is calling the shots in Miami now, and we’re about to get our first glimpse of what Tua Tagovailoa can do with a strong offensive line and a full slate of speedy receivers in front of him headlined by Tyreek Hill. Bill Belichick, meanwhile, has yet to reveal who’s calling the shots for the Patriots’ offence.
Browns @ Panthers | Sunday 1 p.m.
There are “revenge” games and then there’s Baker Mayfield hosting the Browns in the season opener after Cleveland brass fell over themselves to trade for, and sign, Deshaun Watson. There is a lot more than a win on the line in this one (and we’re not talking about the t-shirts).
Colts @ Texans | Sunday 1 p.m.
In 222 games over 14 seasons with the Falcons, Matt Ryan threw for 59,735 yards. In his 223rd, a game that brings a new beginning (and a new offensive line!) for the veteran QB, he could find himself in the history books. A 265-yard debut game with the Colts would make him just the seventh quarterback in NFL history to throw for 60,000 and the second fastest (behind Drew Brees) to get there.
Saints @ Falcons | Sunday 1 p.m.
Drafted first and second overall respectively in 2015, neither Jameis Winston nor Marcus Mariota found success in their first NFL stint. Winston is poised for a comeback after missing most of his first season as the Saints’ starter while Mariota is now with his third team and still looking to prove that he can be an NFL starter.
Ravens @ Jets | Sunday 1 p.m.
Ten years ago, Joe Flacco bet on himself and won big, taking Baltimore all the way to the Super Bowl before signing what was at the time, the richest deal in NFL history. Now, he’s the backup-turned starter for the Jets opposite Lamar, whose own big bet begins Sunday.
Jaguars @ Commanders | Sunday 1 p.m.
The biggest stories around both of these franchises over the past year haven’t been about football. Trevor Lawrence has what feels like a rookie do-over in his second year after Jacksonville brought in Doug Pederson to right the ship, while Pederson’s former QB Carson Wentz begins the third chapter of his own NFL journey in search of a fresh start.
Packers @ Vikings | Sunday 4:25 p.m.
One question — who’s going to catch all the passes? — can take on two different meanings depending on who you’re addressing in this NFC North battle. Kirk Cousins has a ton of choices (none better than Justin Jefferson, of course) while Aaron Rodgers looks like he’s the star of a one-man show on offence — especially considering Allen Lazard is out.
Giants @ Titans | Sunday 4:25 p.m.
High praise for Titans star (and comeback player of the year contender) Derrick Henry from Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who’s tasked with stopping him:
Raiders @ Chargers | Sunday 4:25 p.m.
The Chargers spent their off-season fixing their biggest weakness, so it’s only fitting that they should debut their rebuilt run defence against the team that exploited it in the final seconds of last season. Derek Carr and Davante Adams will put their passing defence to the test, too.
Chiefs @ Cardinals | Sunday 4:25 p.m.
Fantasy managers are about to try their luck at wide receiver roulette now that Tyreek Hill is no longer Patrick Mahomes’ WR1. Who’s it going to be this week?
Buccaneers @ Cowboys | Sunday 8:20 p.m.
Considering all the losses along the Buccaneers’ offensive line, you’ve got to wonder if Tom Brady will be questioning his decision to un-retire while he’s chased by Micah Parsons in prime time.
Broncos @ Seahawks | Monday 8:15 p.m.
What’s tougher: Saying farewell to your franchise quarterback of a decade, or hosting him in his very first game with his new club? Sorry, Seahawks. Broncos Country, let’s ride.
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