The NFL season kicks off Thursday. So what are the must-watch matchups of the first week?
5. Falcons at Bears » Many other teams have had more offseason buzz than these two, but this game is a matchup of the top two seeds in the NFC last season. Can the Bears protect quarterback Jay Cutler? And how will Falcons rookie wideout Julio Jones fit in to Atlanta’s offense?
4. Cowboys at Jets » The battle of the Ryan brothers. Rob Ryan is the Cowboys new defensive coordinator, and he must improve a Dallas squad that allowed the second most points per game (27.2) last season. The Jets questions surround their passing offense. Will the addition of Plaxico Burress help?
3. Eagles at Rams » After acquiring Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Ronnie Brown and Vince Young, there’s a lot of intrigue surrounding the Eagles’ first game with their new players. For the Rams, it’s all about if quarterback Sam Bradford can avoid a sophomore slump.
2. Steelers at Ravens » Two of the league’s most physical teams faced off three times last season with each game being decided by seven points or less. The Steelers won the most important meeting — beating the Ravens 31-24 in the AFC divisional round. It’s only Week 1, but this could be the difference in winning the AFC North.
1. Saints at Packers » Two of the league’s best quarterbacks — and the past two Super Bowl MVPs — will be on display Thursday night. But both teams’ running game will also be a storyline. For Green Bay, Ryan Grant is coming back from a season-ending ankle injury. While New Orleans addressed its issues by drafting Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram in the first round.
– Jeffrey Tomik
