The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2024 season features some great matchups, and we have what you need to know about what we’re calling our “Games of the Week,” including the Gilberto Manzano’s key matchups, Matt Verderame’s key stats, Michael Fabiano’s who to start and who to sit in fantasy, Jennifer Piacenti’s best bets and Conor Orr’s prediction for each game.
Let’s get into our top-five slate which features Jordan Love vs. Jalen Hurts in Brazil, C.J. Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson in a key AFC South game, Tom Brady making his TV debut with the Dallas Cowboys–Cleveland Browns assignment, the Detroit Lions hosting the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, and the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers wrapping up Week 1 on Monday Night Football with Aaron Rodgers seeking to play a full season instead of just four plays. Let’s go!
FRIDAYGreen Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles (Brazil)
When/TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Friday, Peacock
Spread: Eagles -2.5 (over/under 48.5)
Matchup to watch: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Green Bay’s inside linebackers
The Packers have had plenty of defensive talent in recent seasons, but have failed to play as a collective unit. Barkley could have a stellar Eagles debut if the inside linebackers don’t quickly improve under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. —
Key stat: Last season, Jordan Love ranked seventh with 2,242 air yards. Philadelphia struggled in this area, ending the year 29th in air yards against. —
Start ’em/sit ’em: Jordan Love needs to be in your starting lineup this week. The Eagles allowed over 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2023. —
Best bet: These two teams finished 2023 trending in opposite directions, and it’s great value (+124) for Love and the Packers to pull off the upset. —
SI’s pick:While I’m hesitant to bet against Vic Fangio’s defense, Green Bay may have the deepest and most versatile receiving corps in the league. Enough talent to befuddle a zone-heavy scheme with some new faces on defense. —
SUNDAYHouston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
When/TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Spread: Texans -2.5 (over/under 48.5)
Matchup to watch: Colts QB Anthony Richardson vs. Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.
The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL draft drew a difficult matchup for his first regular-season game in nearly a year. Houston has an opportunistic defense, which could lead to a long day for Richardson if his accuracy isn’t on point. Stingley had five interceptions in ’23. —
Key stat: The Texans enjoyed a pressure rate of 25.7%, fifth-best in the league, in 2023. Indianapolis will have to keep Anthony Richardson upright with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter coming off the edges. —
Start ’em/sit ’em: Nico Collins has more competition for targets in Houston this season, but he owned the Colts last season. Start ’em! —
Best bet: I like Tank Dell to find the end zone (+270). Dell had seven touchdowns in just 11 games played last season, including a score in his only game against the Colts. —
SI’s pick:Not so fast, my friend. We’re all on the Texans hype train and rightfully so, but the Colts actually outscored Houston last year with Gardner Minshew II under center. Richardson is back, Indy will hold onto the ball and limit possession time. —
