THE NFL IS BACK!
The NFL season kicked off with Thursday’s Chiefs/Patriots opener as New England hoisted its fifth Super Bowl championship banner. As the action shifts into high gear with 13 games Sunday and two Monday night, here’s a Week 1 primer.
GAME OF THE WEEK GIANTS AT COWBOYS 7:30 p.m. Sunday These teams have played their share of primetime nailbiters over the years (their past five meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer). Dak Prescott is free from Tony Romo’s shadow, but it’s uncertain how he’ll fare without Ezekiel Elliott behind him starting next week. The Giants are trying to move past last year’s embarrassing playoff loss at Green Bay. A win at Dallas would be a step in the right direction.
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
JETS AT BILLS Noon Sunday
Judging by recent moves, these teams appear to be in full tank mode. Imagine how tough it must be to be a fan of these teams. The Jets are trotting out journeyman QB Josh McCown, while the Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999, the longest drought in pro sports.
BEST QB MATCHUP
DEREK CARR VS. MARCUS MARIOTA Two of the AFC’s most promising young signal-callers square off Sunday in Nashville. They met once before, a 24-21 Raiders victory in 2015. But much has changed since then. Carr returned the Raiders to prominence last season before a broken ankle kept him out of the playoffs. Since then, he signed a five-year, $125 million extension. Meanwhile, former Heisman Trophy winner Mariota has raised expectations in Tennessee, where the Titans are the trendy pick to win the AFC South.
WORST QB MATCHUP
JARED GOFF VS. SCOTT TOLZIEN It’s safe to say the number of fantasy owners starting either of these two Sunday could be counted on one hand — with some fingers to spare. Goff, the first overall pick in 2016 who struggled as a rookie, will begin his first season with coach Sean McVay, while Tolzien is only playing because of Andrew Luck’s shoulder injury. And since the Colts traded for Patriots backup Jacoby Brissett last weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the field as soon as he can pick up the system.