NFL WEEK 1 PREVIEW
JACKSONVILLE AT HOUSTON
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Jaguars by 3 1⁄2
Jaguars’ keys: Rookie QB Trevor Lawrence proved against the Cowboys he has the composure and skill to pick apart defenses.
Texans’ keys: They can neutralize the Jags with an effective ground game, game-managing QB Tyrod Taylor and winning the return game.
LA CHARGERS AT WASHINGTON
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Washington by 1 1⁄2
Chargers’ keys: They must establish a running game with Washington's defensive line in constant pursuit of QB Justin Herbert.
Washington’s keys: RB Antonio Gibson, WR Terry Mclaurin and TE Logan Thomas must be involved early. LA allowed almost 120 rushing yards per game in 2020.
SEATTLE AT INDIANAPOLIS
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: Seahawks by 2 1⁄2
Seahawks’ keys: If QB Russell Wilson can find WRS DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett for big plays, the offense could take control.
Colts’ keys: Keeping new QB Carson Wentz from playing hero ball, which got him in trouble with the Eagles. Indy will also need to lean on RB Jonathan Taylor.
N.Y. JETS AT CAROLINA
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Panthers by 4 1⁄2
Jets’ keys: The front four has to push the pocket on Panthers QB Sam Darnold and pressure him into his bad habits of skittish footwork and questionable decisions. Panthers’ keys: Give Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson a rude welcome to the NFL. That'll be the job of a deep and speedy pass-rushing attack.
MINNESOTA AT CINCINNATI
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: Vikings by 3 1⁄2
Vikings’ keys: Ride RB Dalvin Cook to counteract what should be an improved Bengals pass rush. The defense needs to stop the run after allowing an average of 134.4 rushing yards per game. Bengals’ keys: Protect QB Joe Burrow, who is back early on a surgically repaired knee.
ARIZONA AT TENNESSEE
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Titans by 2 1⁄2
Cardinals’ keys: The retirement of CB Malcolm Butler will make defending Titans WRS Julio Jones and A.J. Brown even tougher.
Titans’ keys: The defense will need to set the edge and force QB Kyler Murray to stay inside while also not getting beat deep by his trio of talented receivers.
SAN FRANCISCO AT DETROIT
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: 49ers by 7 1⁄2
49ers’ keys: QB Jimmy Garoppolo must get going quickly and keep the retooled Lions defense from settling in.
Lions’ keys: If QB Jared Goff can connect with top weapons TE T.J. Hockenson and WR Tyrell Williams, it would help make the ground game easier for RB D'andre Swift.
PITTSBURGH AT BUFFALO
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Bills by 6 1⁄2
Steelers’ keys: Pittsburgh has to stop Bills QB Josh Allen, whether via the pass rush led by DE T.J. Watt or the secondary shutting down Buffalo's playmakers.
Bills’ keys: The Bills will look to get the ball to WR Stefon Diggs plenty. Defensively, Buffalo's line will be important.
PHILADELPHIA AT ATLANTA
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: Falcons by 3 1⁄2
Eagles’ keys: The Eagles will need DT Fletcher Cox and DE Derek Barnett to lead the way by getting pressure on QB Matt Ryan, who played zero snaps in the preseason. Falcons’ keys: Look for rookie TE Kyle Pitts to be involved in the short passing game, and expect a heavy dose of play-action.
CLEVELAND AT KANSAS CITY
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Chiefs by 5 1⁄2
Browns’ keys: Cleveland needs production from pass rushers and get creative with its blitzes so that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes doesn't get comfortable.
Chiefs’ keys: An effective run game would set up short down-anddistance situations while opening up Cleveland's play-action passing game.
GREEN BAY VS. NEW ORLEANS
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: Packers by 3 1⁄2
Packers’ keys: The easiest route to winning could be disrupting Saints QB Jameis Winston, known as a mistake-prone passer.
Saints’ keys: In this “home” game in Jacksonville due to Hurricane Ida, the Saints must find ways to create offense beyond giving RB Alvin Kamara as much as he can handle.
DENVER AT N.Y. GIANTS
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico line: Broncos by 2 1⁄2
Broncos’ keys: QB Teddy Bridgewater needs to avoid trouble while allowing his RBS to pound the interior of the Giants' line.
Giants’ keys: While RB Saquon Barkley returns, the Giants must protect QB Daniel Jones and prevent LB Von Miller from taking over the game.
MIAMI AT NEW ENGLAND
TV: 4:25 p.m ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico line: Patriots by 3 1⁄2
Dolphins’ keys: The addition of WR Jaylen Waddle, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, should help QB Tua Tagovailoa attack different parts of the field.
Patriots’ keys: They must make QB Mac Jones comfortable. New England will surely lean on RB Damien Harris and a deep backfield.
CHICAGO AT LA RAMS
TV: 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC
Tipico line: Rams by 7 1⁄2
Bears’ keys: Keeping DT Aaron Donald away from QB Andy Dalton is priority No. 1. He struggles when pressured.
Rams’ keys: The Chicago defense is still formidable, so it'll be critical for QB Matthew Stafford to get the ball out quickly early on to slow the pass rush.
BALTIMORE AT LAS VEGAS
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN
Tipico line: Ravens by 4 1⁄2
Ravens’ keys: Look for the Ravens to assign two defenders to TE Darren Waller and use blitzes to contain QB Derek Carr and the rest of the offense.
Raiders’ keys: The Raiders have to slow down the Baltimore rushing attack and force the Ravens to play behind the chains.