Which challengers to Patriots emerge?
The wait is over. It’s been eight months since quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl LI. The Patriots, who opened their season Thursday night with a loss at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, are still considered heavy favorites to reach — and win — yet another championship. But the beauty of a fresh NFL season is that 31 other teams get to have their say in the matter. What will Week 1 tell us about who can truly challenge the Patriots for league supremacy?
Jets at Bills, 11 a.m. There has been a chorus of believers in an 0-16 season for New York. The Bills have questions of their own, including quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Steelers at Browns, 11 a.m. Welcome to the NFL, Deshone Kizer. The Browns’ rookie starting QB has a stiff early test against a Steelers team with big aspirations.
Raiders at Titans, 11 a.m., KCNC-4. A battle of two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL — Oakland’s Derek Carr and Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota.
Eagles at Redskins, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. After a strong rookie season, Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz enters his second season with big expectations for the Eagles. An early key NFC East game.
Jaguars at Texans, 11 a.m. The Jaguars will depend on rookie running back Leonard Fournette to carry much of the offensive load. The former LSU star will have a tough early test against J.J. Watt and a Texans defense that is still among the league’s best.
Cardinals at Lions, 11 a.m. After signing the richest contract extension in NFL history, expectations are high for Detroit QB Matthew Stafford. Arizona’s hopes of bouncing back from a disappointing season rest heavily on the arm of veteran QB Carson Palmer.
Falcons at Bears, 11 a.m. Atlanta has waited a long time to rid the taste of a bitter Super Bowl LI collapse. Chicago could be looking at anther long season, particularly if QB Mike Glennon doesn’t perform.
Ravens at Bengals, 11 a.m. Cincinnati should be more dangerous on the ground after drafting Joe Mixon. The offensive line surrounding Ravens QB Joe Flacco is shaky.
Colts at Rams, 2:05 p.m. The Colts remain without injured QB Andrew Luck. The Rams are hopeful that Jared Goff can prove he is indeed the team’s QB of the future.
Panthers at 49ers, 2:25 p.m. Former Valor Christian star Christian Mccaffrey averaged 7 yards per touch during the preseason. Carolina lost its last game at Levi’s Stadium — Super Bowl 50 against the Broncos. Giants at Cowboys, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9.
With each of these teams likely vying for the NFC East crown this season, this game carries plenty of weight. Saints at Vikings, Monday, 5:10 p.m., ESPN. After 10 seasons with the Vikings, running back Adrian Peterson returns to Minnesota in his first game with the Saints. Buccaneers at Dolphins, ppd. to Nov. 19:
Hurricane Irma pushed this game to Week 11.