2022/23 NFL Week 1 Schedule. The first substantial NFL action since Super Bowl 56 has finally arrived with the 2022 season. As such, it is time for Sporting News to once again make predictions for 2022 games, both with and without the use of a spread.
Every team starts with a blank slate and new possibilities on Thursday night when the season kicks off, and they keep that slate clean until Monday night when the regular season concludes. With nothing to taint the historical record, we can boldly predict how the final tally will compare to the preliminary figures by using the following strategies NFL Week 1:
Here is the 2022/23 NFL Week 1 Schedule, Preview, odds & Prediction:
NFL Week 1 Midweek’s best bet: Rams at Bills (-5, 52.5 o/u).
this Thursday, 8:20 PM ET on NBC
It is widely expected that the Bills will win Super Bowl 57. The Los Angeles Rams have won Super Bowl 56. There must be a quick compromise. This is a huge game for MVP frontrunner Josh Allen and the explosive Buffalo offense as they take on Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, and the fearsome Los Angeles defense.
The coaching Seans will preside over a tense, physical game in which the Bills’ defense, led by former Ram Von Miller, proves decisive in the fourth quarter against Matthew Stafford and the revamped offensive line.
The prediction: 24-23 victory for the Bills.
The score: was 31-10, and the Bills won.
Best Bet: NFL Week 1 Buccaneers vs. Cowboys (-1.5, 50 o/u)
NBC, Sundays at 8:20 PM (ET)
The Buccaneers are adjusting to a passing game without Rob Gronkowski after suffering significant damage to their interior offensive line. Tom Brady has come out of retirement, and the Patriots have a retooled arsenal and strong defensive backs.
But in Todd Bowles’ first game as head coach, expect the Tampa Bay defense to make the biggest impact after Bruce Arians’ departure. The Cowboys’ big-play dependent defense will have trouble against Tom Brady, while the Buccaneers’ run defense and quarterback pressure will be more effective against Dak Prescott.
Prediction: a 31-23 victory and a cover for the Buccaneers.
Most Certain Game of the NFL Week 1: 49ers (-7) over Bears (41.5 o/u)
Sunday at 1 PM EST, Fox
Both Trey Lance and Justin Fields are second-year starters at quarterback, so this matchup has a lot riding on it. After taking over as the starting quarterback to replace Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance will have a strong and talented cast around him and should have no trouble passing or running against a defense in flux. In his new offense, Fields is seen as a dual threat, and this bodes well for the team, but the Bears aren’t particularly deep at other positions.
Kyle Shanahan has San Francisco playing at a high level from the West Coast, and the 49ers will dominate the game thanks to their superior rushing attack and the number of big plays.
Prediction: a 34-17 49ers victory that covers the spread.
If you haven’t read the NFL Preseason Preview here it is
Upset of the NFL Week 1: Vikings over Packers (-1, 48 o/u)
Watch Fox at 4:25 PM on Sundays (ET)
By bringing his offensive expertise from the Los Angeles Rams to Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell has the best shot at being the most successful of the team’s first-year head coaches. With a healthy Danielle Hunter and former Packer Za’Darius Smith bolstering the pass rush, as well as improved secondary support from Patrick Peterson and others, the defense should play with more enthusiasm in the new scheme.
Green Bay’s defense and running game will be effective early on to keep the team in the game, but there will be some early hiccups with Aaron Rodgers and the passing game without Davante Adams. The Vikings are starting to blow the early horn at home in hopes of making the NFC playoffs.
Prediction: a 24-20 Vikings victory.
NFL Week 1 Saints vs. Falcons (-5.5, 42.5 o/u)
Sunday at 1 PM EST, Fox
Without Sean Payton, the Saints are turning the page and looking to open up to the passing game with Jameis Winston and improved receivers like Michael Thomas and first-round pick Chris Olave. Given that A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward Jr. are the Falcons’ defensive strengths at cornerback, they should stick to their tried-and-true run-heavy strategy with Alvin Kamara.
Since the Falcons’ new starting quarterback, Marcus Mariota, will have to make do with a relatively muted offense, the team plans to grind out games by running the ball, using big young targets Kyle Pitts and Drake London in the intermediate passing game, and avoiding costly turnovers. New Orleans pulls out a close one as the offenses are still in the midst of a testing phase.
Prediction: The Saints win (20-17) but fail to cover (-1).
NFL Week 1 Browns win over Panthers (-2.5, 41.5 o/u)
CBS, Sunday at 1 PM ET
The Browns are still a very talented team even without Deshaun Watson at quarterback, but that fact has been lost in all the hubbub surrounding Watson’s suspension. To help Jacoby Brissett out in his first start, the team will rely on its solid blocking and deep running game, led by Nick Chubb.
When Baker Mayfield makes his first start for his new team against his former club, all eyes will be on him, but the real star of the show will be the first overall pick who came before him in Cleveland. The Panthers’ own run-heavy approach with Christian McCaffrey may not produce the desired results, but Myles Garrett and a strong front seven will cause havoc and the secondary will be ready to clean up any mess.
Prediction: A Brown’s victory, 20-17.
NFL Week 1 Bengals vs. Steelers (-6.5, 44.5 o/u)
CBS, Sunday at 1 PM ET
As the Bengals look to avoid a Super Bowl hangover in the brutal AFC North, the Steelers present a formidable immediate challenge. To make matters worse for Pittsburgh, they’ve decided to start Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback instead of the superior first-round pick Kenny Pickett, which is good news for Cincinnati.
Even though the Bengals’ offensive line has been upgraded, Joe Burrow will have to face a dangerous pass defense after the team rested during the preseason. Their late-game success is due to Burrow’s superior performance, but the Steelers are still in it thanks to a strong supporting cast for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that includes Najee Harris and others.
Prediction: A 24-23 Bengals victory, but no cover.
NFL Week 1 Eagles vs. Lions (-4, 48.5 o/u)
Sunday at 1 PM EST, Fox
There is optimism that Dan Campbell’s second season with the Lions will be even more successful than his first, with the team potentially making a run at an NFC wild-card spot. Unfortunately, they’ll be facing another exciting squad with great offensive potential. The Eagles’ elite offensive line will allow Jalen Hurts and his new favorite target, A.J. Brown, to pass more often while the backs and Hurts run in tandem again.
Detroit’s offense can keep up for a while, but the defense is still a work in progress, allowing Philadelphia to score frequently.
Prediction: the Eagles will triumph 31-21 and cover the spread.
NFL Week 1 Colts vs. Texans (-8): Over/Under Total of 46
CBS, Sunday at 1 PM ET
Indy is favored to win the AFC South because its passing game has improved since settling on Matt Ryan as the starting quarterback, setting up a good counterpoint for rushing champion Jonathan Taylor. DeForest Buckner, Shaquille Leonard, and Kenny Moore are just a few of the defensive stars.
Last season, the Texans were swept by the Colts. They lost on the road by a score of 31-3 and at home by a score of 31-0. Even with some more favorable elements surrounding QB Davis Mills, the offense still has a hard ceiling because they don’t have good answers for Taylor. Lovie Smith’s defense may have a new name, but the results are the same.
Prediction: a 31-17 Colts victory that covers the spread.
NFL Week 1 pick: Patriots -3, Dolphins o/u 46.5
CBS, Sunday at 1 PM ET
Since Josh McDaniels went to work for the Raiders, the Patriots offense has been struggling. Hiring Mike McDaniel and subsequently adding Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, Connor Williams, Chase Edmonds, and Cedrick Wilson were huge wins for the Dolphins.
Belichick’s defense also took a hit when star playmaker J.C. Jackson and veteran leader Dont’a Hightower left the team. The Patriots plan to win more “battle of attrition” games with their defense and running game this season, but they haven’t had much success in Miami in the past, and the early season heat won’t help their cause. Tua Tagovailoa has a better first game than Alabama’s replacement quarterback, Mac Jones.
Prediction: A 24-20 Dolphins victory that covers the spread.
Taking a -7 point spread against the over/under of 44.5, the Ravens will host the Jets NFL Week 1.
CBS, Sunday at 1 PM ET
Due to Zach Wilson’s renewed knee injury, Joe Flacco may still get the nod to start this home “revenge game” against the Ravens. Rookies Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson should give them more of a boost offensively, but they’ll be going up against a Baltimore secondary that’s improved greatly over the offseason and is now one of the best in the league.
The Jets have improved their run defense by adding three new starters in the secondary, but they still have holes in their front seven that will make up for their shortcomings in the previous year. That’s bad news when up against a run-heavy offense like that of Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews.
Prediction: A 30-14 Ravens victory, covering the spread.
It’s NFL Week 1 Jaguars vs the Commanders (-3, 44 over/under).
Sunday at 1 PM EST, Fox
The Jaguars seem to have put the brief, turbulent Urban Meyer era behind them. Especially now that running back Travis Etienne is healthy and ready to contribute, head coach Doug Pederson and the rest of the offense’s coaching staff have a real plan to maximize Trevor Lawrence’s potential. An improved receiving corps is led by ex-Commander Brandon Scherff and a new line that shows promise. Both Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd, first-round picks, will inject a burst of youth and vitality into Jacksonville’s front seven.
Washington’s inability to rely on Chase Young up front will have a domino effect on the rest of the front seven and ultimately increase the pressure on the secondary in the first game. The Commanders’ offense has struggled recently, with lingering questions surrounding star players Carson Wentz and Antonio Gibson. With a coach who is familiar with the NFC East, the Jaguars have a good chance of pulling off the upset.
Prediction: the Jaguars to pull out a 27-24 victory.
NFL Week 1 New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans (-5.5, 43.5 o/u)
Watch Fox at 4:25 PM on Sundays (ET)
It’s possible that both teams will perform poorly in a matchup between them and another team with a name based on its size. The offensive line, wide receivers, and quarterback have all been sources of concern for the Giants recently, and the team as a whole remains a bit of a wild card. The Titans have made significant adjustments to their blocking and receiving corps, and Ryan Tannehill is working hard to recover from the postseason.
Given the strength of each team’s defense, this contest should feature few goals. Even without their edge-rushing leader, Harold Landry, Jeffery Simmons, and his friends are winning more support at home.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: Final score, 20-13, Titans win and cover the spread.
NFL Week 1 Chiefs vs. Cardinals (-4.5, 53.5 o/u)
On Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Lacking Tyreek Hill and a reliable lead back, the Chiefs’ offense seems to be struggling around Patrick Mahomes. However, with Mahomes at quarterback and Andy Reid at the helm, they have proven to be a formidable opponent on the road, especially when playing in front of a hostile crowd. The rest of the offense will be taken care of by Travis Kelce and the rest of the offensive line. The Cardinals’ supporting cast around Kyler Murray is weaker than first appears, and their defensive front seven won’t be able to do much to slow down opposing offenses.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: A Chiefs victory by a score of 34–27.
NFL Week 1 Raiders at Chargers (-3, 52 o/u)
On Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
McDaniels and Adams, the Raiders’ new go-to guy, have energized the team and helped bring Derek Carr back to life. In contrast, the Chargers won’t soon forget how this matchup kept them out of the playoffs last year. Their offense, led by Justin Herbert and his arsenal of weapons, is still the best in the league.
The Chargers have the best defense in the league thanks to Khalil Mack’s efforts up front and the return of J.C. Jackson, who should help right away. The other Los Angeles team kicks off its drive to the title in the equally challenging Western Conference’s second division.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: A 34-24 Chargers victory, with the points.
NFL Week 1 Broncos vs. Seahawks (-6.5, 43 o/u)
ESPN, Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET
Russell Wilson’s first game with his new team comes against his former team of ten years, making Seattle look like a prime home night underdog. Without Wilson, however, Seattle’s offense is in shambles, with no Week 1 replacement in sight. For Pete Carroll, the defense isn’t encouraging enough to be improved with minimal changes.
Since he now plays for Denver and his new teammates, Wilson will be more motivated than ever to succeed. It’s clear that the Broncos are out for blood.
NFL Week 1 Prediction: a 27-10 Broncos victory that covers the spread.
