The highly anticipated return of NFL Sundays is here, and the first Sunday of the 2024 season promises to deliver excitement. Thirteen games will be played across the league, featuring 26 teams in action. The day’s marquee matchup will take place under the lights on Sunday Night Football, as the Detroit Lions square off against the Los Angeles Rams.
Key Quarterback Debuts and Comebacks Among the many intriguing storylines this season, a standout is the clash between veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins, both making their debuts for new teams. They’ll lead the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons respectively in a highly anticipated duel in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Chargers star Justin Herbert and Colts second-year QB Anthony Richardson return from injuries, eager to regain their form and guide their teams to victory.
Exciting Rookie Debuts The spotlight also shines on three rookie quarterbacks making their NFL debuts in Week 1, marking only the fourth time since 1970 that at least three rookies start in the opening week. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), and Bo Nix (Denver Broncos) will lead their teams for the first time, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation for fans.
Here’s a look at everything you need to know for Sunday’s Week 1 NFL games:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Betting odds: ATL (-3); O/U: 42
New Era, New Faces: Russell Wilson suits up for the Steelers, while Kirk Cousins debuts for the Falcons in a matchup filled with anticipation. The Steelers defense, led by NFL sack leader T.J. Watt and new addition Patrick Queen, will be tested by Cousins and a retooled Falcons offense featuring edge rusher Matthew Judon. This will also mark Raheem Morris’ first game as Falcons head coach, while Mike Tomlin enters his 18th season leading the Steelers.
Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- Betting odds: BUF (-6.5); O/U: 48
Star Power Returns: Buffalo’s Josh Allen, entering his seventh season, is armed with a host of new weapons, including tailback James Cook, rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid, and receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Kyler Murray, back after a major knee injury last season, will be eager to welcome No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. as his new top target.
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- Betting odds: CHI (-4); O/U: 45
Caleb Williams’ Debut: The No. 1 pick makes his NFL debut for the Bears, boasting an arsenal that includes receivers Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, and Rome Odunze, along with running back D’Andre Swift. The Titans, now coached by Brian Callahan, look to second-year QB Will Levis and a reloaded offense with running back Tony Pollard and receivers Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins.
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati
- Betting odds: CIN (-8.5); O/U: 40.5
The Joe Burrow Show: Burrow enters his fifth season, with looming contract discussions for star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. With running back Zack Moss and tight end Mike Gesicki added to the offense, the Bengals are poised for another strong season. Jerod Mayo takes over as Patriots head coach, with Jacoby Brissett set to start ahead of rookie Drake Maye.
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
- Betting odds: HOU (-3); O/U: 49
C.J. Stroud’s Ascent: Stroud begins his second season with MVP aspirations after an impressive rookie campaign. The Texans, bolstered by stars like Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon, look to dominate the AFC South. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returns from injury, with Jonathan Taylor aiming to regain his elite form.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Betting odds: MIA (-3.5); O/U: 49
Offensive Showdown: Miami’s electric offense, led by Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, aims to repeat last season’s dominance. Jacksonville, with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and dynamic running back Travis Etienne Jr., looks to bounce back after missing the playoffs last year.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
- Betting odds: NO (-4); O/U: 42
Young vs. Veteran: Bryce Young enters his second season as Panthers QB, looking to steer the team away from a dismal 2023. The Saints, led by veteran QB Derek Carr, aim for a playoff run with offensive standouts Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave.
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
- Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Betting odds: MIN (-1.5); O/U: 41
Playoff Rematch: The Giants and Vikings renew their rivalry after New York’s playoff win two seasons ago. Daniel Jones leads the Giants, while Sam Darnold takes the helm for the Vikings.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
- Time/TV: 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- Betting odds: LAC (-3); O/U: 40.5
Herbert’s Return: Justin Herbert is back after dealing with preseason injuries, leading the Chargers against the rebuilding Raiders, led by veteran QB Gardner Minshew II.
Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
- Time/TV: 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland
- Betting odds: CLE (-2.5); O/U: 40.5
Dynamic Cowboys: Dallas looks to continue its high-scoring ways, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Cleveland, dominant at home last year, boasts the league’s top defense as Deshaun Watson returns from surgery.
NFL Week 1 promises high drama and exciting debuts across the league—don’t miss the action!
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