Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Week 1: 5 Most Important Games

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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NFL Week 1 is finally underway. Here are the five most important games for this weekend.

After an offseason that seemed like it lasted for 10 years, the NFL returns this week. For sports fans, the return of the NFL feels like Christmas in September. I know the season officially started Thursday night with a rematch os Super Bowl 50. However, that was the only NFL game on during that slot, so of course it’s must-watch.

Obviously, since this weekend marks the return of NFL football, you would be well off watching as many games as possible. That’s what makes NFL Red Zone such a spectacular, phenomenal thing.

But if you don’t have access to every single game, there are some games that should peak your interest for a combination of match ups and story lines. Here are the five most important games you need to watch this Sunday.

Note: All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

5. Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m.)

If this game took place last year, then it would find itself on a preview of the worst games to watch. Alas, these aren’t your older brother’s Jaguars.

As strange as it sounds, something special may be brewing down in Duvall, Fl. Well, whether you believe the Jacksonville hype or not, there’s no denying the fact the Jags are improved as a unit. Blake Bortles should be much better in year three, and he has a bevy of weapons at his disposal.

The reason this game is this high up is because, if the Jaguars are supposed to be the NFL’s sleeper team, then there’s no better team to play than the Packers. Green Bay resides in the upper-echelon of NFL teams.

What that means, is that Jacksonville’s performance against the Packers will likely indicate how far along they are in the development process.

Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) completes a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars to New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.)

Of course, this game is going to be important to kick off play in the AFC. Both the Bengals and the Jets finished 2015 with winning records. However, only Cincinnati made the playoffs.

After an offseason game of chicken between Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets, Gang Green has its quarterback. That means no more excuses for this supposed playoff team.

Also, let’s face it. The Bengals and the Jets are two teams that has their respective 2015 season end on an incredibly sour note. New York saw its playoff opportunity vanish at the hands of ex-Jets head coach Rex Ryan. The Bengals, on the other hand, had the ugly, debacle of a game against the Steelers.

The Bengals lost a lot of good players this offseason. Leon Hall, Reggie Nelson, Brandon Tate, Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones all left town. It’s going to be very interesting to see how this team adapts sans those players.

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m.)

These games typically fly under the radar, but they usually produce. The AFC West is arguably the strongest division in football. Both the Chargers and the Chiefs have a serious chance to win the division this year.

That subplot makes this game entirely more compelling, as either team can get off to an early division lead with a victory.

Wins are going to be at a premium in the West. Both Kansas City and San Diego are going to have their work cut out for them. There’s a good chance notching a win in week 1 will pay dividends later in the season.

This game also features two non-assuming quarterbacks who usually get the job done. Both Philip Rivers and Alex Smith operate their respective offenses, and both are players who have reached Conference Championship games in the past.

Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) jumps onto the goal post padding after scoring on a seventy-one yard punt return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington (Monday Night, 7:10 p.m.)

If you’ve been following Josh Norman at all this offseason, you know he’s been talking a lot. It’s fine, since Norman is a good player who backed up most of his talk last year. But J-No is facing what’s essentially death row during the first three weeks of the season.

Josh Norman talking trash like he's not facing death row during the first three weeks. pic.twitter.com/3o9NugmEqO

— Disdier (@DisdierSports) September 5, 2016

That unfortunate journey begins with the Steelers’ Antonio Brown, who’s respected as the league’s best receiver. Although Brown will likely be moved all over the offense, the prolific wide receiver is sure to see a lot of Norman.

Pittsburgh’s explosive offense will once again get a chance to shine. Despite playing sans Le’Veon Bell, who’s serving his three-game suspension issued by the league, the Steelers still have weapons to force the ball down field.

For Washington, this Monday night game provides them a chance to show the world last year was far from a fluke. This new-look defense, which features Norman, will be in for a big test.

And c’mon. We all want to see if Kirk Cousins can replicate his “You Like That!?” season with another impressive 2016.

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday Night, 8:30 p.m.)

This game is of the can’t-miss variety for more than one reason. First and foremost, we get to see two power houses square off. Arizona and New England are among the elite in their respective conferences, and both teams are considered by many to be Super Bowl favorites.

This game features storylines galore. The obvious one is Jimmy Garoppolo starting for New England. With Tom Brady‘s suspension being upheld by the league — which means the end to the horrid Deflategate saga — the third-year QB gets a chance to shine in the bright lights.

Another thing to watch is the differing emotions from head coaches Bill Belichick and Bruce Arians. While Arians typically says more to the media, both coaches have a no-nonsense style and demand the most from their players.

And of course, the big subplot in this won is defensive end Chandler Jones. The ex-Patriot was jettisoned in the offseason, and he figures to be a big part of Arizona’s smothering defense. However, you have to think Jones would enjoy this game a bit more if Brady were playing.