By Ryan McKinney
On Sept. 8, the National Football League (NFL) began its new season starting with Thursday night action between the Buffalo Bills and former champions, Los Angeles Rams.
Following that Thursday night game there were 14 games ahead of us on the first Sunday of the season. These games included many stars studded matchups like the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Arizona Cardinals, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus the Dallas Cowboys. These games, according to a Fantasy Football app, were seen to be the most anticipated games of the week. In further detail, the Chiefs have made many off-season adjustments including the acquisition of receiver Juju Smith-Schuster due to the loss of receiver Tyreek Hill. On the other side, the Arizona Cardinals look to have another great season although their best receiver Deandre Hopkins is suspended for the first five weeks of football. I believe that the Chiefs keep their hot streak in season debut’s and take the win in this one. (Ryan was correct with this prediction!)
Following that game, the Buccaneers seek to get the win Sunday night with many new acquisitions to the team. This includes the new receiver to quarterback duo between 45-year-old Tom Brady and the veteran Julio Jones. They faced the Cowboys with a duo themselves including Dak Prescott and top five receiver Ceedee Lamb. I believe the Buccaneers pull this one out due to the slight edge on the defensive side of football. (Again, Ryan called it!)
Another matchup that must be talked about came on Monday Night Football between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. This game is important because former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is now playing for the Denver Broncos and returned to Seattle in his Broncos debut. Sure, it was weird seeing Wilson in a Bronco uniform, but the Broncos are a much better fit for him in the offense as the team has much better receivers than the Seahawks. The Broncos defense is slightly better than the beat-up Seahawks defense, so I believe the Broncos will get the win. (The Broncos lost by one point ☹)
Other than just the games, many Fantasy Football team owners seek to see their players shine in Week 1 and beyond. Owners are preparing or have already completed their drafts as the lottery pick this year goes to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor received this title due to his amazing season last year as the rushing leader in the league. This means Taylor contained the most rushing yards of any running back in the league last year. Players that follow Taylor in the draft include other running backs like Christian McCaffery and Dalvin Cook, and receivers like Cooper Kupp and Justin Jefferson. This season of fantasy should be great as there are many new players to be picked, ranging from rookie underdogs to veteran sleeper picks.
In Conclusion, we look forward to the beginning of the new season and wish all the players best of luck…unless I have to play them in Fantasy Football!