We’ve officially made it to our first full Sunday of NFL football. After great games Thursday and Friday night, the schedule makers didn’t fall short on matching up the Sunday slate. Division rivalries, playoff rematches and plenty of storylines have us dialed in and ready for the first Sunday of action.
Each week I will post a preview of the upcoming Sunday games. The week-to-week content will be fluid – providing either a brief outlook at the games, or a more in-depth preview depending on the quality of the game or storylines. I’ll also include DFS plays and bets that I like. Unlike most sports media, the following week I’ll post the results of my recommendations. Some accountability may be refreshing, and I hope you will ride them with me or comment the bets and fantasy plays you’ll be making.
Game Previews
Cardinals at Bills: Kyler Murray and his shiny new weapon Marvin Harrison Jr. head to Buffalo to face Josh Allen and a Bills team which made a youth (and salary cap) movement in the offseason.
Titans at Bears: First overall pick Caleb Williams and his band of Hard Knocks stars have real expectations this year and draw the Tennessee Titans in week 1, who added significant talent in the offseason as well as new Head Coach Brian Callahan.
Patriots at Bengals: Jerod Mayo takes over for the legendary Bill Belichick and unfortunately “we’re on to Cincinnati” for his first game as Head Coach. The Bengals are ready to make a Super Bowl run in 2024 and the Patriots shouldn’t slow them down much.
Steelers at Falcons: As excited for new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as Steelers fans are, his tenure in Atlanta proves that not even he can succeed with poor QB play. Its still unknown who will get the start for the Steelers as they attempt to spoil Kirk Cousins first game as Falcons QB.
Texans at Colts: An intriguing week 1 matchup that could have playoff implications down the road. These teams faced each other in week 18 last season to crown the AFC South Champion, and it could come down to the wire again in 2024
Jaguars at Dolphins: Both Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa signed contract extensions in the offseason for a combined $487 Million despite just one playoff win between them. Each team looks to take the next step and be recognized as a threat in the AFC.
Panthers at Saints: Dave Canales’ work with Baker Mayfield earned him the Head Coach job in Carolina where he’ll face an uphill battle to turn the franchise around. The Panthers head to New Orleans to meet Dennis Allen and a Saints squad that has gone stagnant since Drew Brees retired.
Vikings at Giants: These teams last met in the 2022 Wildcard round where New York upset Minnesota in a game that Daniel Jones went 24/35 for 301 yards and 2 TDs with zero turnovers. That feels like a distant memory for both teams and especially Jones, who was nearly replaced in the 2024 draft.
Raiders at Chargers: New Head Coaches Jim Harbaugh and Antonio Pierce face off for the first time to begin a series of divisional games that should be tough, hard-hitting football for years to come.
Broncos at Seahawks: Sean Payton has turned the offense over to rookie QB Bo Nix and he’ll face a Seahawks team that has a new Head Coach for the first time since 2010. Mike Macdonald takes over a team that isn’t short on talent and could surprise some people in 2024.
Cowboys at Browns: Dak Prescott enters his contract year against a stout Browns defense that looks to build on their surprise 2023 playoff season. Cleveland is still waiting for Deshaun Watson to return to the 2020 form that they traded for. He’ll look to do it against an opportunistic Cowboys defense now run by longtime NFL coach Mike Zimmer.
Commanders at Buccaneers: Washington has plenty of reason for optimism – new owner, new Head Coach and new QB in the Heisman winning Jayden Daniels. Tampa looks to build on their 2023 playoff appearance behind resurgent QB Baker Mayfield.
Rams at Lions: In a rematch of the 2023 Wildcard game, the Rams are now without the retired Aaron Donald and head to Detroit to face their former QB Jared Goff and the Super Bowl contending Lions.
Bets (odds from FanDuel Sportsbook)
| Game Lines | Player Props | Anytime TDs |
| MIN -1.5 (-115) | CJ Stroud O/1.5 Passing TDs | Anthony Richardson (+115) |
| DAL +2.5 (-110) | Tank Dell to record a 20+ yd rec. | Josh Allen (-125) |
| LAC ML (-115) | Daniel Jones O/27.5 rush yds | Gus Edwards (+260) |
| SEA ML (-260) | Bryce Young O/0.5 Pass TDs | Kenneth Walker III (-105) |
DFS Plays (FanDuel)
The DFS picks won’t be the obvious plays like Mahomes, McCaffrey or Jefferson – we all want to load our teams up with those guys but unfortunately the salary cap won’t allow it. Here I’ll make my recommendations for players that have the best potential bang for your buck.
| Tua Tagovailoa QB $7,700 |
| Jaylen Warren RB $5,700 |
| D’Andre Swift RB $6,500 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. WR $6,600 |
| Jaxson Smith-Njigba WR $5,200 |
| Brock Bowers TE $5,400 |
Bets are in, lineups are set and there’s nothing left to do but crack a beer, make your plate then kick back and enjoy an entire day of NFL football. These Sundays goes quick, so lets soak it up. Enjoy!
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