After a slow burning Preseason, the NFL is finally and officially back. Week 1 is slated to kick off in a few moments, so buckle in. Here’s the down-low on the most notable playoffs, fearless predictions, and everything you need to know about the 2018 NFL Season Week 1.
It has been an extremely long offseason, but the start of the 2018 NFL Season is literally just right around the corner. Yes, Sundays are for football again. And as usual, there is no shortage of drama and intrigue as the football season kicks in today. Week 1 will not, by any means, decide how the rest of the season goes. But if the controversial match ups are anything to go by, it’s going to be a truly epic start. And if you want to get a head start, you’ve come to the right place. Read ahead to get all the vital info.
It’s Thursday Night Football.
The 2018-19 NFL Season Week 1 kicks off today, September 6th. And boy, it’s going to be a showdown. What better way to start the season than to pit two beastly teams against one another? The Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles is set to host Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
This is only the beginning.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/NX97oEjDvw
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2018
Will the Eagles do the impossible again? With Carson Wentz still in recovery, it will be up to Nick Foles to lead the team. And speaking of the Philadelphia Eagles. They are once again heavy favorites for the NFC East. Philadelphi can potentially set up a rematch clash in the Super Bowl against the Patriots. But first, they have to face the Atlanta Falcons on opening night.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Who: Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles
What: NFL Season Week 1
When: Thursday, September 6, 2018
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 8:20 p.m. Eastern
TV: NBC
Livestream: NBC Sports Live
Other Noteworthy Week 1 Games and Predictions
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Where to watch: CBS at 1:00 PM ET
The Browns had a successful run for the preseason. So, it’s looking more and more that this team will dominate. Cleveland went 3-1 in the preseason with impressive wins over the defending NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions. It will be interesting to see if Todd Haley has really been plotting his revenge against the Steelers since his departure as offensive coordinator last January. All in all, there will be plenty of heat in this game.
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Where to watch: CBS at 1:00 PM ET and Radio Stations WCKY-AM (ESPN 1530; all sports) and WEBN-FM (102.7)
https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1037005990082879488
On the one hand, we have a Colts quarterback who hasn’t played a regular season game in more than 600 days. Andrew Luck, is, Andrew Luck and we’re betting he’s going to put up some big numbers this season. However, it’s really hard to put your bets on a quarterback who hasn’t played in such a long time. On the other hand, we have some new emerging talents to look forward to. We have Cincinnati’s running back Joe Mixon playing against Indianapolis’ Jeremy Hill. There’s also Carl Lawson and his pass-rushing snapps off the edge. The Bengals might take this game away, but the Colts will surely fight for it.
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
Where to watch: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map 4:25 PM ET
This is the first time since 2013 that the Carolina Panthers will be opening an NFL season at home. And things are bound to get more than exciting. The Panthers did an impressive showcase during the preseason despite injury derailments. If the preseason games are anything to go by, the Dalls Cowboys failed to register, if at all. The Panthers seem to be poised to return to the playoffs, hopefully with their new logo (to be revealed on Sunday), and we’re hoping they get things running with a victory at the Bank of America Stadium field.
National Anthem Controversy And Protests
Last May, the NFL announced that teams will be fined if all of their players will not stand for the National Anthem. This was, of course, because of obvious pressure from the Trump administration. However, the NFL later retracted the rule. They are now reexamining it after news that the Miami Dolphins will be suspending players out of four games for taking a knee. That’s a third of the season, and a longer punishment than the one NFL’s gives out for their domestic violence policy.
The Dolphins were quick to release a statement, “The NFL required each team to submit their rules regarding the anthem before their players reported to training camp. We will address this issue once the season starts. All options are still open.”
Will this stop players from protesting and taking the knee this season? It’s highly unlikely. Especially now that Nike has released a commercial highlighting Colin Kaepernick, the former N.F.L. quarterback who inspired the movement.
Deshaun Watson: The Player To Watch
4 days till #Clemson football. Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/9A18E65liW
— Seldom Used Reserve (@seldomusedrsrv) August 28, 2018
If you were paying any attention at last season’s first half, you know which player caught everyone’s attention. Yes, you’re right. We’ll be watching Deshaun Watson play again. Let’s not forget his excellent record last season at the September 24th game at Gillette Stadium. The rookie completed 22-of-33 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions with one Hail Mary. After that, misfortune happened in the form of a torn ACL during practice. But it seems the young talent is back healthy and we are expecting some great performances and even bigger numbers Houston Texan’s QB.
Complete 2018 NFL Season Week 1 Schedule
All 2018 NFL Season games will be aired at your local sports channels. For online streaming, check your sport network’s own streaming sites. You can also watch your favorite teams play live. Check out our complete schedule below and click the link for venues and ticket availabilities.
Sunday, September 9
1:00 PM ET
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
4:05 PM ET
Kansas City at Los Angeles Chargers
4:25 PM ET
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos
Washington at Arizona Cardinals
8:20 PM ET
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Monday, September 10
7:10 PM ET
New York Jets at Detroit Lions
10:20 PM ET
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders
We hope you’ve learned everything you need to know to get you amped up for the 2018 NFL Season Week 1! Be sure to check in for more updates and news about the 2018 football season!