NFL Week 1 Predictions: Arthur Smith's revenge in Atlanta, Aaron Rodgers falls flat

Welcome to NFL Kickoff. The NFL has put together an incredible first week for the 2024 campaign.

Each week we'll take a look at every matchup and call game for the winners and losers.

Week 1 is always sure to lend a few surprises, so we'll take some chances here and there to keep things exciting. Let's get into it with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs taking on one of the Steelers' most hated rivals.

Thursday Night

Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Ravens picked up Derrick Henry, but the former Heisman Trophy winner is likely on his last legs. Still, Kansas City carries the pressure of beginning the path to a three-peat on a high note. Baltimore will keep it close, but betting against Patrick Mahomes is never wise.

Winner: Chiefs, 31-27

Friday Night

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Packers finished in a surprisingly strong fashion last season while the Eagles faded away from championship contention. Spirits are high in Green Bay while a question mark looms over Philadelphia.

Winner: Packers, 28-20

Sunday Early Window

Arizona Cardinals @ Buffalo Bills

Remember when the Steelers walked into Buffalo's house and punched them in the mouth on opening week? It's not far-fetched that the Cardinals could do the same with a healthy Kyler Murray and new weapons at his disposal.

Unfortunately, Arizona's defense won't keep up.

Winner: Bills, 37-29

Tennessee Titans @ Chicago Bears

The Bears have lofty expectations for first overall pick Caleb Williams. There is plenty of talent around him, but how quickly can it mesh into a winning product? A favorable test against Tennessee may lead to an interesting overreaction on Monday.

Winner: Bears, 24-17

New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals

This one won't be pretty. Bengals drew one hell of an opening week opponent.

Winner: Bengals, 31-7

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

The Texans enjoyed the success the Colts expected. Anthony Richardson was exciting in early action before falling to injury while Stroud already entered top-10 QB conversations. These teams are more evenly matched than some may believe.

Winner: Texans 34-31

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins

Jacksonville has even fewer weapons around Trevor Lawrence. Maybe a closer look at what Tua Tagovailoa is working with will spurn positive change in Duval.

Winner: Dolphins, 35-24

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Upsets happen in Week 1. This is one of those times. Bryce Young, with a season under his belt and a couple of new targets, should begin to look like a proper first overall pick against a suspect Saints roster.

Winner: Panthers, 14-10

Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants

The Vikings were probably going to start Sam Darnold anyway, so the loss of JJ McCarthy doesn't sting too much concerning this game. The Giants are just hoping Malik Nabers makes a tough season look fun.

Winner: Vikings, 17-3

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons should be more efficient on offense with Kirk Cousins under center. However, the Steelers have the firepower on defense to take advantage of the youth surrounding him. If Arthur Smith has something drawn up for his former employer, Pittsburgh should leave the ATL with a dub in hand.

Winner: Steelers, 17-10

Sunday Afternoon Window

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers will look a tad different under Jim Harbaugh, but the offense will still move against the Raiders who will struggle to put up points all year.

Winner: Chargers, 27-10

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks

If you're a believer in Bo Nix, you're gunning for an upset. I'm not a believer.

Winner: Seattle, 24-13

Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns

It should be a fun one down to the wire in Cleveland. Who generates more turnovers with their elite defense will decide the game. Well, no one turns the ball over quite like Deshaun Watson.

Winner: Cowboys 24-20

Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington will have some growing pains with Jayden Daniels, but the scoreboard should see some more action nonetheless. Tampa is likely too much for the Commanders though.

Winner: Buccaneers, 21-13

Sunday Night

Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

The Rams are looking for revenge after losing to the Lions by just one point in the Wild Card round in last season's playoffs. But now that the Lions know they can contend for a Super Bowl, they can take their play to the next level. This one won't be quite as close.

Winner: Lions, 23-17

Monday Night Football

New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers

Aaron Rodgers returns to take on his childhood team. The 49ers are as stacked as ever and the Jets proved last season that without Rodgers they aren't particularly great.

Winner: 49ers, 34-24