We are just a matter of weeks away from the NFL 2022 opener between the Buffalo Bills and the LA Rams, kicking off the year on September 9 at SoFi Stadium. The recently released NFL week 1 odds have reigning Super Bowl champions the Rams heading into the game as underdogs to Josh Allen’s Bills team, who look to be the strongest in the league this year.
Week one is packed full of exciting and intriguing matchups. Let’s take a look at some of the most high-profile clashes in the opening week and see which way we think the odds will sway.
Bills 28-27 Rams
This is as exciting an opener as you can get and it’s bound to be an offensive chess match between two great teams. The Rams boast the best offensive player in the league in Cooper Kupp and Josh Allen continues to make a case for being the best QB. I have the bills just edging the rams out but it is sure to be tight.
Buccaneers 24-20 Cowboys
Following Tom Brady’s very short lived retirement, the Bucs look in great shape for the opener. They still have the best offensive line in the league and some great receivers to boot. The Cowboys on the other hand will be preparing for life without Amari Cooper, though Dak Prescott is still capable of magic moments. The Bucs should have enough quality to squeeze past the Cowboys but it is yet another tight matchup.
Raiders 24-31 Chargers
This conference clash will probably tell us what we already suspect about the AFC West this year. One of the most competitive conferences in the league with every team stacking their roster during the offseason, it is going to be exciting to track. The Chargers however have one of the best rosters in the league including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack as their tandem edge rushers. The Bolts should have too much class for the Raiders here.
Broncos 21-17 Seahawks
Maybe not the biggest named teams in week one, but there is inherent drama in this game. Russell Wilson’s first game for the Broncos will be a return to Seattle to face the Seahawks team who traded him just a few months before. Pete Carrol will be ushering in a new run heavy offense at Seattle whilst the Broncos will be starting life under one of the best QBs in the league. I have Russ triumphing on his return to Lumen Field with his strong secondary in tow.
Packers 17-14 Vikings
The Packers defense is loaded with stars but they are severely lacking in receivers. The Vikings on the other hand have two of the best in Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, though their offensive line ranks among the lower 20% of the league. This seems to add up to a relatively low scoring affair and with the Vikings last year ranking 27th in rushing yards allowed I see the Packers going to ground in this game and seeing off the Vikings. However, if there was ever room for an upset in week one I think this is the game that could bring it.
Chiefs 34-21 Cardinals
Patrick Mahomes comes in to 2022 with a point to prove after a disappointing 2021. Despite making the playoffs, the Chiefs had an undeniably poor start to the season and had to play catchup for a while. For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray also comes in with a point to prove as he continues to chase a lucrative deal. This will be a tale of two Quarterbacks but I see the Chiefs outscoring the hosts here with the arrival of JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Steelers 17-27 Bengals
Despite falling short in the Super Bowl, Joe Burrow proved to everyone last year that he is that guy. He and Ja’Marr Chase led the way for the Bengals last year and they will be looking to build on their AFC Championship win from last season. The Steelers will start the post-Roethlisberger era with a tough test for hometown prospect Kenny Pickett and whilst Mike Tomlin is known for his defense I think Burrow et al will have too much for them here.
These are just a handful of the enthralling matches that week one has to offer, with plenty more throughout the week. The rest of the fixtures are:
- Saints @ Falcons
- 49ers @ Bears
- Browns @ Panthers
- Eagles @ Lions
- Colts @ Texans
- Ravens @ Jets
- Jaguars @ Commanders
- Giants @ Titans
Whichever game you decide to watch, Draftkings has your back with plenty of expansive markets and offers to increase the excitement of your gameday tenfold. We are certain to be in for yet another thrilling year of football and all of us will be counting down the days until that huge week one opener.
