The NFL regular season has officially begun, and here is what you need to know for Sunday’s games.
The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons 18-12 at home in the first contest of the season on Thursday night.
On Sunday, there will be 13 games played: (all times are in EST)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
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Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Both teams will be missing crucial players for their season opener. Saints running back Mark Ingram was recently suspended four games due to a performance-enhancing drug use violation, so Alvin Kamara will likely replace him. Ingram was New Orleans’ rushing yards and touchdowns leader in 2017, so his absence will probably hurt the home squad.
Meanwhile, the Bucs will be without quarterback Jameis Winston, who was also suspended three games for a personal conduct violation. Ryan Fitzpatrick will thus likely start for Tampa Bay at QB.
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San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: FOX
The defending NFC North champion Vikings are without offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who is now the New York Giants’ head coach. The team also signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in free agency, their only player on defense. Meanwhile, quarterback Kirk Cousins — also acquired in free agency — is set to make his debut with Minnesota against the 49ers on Sunday.
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: CBS
According to several reports, Nathan Peterman will start at quarterback for Buffalo over rookie Josh Allen. Last season, the Ravens finished first in the NFL in interceptions.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: FOX
After finishing 10-6 last season to become AFC South champions and reaching the AFC Championship Game, some experts predict the Jaguars will dominate this year. The Giants, meanwhile, still have to find ways to significantly improve their defense (and parts of their offense) under Shurmur. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley and veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. are one of the few promising players this season. Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram also seem promising.
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Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: CBS
Texans QB Deshaun Watson is healthy again after sustaining an ACL tear in November 2017. J.J Watt is also in good condition to play for Houston.
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Marcus Mariota had a terrible season with Tennessee in 2017, partly because of injuries. However, the Titans have a new offensive coordinator — Matt LaFleur — who could try to help the QB improve.
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: CBS
The Bengals boast multiple promising offensive players this year, including running back Joe Mixon and wide receivers A.J. Green and John Ross. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, on the other hand, is still raising questions about whether he will be healthy enough to last this entire season and play as well as he did in his first few pro campaigns.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Time: 1 p.m.
Channel: CBS
The Steelers will be missing running back Le’Veon Bell, who is on a contract holdout, and linebacker Ryan Shazier, who is still recovering from a back injury.
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 4:05 p.m.
Channel: CBS
Second-year Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes looked strong this preseason, and should have solid support from offensive players like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins.
Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals
Time: 4:25 p.m.
Channel: FOX
The Redskins may boast veteran running back Adrian Peterson, but Arizona could have a powerful offense this year with quarterback Sam Bradford or rookie Josh Rosen at the helm.
Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos
Time: 4:25 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Denver’s offense will likely be a strong force this season with QB Case Keenum leading it, and rookie running back Royce Freeman providing additional support. Add veteran receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and the Broncos will surely prove to be a major threat.
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
Time: 4:25 p.m.
Channel: FOX
The Cowboys struggled last season after dominating in 2016 with 13 victories. Carolina proved more consistent in 2017, so they could likely defeat Dallas on Sunday should Cam Newton and the rest of the offense deliver powerful plays.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Time: 8:20 p.m.
Channel: NBC
The Bears just landed Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack via trade last weekend, so Chicago’s defense could get a major boost. However, many fans will likely be excited to see Aaron Rodgers return for Green Bay after suffering a collarbone injury last season.
On Monday night, the New York Jets will visit the Detroit Lions, while the Los Angeles Rams will visit the Raiders.
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