Week 1 NFL Playoff Picture: Patriots, Seahawks Headline Super Bowl Rematch

We’re finally here, Week 1 of the NFL season is upon us. With that, several matchups could affect playoff seeding down the line. Even though it’s only Week 1, it’s never too early to begin looking at the Super Bowl odds.

Below is a breakdown of the three biggest games of Week 1, which could set the tone for the season for some of these teams. 

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) vs. New England Patriots

To kick off the NFL season, the Seahawks host the Patriots. These teams are not only the first to play this season, but were also the last to play last season, as the Seahawks beat the Patriots in Super Bowl 60. 

Here, the Seahawks are at home, which is already a massive bonus, but in addition to that, it’s banner night. The emotions will be sky-high.

Since these teams last met, there have been some changes, but more so for the Patriots. 

For the Patriots, there’s been an offseason-long drama involving head coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. On the field, the team said goodbye to Stefon Diggs and brought in Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown. 

There is a key injury in this game, though: Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson. He has yet to practice with an ankle injury. This means that the team will lean mostly on Rhamondre Stevenson, which isn’t necessarily bad, but Henderson does provide some explosiveness.

What stood out from that Super Bowl was just how often Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was pressured. He was pressured 23 times and completed 6 of 13 passes for 75 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. 

The Patriots have some better weapons, but I think the Seahawks get it done at home and cover the spread in a raucous environment. 

Houston Texans ML (-110) vs. Buffalo Bills

The Texans and Bills are another rematch from last season, and the Texans got the better of the Bills at home on Thursday Night Football. 

The Bills could potentially be without wide receiver Khalil Shakir, but they will have new wide receiver D.J. Moore at Josh Allen’s disposal. 

Along with Moore, the Bills have brought in Bradley Chubb as pass-rushing help and drafted edge rusher T.J. Parker, cornerback Davison Igbinosun, wide receiver Skyler Bell, and more. 

For the Texans, they’ve brought in some nice players. In free agency, they got Reed Blankenship, Braden Smith, and Wyatt Teller. They also traded for David Montgomery. In the draft, they selected Keylan Rutledge, Kayden McDonald, and more. Between Rutledge, Smith, and Teller, the hope is that the offensive line will improve. 

When it comes to this matchup, Allen is the better signal-caller than C.J. Stroud. However, I believe the Texans offense with Montgomery, a fresh Stroud, and their league-leading defense will be enough to get it done at home. 

Allen was pressured 20 times against the Texans last season. He completed 4 of 9 passes for 116 yards and one interception. 

The Texans are favored by 1.5, but I’m not willing to go there. I’ll take the -110 moneyline. 

Denver Broncos (+3) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

To close out Week 1, we have an AFC West matchup between the Broncos and Chiefs. Both quarterbacks are coming off season-ending injuries: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle.

However, it appears both players are ready and good to go. 

Starting with the Chiefs, they didn’t add any receivers, but they signed running back Kenneth Walker III to a massive deal to head up their backfield, which was atrocious last season. This will also help keep Mahomes out of harm’s way by having him run as little as possible. 

In the draft, they took Mansoor Delane No. 6 overall. This was a great pick, but he’ll have to step in and replace Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, who both landed with the Rams after a trade and signing, respectively. 

On the Broncos’ side, they didn’t have many draft picks, but they traded for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who will provide a massive boon to their offense. 

In Week 11 last season against the Broncos, Mahomes had a rough outing in a 22-19 road loss. He completed 29 of 45 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. When pressured, he completed 4 of 11 passes for 87 yards and an interception. 

I’ll take the Broncos at home to get the win. They have a fantastic defense and a new wide receiver who can make some explosive plays.