It’s been a long time since I’ve written about the NFL. Outside of some thoughts on Jets training camp back in July and some draft coverage, the last edition of Four Downs was in January, as the coaching carousel went round and round. But we’re back on this glorious Thursday, with kickoff upon us. Tonight the defending champion Eagles will lift their banner and take on what’s left of the Cowboys, assuming Jerry doesn’t trade any other stars for pennies on the dollar.

A lot has gone on since our last edition. The Giants have three pretty good QB’s, the Jets have a new head coach, the Chiefs overhauled their roster, and the Lions suffered some major brain drain. Not to mention the Commanders collected the 2015 All Pro list, comeback player of the year Sam Darnold got dumped for JJ McCarthy, and Pete Carroll made his return to the league with the Raiders. There is plenty more where that came from but we’d be here all day if I took the time to tell you. This edition is all about the week one games we’re looking forward to, so let’s move those chains.

First Down

Lions at Packers, Sunday at 4:25: Our first game comes from the NFC North, which figures to once again be very competitive. This opening week sees the defending division champion Lions head to Lambeau to face a Packers team that has a lot of juice. Green Bay had a good season in 2024, going 11-6, before exiting in round one to the eventual champion Eagles. They managed to do that in a season where QB Jordan Love was constantly banged up and his weapons were underwhelming. But now enter first round pick Matthew Golden, a healthy Love, and the newly acquired Micah Parsons and expectations are sky high in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile the Lions are coming off a 15-2 year, one where they looked primed to go to their first Super Bowl…only to have it come crashing down. Injuries combined with a lights out Jaden Daniels performance to bounce Detroit in the second round, a disappointing finish. Insult was added to injury as they lost key players on the roster, and both coordinators off the sidelines. Now they head into 2025 looking to stay a top the division, which won’t be easy amongst all this change.

Prediction: This should be a good rivalry matchup, but I like the Packers to win this one to get things started, as I am very high on them.

Second Down

Raiders at Patriots, Sunday at 1 PM: Game two takes us to Foxborough, where the unofficial “Pete Carroll Bowl” will take place. The Patriots, coached by Carroll from 1997-1999, will host his new squad, the Las Vegas Raiders. More on Carroll in a moment, as we’ll start with the home team, who has big hopes for 2025. The Pats come in with second year QB Drake Maye under center, who showed great promise last season. Maye is now under the tutelage of a staff that is a massive upgrade from last year. Mike Vrabel replaces Jerrod Mayo as head coach, with Josh McDaniels once again returning as OC…a post he’s meant to live in forever. First round pick Will Campbell starts at tackle to protect Maye’s blindside and the weapons have improved with Stefan Diggs eventually joining the receiver room. One name to watch on offense is rookie back Trayveon Henderson, who looks primed to carry over his stellar play from Ohio State.

On the other side are the Raiders who are looking to get back on track under familiar faces in New England. I already referenced Carroll’s tenure, but his boss in the owners box is none other than Tom Brady. TB12’s new obsession is not winning titles in New England, but rather bringing “Just Win Baby” back to life. The Raiders were busy in the offseason as Carroll is looking to remake the culture of the locker room with good veterans, and that starts with new QB Geno Smith. Is he great? No. But he’s a massive upgrade on last year’s QB’s, and should help this offense move. Aiding him in that work is top draft pick, running back Ashton Jeanty, arrives in the league with tons of fanfare. The dynamic Maxx Crosby still anchors a defense that is a bit of a project.

Prediction: I like the Raiders to be frisky in 2025 and improve under Carroll, but I don’t think they’re quite ready to beat what I think will be a good Pats team in the road.

Third Down

Vikings at Bears, Monday at 8:15: Our third down game takes us to Lake Shore Drive, where the Bears will welcome the Vikings into Soldier Field on Monday Night. We’re really spoiled in this one as we get Buck and Aikman on the mic for the second NFC North division rivalry of the weekend. Let’s start with the home side, as it was a momentous offseason of change in Chicago. The Bears were a letdown last year, as Caleb Williams didn’t go to according to plan at all. That wasn’t all on Caleb, but he developed some bad habits in college that new coach Ben Johnson must break. The offensive guru inherits a roster ready to win, with talent all over the field and if he can get the QB right, the sky is the limit. I expect a big year two from Rome Odunze and keep an eye on rookie Luther Burden, to help Williams put up numbers behind a revamp o-line.

Meanwhile the visiting Vikes are coming off a brilliant 2024 season that was still somehow a disappointment. Despite going 14-3, Kevin O’Connell’s group lost the North title to the Lions and their Wild Card game to the Rams. So they transitioned away from Sam Darnold to last year’s first round pick JJ McCarthy at QB, and this game will be his debut. McCarthy is surrounded by some of the best weapons in the league, with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson, and Jordan Addison all featuring on offense. The defense led the league in takeaways a year ago and figures to be good again with Brian Flores calling it.

Prediction: While I think the Bears will have a better year in this first Ben Johnson campaign, I like the Vikings to steal one on the road in the opener.

Fourth Down

Ravens at Bills, Sunday at 8:20 PM: Our final game brings us to Western New York, for a rematch of last year’s divisional round game. The final season at Ralph Wilson Stadium kicks off with the Bills hosting fellow contenders, the Ravens. Baltimore comes in after another heartbreaking playoff exit, as they were a Mark Andrews catch away from tying the aforementioned game in Buffalo last year. Lamar Jackson and company return with an offense that will be punishing for almost any team to face. He and Derick Henry make for a formidable thunder and lightning run game that matches perfectly with OC Greg Roman. Roquan Smith remains one of the best in the business at linebacker and leads a defense in transition. A young name to keep an eye on for John Harbaugh’s stop troops, Marshall defensive end Mike Green, who fell to Baltimore in the draft.

Meanwhile the Bills suffered more heartbreak of their own, as they lost the Chiefs once again last postseason. Josh Allen is the reigning MVP of the league and the Bills front office has continued to work in improving the pieces around him. While the weapons are still a mixed bag, James Cook runs behind a strong o-line and the defense has been further beefed up. Tre White is back at corner and former Charger Joey Bosa joins the front seven to be the dominant pass rusher this team needs.

Prediction: It feels like this has to be Buffalo’s year, and I believe they start it on the right foot with a close win over the Ravens.

The Locals

Before my season predictions, I have to give some thoughts on our locals. Our first edition of the swamps of Jersey will be coming after the first game, but now feels like a good time to look ahead. I’ll start with the Jets who have a new GM in Darren Mougey and a new head coach in Aaron Glenn. They are coming off what was probably their positive camp in a while, where they seemed to come together as a team under a new culture. Glenn’s accountability first approach has merged with his desire to play a physical game and give this team an identity. Justin Fields is the new man under center and he was inconsistent at best in camp. His legs will be an asset, especially with AVT now out for the year at tackle. This teams strength will be its defense and its run game, and I suspect a Glenn will get the most out of them to the tune of 6-7 wins.

Meanwhile the Giants enter the season with something they haven’t had in some time. Competent quarterbacks! And it’s not just one, but there are three on the roster that could actually play and play well. Russell Wilson gets the nod out of the camp and will be backed up by Jameis Winston and first round pick Jaxon Dart. Russ has looked sharp and Dart has shown a lot of promise, though I would keep on the bench and let him learn through the early part of the season. The offense also got a boost from rookie back Cam Skatteboo who should help provide much needed balance for Malik Nabers. Meanwhile the defense added stud rookie Abdul Carter, giving the Giants perhaps the best d-line in the league, while the secondary improved as well. The vibes in camp were great and this team should improve even if their schedule is tough. I expect them to be around the 6-7 win mark, much like the Jets, and if all else fails…Dart should keep everyone entertained.

Season Predictions

Now it’s time for my season predictions of division winners, wild card spots, and my eventual Super Bowl champ. I’d advise against tailing me if you want to stay independently wealthy, and I wish you luck in all your sports betting endeavors.

AFC

1. Bills (East Champ)
2. Broncos (West Champ)
3. Ravens (North Champ)
4. Texans (South Champ)
5. Chiefs
6. Chargers
7. Patriots

NFC

1. Eagles (East Champ)
2. Packers (North Champ)
3. Buccaneers (South Champ)
4. Rams (West Champ)
5. Lions
6. Vikings
7. Commanders

Super Bowl

Packers vs Bills: I like the Packers and Bills to meet in the Super Bowl this year due to a couple of key factors. Two very talented QB’s, surrounded by solid pieces on offense and defenses that should improve thanks to outside help. It would be a pretty electric matchup to get these two teams together and while the Packers would have the coaching edge, I have to go with the Bills, who have the edge at QB. That’s right, the Bills will finally circle the wagons and win it all!

Pennant races are fun, the Knicks should be exciting, and it’ll be nice to have the Rangers on my TV again…but man I am excited for football season. Not just to watch the locals go at it, but to watch the league as a whole. We’ll have you covered here at the Breakdown as our NFL coverage ramps up along with our college work. So sit back, relax and enjoy the season everyone!

On twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.