NFL Week 1 Preview: What to Watch, How to Watch, and Who Might Win

Week 1 is the biggest night for football fans. You’ve waited months for the first snap, and now the games are finally rolling out. Below you’ll find the full schedule, the best ways to stream each game, and a few storylines that could shape the rest of the season.

Full NFL Week 1 Schedule

All times are Eastern. Kick‑off times may shift for local markets, so double‑check your listings.

• Thursday Night – Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants – 8:20 PM ET (ESPN)
• Friday Night – Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions – 8:30 PM ET (Amazon Prime Video)
• Sunday – Multiple games starting at 1:00 PM ET, followed by a 4:25 PM ET marquee matchup, then the Sunday night game at 8:20 PM ET (NBC).
• Monday Night – Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks – 8:15 PM ET (ESPN)

Key Sunday games include the Bills vs. Patriots, the Packers vs. Bears, and the high‑profile 49ers vs. Raiders. The Sunday night spotlight lands on the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Atlanta Falcons.

How to Stream Week 1 without Missing a Play

If you don’t have a cable bill, you can still catch every game. Most networks offer official streaming apps that work on phones, tablets, and smart TVs. ESPN streams on the ESPN app, Amazon Prime Video requires a Prime subscription, and NBC games are on Peacock. For the NFL Network game (the Thursday night kickoff), the NFL app or Sling TV’s “Sports Extra” add‑on works fine.

Remember to log in with the TV provider that carries the channel you need. If you’re sharing with family, make sure you have enough simultaneous streams – most services allow two or three at once.

Top Storylines to Keep an Eye On

Every opening week brings a few must‑watch threads. First, the quarterback showdown: Patrick Mahomes vs. Justin Herbert’s new team. Both are hungry for a fresh start, and the Chiefs‑Lions matchup could set the tone for the AFC West.

Second, the rookie impact. Keep tabs on the first‑round pick who’s expected to start at running back for the Carolina Panthers. If he gets a big workload, it could shake up the NFC South early.

Finally, the defensive battles. The Baltimore Ravens face the Cleveland Browns in a classic run‑stop duel. The Rams‑Seahawks game also promises a lot of sacks, especially with the Rams’ new edge rusher on the field.

Quick Predictions for Week 1 Winners

These are just quick thoughts – the NFL loves upsets. The Cowboys look strong at home, so they’re a safe pick. The Lions, with a revamped offense, could surprise the Chiefs. On the West Coast, the Rams might edge the Seahawks thanks to home‑field advantage.

Take these as conversation starters. The real fun is seeing how the games actually play out and which underdog makes the biggest splash.

How to Make the Most of Your Week 1 Viewing Party

Set up a simple snack station: popcorn, wings, and a few healthier bites like veggie sticks with dip. Have a double‑screen setup if possible – one for the live game and another for a stats ticker or social media feed. That way you can track player performance in real time.

Finally, keep a notepad handy. Jot down which players impress you; those notes will help you with fantasy drafts later in the season.

Week 1 is the launchpad for the whole NFL calendar. With the schedule, streaming options, and storylines covered, you’re ready to enjoy every snap, tackle, and touchdown. Let the games begin!