The Rich Top 5: NFL Week 1’s Most Intriguing Matchups

With the rest of week one still to be played, Rich ranked the five matchups he is most excited to watch, and then snuck in a sixth.

**5. Buccaneers at Bengals**

Two quarterbacks who were first overall picks open the season against each other. Joe Burrow has a fresh contract. Baker Mayfield has a fresh opportunity to take his team back to the Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium. "I cannot wait for this game. It's going to be so much fun," Rich said.

There are real questions on both sides. Tampa Bay has no Mike Evans, so what does the offense do? Cincinnati has the same cast of characters on offense, but a new, revamped defense behind Burrow. What does that look like in week one?

**4. Packers at Vikings**

Kyler Murray gets his first shot in Minnesota, and it is not just any shot. The Packers are coming to town. Green Bay lost a bunch of games in a row to finish last season, there's no Josh Jacobs, and Micah Parsons isn't back yet. "And just when you think the Packers are going to be pushovers, they usually win football games like this," Rich said. He can't wait to see Murray as the new starting quarterback in purple in an NFC North fight.

**3. Bills at Texans**

Rich called this the most marquee game not in front of the whole country. That drew immediate pushback from the table. How is this not number one? Isn't it an AFC Championship preview?

"It could be, or it might not be," Rich said. Either way, it will be fascinating. Both teams have Super Bowl aspirations. Buffalo has a new head coach in Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator turned head coach, along with the reigning rushing champion and Josh Allen. Houston brings its top defense.

**2. Cowboys at Giants**

Rich put Sunday Night Football above Bills and Texans. John Harbaugh is coaching the Giants against the Cowboys in front of the whole country. And Dallas, with its revamped defense, is a team Rich believes is one of the best in the NFL. "What does it look like on the road? And Dak and this offense on Sunday night, I can't wait to see this."

**1. Broncos at Chiefs**

The Monday night opener tops the list. Patrick Mahomes is back. What will the Chiefs do? Denver has Sean Payton no longer calling the plays, and Eric Bieniemy is back on the other sideline. Rich also noted John Elway is set to appear on the ManningCast.

"It is going to be on," Rich said. "What a great Monday Night Football opener."

**One more: Commanders at Eagles**

Rich couldn't explain why this one speaks to him, but it does. Jayden Daniels returns for Washington, which feels like last season was lost because he got hurt. "Well, not anymore," Rich said. The Eagles have a new offense to show. And the game is the appetizer for the rest of the NFC East that night.