The new NFL season started earlier this week, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking down the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely almost scored the game-tying touchdown as time expired, but his right toe was just on the painted line in the back of the endzone.
In the second game on Friday night, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers. It was the NFL‘s first-ever game in Brazil.
More news: Jordan Love Exits Packers Game Early With Apparent Injury
It was a great two games to kick off the new season, and we are in for some great games for the rest of the weekend. But which teams should be on upset alert heading into their season openers?
Here are the five teams most on upset alert ahead of Week 1.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs Washinton Commanders
Tampa Bay reached the divisional round of the postseason, and they are looking to build upon that this year. They have quarterback Baker Mayfield for year two with the organization, but for some reason, people aren’t too high on them.
They get a matchup with No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels to open the year, and if they aren’t careful, Washington could emerge victorious. While rookies normally tend to struggle at different times, Daniels is a killer out on the football field, and he will rip out the hearts of the Buccaneers if they take him lightly.
4. Houston Texans, @ Indianapolis Colts
While the Colts could compete for a playoff spot this season, Houston has Super Bowl expectations. Anytime a team starts the year against a divisional opponent, it can be tricky so Houston will need to be careful.
The Colts are getting quarterback Anthony Richardson back from injury, so what better way to remind people than by upsetting the Texans? Houston, you may have a problem on Sunday.
3. San Francisco 49ers, vs New York Jets
It’s a little tough to call this an upset if the Jets were to win but the 49ers did reach the Super Bowl last season. New York will have star quarterback Aaron Rodgers back from injury and he will be ready to show out.
San Francisco is coming off another Super Bowl loss and is seen by many as the favorite to win the NFC. Could the pressure get to them in the opening game? If it does, Rodgers will likely take advantage and lead the Jets to a big road win.
2. Cincinnati Bengals, vs New England Patriots
The main reason that Cincinnati is on upset alert this week if that they could be without one or both of their starting wide receivers. Wideout Tee Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury and has been listed as doubtful for the game.
His co-star Ja’Marr Chase has been dealing with a contract dispute all offseason and said he is a game-time decision for Sunday. If both or even one of these two misses the game, the Bengals could find themselves having to rely on some fairly inexperienced offensive weapons.
Even against the Patriots, Cincinnati may be in some trouble.
1. Buffalo Bills, vs Arizona Cardinals
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills speaks with Josh Allen #17 during warm ups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Allen and the Bills could be on upset alert this weekend.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Bills’ offseason was strange, as they lost both Stephon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Buffalo will enter the year with some inexperience at the wide receiver spot, giving some pause to their being a top team this season.
Arizona has Kyler Murray ready to go, and a young team would love nothing more than to make a statement to open the year. Winning in Buffalo isn’t easy, but the Cardinals have the right amount of talent to make it happen this early in the season.
