Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today's installment, he sets the scene for 10 first impressions ...
There is nothing like the opening of the NFL regular season. After spending countless hours discussing and debating which offseason acquisitions will tilt the league's balance of power, we finally get a chance to see how the chess moves play out in real action between the lines. Whether it is a hyped rookie playing his first game of record, a grizzled veteran hoping to rekindle his magic in a different uniform or a savvy coach directing a new group of players, individuals across the league are officially introducing themselves to a fresh set of fans.
After taking some time to survey the landscape for the most intriguing player and team matchups, here are 10 debuts I cannot wait to see in Week 1.
Sunday vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
Despite being listed as a starting receiver and backup cornerback on the team's first official depth chart, Hunter is slated to play significant snaps on each side of the ball. Jacksonville will primarily utilize him as a pass catcher, but the No. 2 overall pick also will play as a sub-package cover corner in "get off the field" situations (third down, red zone, two-minute drill and end of game). The Jaguars aim to tap into his unique talents as a two-way playmaker with excellent instincts, awareness and ball skills. Though Hunter's snaps will need to be monitored to avoid fatigue from excessive wear and tear, the Heisman Trophy winner's freakish abilities will make this a fascinating experiment to watch.
Sunday at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
If this is Rodgers' last hurrah, the four-time MVP can go out with a bang by leading the Steelers on a deep playoff run. With DK Metcalf as the vertical threat in the offense, Rodgers can throw it over the top of squatting defenders or utilize the two-time Pro Bowler as a decoy to create opportunities for a collection of chain movers (Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson) to win on intermediate routes underneath umbrella coverage. As Rodgers becomes more comfortable directing Arthur Smith's offense, the sparks could fly with the 21st-year veteran effectively managing a unit that is talented enough to win by utilizing an old-school model that has helped the Steelers put six Lombardis in the trophy case: Defense + Running game + Efficient quarterback play = Championship.
Sunday vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Can Aaron Glenn and his coaching staff unlock Fields' immense potential? That is the million-dollar question floating around the Big Apple, with Jets fans hoping for a quick turnaround under a former Pro Bowl player for the franchise. While Fields will need some time to acclimate to a new system, the opportunity to build around a dynamic athlete with outstanding arm talent should excite Glenn's rookie offensive coordinator, Tanner Engstrand, and could ignite a dormant offense.
Sunday at New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Pete Carroll strongly believes a dominant ground game can lead a team out of the doldrums, a notion that's supported by fruitful experiences with Reggie Bush and LenDale White at USC and Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. Jeanty could help the decorated coach resurrect the Raiders as a true workhorse with an electric game and the competitive stamina to carry the load as an RB1. Though the rookie steps into a lineup that features an All-Pro at tight end (Brock Bowers) and a two-time Pro Bowler at quarterback (Geno Smith), Jeanty could immediately become the straw that stirs the drink as the centerpiece of a run-heavy attack that aspires to drive the length of the field on a series of 4-yard runs between the tackles.
Sunday vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
A desire to return to "The Patriot Way" prompted owner Robert Kraft to appoint a franchise Hall of Fame member as head coach in January. While Vrabel replaced another former Pats player, Jerod Mayo, his previous head-coaching experience -- guiding the Tennessee Titans to four winning records, three playoff berths and two division titles in six seasons -- suggests that he can quickly whip New England back into shape. Moreover, Vrabel already has a promising young quarterback to build around in second-year pro Drake Maye.
Sunday at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
After watching Cincinnati's putrid defense waste an MVP-caliber season from Joe Burrow, Zac Taylor hired a collegiate coordinator to coax better production from a group of young defenders. As a well-respected defensive mind fresh off an appearance with Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, Golden has shown the ability to craft complex game plans that are easy for young defenders to understand. The Bengals' substantial cap allotment to the offense forces the defense to play young, cheap talent. Inherently, the defensive guru will need to dig into his bag of tricks to transform his unit into a playoff-caliber D.
Sunday at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
The No. 1 overall pick largely flew under the radar during the offseason, but the football world will cast its eyes on Ward to see how the Miami product handles a daunting season opener, as the Titans travel to Denver to face an ascending Broncos team with a loaded defense. From his poise to his performance, Tennessee's new QB1 must show his coaches and teammates that he possesses the toughness -- physical and mental -- and talent to carry the offense as a first-year starter. Given the limited reps Ward received during an abbreviated preseason, these first few games will help Brian Callahan tweak his call sheet to maximize the 23-year-old's talents.
Sunday vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
As the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Parsons must play at a gold-jacket level for his production to match his compensation. Although 52.5 career sacks, 63 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 63 games is a stellar stat line, Green Bay will expect even more from a playmaker with a disruptive game and hybrid capabilities. Whether destroying the run as a sideline-to-sideline defender or harassing quarterbacks with a relentless pass rush, the perennial Pro Bowler should immediately make his mark as the centerpiece of a turnover-obsessed defense. DC Jeff Hafley creates chaos with aggressive blitzes and simulated pressures backed by a vision-and-break scheme. If Parsons thrives in his role as a designated playmaker, Packer backers can start thinking about planning a trip out west in February for Super Bowl LX.
EDITOR'S UPDATE: Parsons (back) was listed as questionable on the Packers' injury report from Friday.
Sunday at Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Universo)
It is never easy to succeed a legend, particularly an automatic placekicker who played at a Hall of Fame level for most of his 13-year career in Baltimore. In the wake of Justin Tucker's release from the team amid allegations of improper conduct, Loop must replace the seven-time Pro Bowler's production, stepping right into a pivotal role as a rookie for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. While John Harbaugh and Co. will exhibit patience with the first-year kicker, the Ravens need Loop to perform at a high level from Day 1 in order to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at season's end.
Monday vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
The well-respected quarterback whisperer was hired to maximize Caleb Williams as a passer and playmaker. Williams is coming off an underwhelming rookie campaign, but Johnson's work with another former No. 1 overall pick (Jared Goff) could provide a blueprint for how the Bears will unlock the second-year pro's talents. With an upgraded supporting cast and a more creative scheme, the former Heisman Trophy winner could take a big step forward in Year 2. If Williams cuts down on the freelancing and plays within the structure of Johnson's offense, the completions and big plays could eventually come in bunches in the Windy City.
