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3 must see NFL debut matchups to watch in Week 1 schedule

By Loyal Ricks Jr

NFL Power Rankings, Aaron Rodgers: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
NFL Power Rankings, Aaron Rodgers: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on January 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to playing the Miami Dolphins in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to playing the Miami Dolphins in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

NFL Opening Week Debut Matchup

#1: Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons Sunday 1:00 PM

Bijan Robinson was the 8th overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Falcons expect to help Desmond Ridder gain confidence in the offense. In 2022, Atlanta ranked fifth in rush rating (90.6) and first in run blocking (83.7). A successful offensive line will help their rookie running back establish himself in an important divisional debut.

Scott Fitterer’s staff was determined to find their franchise player in the NFL Draft. Trade with the Chicago Bears gave the Panthers first dibs at the 2023 draft class. Talent filled the board, giving Carolina a bevy of options to choose from. With the first pick, the Panthers signed Bryce Young from the University of University of Alabama. They also acquired Adam Theilen, D.J. Shark, and Miles Saunders to help their new asset. Thomas Brown was named the offensive Coordinator this off-season and will also make his Panthers debut.

The NFC South was the worst division in football last season. Seventy-five percent of the division finished the campaign with a losing record. The off-season provided time for franchises to evaluate the 2023 schedule. Their long-term goals dictated what changes needed to be made. The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Buccaneers searched for answers in free agency. The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons used the NFL Draft.

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