Bears vs Panthers - playoff tiebreaker
Both the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers were playoff teams in 2025 for the first time in a long time by winning their respective divisions. That said, with winning a division comes a harder schedule and, therefore, a harder path to the playoffs this year. For both teams, the path to another playoff run starts off with a defending NFC divisional champion in their way that is trying to return to the postseason once more, meaning the winner of this first game of the year will own a tiebreaker over the other if it comes down to it at the end of the regular season.
Ravens vs Colts - run heavy
The Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts have two of the best running backs in the entire league with Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, respectively. Additionally, each team has a mobile quarterback, although it is unknown how much Daniel Jones will use his legs to begin the season, as he is making his first appearance since tearing his Achilles tendon. To assume this matchup will have fireworks through the air does not feel right; as such, given the facts available, this feels like a game that will feature the running game heavily.
Falcons vs Steelers - surprise blowout
The Atlanta Falcons are a team that most people are down on, given the state of affairs of its quarterback room. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a middle-of-the-pack level squad that could beat up on lesser opponents in an attempt to get back into the playoffs in 2026. Even though there is not a bunch of hype around the Steelers right now, this could be a blowout if the still amazing pass rush can rattle Tua Tagovailoa, and the offense can capitalize on any mistakes or short fields it may end up with as a result.
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