The first week of the NFL Season is upon us. That means that we have a loaded slate for the first Sunday. Below is a look at the five games on the Sunday slate I’m most excited to see!

Early Games

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
About: Both these teams finished in last place in their division in 2025, and yet both are trendy playoff picks in 2026. In fact, I picked both to make the playoffs and win their division. But only one can win in Week 1. Whoever wins will be off to a hot start. This is also set to be an interesting fantasy matchup with plenty of high-end fantasy assets on both sides. This is one of the more interesting matchups of Week 1.

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
About: This is an intriguing matchup that could also be somewhat low-scoring. The Ravens changed coaches and didn’t add a lot to the offensive arsenal. In fact, it’s possible Week 1 will be the Derrick Henry show. The Colts started hot and faded in 2025. With Daniel Jones recovering, and Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce dealing with injuries, it figures to be a steady dose of Jonathan Taylor in Week 1. Still, both these teams have aspirations in 2026 and both will want to start off strong.

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
About: The Bills finished with 12 wins and fell just short in the AFC East. The Texans won 12 games and finished just short in the AFC South. And yet, both teams advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and both figure to be powers in the AFC in 2026. I think this is probably the best matchup on the Sunday slate!

Late Games:

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
About: This is a divisional matchup to kick off the first week of the season. The Packers are dealing with issues, including Josh Jacobs being out and Micah Parsons being injured. The Vikings, meanwhile, are hoping the Kyler Murray era looks better than the 2025 quarterback situation. There is a lot at stake as both these teams need to get off to a hot start. This is the best matchup of the late window.

Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
About: Another divisional matchup, this time on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys had offense but struggled on defense in 2025. The Cowboys worked to address the defense and are hoping to get off to a hot start. The Giants, meanwhile, overhauled the coaching staff and made a lot of roster changes. John Harbaugh would love to start his time with Big Blue by beating the Cowboys. This should be a heck of a matchup.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.