Aaron Rodgers' return and Caleb Williams' debut are part of a packed Week 1

Around the AFC

Thunderous start. What a start to the season. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes looked like the two best quarterbacks in the world. That was no surprise. And the Chiefs prevailed in crunch time. And as we all expected. The two-time reigning Super Bowl champions are in the race. Who can catch them? Could it be the Ravens in late January?

Joey B's return. Joe Burrow was just getting into MVP form last year when an injury ended his season. The Bengals were 5-4 at the time of the injury, but given his play and the talent surrounding the quarterback, they seemed to be back in the race. Now he's back, and if he plays 17 games, Burrow could very well be an MVP contender this year. The game is better when the top quarterbacks are at full health, so welcome back, Joe.

Childish behavior. Speaking of top quarterbacks, CJ Stroud had a sensational rookie year for Houston and now starts his second year against Indianapolis. The Colts got a promising look in Anthony Richardson last year, who was selected two spots after Stroud with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft before a shoulder injury cost him the rest of the season. Now he has a chance to stake his claim alongside Stroud as one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.

All about the NFC

Stafford/Goff again. Week 1 features another performance from Matt Stafford and Jared Goff, facing their former teams. Both did a great job in 2023, leading the LA Rams and Detroit to the postseason, respectively. Both will have Super Bowl aspirations in 2024. Ford Field will be shaking as the Lions start the year in prime time on Sunday Night Football. You can already hear the “Jar-ed Goff” chants. This should be a good game.

Caleb era. Chicago didn't bother to hide the fact that they were going to take Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick this spring. They named him their starter almost immediately. His status as captain was a foregone conclusion. Now it's up to him to put an end to three decades of changing quarterback play in the Windy City. Of course, he doesn't have to do it all in Week 1, but the opening game at home against Tennessee will drive Bears fans' optimism to the limit.

First look at Jayden. The Commanders will also face No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels for the first time in the regular season. The former LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner will make his debut on the road against Todd Bowles' Tampa Bay defense. Daniels has an electrifying talent and Washington could surprise this fall if that shows on the field early in the season.

Game of the week

New York Jets in San Francisco

Aaron Rodgers managed just four snaps in his tenure with the Jets a year ago before tearing his Achilles tendon. Now he's back, making his debut on the road against his childhood hometown team in 2024. The 49ers (-4.5), on the other hand, are facing Super Bowl or bust after a grueling offseason that included tough but ultimately successful long-term contract extensions for WR Brandon Aiyuk and LT Trent Williams. This is a chance for the Jets to make an early statement, but it's a tough task against Kyle Shanahan's team.

49ers 27, Jets 24

Castle of the week

Arizona in Buffalo

There's excitement in the desert. The Cards signed receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. this spring and took Darius Robinson in the first round of their eight top-104 draft selections. Year 2 under Jonathan Gannon should be a step forward. But traveling across the country and taking on an MVP candidate in Week 1? That's no easy feat. The Bills (-6.5) had a transitional offseason, but as long as they have Josh Allen, they should be in the running.

Bills 31, Cardinals 17