NFL Week 1 weirdness? Examining which opening game could be this year's big upset
Which game could be the big surprise of NFL Week 1? We looked at three lopsided matchups and evaluated each one's upset potential.
The NFL has made it clear that it intends to engineer memorable matchups for the opening week of the season, saving its prime-time slots for marquee teams. Sometimes, though, the most captivating results come from unexpected games. Might there be the equivalent of the New England Patriots' 2024 toppling of the Cincinnati Bengals ahead this fall?
The league has mostly embraced level matchups for the opening week, but there are still a few opportunities for a true surprise. With the full 2026 NFL schedule released , we took a look at the three seemingly most lopsided matchups and evaluated each on its upset potential on a scale from 1-10. New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions Coming off a disappointing 9-8 campaign, the Lions have the look - and favorable schedule setup - of a team poised to make a postseason return.
But there's plenty for Detroit to sort out in the early going. A reshuffled offensive line will flip All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell to Jared Goff's blind side, allowing first-round rookie Blake Miller to step in at right tackle. There's also a new play-caller coming from the outside in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
The Saints, who won four of their final five games last season, could capitalize on any early friction. Brandon Staley's defense made significant strides over the course of last year, finishing the season sixth in yards allowed per play. With sizable investments in running back Travis Etienne Jr.
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