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This article provides an overview of the Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2023 season, including key storylines, bold predictions, stats to know, and betting nuggets for each matchup. It also includes fantasy football tips and final score predictions from ESPN analysts. The article covers the following matchups: 49ers vs. Steelers, Bengals vs. Browns, Panthers vs. Falcons, Jaguars vs. Colts, Buccaneers vs. Vikings, Titans vs. Saints, Cardinals vs. Commanders, Texans vs. Ravens, Packers vs. Bears, Raiders vs. Broncos, Eagles vs. Patriots, Dolphins vs. Chargers, Rams vs. Seahawks, Cowboys vs. Giants, and Bills vs. Jets.
- The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2023 season is stacked with great matchups.
- Key storylines include the debut of rookie quarterbacks, the return of injured players, and the matchups between division rivals.
- Bold predictions include standout performances from players like Nick Bosa, Joe Burrow, Bryce Young, and Cam Akers.
- Stats to know highlight the success of certain quarterbacks and the weaknesses of certain defenses.
- Betting nuggets provide insights into the point spreads and historical trends for each matchup.
- Fantasy tips include rankings and analysis for key players in each game.
Joe Burrow | QB
Injury
- Storyline to watch: How does Joe Burrow look? The Cincinnati Pro Bowl QB missed almost the entire preseason with a strained right calf injury and only began practicing last week.
- Bold prediction: The Bengals will remain winless at Cleveland. The Browns have won five straight home games vs. the Bengals, which is tied for the longest home win streak by either team in the history of the rivalry.
Bryce Young | QB
Rookie
- Storyline to watch: No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young makes his first start for the Panthers, and Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 pick, will play in his first game for the Falcons.
- Bold prediction: Young will pass for more than 300 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in his first start.
Cam Akers | RB
Breakout
- Bold prediction: Rams running back Cam Akers will continue where he left off against Seattle to end the 2022 season with another 100-yard rushing game.
- Akers will become the fifth Rams player to record four consecutive games with 100 or more rushing yards over the past 30 seasons.
San Francisco 49ers
- Bold prediction: Nick Bosa will pull a T.J. Watt -- playing in the opener and posting multiple sacks just days after signing a lucrative contract extension (five years, $170 million) with the 49ers.
- The Niners expect him to play against the Steelers despite not participating in training camp until this week.
- He'll be going against Steelers tackles Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor, who ranked 34th (89.5%) and 30th (89.9%) among tackles in pass block win rate, respectively, in 2022.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Storyline to watch: How does Joe Burrow look? The Cincinnati Pro Bowl QB missed almost the entire preseason with a strained right calf injury and only began practicing last week.
- Bold prediction: The Bengals will remain winless at Cleveland. The Browns have won five straight home games vs. the Bengals, which is tied for the longest home win streak by either team in the history of the rivalry.
Carolina Panthers
- Storyline to watch: No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young makes his first start for the Panthers, and Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 pick, will play in his first game for the Falcons.
- Bold prediction: Young will pass for more than 300 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in his first start.
Los Angeles Rams
- Bold prediction: Rams running back Cam Akers will continue where he left off against Seattle to end the 2022 season with another 100-yard rushing game.
- Akers will become the fifth Rams player to record four consecutive games with 100 or more rushing yards over the past 30 seasons.