Two intriguing matchups in Week One

The Bears against the Packers has to be one of the most intriguing matchups in Week One. You have to go back to 2018 for the last time the Bears were triumphant over their divisional rivals, but this is the beginning of a new chapter between these two great franchises.

The Bears are hoping and needing Justin Fields to take a leap forward in his play, somewhat similar to what Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen have done previously. He also has a new number one target in D.J Moore who is a proven talent in the league. There is much anticipation and expectation for this duo to become one of the best in the NFL. Chicago have been busy since last season’s disappointing campaign, adding many pieces to hopefully bolster their chances of allowing Fields to succeed.

None will be more important than seeing if his D-Line can protect him and allow him, for the first time in his Bears career, an opportunity to showcase his arm talent. Fields being protected however can’t be taken for granted and will need to be proven on the field. My worry is that Fields has to continue scrambling and adding highlights to his video, which in some ways is great but means he has no time and is again left vulnerable. 

We now come to the Green Bay Packers who have enjoyed a dominance over Chicago for quite some time. Packers fans can be optimistic that this could continue under Jordan Love. There is less pressure on Love than there is on Fields in this first showdown between these two.

Love is without WR Watson which is a blow, but there is optimism that fellow receiver Doubs could yet still suit up. Love has the luxury of knowing that his O-Line has the ability to protect him and control the line of scrimmage. He also has Jones and Dillon behind him who are a tried and tested one-two punch. Expect Jaire Alexander to also play a pivotal role in the opener, he will match up with D.J Moore and that battle is likely to play a huge part in the outcome of this game. 

The Bears can have more success this year than last, but it doesn’t start in Week One. The overall strength in depth goes to Green Bay for me and I believe they can control time of possession to win a fairly low scoring game. As previously mentioned a key battle will be between D.J Moore and Jaire Alexander. Alexander could come out on top, which adds only more pressure on Fields, who will have a good game and I’m sure some highlights runs. The worry surrounding his protection is what puts me off handing the Bears a win. The other key component of the Packers winning this one is their RB combo, who will both have busy days. They can control and win this game for Green Bay, whilst allowing their new QB the chance to spread the ball out. 

I would watch Claypool in the opener because he needs to step up his production this season and I expect him to be targeted more in this Week One matchup. The O-Line will be under the microscope and I hope to see some good work from them, if so then the Bears can be optimistic moving forward. Really would love to see Fields have a good start to this campaign in the passing game, he has the arm strength, but I want to see if he has developed in his accuracy and control.

Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt are two to watch carefully for the Packers D-Line. Rookie TE will likely find a number of targets in the opener and could find himself being a top target in this young offence. Aaron Jones can start the season off with a bang, alongside AJ Dillon, these two are where the game will be won.

Prediction – Green Bay Win 

Jaguars v Colts – Can Indianapolis get back on track?

This is a standout game for a one sided victory – the Jaguars enter this one full of confidence having had a successful 2022 and with tunnel vision for 2023 to be even better. The Colts are the very opposite, it is another year and another quarterback, although this one could be the one. Anthony Richardson has been impressive in every way so far as a Colt, he is as physically gifted a QB as we have maybe ever seen.

His attitude and maturity are incredible for someone so young. He may be inexperienced but everything he does instils confidence that he is different and that he will be the face of the Colts for a long time. This however could be a tough welcome to the league for him in Week One. Richardson doesn’t have anywhere near the strength in skill positions that Jacksonville has and without Taylor in the backfield, Richardson is going to have far less help than he really needs to be successful.

His ability to make plays will be on show from the get go, but he is also going to have to take a lot of risks and I see him having a much tougher year than he would hope for. Still will have plenty of highlight plays but he doesn’t have the roster, yet, to do what he wants in the league. I fear for how difficult a year this could be for the Colts. 

Jacksonville are well and truly on the up, they are serious contenders in the AFC and their Week One matchup gives them the perfect opportunity to rattle off a big win. They host the Chiefs in Week Two and every bit of confidence they can gain this week can only benefit them for that fixture, which will be a game in the back of their minds and is already set up to be a thriller. You go through the roster for Jacksonville and it’s nothing short of impressive. Lawrence will have a big Week One and I expect new star receiver Calvin Ridley to go off in the opener.

There could be some fireworks this year with this partnership and that starts from the first snap. Ridley almost needs to prove himself again, but throughout training camp he proved time and time again, just how electric he could be. His arrival and production is what turns this Jaguars side into real contenders. The Jags defence will feast in Week One, they are going to give Richardson a warm welcome to the league and Travon Walker can start off by showing his growth. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jags get a couple takeaways in this one. 

The Colts can look to the future and what their new QB can do for them, but this game could be done by half time and I suspect it will be. The Jags defence can get plenty of sacks early. Ridley will go for 150+ yards receiving and at least one TD. Lawrence throws for close to 400 yards and enjoys a hot start to the 2023 season.

Richardson will have a couple of plays that stand out as different, a scramble in which he turns nothing into a big gain, an off schedule throw that just grabs your attention, but as for any other positives, I’m struggling to find them. Maybe someone can step up and do something, but I can’t say I’m too optimistic. Ridley makes a run for offensive player of the year which starts in Week One playing a massive role in this one sided victory, it could be the largest points difference in all the matchups.

Prediction – Jacksonville Jaguars win