Top Matchups: Week 1

By: Matt

1. Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

This opening week matchup features two teams hated rivals with playoff aspirations. The Bears made, arguably, the biggest offseason move when they traded for Pro-Bowl Quarterback Jay Cutler, clearly the best passer to play for the Bears in over a decade. The Bears defense will likely remain powerful, but Green Bay’s offense is one of the most potent in the NFL. Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has lived up to the expectations for the man who replaced Brett Favre and receiver Greg Jennings is one of the best young players in the NFL. Both of these teams are young and talented, and the outcome of this matchup could ultimately have a major impact on who ultimately wins the NFC North division crown (the Minnesota Vikings won last year).

2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

This year’s season Thursday Night Opener features the team with the best record in the AFC last season and the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Titans and Steelers are still regarded as playoff caliber teams and this matchup will give an early glimpse as to whether or not they can defend their accomplishments in 2008. Tennessee suffered a major loss when elite Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth left the team in Free Agency and joined the Washington Redskins. Haynesworth was a dominant player and it remains to be seen if the Titans dominant defense will remain effective without its best player. The Steelers will play without last year’s number 3 receivers Nate Washington, now a member of the opposing Titans, and may have to play without starting Linebacker Lawrence Timmons.

3. Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

This matchup features the two teams that could have easily met in the NFC Championship game and two of the most talented offensive rosters in the NFL. The Eagles, who lost their 4^th NFC Championship in 8 years, added RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin, FB Leonard Weaver, LT Jason Peters and now have a fully healthy Brian Westbrook. After struggling to run the ball last year the eagles now appear fully capable of hosting a dominant rushing attack, however, the opponent has a two headed rushing attack that features sophomore bruiser Jonathon Stewart and NFL TD leader DeAngelo Williams. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme struggled mightily in last years NFC Divisional playoff game and his performance in week one could define both his future and the Panthers season: if Delhomme struggles the Panthers will likely struggle and may choose to replace their longtime signal caller. This matchup could likely be an offensive showdown and has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the first week.