Top 10 Games to Watch

Welcome to Sports Illustrated is one of the most popular sports newspapers in the world. NFL viewership rankings.

Each week, we’ll rank each game based on how much fans should want to see it. The scores will be on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

For some teams, being at the top of the list will be common. For others, not necessarily.

I hope this column provides some cheap laughs, some easy-to-understand, quick thoughts on the best matches, and woven into it all some analysis of what it all means… especially as the race for the playoffs begins to heat up.

But for the start of the 2024 NFL season, let’s start by ranking each of the Week 1 Gamesstarting in East Rutherford.

10. Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills

Viewership Rating: 5.1

The Bills are undergoing a slight metamorphosis after years of being the favorites. They still have Josh Allen, James Cook, Dalton Kincaid and others who could make them a likely playoff team. Then there’s Arizona, which isn’t expected to be good but could score some points with an offense featuring Kyler Murray, Trey McBride and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Viewership Rating: 5.8

It’s the Kirk Cousins ​​era in Atlanta… or maybe Michael Penix Jr. era. Who knows. Regardless, the Falcons are starting over with a new pair of quarterbacks and new coach Raheem Morris. The Steelers also have a new pair of uninspiring quarterbacks.

8. Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears

Viewership rating: 6.6

It’s all about Caleb Williams. With all due respect to the Titans, who added L’Jarius Sneed and Calvin Ridley and others this offseason, all eyes will be on the No. 1 pick in the draft. And Chicago also has a pair of familiar new weapons in Keenan Allen and Williams’ first-round teammate Rome Odunze.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins

Viewership rating: 7.5

It’s a battle of newly-paid quarterbacks, with Trevor Lawrence looking to put last season’s 8-3 mark behind him before he falls apart, while Tua Tagovailoa looks to win the AFC East for the first time in his career. Both could benefit from a good start to a tough schedule.

6. Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns

Viewership Rating: 7.9

This is the Amari Cooper Bowl. It is also a battle between one team that refuses to pay its quarterbackand another who wishes he never did. For the Cowboys, dealing with Jim Schwartz’s defense will be a barometer of where they are after a poor offseason. For the Browns, this season is about keeping Deshaun Watson healthy so he can be a contributor, not an anchor.

5. Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts

Viewership Rating: 8.1

This is quietly a really important game. You could say it’s the most important game of Week 1 from a standings perspective. The AFC South should be a close battle all year. Holding service at home against the Texans is essential if the Colts want to win the division. And if Houston wins, it’ll be a great start for DeMeco Ryan’s team.

4. Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles (Friday)

Viewership Rating: 8.6

The NFL’s first foray into Brazilian territory should be one to remember, with the Eagles hoping to put last season’s slump behind them, while the Packers hope to make a deep run this year behind sophomore point guard Jordan LoveFirst impressions… last.

3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions

Viewership rating: 9.2

A repeat of last year’s NFC wild-card game, and this year’s expectations are even higher. For the Rams, the offense must lead the day after Aaron Donald retires. For LvivThis season is probably their best chance to win a title since the Kennedy administration.

2. New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers

Viewership rating: 9.5

It’s Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, Part 2. New York is finally healthy and looking to win the AFC East for the first time since 2002. And for fun, Rodgers returns against the 49ers, who famously passed on him in the ’05 draft. This is arguably New York’s toughest challenge yet and a barometer for the defending NFC champions.

1. Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (Thursday)

Viewership rating: 9.8

Preview of the AFC Championship Game, which will see two two-time MVP quarterbacks face off earlier this season. The Chiefs will be aiming for historic triple victorywhich would put them in the spotlight even more than usual. As for the Ravens, a win at Arrowhead could mean this year could be different for Lamar Jackson and company.