NFL analysts project opening week performances for upcoming season matchups
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 1:30 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

The NFL season enters Week 1 with analysts forecasting potential outcomes for several key games. Tua Tagovailoa is slated to start for the Falcons against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in Pittsburgh, pending recovery from an oblique injury sustained in practice. Josh Allen enters the season looking to improve his performance against the Houston Texans after recent struggles against their defensive pressure. Elsewhere, Trey Hendrickson prepares for his Ravens debut against the Indianapolis Colts following recovery from a hip injury. Additionally, Quinshon Judkins faces a test against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who maintained the league's top-ranked run defense in 2025. These projections follow the San Francisco 49ers' 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia, which stands as the largest season-opening loss by a preseason Super Bowl favorite in 50 years.
- •Tua Tagovailoa is listed with an oblique injury ahead of his Falcons debut against the Steelers.
- •Josh Allen aims to reverse his recent performance trends against the Houston Texans defense.
- •Trey Hendrickson debuts for the Ravens against quarterback Daniel Jones and the Colts.
- •San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the season opener in Australia.
- •The Jacksonville Jaguars allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in the league during 2025.
- 1:30 PMCBS NFL — Week 1 2026 bold predictions: Can Tua Tagovailoa best Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh?
"Five bold predictions to start the NFL season, from Tua Tagovailoa outdoing Rodgers to Josh Allen finally overcoming his Houston woes
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