Welcome to Sports Illustrated NFL watchability rankings.
Each week we rate each game based on how much fans want to see it. Ratings are given on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the best rating.
For some teams, being at the top of the list is normal. For others, this is less the case.
With this column, we hope to offer a few cheap laughs and some easily digestible, quick thoughts on the best games and, intertwined with that, some analysis on what it all means… especially as the race for the playoffs heats up.
But now we start the 2024 NFL season with a ranking of the Games of the week 1starting in East Rutherford.
10. Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills
Visibility rating: 5.1
The Bills are going through a gentle rebuild after years of being a top contender, but they still have Josh Allen, James Cook, Dalton Kincaid and others that make them a likely playoff team. And then there’s Arizona, who won’t necessarily do well but could score some points with an offense featuring Kyler Murray, Trey McBride and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
Visibility rating: 5.8
It’s the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta … or maybe the Michael Penix Jr. eraWho knows. Whatever the case, the Falcons are starting over with a fresh quarterback duo and a new coach in Raheem Morris. The Steelers also have a new pair of uninspired quarterbacks.
8. Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Visibility rating: 6.6
This is all about Caleb WilliamsWith all due respect to the Titans, who signed L’Jarius Sneed and Calvin Ridley this offseason, all eyes will be on the No. 1 pick in the draft. And Chicago also has two new, high-caliber weapons in Keenan Allen and Williams’ co-first-round pick Rome Odunze.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins
Visibility rating: 7.5
It’s a battle of the newly paid quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence will look to erase the memory of an 8-3 start last season before he collapses, while Tua Tagovailoa will look to win the AFC East for the first time in his career. Both could use a good start as they face tough schedules ahead.
6. Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns
Viewability rating: 7.9
It is the Amari Cooper Bowl. It is also a battle between a team that refuses to pay its quarterbackand another who wishes it never happened. For the Cowboys, how they handle Jim Schwartz’s defense will be a gauge of where they stand after a lackluster offseason. For the Browns, this season is about keeping Deshaun Watson healthy so he can be helpful, not an anchor.
5. Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Visibility rating: 8.1
This is secretly a really important game. You could say it’s the most important game of Week 1 from a standings perspective. The AFC South is going to be a close one all year long. If the Colts want to win the division, holding serve at home against the Texans is imperative. And if Houston wins, it’ll be a great start for DeMeco Ryans’ team.
4. Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles (Friday)
Visibility rating: 8.6
This is the NFL’s first foray into Brazilian territory and it should be a memorable one. The Eagles will be looking to make everyone forget last season’s collapse, while the Packers will be hoping for a big breakthrough this year. behind second-year starting quarterback Jordan Love. The first impression… remains.
3. Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
Visibility rating: 9.2
It’s a rematch of last year’s NFC Wild Card tournament, and this year the expectations are even higher. For the Rams, the offense will have to take over after Aaron Donald’s retirement. For the LionsThis season is arguably their best chance to win a title since the Kennedy administration.
2. New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers
Viewability rating: 9.5
It’s Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, Part 2. New York is finally healthy again and will try to win the AFC East for the first time since 2002. And for fun, Rodgers’ return will be against the 49ers, who famously passed on him in the 2005 draft. It’s perhaps New York’s toughest challenge and a barometer for the reigning NFC champions.
1. Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (Thursday)
Visibility rating: 9.8
A preview of the AFC Championship Game, where two two-time MVP quarterbacks will face off to open the season. The Chiefs are aiming to: a historic triple victory in a rowwhich would put them in the national spotlight even more than usual. As for the Ravens, a win at Arrowhead would be a sign that this year might be different for Lamar Jackson & Co.
