Best NFL games of Week 1: Packers, Seahawks showdown in Lambeau

We are finally here with NFL week 1. Here are the five games that you need to be watching over the course of this week.

All 32 teams are in action for the start of NFL Week 1. But with timing, you can’t watch them all. I give you the top five games that you need to turn on your television this week.

5. New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings

One of the last games of the week could give us one of the best matchups. Despite both teams missing the playoffs last season, they’ll look to turn things around in 2017. The first game is a great way to get on the right foot heading into a long regular season.

The Saints will need to get the passing game going. It hasn’t been a problem for the offense in the past, but they are without Willie Snead because of suspension and traded Brandon Cooks to the Patriots. Second-year wideout Michael Thomas will look to improve on his rookie year when he finished 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. The defense will need to hold their own, as this unit has been the Achilles heel for the team in the past.

For the Vikings, it will be about establishing a defensive presence. They were a top defensive unit in the beginning weeks of last season, but fell out of favor towards the end. Brees and the Saints offense are going to come out firing on all cylinders and the Vikings defense will have to make stops early on.

A win will be much-needed for both parties. The Vikings and Saints are both playing in competitive divisions this season. The best route for these two teams will likely be a Wild Card spot. Every win from here on to Week 17 matters.