NFL schedule release 2021: Ranking every Week 1 game by watchability, from Jaguars-Texans to Chiefs-Browns

With the NFL schedule release revealing every Week 1 game, let’s rank the games by watchability, including Chiefs-Browns and Saints-Packers.

The NFL schedule release is coming later today but there have been plenty of leaks at this point. One big leak was the entirety of Week 1, which was confirmed across various broadcast partners throughout the morning.

There are plenty of big matchups in Week 1 along with a few notable changes to the format. There is only one Monday Night Football game as opposed to the usual doubleheader, a change in the new broadcast contracts since ESPN will get a Saturday doubleheader in Week 18, while both FOX and CBS get doubleheaders in Week 1 as well.

There are 16 games to choose from so which should be appointment TV and which should be limited to Red Zone check-ins on your fantasy team? Read on to find out.

Ranking NFL Week 1 matchups by watchability

16. Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans

Trevor Lawrence’s pro debut is exciting but Deshaun Watson potentially missing the game due to a suspension stemming from his legal troubles drags the game down significantly. Neither of these teams should go far in 2021.

15. New York Jets at Carolina Panthers

The Sam Darnold revenge angle is nice but there’s not a lot of juice here beyond that. This is another case of two rebuilding teams looking to get off to a fast start.

14. Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow’s return will be a big moment for Bengals fans but he could be running for his life against a strong defensive front for the Vikings.

13. San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions

This game could be a potential mismatch since the 49ers are healthy again and poised to contend for a division title. Jared Goff at least has experience against the San Francisco defense to draw on.

12. Denver Broncos at New York Giants

If Aaron Rodgers ends up on the Broncos this game jumps about six slots. Without him, these two teams are simply promising contenders hoping to take a leap forward in 2021.

11. Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

This game has the potential for an offensive explosion since the Eagles and Falcons have plenty of firepower. This could be a must-win for the Falcons, who bet big on Matt Ryan guiding them to one last run at glory.

10. Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team

This is a rough travel draw for the Chargers, who have to fly across the country and play at 10:00 a.m. body time to take on a stingy Washington defense. It is also the kind of game Justin Herbert has to win if Los Angeles has designs on reaching the postseason.

9. Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

A little AFC East action provides some intrigue as the Dolphins look to build on last year’s success against the Patriots. Bill Belichick’s big offseason spending spree will also be put to the test.

8. Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans

This is an underrated matchup that will get buried in the 1:00 window behind bigger name teams. The Cardinals’ high-flying offense will get to square off against a sneaky good Titans unit that relies on running back Derrick Henry to control the clock.

7. Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens

The name value here is strong if the Raiders hang with the Ravens. This game does have blowout potential if Las Vegas’ new-look offensive line can’t keep Derek Carr upright.

6. Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints

If this was last season it would have been no. 1 with Rodgers squaring off against Drew Brees. The presence of Rodgers gives this a lift but it will drop a ton if neither quarterback is under center for this contest.

5. Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams

Bears will be hoping that Justin Fields wins the starting job in training camp so he can make his debut on the Sunday night stage. The Rams also will be breaking out new quarterback Matthew Stafford as they vie for a trip to the Super Bowl this season.

4. Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts

This contest should feature a pair of potential division winners as Russell Wilson and the Seahawks head east to take on Carson Wentz and the Colts. Expect a highly competitive barn burner that could end with a wild finish.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills

These two teams won their divisions last season and it offers a huge test early for the Steelers, who are trying to bounce back from a rough finish to the 2020 season. Buffalo has Super Bowl designs and can’t afford to drop this game early.

2. Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening night should be a doozy as the Buccaneers raise their Super Bowl 55 banner against the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott is back for a potential shootout at Raymond James Stadium.

1. Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

This playoff rematch had a fantastic finish in the Divisional Round as the Browns failed to catch the Chiefs even with Patrick Mahomes sidelined. Winning here would be a massive statement for Cleveland to prove that they are here to stay as Super Bowl contenders.