It is officially Week 1 of the 2023 NFL Season. A win on opening day is a great way to start a season, but a loss could have a significant impact. Plenty of teams have enjoyed great seasons despite an 0-1 start, but they'd have much rather begun the year with a victory.
Sadly, only 16 teams can escape with a win, unless a tie happens, which isn't unheard of, but not appreciated. That said, there are cases in Week 1 where a team is favored to win, but finds themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard come the end of the game.
Let's take a look at three teams who could end up starting 0-1 despite being favored.
Love may cease to exist for the Packers in the Windy City
Wait, why Green Bay? They've owned Chicago for the vast majority of the last decade plus. Not so fast for those who want to rely on convenience and the 2022 season. Yes, Chicago finished with the worst record in the NFL in 2022, but Green Bay didn't make the playoffs either, in case anyone didn't notice.
Justin Fields will now square off against Jordan Love and he is bringing a new set of toys with him. Wide receiver DJ Moore has already given Bears fans glimpses of what his potential is and the Bears added two new pieces to the offensive line in guard Nate Davis and rookie tackle Darnell Wright. Chicago also added some new faces to their defense with linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards.
Green Bay, meanwhile, has the better roster all around, and even though pass rusher Rashan Gary is not 100% after his injury last season. The Packers still have enough pieces defensively to give the Bears issues, and their offense still has young weapons to attack a suspect Bears' defense. Don't be surprised, however, if Chicago is able to win in Week 1 against an old foe.
The 49ers need to be on high alert for a potential steel explosion
On paper, the San Francisco 49ers look to have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. However, the quarterback situation is still a mystery, even with Brock Purdy currently listed as the starter. The Trey Lance saga was a disaster, make no mistake about it, but they still have a team that can contend for a Super Bowl.
That makes their matchup against the Steelers all the more important. Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has had a full offseason since being named a starter under his belt. With running back Najee Harris and impressive wide receiver George Pickens in the fold, the Steelers offense, even with a patched-up offensive line, is potent.
Defensively, TJ Watt and co. have a lot to prove, as the defense of the opposition is coming in with a newly signed Nick Bosa. The 9ers defensive line is supposed to, at least from an outside perspective, dominate. However, outside of Trent Williams, the holes in San Francisco's line are significant thanks to the loss of Mike McGlinchey. The front seven of Pittsburgh can make a statement and tip the game back in their favor.
Eagles need to be alert for a potential trap game
It's going to be Tom Brady Day in Foxborough, and the New England Patriots are expected to rise to the challenge. However, going up as an underdog against the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles is not an easy task. There's a reason the birds are feared, and it starts with their offense.
Jalen Hurts is coming off a Super Bowl loss in which he played brilliantly. Additionally, he still has AJ Brown and Devonta Smith on the outside and a veteran offensive line led by Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Defensively, the Eagles are strong in all areas and have a rookie in Jalen Carter who is expected to be a dominant force.
So why the Patriots? Well, they have a very formidable defense led by Matthew Judon and rookie Christian Gonzalez. Though the retirement of Devin McCourty leaves a hole in the secondary, Kyle Dugger is expected to take the next step. Offensively, New England is better suited with their weapons than a year before, which gives Bill Belichick a prime opportunity to gain early ground in the AFC East.