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Read more.įPI prediction: SF, 55.9% (by an average of 2.2 points) San Francisco is 0-3 ATS in Week 1 during that span. Moodyīetting nugget: Pittsburgh is 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in its past three Week 1 games. They allowed the fewest rushing yards (1,014) to running backs last season. What to know for fantasy: The 49ers have one of the toughest run defenses in the league. Watt can make Purdy’s return to action dicey in a flash. One sneaky weakness for the 49ers is their offensive line (besides Trent Williams). Matchup X factor: Steelers edge rusher T.J. That should be put to the test, as the Steelers’ defense led the NFL in opponent touchdown-to-interception ratio on plays with motion. When San Francisco used motion, Purdy’s QBR nearly doubled, and he threw 11 touchdown passes to two interceptions. Stat to know: Last season, the use of motion was key to Purdy’s success. That’s middle of the pack but still a favorable matchup for the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. and Chukwuma Okorafor, who ranked 34th (89.5%) and 30th (89.9%) among tackles in pass block win rate, respectively, in 2022. He’ll be going against Steelers tackles Dan Moore Jr. The Niners expect him to play against the Steelers despite not participating in training camp until this week. Watt - playing in the opener and posting multiple sacks just days after signing a lucrative contract extension (five years, $170 million) with the 49ers.
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Brooke Pryorīold prediction: Nick Bosa will pull a T.J. For Purdy, it’s proving that last year wasn’t a fluke and that he’s recovered from his offseason UCL repair surgery on his right elbow. For Pickett, it’s showing that he can continue the momentum from the end of last season and orchestrate a more explosive offense. Storyline to watch: While Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy were selected 242 picks apart in the 2022 NFL draft, each enter this season as the incumbent starting quarterback for their organizations - and each enter Sunday’s game with something to prove. It all culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Bills and the Jets on ESPN. Kenny Pickett, a battle of Ohio in Cleveland, the start of the Jordan Love era for Green Bay and an NFC East game at Metlife Stadium on Sunday night.
Drew breeze career vs titans full#
Let’s get into the full Week 1 slate, including Brock Purdy vs.
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Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football. Finally, Walder and Moody give us final score picks for every game. Analytics writer Seth Walder picks out each matchup’s biggest X factor, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody hands out helpful fantasy football intel. Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game and a bold prediction for each matchup.Īdditionally, ESPN Stats & Information research provides a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a game projection. The Week 1 NFL schedule for the 2023 season is stacked with great matchups, and we’ve got you covered with what you need to know heading into the weekend.
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