Mail Sport tackles the big talking points ahead of the new NFL season
The greatest show on turf is back! All the big talking points ahead of the new NFL season as Kansas City Chiefs look to continue their dominance
- The NFL season is nearly upon us after months of preparations and planning
- The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their title defence against the Detroit Lions
- Here, Mail Sport takes a look at all of the big talking points ahead of the season
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs begin their title defence with a tantilising match-up against the Detroit Lions as the 2023 NFL season kicks off overnight.
But with defensive tackle Chris Jones holding out and future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce suffering a knee injury, there are early question marks as the Chiefs bid to reach a fourth Super Bowl in five years.
As the big dance moves to Las Vegas for the first — but doubtfully last — time, could an outsider rip up the script?
There will be intrigue and injuries along the way, but here are 10 storylines to look out for…
The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their title defence with a match-up against the Detroit Lions
Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be looking to repeat history with the Chiefs
CATCH US IF YOU CAN
To paraphrase Gary Lineker: ‘Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 60 minutes and at the end, the Chiefs always win.’
Under Andy Reid, Kansas have topped the AFC West for the past seven seasons, reaching the last five AFC Championship games.
Including the post-season, two-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl MVP Mahomes has played 94 games, winning 75 and losing 19.
WIN-NOW… OR WHAT?
Buffalo will need their vaunted regular season defence to finally stand up in the playoffs if they are to justify their hype as Super Bowl contenders.
Joe Burrow starts another year injured in Cincinnati — it hasn’t been a problem, mind — and this will be the last year the Bengals can call on all of Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
And after the LA Chargers made Justin Herbert the NFL’s highest-paid player, there can be no more injury excuses — nor playoff blunders — for head coach Brandon Staley.
Then there’s the question that’s tough to avoid: can Aaron Rodgers emulate Joe Namath and steer the New York Jets to a first Super Bowl win since 1969? No. How about the playoffs for the first time since 2010? Yes.
The LA Chargers recently made Justin Herbert (pictured) the NFL’s highest-paid player
CONTENDERS, READY
In the NFC, the Eagles added likely defensive rookie of the year Jalen Carter in the draft and look formidable. But last year they were blessed with 70 sacks, injury luck and a weak schedule. That won’t happen again.
All eyes on Brock Purdy in San Francisco but will the 49ers — for whom quarterback injuries are a feature under Kyle Shanahan — regret trading Trey Lance?
Elsewhere, Dallas have the NFL’s best defence and offensive weapons galore, but also have Mike McCarthy as head coach. Elsewhere, don’t sleep on Miami, Pittsburgh and Seattle.
BUCKING BRONCOS
No-nonsense coach Sean Payton has been parachuted in to fix Russell Wilson.
But Denver haven’t reached the playoffs in seven seasons and traded away talent galore to acquire the high-maintenance quarterback, handing him a five-year $245million deal.
Fine if Wilson — a Super Bowl winner in Seattle — is in his prime. Not if he is 34 and coming off the worst season of his career.
No nonsense coach Sean Payton will be hoping to turn the Denver Broncos’ fortunes around
LAST TO FIRST?
In 18 of the last 20 seasons, a team who finished last in their division finished first the next season. Over to the Browns, Jets, Texans, Broncos, Bears, Commanders, Cardinals, Bears and — here’s looking at you — Falcons.
In Jacksonville, last year’s worst-to-first team, Trevor Lawrence looked every inch a No 1 overall pick under Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson.
With Calvin Ridley added to a strong receiving room, a favourable schedule and weak division, the eternal underachievers look all set for a deep playoff run.
CARDINALS SIN
Arizona are tanking.
With spoiled brat quarterback Kyler Murray out for the first four games, new head coach Jonathan Gannon — the former Eagles defensive coordinator is blamed by many Philly fans for February’s Super Bowl loss — takes charge of the NFL’s worst roster. Are they the first 0-17 team?
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
For the first time since 1993, a man not named Favre or Rodgers is starting quarterback in Green Bay.
The new man in Titletown is Jordan Love, drafted in 2020. It won’t happen overnight, but signs point to success under head coach Matt LaFleur.
Jordan Love has made history in becoming the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarter-back
TEETHING PROBLEMS?
All three quarterbacks taken in the first round will start from week one. No 1 overall pick Bryce Young has landed in the best spot in Carolina, while CJ Stroud leads Houston’s rebuild under new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Pity Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ seventh starter in as many years. He won’t have running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, who is holding out, largely due to chaotic owner Jim Irsay.
Speaking of holdouts, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa ended his last night to become the highest-paid defensive player in history, agreeing a five-year $170m deal, with $122.5m guaranteed.
THIS IS A EUROSPORT
Three games in London this year, with the Jaguars playing back-to-back weekends at Wembley and Tottenham. Perhaps this will become a regular thing?
Of the Falcons, Jaguars, Bills, Ravens and Titans, only Tennessee will have a bye after their trips across the pond next month.
Frankfurt becomes the NFL’s newest host city, with two games in November. Tickets sold out in under 15 minutes to see Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill’s reunion with the Chiefs. The next week, the Panthers play the Patriots.
The NFL has made regular visits to Europe in recent years and will look to continue that trend
IS THIS THE END?
With every passing year, Tom Brady looks even more of a genius. How long can the Patriots’ gritty defence keep a middling quarterback, dodgy offensive line and poor receivers in games?
After six Super Bowls, Bill Belichick (329) is second behind Don Shula (347) on the list of all-time wins, including playoffs.
Asked if he could tolerate another losing season, owner Robert Kraft said: ‘Look, I’d like him to break Don Shula’s record, but I’m not looking for any of our players to get great stats. We’re about winning, and doing what we can to win.’
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