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NFL Week 1 bold predictions: A.J. Brown has Terrell Owens-like debut with Philly; pair of rookies shine

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, NFL Network analysts will provide one bold prediction heading into each week's slate of games (see the full Week 1 schedule).

Nate_Burleson
Nate Burleson

Aaron Rodgers is the back-to-back MVP for a reason. He picks up right where he left off with a casual five TD passes against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and rookie receiver Romeo Doubs is on the receiving end of two of those throws. Looks like Rodgers may have found his new guy.

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Marc Ross

Another year, another season of hope at the quarterback position for the Colts. However, the Matt Ryan era starts just as the team's 2021 season ended: with Indianapolis suffering the biggest upset of the weekend. In Week 18 of last season, it was a shocking loss in Jacksonville with a playoff bid on the line. This Sunday, the Colts fall in Houston, dropping Indy to 0-9 in Week 1 since 2014, per NFL Research. The Texans' second-year QB, Davis Mills, outplays the Colts' veteran signal-caller, while Houston rookie CB Derek Stingley Jr. justifies his lofty draft status with an interception in his first NFL game.

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DeAngelo Hall

Miami's defense, led by Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland, dominates New England with four takeaways. The win over Bill Belichick's Pats kicks off the Dolphins' Mike McDaniel era in style. 

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David Carr

A.J. Brown has a Terrell Owens-level debut with the Philadelphia Eagles. In case you forgot, the Hall of Famer hit paydirt three times in his first game with Philly in 2004. On Sunday against the Lions, Brown goes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Yeah, this trade was worth it. 

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Maurice Jones-Drew

The Bengals went to work this offseason, overhauling their O-line after Joe Burrow was the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL in 2021. Replacing four of their five starters along the offensive front from Super Bowl LVI pays off big time, as the Steelers, who led the NFL in sacks a year ago, don't record a single one in their Week 1 trip to Cincy. 

Full NFL Week 1 schedule

Thursday, September 8

Monday, September 12

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