The 2019 NFL season has concluded, but it’s never too early to start looking towards next season.
As we all watched this past Sunday, The Kansas City Chiefs became Super Bowl champs for the first time since 1969. So many great things come from winning this game: fulfilling your dreams, being able to bring the trophy back to your city, and showing that you were without a doubt the best team in the league.
The Chiefs will also be able to host their Week 1 game next season to hang the banner, most likely on the first Thursday of the season. Last season was a change of pace being that it was the 100th season of the NFL, the league opted to put the Packers and Bears on the national spotlight to open this historic season.
There have been additional rumors that the Rams may open up the season at their new stadium in Los Angeles. However, I think this game would be more suited to the first Sunday night game of the year. The Chiefs earned the right to open up the season and raising the banner should be of more importance than just the opening of a new stadium. So if the Chiefs do open up the new season, who should their opponent be? Let’s look at some potential options
Las Vegas Raiders
The first season in Vegas, the presence of Jon Gruden, and a rivalry that goes back to the AFL. This game does look like it could be fun despite the fact the Chiefs have dominated this matchup. Since 2013, the Chiefs are 12-2 against the Raiders including 2 blowout victories last season over the silver and black. For this reason it might be a little too early on bringing this great rivalry back into primetime, but with the Raiders still collecting from the Khalil Mack trade they will bring some young fresh talent into Arrowhead next season.
New York Jets
No.
Carolina Panthers
No, thank you.
Denver Broncos
Another divisional matchup that I don’t think will make the cut. Drew Lock finished the season hot with the exception of that tough snow game in Arrowhead. This could turn into an exciting QB matchup, if Lock builds on the momentum of last season. Bring back Bradley Chubb to team with Von Miller and they can actually pose a problem to the champs. This can be a cool primetime matchup, but I think there are more interesting options left to look at to open the season.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers seem like the most likely team from the AFC west to make a trip to Kansas City for this game, but I would just consider the entire division to be a long shot. Phillip Rivers is a question mark to return, so what QB would the Chargers even bring to Arrowhead? Teddy Bridgewater? Trade up for Tua? Tom Brady?!?? We do know they would bring a lot of talent to the field including Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram who will make this game a tough one for the Super Bowl MVP.
Atlanta Falcons
I think this matchup can be a really fun game. The Falcons have struggled over the past 2 years, but their offense always has potential to break out a 30-40 point performance. The last time these 2 teams met, resulted in a crazy game that feels forgotten at this point.
While the cast may be different, if they rolled out with this game it would display many offensive stars and a lot of fireworks.
New England Patriots
If Brady returns to the Pats, you may be able to pencil this game in as the game that kicks off the season. A rematch of one of the best AFC Championship games I have ever seen with many of the players still on the rosters from that game. 4 of the last 5 matchups with these teams have been decided by a touchdown or less, so you know these teams will both show up in the big stage. I feel like the league would be more than content with having these two teams kick off the season, but I do see one matchup that intrigues me a little more.
Houston Texans
A rematch of the divisional round this past year in which the Chiefs roared back from a 24 point deficit and went on a 41-0 run to secure their spot in the AFC Championship. This game produces many opportunities for players to prove they are among the elite in the AFC. Watson vs Mahomes. Hopkins vs Tyreek. Watt vs Clark. They are very similar when you look at what they build their roster around. Which is why the Texans won once in the regular season, and the Chiefs stormed back to win in the playoffs. I think these 2 teams are the future of the AFC and believe this would be the most thrilling matchup we can get to open the 2020 season.
Who do you think should open up the season in Arrowhead? Let us know what you guys think on twitter @thennowsports.
