NFL Week 1 Key Matchups To Watch: JJ McCarthy's MNF Debut, Micah Parsons vs Lions
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The storylines across the NFL spectrum runs deep and interesting in Week 1. This creates for a hefty amount of intriguing matchups to focus on come Sunday afternoon. Aaron Rodgers is taking revenge on the Jets, Travis Hunter makes his debut as does JJ McCarthy, and Micah Parsons plays his first game as a Packer. I am excited for the NFL season to kickoff its first Sunday tomorrow, and these are the key matchups to focus on.
Key Week 1 Matchups
Aaron Rodgers vs Jets (Revenge Game)
Aaron Rodgers' time as a New York Jet did not go as planned, but he finds a new, final home in Pittsburgh. Expect Aaron Glenn to send bodies towards Rodgers in an effort to fluster the veteran. How will it go down? Find out tomorrow at 1pm eastern.
Michael Penix Jr vs Buccaneers Defense/Todd Bowles
I am expecting a breakout season for this entire Falcons offense. I believe they can be top-five in the NFL without a doubt. Penix is up against it with Todd Bowles bringing out his defense to fluster the young quarterback. Bowles is among the best defensive play callers in football.
Travis Hunter vs Panthers Defense
This bigger matchup is really Travis Hunter facing the entire NFL. How will he translate? I believe that Travis Hunter is very raw, so I am interested to see how he both translates and progresses throughout his rookie campaign. I mark this matchup favorable for Hunter in Week 1.
Jayden Daniels vs Giants Defensive Front
This New York Giants defense is going to be fielding potentially the best defensive front in all of football. Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, and Kavon Thibodeaux... good luck. Jayden Daniels is going to need it. He must stay protected and get the ball out quick. This front is going to aid the Giants secondary in a much needed boost.
Lions Offense vs Micah Parsons
The addition of Micah Parsons has taken the NFL by storm in the past week. The Packers are now NFC North favorites and have pivoted to become a hot selection to win the super bowl. I still need to see it before I believe it. The Lions are with a new offensive coordinator. I will be curious to see how both the Lions offense and Packers defense adjust into 2025.
Davante Adams/Puka Nacua vs Texans Defense
The Houston Texans have fielded a very under-the-radar defense in the past couple seasons under DeMeco Ryans. Derek Stingley has become a top cornerback in all of football. Kamari Lassiter lines up on the other side and the team adds CJ Gardner-Johnson. How will the all-star cast of Adams and Nacua fair versus this secondary?
Caleb Williams vs JJ McCarthy (MNF)
There are so many questions mark surrounding both of these quarterbacks. Caleb Williams had a very underwhelming rookie season. It is up to Ben Johnson to switch the sophomore into first gear. Much has lingered about Caleb's indifference to hard work, but let him prove the people wrong.
As for JJ McCarthy, all we have is on solid preseason game. Many questions will be answered on monday night. This will help take shape for the other half of this ruthless NFC North division.
#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy on having to play his favorite team growing up for his NFL debut.
— NFC North News (@NFCNorthNewss) September 5, 2025
“I grew up a #Bears fan, it broke my heart to see my them pass on me for a different quarterback. Ohio state did something similar though, ask them how that turned out.”
WOW. 🍿👀 pic.twitter.com/PLb0mdlIJd
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Thomas Carelli is a sportswriter based on Northern New Jersey. He is a massive New York Jets and Mets fan, but that is not where is sports fandom stops. He loves to watch and play golf, all things football, baseball, and much more. If he can watch it, he will. Thomas graduated from William Paterson University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management. He spent 4 years working at a local golf course, volunteered past PGA events, and spent some part-time experience with the New York Jets events team. His passions for sport runs deep and his articles show for it.