The weekend marked the return of the much anticipated NFL season with 16 games to keep American Football fans entertained. The Super Bowl 2023 Champions kicked off a bumper weekend of action as Kansas City Chiefs played host to Detroit Lions.
However, it wasn’t all plain-sailing for the Chiefs as they saw themselves open their campaign with defeat to the Lions in a close affair. The Lions won 21-20 as 2023 Champions saw their hopes of defending their title take a small blow. Patrick Mahomes, 2023’s MVP, found even his best efforts weren’t enough to get his side over the line.
The quarterback scored two touchdowns as well as passing for 226 yards but it wasn’t enough for the Chiefs. In fact, it was David Montgomery, in his first season for the Lions after moving from Chicago Bear, who was the difference between the sides squeezing through the defensive line to score the deciding touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs, who are unsurprisingly favourites to win the 2024 Super Bowl, will be keen to get back to winning ways as they travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars in order to give themselves the best chance of defending their title.
Elsewhere, Philadelphia Eagles saw off the Patriots in a close-fought encounter while Brock Purdy steered San Franciso 49ers to a comfortable victory over the Steelers. The Niners The Buffalo Bills got their season off to a disappointing start as they were beaten by New York Jets. The Jets won the game 22-16 after finishing bottom of the table in the East division last season.
It’s hard to say at this stage who will win the Superbowl but there will be plenty of competition from other sides including the Cowboys with an emphatic 40-0 victory over the Giants with two touchdowns courtesy of Tony Pollard. There are plenty of teams who are hoping to be in with a chance of making it to Nevada.
Not only will Patrick Mahomes be keen to steer his side towards glory once again, he will also be hoping to retain his status as MVP (most valuable player) after being crowned last year. However, it won’t be easy with many hoping to knock him off the top spot including Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagavailoa.
After Jalen Hurts finished a heartbreaking second place in MVP voting last season, he will be hoping to claim the individual title for the Eagles for the first time since Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. Meanwhile teammates Tagavailoa and Herbert will hope they can both carry their side to victory while being the pivotal player in the Dolphins lineup.
Four time MVP winner Aaron Rodgers is out for the season as the New York Jets quarterback suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Widely considered as one of the best quarterbacks of all time, now 40 years old, his remaining playing days in the NFL could be in doubt.
Joe Burrow and Josh Allen will also look to challenge as they hope to help their team’s have a successful campaign. Burrow will be looking to become only the third MVP in Cincinnati Bengals’ history, while Josh Allen will battle it out for the Bills in an effort for the Championship as well.
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