Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.
For the entire offseason, we've speculated about which teams will have the best and worst offenses in the NFL. The preseason gave us further indicators, but coaches rarely game plan for their opponents in those games, and stars around the league played even more sparingly than usual this year. But now Week 1 is here, and below are three offenses to watch closely during the opening set of games. That isn't to say these three offenses will put up the most points this week, but they are ones to really keep your eye on. (Go back and check out Week 1 offenses to watch here.)
Texans (vs. Jaguars)
The obvious big story here: J.J. Watt returns! But there are other reasons to watch the Texans this weekend.
Romeo Crennel, an excellent defensive mind, now gives way to his disciple, Mike Vrabel, to lead what could be the NFL's best defense this season. Crennel excelled at lining five Texans defenders over the opponent's five offensive linemen, sometimes in unconventional alignments. Doing so often gave Houston advantageous one-on-one matchups up front, leading to direct penetration or pressure on the quarterback. Getting Watt back should massively increase those advantages.
The Jaguars are not very strong up front and Blake Bortles obviously has his issues, but Leonard Fournette is an immense talent and Jacksonville does have weapons in the passing game.
With an ailing offense of their own, it will be intriguing to see if the Texans can control their game with their outstanding defensive front for a divisional win. It should be Houston's recipe for the entire 2017 season.
Chargers (at Broncos)
Los Angeles has a chance to be exceptional on defense this year. Joey Bosa is the next great player in this league, Melvin Ingram is an ideal complement to him, and the cornerbacks excel in man-to-man coverage. Jason Verrett's return from injury is huge, too. The Chargers' defense could actually challenge their Week 1 opponent's this year as the best in the AFC West.
The unit isn't as strong up the middle as it is on the edges, but can Denver exploit that situation with Trevor Siemian leading the charge and zero depth at tight end? The Broncos' offensive line is also in a transitional stage, and they might not have much of a running game to lean on in order to take pressure off Siemian.
If Denver finds itself in unmanageable down-and-distance situations with regularity, the offense will be in huge trouble. Luckily Denver's defense is quite impressive in its own right, since the Broncos might need a special showing on that side of the ball to overcome Los Angeles.
Seahawks (at Packers)
We all know the reputation the Seahawks have earned defensively, but doing battle with Aaron Rodgers is probably the most challenging task an NFL defense can take on. This matchup between NFC powerhouses could have ramifications on playoff seeding, even though it's only Week 1.
The Packers still have a very good offensive line, but quality players from the unit have left town in each of the last two offseasons. Meanwhile, Seattle just traded for Sheldon Richardson. On passing downs, Rodgers will have to face the front four of Richardson and Michael Bennett on the interior with Cliff Avril and breakout candidate Frank Clark coming off the edge.
Seattle's elite safety tandem remains intact, with stalwarts like Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and K.J. Wright still playing outstanding football. It's also worth noting that Seattle used more man coverage last year; that approach is usually the most effective way to slow the Packers' receiving options.
This will be a stiff test for both the Packers' offense and the Seahawks' defense - and certainly worth the price of admission.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
