NFL Week 1: What's at Stake for Teams, Players This Weekend?

We’ve finally made it, fellow football fans. The first week of the regular season has arrived, and it was officially underway Thursday night as the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off. Including a special Monday night doubleheader, there are 15 games to be played between Sunday and Monday Night Football.

The first game of the year seems to have more at stake for teams and players, but that is not always the case with a 16-week schedule. Remember, the San Francisco 49ers clobbered the Dallas Cowboys one year ago, and we know how that had little bearing on the rest of the season. The long journey to the playoffs will begin for certain teams, while other franchises will start focusing on the 2016 NFL draft sooner than later.

Which direction will your team go this year? The offseason often breeds unprecedented optimism, but not every team will fulfill its potential. Week 1 can help us see what will unfold the rest of the way.

We’ve picked out eight situations across the league that will be closely followed in Week 1. Some future Hall of Famers must show they’re still on top of the mountain. Once-destitute franchises need to prove they’re ready to right the ship and make a playoff push.

What’s your prediction for how each proposition will turn out? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs: Was the Preseason a Fluke?

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

To this point in his career, Alex Smith has been the ultimate definition of a game manager. His 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2014 is a great ratio, but also one that was forged because he’s unwilling to make difficult passes. His penchant to check down to his backs and underneath tight ends has held the Chiefs back in key games.

It was just two games in the preseason, but Smith looked much more aggressive in exhibition games than he has before. Maybe the addition of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was the spark. But the Chiefs must have Smith replicate a preseason where he went 27-of-36 for 252 yards and three touchdowns.

Smith may not be an elite quarterback, but he must provide the occasional big play as a passer. Even if that means he has more turnovers, Smith must be more assertive in his passing attempts. He can begin transforming his image in Week 1 against the Houston Texans if he continues what he showed in the preseason.

Seattle Seahawks: NFC West Supremacy

Matt York/Associated Press

The Seattle Seahawks have had an amazing choke-hold on the NFC the last two seasons. Can they make a third consecutive Super Bowl? The landscape across the NFL has changed, but Seattle still looks like the favorite to come out of a dangerous division to give itself the chance.

The NFC West has been incredibly competitive over the last half-decade. With San Francisco’s possible demise and the St. Louis Rams still struggling to create on offense, that leaves Seattle and Arizona as the top competitors for the division. We saw last season that Arizona is absolutely a legitimate threat to beat the Seahawks if quarterback Carson Palmer can stay on the field.

With locker room issues that have spurred contract disputes with star safety Kam Chancellor and defensive Michael Bennett, can the Seahawks continue their excellence? Their Week 1 matchup against the Rams must show an improved offensive line, as well as a team that is still focused. It’s hard to sustain the level of success that the Pacific Northwest has seen from the Seahawks.

Buffalo Bills: Where Do the Points Come From?

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

The Buffalo Bills have one of the most talented and dominant defenses in the NFL. Combining that unit with defensive guru Rex Ryan as the head coach will possibly make the Bills even more effective as a defensive unit. But the questions are on the offensive side of the ball.

Ryan’s career has been plagued by bad choices on offense. His handling of quarterbacks has been nothing but poor. Credit to he and offensive coordinator Greg Roman for identifying Tyrod Taylor as the best quarterback for this team, despite Taylor starting the offseason as the underdog.

Although we agree Taylor earned the job, he’s thrown just 35 career NFL passes, and his collegiate resume wasn’t impressive. Whether he can move the ball consistently and put the offense in a position to score will be the biggest question about this team all season. LeSean McCoy’s injury woes and possible decline could put even more pressure on Taylor.

The Bills, backed by a raucous home crowd, could upset the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. The key to victory will be Taylor’s performance.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: Has the Decline Begun?

Jeffrey Phelps/Associated Press

We saw a shift from the New Orleans Saints offense in 2014, and that transformation was confirmed this past offseason. Instead of being a vertical passing attack that featured Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, New Orleans now will be more horizontal and run-oriented. That will keep quarterback Drew Brees’ stats looking good, but it will hide his decline.

Part of the reason New Orleans chose to move on from Graham and Stills is for their individual struggles. But Brees also couldn’t maximize their talents anymore, as his arm was simply less accurate working downfield. This became blatantly obvious as the season concluded.

Some quarterbacks, like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, have adjusted well as they age and wear down. Brees no longer has great weapons, and his defense looks to be very poor once again. Whether he can compensate and continue to work magic will be a huge storyline this season.

Cincinnati Bengals: Has This Team Peaked?

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Although the Cincinnati Bengals have made the playoffs four out of the five previous seasons, the franchise hasn’t earned a win there since 1990. A middling quarterback that never improved since entering the NFL and a roster that seems to have peaked are the main culprits. As good of a job as head coach Marvin Lewis has done transforming the Bengals’ image, he’s been unable to get his team over the hump.

Cincinnati kicks off against the Oakland Raiders after another ho-hum offseason transaction wire. Signing Michael Johnson back should help with their pass-rushing problem, but they failed to upgrade any of their starters in the draft. The long-term outlook is still good because this franchise has acquired solid talent in the draft in previous seasons, but where’s the upside in this roster?

The pressure will again be on Andy Dalton to perform when the lights are bright. Running backs Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill are good enough to keep the Bengals in tight games, but Dalton’s penchant for bad turnovers and limited big plays must end in 2015. A hot start to the season against the Raiders would give him positive momentum.

Peyton Manning: Does His Arm Have Enough Left?

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Whether looking at late 2014 film or the preseason, Peyton Manning does not look like an overly good quarterback anymore. His arm strength has never been a major positive of his game, but it’s now greatly limiting his ability to push the ball down the field. Defenses can simply sit and wait for his flailing throws because they know he’s inaccurate past 15 yards.

Manning’s mind is still elite, but his body has to prove to us he’s still a championship-level quarterback. Can his arm open enough passing windows and running lanes for the Broncos offense to be Super Bowl-worthy? Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens is a great test.

Baltimore loves to bring the pressure and force quick passes. Manning’s inability to move in the pocket is a hindrance that could decide the game. All eyes will be on Manning’s impact level at 39 years old.

San Francisco 49ers: Can They Return to Winning Ways?

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers are likely happy this offseason has concluded after hemorrhaging talent to retirement. A new head coach and offensive scheme have provided some sense of hope that the franchise can get back to being a playoff contender, but this team has to overcome the tough cards dealt to it. It's one of the most difficult teams to peg entering the season with all of the new faces.

Pressure will be high, and tension could begin as soon as Week 1 is in the books. With veterans like NaVorro Bowman, Anquan Boldin and Antoine Bethea mixed into a very young roster and an inexperienced head coach in Jim Tomsula, the 49ers may not be able to hold on and endure the ups and downs of the season. Facing the upstart Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football is a chance for this team to start off on the right foot.

Getting quarterback Colin Kaepernick to take the next step in his development will be critical, but so will finding impact players on both sides of the ball. Second-year running back Carlos Hyde is a tremendous talent, and adding Torrey Smith should help too. The 49ers defense must somehow compensate losing so many familiar impact players with first-year starters

Jadeveon Clowney: Is He Ready to Fulfill His Potential?

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Jadeveon Clowney suffered a major knee injury just about one year ago, causing him to miss most of the 2014 season. He’s now fully healthy, which should scare opponents. Clowney could be the perfect running mate for defensive end J.J. Watt and the Texans to build around.

It may be hard to remember now, but Clowney was a dominant pass-rusher who wins with athleticism and refined hand techniques. He battled through injuries at South Carolina, which was the opposite of the narrative some media pushed and showed he loves the game of football. Now it’s time for him to fully justify his No. 1 pick status.

The Kansas City Chiefs offer an interesting challenge for Clowney. 2013 No. 1 pick Eric Fisher was moved to right tackle, leaving Donald Stephenson at left tackle. Stephenson is not a consistent player, but his athleticism helps cover some technical flaws. We could see a monstrous 2015 debut from Clowney if he’s completely back to form.  

All stats used are from NFL.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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