Even though it feels like the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 season is already over, there is technically one game left in Week 1. That’s right, other teams still have hope and excitement surrounding football. Other teams didn’t lose 47-10 to the New Orleans Saints. Other teams didn’t lose their most talented player of the season today. Other teams are the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets, who will face off in the final game of Week 1, featuring stars like Aaron Rodgers, fellow Jets players, Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy.

Tonight’s West Coast kickoff at 8:15 ET pits last season’s NFC Champions against one of the bigger question marks in the AFC. That question mark for the Jets isn’t the same as the one for the Panthers. Their team’s talent and reputation are relatively unassailable. They have to ask how much gas Rodgers has left in the tank. They’ll field a talented and well-coached defense under head coach Robert Saleh. But can a 40-year-old Rodgers maintain his once elite level of play a year after tearing his left Achilles tendon?

As ever in our brave new world of expanded sports betting, it’s easier to bet on games than it is to watch them. You can check out the current odds for all the NFL games for Week 1 right here on FanDuel.

I’ve been a fan of everything the 49ers have done over the years and I always enjoy seeing McCaffrey succeed in greener pastures. I’m not sold on Saleh’s defense – or any defense – against 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and I’m not sold on Rodgers’ return to form. I may eat those words, but an Achilles tendon is tough to repair when you’re in your early 30s in this league. That’s why I’m going with the San Francisco 49ers to win tonight.

I’d change that prediction in the first quarter if Rodgers gets tackled by Alijah Vera-Tucker, his right guard, and Vera-Tucker gets flagged for roughing the passer. Barring that Panthers-esque scenario, I’m sticking with the 49ers in a high-octane shootout.

As always, use this space to talk about the action as it unfolds.

You know how it works.

This is now an open thread!