NFC South heading into Week 1

While much of New Orleans and the the gulf coast region continues to handle the afternoon of Hurricane Ida, football is beginning for the NFL. While our thoughts and prayers are with those who live in areas affected by the storms, there are still games to be played - even if they’re going to be played in a different city. All four NFC South terms were supposed to be playing in their home stadiums in Week 1, but Mother Nature had other plans.

The New Orleans Saints, originally scheduled to open the season at home in the newly-minted Caesars Superdome Sunday afternoon, will now have their “home” game moved to Jacksonville where they will “host” Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff against the Packers is scheduled for 3:25 CT Sunday.

For the second year in a row, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have the luxury of playing a road game against the Saints without having to deal with 70,000+ Who Dat faithful in the stands as last year’s capacity was limited due to Covid-19.

Earlier in the day, the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers each have their respective home openers in their actual home stadiums, with the Falcons hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in a “Battle of the Birds,” and the Panthers hosting the New York Jets. Aside from Matt Ryan, this pair of noon kickoffs will feature a trio of young quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts for Philly (23 years old), Zack Wilson for New York (22), and Sam Darnold for Carolina (24).

The reigning Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers open the 2021 NFL season, hosting Dak Prescott (maybe?) and the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff between Tom Brady and “America’s Team” is set for 7:20 p.m. CT Thursday.

The Saints will clearly have the toughest opponent of all the NFC South teams in action this week, but let’s take care of business so we don’t have to make up ground later. #BeatthePackers

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