NFL Week 1 Preview: Bold Upsets, Breakout Stars & Primetime Predictions (Ep. 2177)

September 8, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Christian Gonzalez Gets Paid, Week One Island Games, and Bold Predictions

The New England Patriots locked up cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a four-year, $135 million deal with $202 million guaranteed just before the season kicks off, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Andrew Erickson called it a well-deserved deal, noting that Gonzalez was "the one bright spot in the Super Bowl" and recalling how the Patriots nearly passed on him in the draft. "Bill Belichick was actually pushing to draft Keon White with that draft pick, and not Christian Gonzalez," Erickson said. "Somebody at the table said, 'Bill, we can get Keon White later. We have to take Christian Gonzalez.'" The timing of the extension, just days before a Wednesday night opener against Seattle, adds pressure: if Gonzalez sits out, the Patriots secondary could be exposed against Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks passing attack.

Patriots-Seahawks: Running Game Questions and Defensive Matchups

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What you'll learn

1 (00:44) **Show Kickoff & Christian Gonzalez Mega-Deal** - The hosts open Week 1 previews and immediately break down the Patriots locking up CB Christian Gonzalez as the highest-paid cornerback ever.
2 (05:58) **Patriots Backfield: Rhamondre Stevenson Set to Lead** - Trevion Henderson’s absence from practice makes Rhamondre Stevenson the clear workhorse for Week 1.
3 (08:30) **Jeremiah Love Injury Update** - The Cardinals rookie is trending toward playing, but his usage may be limited.
4 (10:03) **Alec Pierce & Colts Passing Game** - Pierce is expected to play, but his role might be as a deep decoy to open up the middle of the field.
5 (11:33) **Falcons Offense Under Kirk Cousins vs. Steelers** - The hosts worry that Atlanta’s offense will struggle mightily in a tough road environment against Pittsburgh.
6 (15:40) **Giants Cut Darius Slayton** - The move signals confidence in Malik Nabers’ health and a potential shift to more multiple tight-end sets.
7 (18:58) **Island Game #1: Patriots vs. Seahawks Preview** - A look at the Wednesday night matchup, with Seattle as a 3.5-point favorite.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson Chris Welsh Pat Fitzmaurice

Show Notes

Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Andrew Erickson break down the biggest primetime matchups, starting with Drake Maye and the New England Patriots visiting the defending champion Seattle Seahawks before previewing the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Australia, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants, and Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Then it's time to get bold. Can the Miami Dolphins upset the Las Vegas Raiders? Will the Indianapolis Colts shock Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens? Get the matchups, fantasy takeaways, upset picks, and bold predictions you need before Week 1 kicks off.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Christian Gonzalez - 0:00:40

TreVeyon Henderson - 0:05:14

Jeremiyah Love - 0:07:43

Alec Pierce - 0:09:10

Tua Tagovailoa - 0:11:02

Darius Slayton - 0:15:00

Signed Todd Gurley Jersey Giveaway - 0:17:33

Patriots/Seahawks Preview - 0:18:19

49ers/Rams Preview - 0:25:45

Polymarket - 0:32:17

Cowboys/Giants Preview - 0:33:24

Broncos/Chiefs Preview - 0:37:43

Week 1 Bold Predictions - 0:41:10

Dolphins/Raiders - 0:41:21

Colts/Ravens - 0:46:19

Derrick Henry - 0:48:18

Jaguars/Browns - 0:50:39

Quentin Johnston - 0:54:59

Outro - 0:57:48

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