Every year, one of the biggest offseason parlor games has been to figure out which team will play the Super Bowl champion to open the season on NBC. This upcoming season, the Rams have five home opponents that make the most sense.
Denver
This will be the game — no question — if Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers moves to the Broncos in the offseason. If Rodgers stays in Green Bay or moves elsewhere, the Broncos will not open the season in SoFi Stadium.
Buffalo
A team that is expected to compete for the AFC Championship, the Bills have a star quarterback in Josh Allen and an exciting offense. Expect this to be the selection if Rodgers does not move to the Mile High City.
Dallas
The NFL’s biggest ratings draw, a matchup against the Cowboys, makes the most sense. But Dallas opened the 2021 season at Tampa Bay, and the NFL is not likely to use the team as the Super Bowl champion’s Week 1 opponent two years in a row.
San Francisco
A rematch of the NFC Championship should be a big draw. But NBC does not want to open the season with two West Coast teams, which will hurt the ratings. And the NFL wants to stay away from the optics of having the Super Bowl champion’s fans outnumbered by their Week 1 opponent.
Las Vegas
The Raiders have the same problems as the 49ers. NBC doesn’t want two West Coast teams, and the NFL doesn’t want rowdy Raiders fans taking over the stadium.
