Week 1 of the NFL season will give fans the first true look at rookies who could become instant impact players in the League. Some of those rookies will immediately find themselves in big-time player matchups.
And if you're looking for a place to bet on week one (and the entire season's) action, there are plenty of online bookmakers to consider as you prepare for the 2018 season.
Here's a look at some of the top rookies who are likely to play beginning in week one, and the opponents they will face in their first action.
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Saquon Barkley, RB — New York Giants
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AP Photo/Frank Franklin II[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley figures to be the starter at running back for the New York Giants, and he'll immediately be tested in week one when the Giants take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last year Jacksonville finished No. 2 in the league in points allowed (16.8 per game) and total yards allowed (286.1 per game), but were a little more lenient against the run (116.3 yards per game, 21st in the league).
Will Saquon Barkley have a big debut against the Jaguars? Or will Jacksonville, who also invested early draft picks on defense (defensive tackle Taven Bryan, safety Ronnie Harrison) show up big against the former Penn State running back?
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Bradley Chubb, DE — Denver Broncos
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AP Photo/David Zalubowski[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
The Broncos added Bradley Chubb to a defense that already features Von Miller, Derek Wolf and other top defensive talent. But like we saw with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, having a strong rotation on the defensive line is a good thing.
Chubb will get his chance to impact the game, and will be up against one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league. The Seahawks are actively trying to improve their offensive line, but even if you get past the offensive tackle, getting Russell Wilson to the turf is another battle.
Will Chubb record a sack in his first NFL action?
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Mike McGlinchey, OT — San Francisco 49ers
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AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
The 49ers drafted Mike McGlinchey and traded Trent Brown during the 2018 NFL Draft, a sure sign they intend to start McGlinchey at right tackle opposite Joe Staley week 1 when they face the Minnesota Vikings.
It will be a tall task for McGlinchey, as the Vikings have no shortage of talent on the defensive side of the ball. McGlinchey will have his hands full with Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr and the other talented defenders up and down Minnesota's depth chart.
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Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB — Miami Dolphins
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AP Photo/David J. Phillip[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Minkah Fitzpatrick is likely to start week one for the Dolphins at nickel back, and will certainly see snaps early in his career.
He will have some tough covers in week one against a Tennessee squad that features receivers Rishard Matthews, Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor as well as tight ends Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith and running back Dion Lewis out of the backfield.
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Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson
CBs, Green Bay Packers
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Jaire Alexander (23) and Josh Jackson (37). AP Photos/Mike Roemer[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Chicago Bears
The Packers' top two draft picks, cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson, figure to see action right away in 2018. The Packers have struggled at the position for years, and hope this duo can be long-term impact players along with 2017 top pick Kevin King.
They'll get their first action against a Bears' team that has focused on surrounding Mitchell Trubisky with weapons. Chicago signed Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel and drafted Anthony Miller to form a solid wide receiver group around an already dynamic running back duo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.
The Packers' defense will get a primetime challenge right off the bat in the first Sunday Night Football game of the season.
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Quenton Nelson, G — Indianapolis Colts
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AP Photo/Michael Conroy[/credit]
Week 1 Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
With or without Andrew Luck starting, Quenton Nelson will be the week one left guard for the Indianapolis Colts. The 6th overall pick will be in action early for his new team.
He'll face a Cincinnati defensive front that features the likes of Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins among other talented defenders.
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NEXT: 5 Best NFL Week 1 Matchups to Begin the 2018 Season
