Five NFL stars who could have a miserable Week 1

NFL stars aren't given a grace period just because it's Week 1. Unfortunately for a few of the league's biggest names, the schedule didn't exactly hand them a warm-up game.

Some are facing elite defenses, others have protection problems and one is returning to a place that has been downright miserable for him. These five stars could have a rough Sunday.

Josh Allen could revisit his Houston Texans nightmare

There aren't many places Josh Allen would rather avoid than Houston.

The Buffalo Bills are 0-4 in Allen's four career starts there, and he has thrown just one touchdown against three interceptions with a 74.0 passer rating in those games. Houston made things even uglier last season by sacking him eight times.

Allen can wreck any defense when he's rolling. The Texans have repeatedly shown they're capable of making sure that doesn't happen.

Jayden Daniels is missing a huge piece against Philadelphia Eagles

Daniels gets Philadelphia on the road. That's difficult enough before considering who won't be protecting him.

Washington lost five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a torn triceps during training camp. Brandon Coleman is expected to replace him against the Eagles.

Daniels' mobility can erase plenty of protection problems. Spending an afternoon escaping pressure instead of attacking downfield isn't how Washington wants to start the season.

C.J. Stroud gets no easy start to a huge season

Stroud enters an important fourth season without a contract extension and immediately gets Buffalo.

The Bills allowed an NFL-low 156.9 passing yards per game last season. Houston also rebuilt the offensive line in front of Stroud, meaning the group gets very little time to figure things out before facing one of last season's stingiest pass defenses.

Stroud is betting on himself this year. His first hand might be an ugly one.

Terry McLaurin draws one of football's toughest assignments

McLaurin would probably appreciate a softer opening opponent.

Philadelphia allowed just six receiving touchdowns to wide receivers last season, tied for the fewest in football. McLaurin is also trying to rebound after injuries limited him to 10 games and three touchdowns in 2025.

Washington needs its top receiver back at full strength. Philadelphia isn't exactly volunteering to help with that.

Jordan Love has to solve Brian Flores immediately

Love doesn't get much time to settle into the new season.

The Minnesota Vikings defense might lack overwhelming star power, but defensive coordinator Flores has built a reputation around disguising pressure and making quarterbacks uncomfortable. The Green Bay Packers now walk directly into that problem in a divisional opener.

Love has the weapons to make Minnesota pay. He could also spend Sunday afternoon trying to decipher where the next blitz is coming from before the ball is even snapped.

Week 1 always creates a few performances nobody sees coming. For these five stars, the bigger surprise might be escaping Sunday without at least a few headaches.