The Blues got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start with goals from Marcos Alonso, Christian Pulisic and Trevor Chalobah sealing a 3-0 win over their London rivals at Stamford Bridge.
And having seen his Palace side comprehensively beaten, Arsenal legend Vieira believes Chelsea must be considered one of the favourites.
Alonso broke the deadlock inside half an hour with a customary bending free-kick into the top corner, while Pulisic doubled the advantage before half-time by pouncing on a spilled goalkeeper parry in the box.