Week 1 Over Reactions
The NFL is officially back! Week one was drama-filled, and the storylines have already begun to write themselves. From the “Toe Game” between Ravens and Cheifs to Daniel Jones's “Fiasco in the Meadowlands,” it’s been nonstop action-packed!
Here are 8 of our Week 1 over reactions:
The Cleveland Browns are doomed. Deshaun Watson signed a historical five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022, and seems he wants to avoid playing football at all costs. With another sexual assault case looming, the Browns likely will look for an out clause in Watson's contract. Nick Chubbs is out; the sky is falling, and the season’s over.
Giants 0-16. Daniel Jones is the defense's 12th man. Any time he’s on the field, it's an interception waiting to happen. Bad things are bound. The Giants recently gave Jones a mega four-year, $160 million contract and let their true best player, Saquon Barkley, walk to their division rival Philidelphia Eagles, who won a Super Bowl in 2017 and lost in 2023 to the Chiefs. Since signing the extension, Jones has thrown more pick-sixes than touchdowns to his actual teammates(2).
Raiders will forever live in oblivion. Antonio Pierce came in hot with high energy and great pep talks. His aura was surely felt, and a good percentage of the population was convinced he was fearlessly about change.
Joe Burrow is the Anthony Davis of the NFL, and the team's Super Bowl window has closed with this iteration. Joe Burrow cannot stay healthy, and cap space is creeping up. Heading into his fifth season, Burrow has been injured for two of them, and this current one is off to a bad start.
The Kansas City Chiefs are head and shoulders the best team in the league. At absolute worst, the Chiefs will be 13-4. 17-0 is definitely on the board, and a threepeat almost seems inevitable. Xavior Worthy appears to be the missing explosive piece, but post Tyreek Hill and Mahomes, Kecle’s connection is still as good as ever.
Russell WIlson’s time in Pittsburgh is over. Although Wilson won the starting job in the offseason QB competitions, a late calf injury kept him out of the starting role for Game 1. Justin Fields stepped in, and although he did not blow everyone out of the water, he did just enough to ensure the win for the Steelers and keep the starting job into week two.
Baker Mayfield is the franchise quarterback for the post-Brady era Buccaneers. Last season, Mayfield led the Bucs to the playoffs and even won a game over the defending NFC champion Eagles. Fresh off a three-year, $100 million extension signed in March 2024, Baker has picked up right where he left off.
Sam Darnold is the answer. The Jets were the problem. Darnold threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns, one interception on 19-24 completions, and a 113.2 QB rating. Is it more the Giants suck, or Darnold finally put it together? Either way, Darnold is in a better situation now than before.
What would you add to or takeaway from this list? How do you feel about Week 1 of NFL football! Comment your thoughts below!