This past week (Aug. 31 – Sep. 6) marked the start of the NFL season. The Start of Sunday night lights, tailgates, and stadiums filled with seas of the team’s different colors. On Thursday, the Philadelphia Eagles picked up a season-opening win against the Dallas Cowboys, 24-20, during the season kickoff game. The main highlights from the game were Jalen Hurts scoring two touchdowns and Philadelphia recording a shutout in the second half, securing their win. In other big news, the first-ever week one game played in South America happened on Friday in São Paolo, Brazil, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers. There, the Chargers triumphed with a 27-21 victory. The biggest thing from that game was Chiefs Wide Receiver (WR) Xavier Worthey receiving a shoulder injury when he collided with fellow teammate, Travis Kelce, on a crossing route after only playing three offensive snaps.
A key AFC matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills saw two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, face off. The Ravens sought revenge for a playoff loss but were ultimately unsuccessful with the Bills scoring a field goal in the last minute to make the final score 41- 40. It seems as though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have woken up from a long slumber as they won against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Most of the day was spent grinding out drives, none seeming to amount to much. But Quarterback Baker Mayfield led a 63-yard sprint over five plays, leading to a throw through the middle of the field for a 25-yard touchdown pass to rookie Emeka Egbuka, seemingly injecting life into the Buccaneers offense. They will, however, need to remain consistent over the coming weeks if they want to maximize their chances of victory.
Travis Hunter seems to be the name on most Jacksonville Jaguars fans’ tongues. His first game was one of the most anticipated debuts in years. Known for his ability to dominate on both sides of the football, many were left wondering how his first game with the Jaguars would look. Would he play offense? Would he play defense? Both? The Jaguars left their plans for Hunter close right up until their game against the Carolina Panthers. The reveal? Hunter was listed as an offensive starter and entered the game sporadically on defense. “It [Playing Defense] was maybe a little bit less for him this game,” Said first-year Jaguars coach Liam Cohan after the game, via a team transcript. “I think it will only continue to evolve.”
With week 2 upon us and the Washington Commanders visiting the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, many have their sights set on certain outcomes. Ben Solak (ESPN) predicts that the Packers will dominate the Commanders on Thursday. And I would have to agree, rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. struggled in his first week and is now up to face Micah Parsons, who seemed good in limited action week 1. Jordan Love, alongside the Packers’ offense, looked great during both halves of their first game. In a quick turnaround, with some luck, the Packers could get starting cornerback Nate Hobbs back for this game. But ultimately, Green Bay looks like they are going to come out on top.
The Cincinnati Bengals will be taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, and after their 17-16 win over Cleveland, I think they may just be bouncing back. While the Bengals’ offense, alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, seemed to lack rhythm and efficacy, going up against the Jaguars’ defense, they might just have a chance. Also happening on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I would bet that the Seahawks will be taking this win. That offensive performance at home against the San Francisco 49ers was amazing. Two hundred thirty total yards and just 4.6 yards per play, with new wide receiver Cooper Kupp registering only 15 yards on two receptions. Their defense will be key to winning against the Steelers.
There are a handful of games sitting on good 6-point teaser numbers this week: Rams -6.5, Cardinals -6.5 and Patriots +1.5, just to name three. L.A. is on the road at Tennessee, and though the Titans held against the Broncos in week 1, it’ll be a difficult test for Cam Ward to go up against the Rams’ front. The Cardinals will take on the Panthers this week, but it could be anyone’s game, especially after Bryce Young’s week one performance. Speaking of poor performances, the Miami Dolphins seemed to be the most dysfunctional team on the field. Could this be an end to their run in the first week?
Ultimately, there are no guarantees when it comes to the NFL. Even just one collision during a game can reset the entire trajectory. Nothing is cut and dry, and all we can do is wait.
