With only the Bills and the Jets still to play their opening game of the season, most NFL fans have now had the chance to watch their team in action. Some will be overjoyed with the first results, while others will be desperately hoping for a better outcome in Week 2. So who are the winners and losers of NFL Week 1, and what have we learned from the opening slate of games?
Cowboys Make a Dominant Start
Dallas fans certainly have a lot to celebrate from their first game. The Cowboys destroyed the Giants 40-0 at MetLife Stadium, delivering the New York team’s worst loss in 50 years. Dallas showed no mercy, sacking Giants QB Daniel Jones 7 times and scoring 19 points before they even recorded their first offensive touchdown. The Cowboys can always count on a passionate base of support, and this devastating display suggests they may actually live up to their fans’ huge expectations this season. America’s Team won’t shut opponents out every week, but the rest of their challengers will need to put up a much bigger fight than the Giants managed if the Cowboys momentum is to be slowed down.
Next up:
Dallas Cowboys v New York Jets (17 September 2023, AT&T Stadium)
Arizona Cardinals v New York Giants (17 September 2023, State Farm Stadium)
Chiefs Stunned by Impressive Lions
The defending Super Bowl champions were handed a shock defeat in the opening game of the new NFL season. Kansas City fell to Detroit by a single point, losing 21-20 in an upset that very few people saw coming. The Lions were down 14-7 at the half, but a spirited response and several silly errors from the Chiefs allowed Detroit back into the game. This was a gritty, determined performance by the Lions, who relied on a powerful ground game to keep themselves in the fight right to the end. The Chiefs have many more games to play, but going down 0-1 in the opening weekend was a nasty surprise for the reigning champions.
Next up:
Jacksonville Jaguars v Kansas City Chiefs (17 September 2023, TIAA Bank Field)
Detroit Lions v Seattle Seahawks (17 September 2023, Ford Field)
Browns Commanding in Bengals Rout
Relentless rain could not stop the Browns, who dominated the Bengals 24-3 in a gutting loss for Cincinnati. Fans in Cleveland can be very excited about the new season, with their team looking sharp on offense and untouchable in defence. Even Joe Burrow could not save the Bengals, and he was withdrawn in the 4th quarter after a disappointing display. The Browns pass rush proved highly successful against a Cincinnati defence that never quite got settled. These are still early days, but Bengals fans will be hoping for a much-improved side in Week 2.
Next up:
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns (18 September 2023, Acrisure Stadium)
Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens (17 September 2023, Paycor Stadium)