NFL Week 1 Overreactions and Underreactions

The NFL is back! Week 1 had plenty of close games and exciting new developments. Micah Parsons recorded his first sack as a Packer. Baltimore and Buffalo played an instant classic, and the Chargers and Chiefs played in Brazil on a Friday night. As always, there are plenty of overreactions and underreactions.

Photo by Myron Mott on Unsplash

NFL Week 1 Overreactions

Quarterbacks are at the front and center of NFL Week 1 overreactions.

Overreaction 1: The Bengals Are In Danger

The Cincinnati Bengals found themselves in a Week 1 fight with the Cleveland Browns, shocking everyone by eeking out a 17-16 victory. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins will be better. Their Pro Bowl track record speaks for itself. The Browns' defensive line, including Myles Garrett and rookie Mason Graham, gave Cinci some problems. Of the juggernaut offenses that struggled in Week 1, the Bengals seem the best bet to break out.

Overreaction 2: Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers just won't go away. He is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats. But his debut in Pittsburgh, a 34-32 victory over the Jets, shouldn't necessarily draw buy-in. Rodgers excels at getting his team to the playoffs. However, the AFC North includes the Baltimore Ravens (who look stellar), the Bengals (who struggled but should turn it around), and the Browns (who might surprise some fans). It's not an easy division. Rodgers spoke about his motivation to beat the Jets: "Happy to beat everybody with the Jets." Only time will tell if the victory holds any significance. The Jets appeared better, but the Jets' first-year coach, Aaron Glenn, has his work cut out for him.

Overreaction 3: Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones needs more than one good game to shed his reputation, but his three touchdowns in Week 1 help. Jones could be the next Saquon Barkley in terms of benefitting from leaving the Giants, but the celebration is premature. The Miami Dolphins joined the Lions for the most disappointing starts this year. Jones will likely have a few more strong games this year, with two matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. The matchup against the Denver Broncos this weekend will reveal whether Jones is "back" or if the Dolphins are "that bad."

NFL Week 1 Underreactions

The NFL Week 1 underreactions feature some of the league's best teams.

NFL Underreaction 1: The Bills Are THAT Good

The Buffalo Bills' 40-41 Week 1 victory against the Ravens had everything. Passing, running, and quarterbacks dueling it out. The Ravens looked great, but the Bills made a comeback to win. The defense stepped in the final 4 minutes, allowing Josh Allen to lead the offense to eliminate a 15-point deficit. Allen threw for 394 yards and a touchdown, along with two rushing TDs. The Jets have the unenviable task of trying to contain this offense next week.

Underreaction 2: The Ravens Are THAT Good

The Ravens may have lost to the Bills, but they looked just as good. Lamar Jackson had three TDs (one passing and two rushing), and Derrick Henry continues to dominate the NFL with 169 yards rushing and two TDS. That rushing duo should keep defensive coordinators up at night. Zay Flowers is another name to watch (143 yards). They played well enough to win. The Browns will have the opportunity to try to figure out this offense next week.

Underreaction 3: The Lions Will Be Okay

The Detroit Lions did not look good in their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Dan Campbell attempted to quiet the doubt, but the play in the trenches is cause for concern. The Lions have two first-year starters on the defensive line: Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge. The Lions also declined to add help to the pass rush while Aidan Hutchinson returns to form following his season-ending leg injury last year. Having problems on the offensive and defensive lines does not bode well for any team, and the Lions have one of the league's toughest schedules, including matchups against Rodgers, Burrow, Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes.

Best Games

Bills 41-40 Win Over the Ravens

Instant classic. Jackson. Allen. What more can anyone ask for?

Vikings 27-24 Win Over the Bears

Ben Johnson's first game in Chicago was overshadowed by J.J. McCarthy's first NFL game, passing touchdown, rushing touchdown, and comeback victory.

Steelers 34-32 Win Over the Jets

We all enjoy revenge tours. Rodgers got his Week 1.

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