Sunday takeaways (Week 1)

By: Josh Frey-Sam

I predicted the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship for a reason.

That Sunday Nighter was one of the best I can recall — an instant classic. The only thing missing was snow on the ground and a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Lamar Jackson and the offence were on cruise control for three quarters, and then Josh Allen went on autopilot.

My takeaway from that game was that it won’t be the last time we see those two teams match up this season, and next time, the stakes will be much higher than Week 1. Also, if you had any doubts before, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson will both be in the running for another MVP in 2025.

Sunday’s slate was pretty good top to bottom.

We had nine games end within one possession, four games end within three points and two walk-off field goals.

Every Monday, I’ll give a brief takeaway from every game. It could be fantasy-related, something to do with Xs and Os or just a big picture view about one or both of the teams from the game.

FYI — my Saturday morning Briefs going forward will be answering some start/sit decisions for fantasy football. I will send out a little reminder every Friday to get your questions in, so be sure to look out for those.

Let’s get into my Sunday takeaways from Week 1:

Arizona 20, New Orleans 13

The Cardinals continue to be a team that is miserable to watch. I get that they were on the road to open, but there is no reason that a team with playoff aspirations could not handle business cleaner against the Saints. Everything looks difficult on offence.

Indianapolis 33, Miami 8

Wtf was that, Miami? An impressive Colts debut from Daniel Jones was overshadowed by an eye-watering performance from the Fins’ offence. If I’m Dolphins’ owner, Stephen Ross, I’m giving Mike McDaniels six games to figure this out before he’s canned. Their next five games: vs. Patriots, @ Bills, vs. Jets, @ Panthers, vs. Chargers.

Las Vegas 20, New England 13

Online fantasy doctors are predicting a mild MCL or PCL injury for Brock Bowers — not season-ending. In any case, it’s a tough blow for this Raiders team after a huge road win. Side note: Be patient, TreVeyon Henderson owners…

Pittsburgh 34, New York Jets 32

This one was unexpected, but fun, nonetheless. Impressive day from Justin Fields. Even better from Aaron Rodgers, who, despite his wheels not working like they once did, was uber-efficient from the pocket. And yet, the biggest surprise of the day was probably Breece Hall. I think the Steelers’ defence will be fine going forward, though.

Washington 21, New York Giants 6

The roars for Jaxson Dart are going to get loud if this keeps up from the Giants' offence, but Brian Daboll is in a tough spot with a brutal schedule. There aren’t many favourable spots to plug the rookie into.

Jacksonville 26, Carolina 10

This was a weird one with a lengthy weather delay. Boy, that was an uninspiring performance by the Panthers’ offence. The only thing I left encouraged by was the usage of Chuba Hubbard and Tet McMillan.

Cincinnati 17, Cleveland 16

Did either of these teams want this game? It’s amazing that Dustin Hopkins lost that training camp battle. The Browns need a kicker — BAD. Dylan Sampson looked AWESOME. It’s unfortunate that Quinshon Judkins is probably returning this week.

Tampa Bay 23, Atlanta 20

Good ball game. I might trade for Drake London in every fantasy league. Emeka Egbuka shines — as if we expected anything else.

San Francisco 17, Seattle 13

Mike Macdonald is going to have that Seahawks’ defence playing good ball again this season. Seattle is going to have to win in scrappy dogfights all season. Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall is going to hog targets in the Niners’ offence if Kittle is out.

Denver 20, Tennessee 12

Was anyone else worried about their survivor pick? I never panicked, but man, Bo Nix did everything in his power to give this game away. A really bad opening performance from the Broncos’ offence. Titans’ defence punched above its weight class, but you can’t expect that every week. Cam Ward looked solid, all things considered.

Green Bay 27, Detroit 13

Hell of an opener from the Packers, who dominated this game from start to finish. For as good as the offence looked, it was the defence that stole the show. Don’t be surprised to see Jeff Hafley’s name in head coaching conversations in the next cycle of head coaching interviews.

Los Angeles Rams 14, Houston 9

The Texans’ offence carried over its struggles from last season. That re-tooled offensive line could hinder that team all year.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh