First Impressions: What We Learned From the NFL’s Opening Week
The 2024 NFL season kicked off with a thrilling Week 1, showcasing incredible performances and unexpected outcomes across the league. From rookie sensations making their mark to established stars reaffirming their dominance, Week 1 was nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Teams and players are already setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable season, while fantasy football managers and sports bettors are recalibrating strategies based on the early results.
Caleb Williams Shines in His NFL Debut
In his highly anticipated NFL debut, Caleb Williams lived up to the hype as the No. 1 overall pick. Williams became the first quarterback drafted at No. 1 to win his debut since 2002. Although his performance wasn’t flawless, he showed flashes of brilliance, completing crucial passes under pressure. His early struggles, reflected by three off-target incompletions on throws of 15 or more yards and multiple batted passes, didn’t deter him.
The Chicago Bears leaned on special teams and defensive plays, including three field goals by Cairo Santos, a blocked punt returned by safety Jonathan Owens, and a pick-six to secure their Week 1 victory despite generating just 148 yards of offense.
Cowboys Outclass the Browns
Dak Prescott led the Dallas Cowboys to a commanding victory over the Cleveland Browns with a performance that emphasized complementary football. Prescott threw for 156 yards in the first half alone, outpacing what five quarterbacks managed against the Browns over five games last season. He also threw a touchdown, while the Cowboys’ defense delivered a dominant performance, sacking the Browns’ quarterback multiple times.
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Eric Kendricks all recorded sacks, with Kendricks also snagging his first interception since 2016. KaVontae Turpin’s punt return touchdown in the third quarter capped off a complete team effort for the Cowboys, showing that this formula will be hard to beat moving forward.
Bo Nix’s Tough Start for the Broncos
Bo Nix experienced growing pains in his NFL debut as the Denver Broncos’ rookie quarterback. The Seattle Seahawks’ defense disrupted Nix throughout the game, forcing two interceptions and two sacks in the first half. Nix’s discomfort was evident as he averaged just 3 yards per attempt on 22 throws by halftime.
Although head coach Sean Payton continued to call passing plays, Nix managed to redeem himself late in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard rushing touchdown. The Broncos may need to shift towards a more run-heavy offense to compensate for Nix’s development over the next few games.
Chargers’ Offensive Struggles Raise Concerns
J.K. Dobbins stood out as the lone bright spot in an otherwise struggling Chargers offense during Week 1. Dobbins rushed for 135 yards on 10 carries, including a 61-yard run in the fourth quarter, marking his second-longest play from scrimmage of his career.
Despite Dobbins’ brilliance, the Chargers’ offense struggled in the red zone, gaining only 6 yards on six red zone plays in the first three quarters. The team finally found the end zone late in the game, with a touchdown rush from Dobbins and a receiving score from Ladd McConkey. The Chargers’ offensive woes, particularly in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert, will need to be addressed moving forward.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Offensive Firepower
Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was firing on all cylinders in Week 1, with the team punting only once throughout the game. Mayfield connected for touchdowns with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan.
Godwin, rejuvenated in the slot, played a pivotal role on third downs, while the running back duo of Rachaad White and Bucky Irving averaged 5.76 yards per touch. Tampa Bay’s balanced attack proved too much for the Washington Commanders, raising expectations for Mayfield’s chemistry with his receivers this season.
Commanders’ Offense Lacks Firepower
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels struggled to find a rhythm, hindered by the lack of support from his offensive weapons. The Commanders managed only one offensive play of more than 30 yards, a short pass to Brian Robinson Jr. that went for a big gain.
The receivers struggled to create separation, and the running game didn’t open enough holes. Daniels will need to do more if his surrounding cast doesn’t improve quickly, but the current formula is setting the team up for trouble.
Saints’ Dominant Win Against the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers had a rough start to their season, falling 31-3 to the New Orleans Saints. Bryce Young, under the tutelage of new head coach Dave Canales, showed little improvement from last year. His two interceptions, one on the first play and another to start the second half set the tone for a difficult day.
Young finished the game with a 36.2 passer rating, throwing for 161 yards and two interceptions with zero touchdowns. The Panthers’ run game was equally lackluster, managing only 58 yards, while the defense couldn’t stop the Saints from scoring.
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Steelers Quarterback Controversy: Justin Fields vs. Russell Wilson
Justin Fields took full advantage of Russell Wilson’s calf injury, stepping in to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries. His ability to make plays with his legs and his increasing comfort in the pocket left an impression, but it remains to be seen if Wilson will retain his starting role once healthy. Fields’ dynamic playmaking abilities could force the Steelers to reconsider their QB depth chart as the season progresses.
Falcons’ Offensive Woes Despite Big Investments
The Atlanta Falcons hoped for a fresh start with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, signing him to a $100 million guaranteed contract. However, Cousins struggled in his debut, throwing two interceptions, including a game-changing fourth-quarter pick.
Despite having top-10 draft picks like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, the Falcons couldn’t sustain any momentum, managing only 45 yards in the second half. Their offensive struggles were compounded by poor execution, including a fumbled snap that ended a promising drive.
Texans’ Defensive Concerns Overshadow Offensive Output
Despite the Houston Texans putting up 29 points in their Week 1 matchup, their defense had no answers for Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson torched the Texans for three 50-plus-yard completions, including a 60-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce and a 54-yard score to Ashton Dulin. With several elite quarterbacks on their schedule, the Texans’ inability to stop big plays could hinder their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Mason Shines as 49ers Beat Jets on Monday Night Football
The 49ers spoiled Aaron Rodgers’ return with a 32-19 home win against the Jets on Monday Night Football. Jordan Mason ran for 147 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy completed 19 of 29 passes for 231 yards. Mason’s 28 carries were the most for a 49ers player in a regular season game in 13 years.
Rodgers completed 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards with one touchdown and one interception, Allen Lazard caught six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns, and Breece Hall ran for 54 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
Impact on Sports Betting and Fantasy Football
Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season offered critical insights for both fantasy football managers and sports bettors, highlighting key performances and emerging trends that will shape strategies moving forward.
Caleb Williams, who became the first quarterback drafted at No. 1 overall to win his NFL debut since 2002, showed moments of struggle but also flashed his talent. Fantasy football managers who drafted Williams should monitor his growth carefully.
Despite early off-target throws and multiple batted passes, his ability to lead the Chicago Bears to victory, backed by special teams plays like Jonathan Owens’ punt return touchdown and Cairo Santos’ three field goals, suggests Williams has immense fantasy upside, especially as he gains more comfort against tougher defenses.
J.K. Dobbins’ resurgence for the Chargers provided one of the standout individual performances of the week, posting 135 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a 61-yard run in the fourth quarter. Dobbins, who has been hampered by injuries over the past few seasons, is now a fantasy football steal for those who drafted him. His second-longest career rush late in the game highlights his explosive potential.
Managers should expect Dobbins to maintain this high level of production, as the Chargers look to lean on their run game while addressing offensive line issues. The concern for bettors lies in the Chargers’ inconsistency in the red zone, a problem they’ll need to solve to ensure continued fantasy points for Dobbins and the team’s offensive stars.
On the betting side, teams like the Cowboys and Buccaneers made strong statements in Week 1. Dak Prescott’s efficient 156-yard first-half performance against the Browns, along with the defensive dominance from Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Eric Kendricks (who recorded his first interception since 2016), makes the Cowboys a team to watch in futures betting markets.
Sportsbooks are already adjusting their odds to reflect the Cowboys’ well-rounded performance, especially considering the return of KaVontae Turpin’s electric punt return for a touchdown.
For the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield’s chemistry with receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Jalen McMillan could make them a dangerous sleeper pick in the NFC. Mayfield’s two-touchdown performance to Evans and Godwin, coupled with the productive backfield duo of Rachaad White and Bucky Irving (who averaged 5.76 yards per touch), puts the Bucs in a favorable position heading into Week 2.
Bettors should keep an eye on favorable lines for Tampa Bay in the coming weeks, as the team looks to capitalize on this offensive firepower.
At the same time, bettors should approach the Washington Commanders with caution. Jayden Daniels and his supporting cast struggled mightily, with only one play exceeding 30 yards and the receiving corps failing to generate separation. Daniels’ overreliance on short passes, such as his connection with Brian Robinson Jr., and a lack of improvement around him could signal more bad news for Washington, making them a risky pick for sports betting enthusiasts.
For fantasy football, Saquon Barkley’s Week 1 dominance with the Eagles is another storyline to follow. Barkley rushed for over 100 yards and scored three touchdowns, impacting the game as both a runner and a receiver. His 18-yard touchdown reception sent a clear message that Barkley remains one of the most valuable assets in fantasy football, and managers should consider him a must-start regardless of matchups.
However, with elite talents like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith on the roster, Barkley’s fantasy ceiling may fluctuate from week to week based on the game script.
Bettors placing futures bets on the Eagles will also want to note Hurts’ improved performance against the blitz. After struggling in 2023, Hurts showed marked improvement, completing 6 of 8 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown against blitzes in Week 1. His ability to handle pressure will be key for both the Eagles’ success and fantasy managers looking for consistency from Hurts.
As the season progresses, Week 1 results should be viewed as valuable insights rather than definitive conclusions. Teams like the Texans, who allowed three 50-plus-yard completions to Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, face significant defensive challenges moving forward. Despite the Texans scoring 29 points, their defensive vulnerabilities could make them a risky bet in future matchups, especially against more experienced quarterbacks.
On the other hand, offensive players like J.K. Dobbins and Saquon Barkley have proven they can elevate fantasy teams and offer high betting potential for those backing their teams. And also keep an eye on Jordan Mason for player props and fantasy football while Christian McCaffrey is out. Mason just proved that he can carry the load.
What to Watch For in NFL Week 2
As Week 2 begins, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will face off in a highly anticipated AFC East battle. Josh Allen, after a strong finish in 2023, will need to demonstrate why the division still belongs to Buffalo. However, the Dolphins pose a major threat, especially after their significant offseason changes.
The Bills are set as underdogs in Miami, which means sports bettors may want to take advantage of betting lines favoring the Dolphins. Fantasy managers with Allen on their roster should be cautious, as this road matchup could prove challenging for the Bills’ offense.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals will clash in the marquee 4:25 PM ET Game of the Week. Patrick Mahomes, coming off another stellar Week 1 performance, will face off against Joe Burrow in what could be a preview of a future playoff showdown.
Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs’ rookie wide receiver, made a strong debut in Week 1 with two touchdowns and is expected to continue making an impact in this matchup. The Bengals, boasting an explosive offense, will test Kansas City’s defense as both teams aim for early season dominance. Bettors should look closely at this matchup, as both teams have high potential to cover the spread in different ways.
Sunday night’s primetime game features two of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league, as Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears faces C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans. Williams, fresh off his NFL debut win, showed flashes of brilliance despite some early struggles. His ability to command the game in critical moments sets the stage for a thrilling contest.
Stroud, meanwhile, had a tougher outing in Week 1, with the Texans’ defense struggling against big plays. This matchup will be a key test for both quarterbacks as they look to make their mark in the NFL. Fantasy managers with either quarterback in their lineups will be closely watching their performances to gauge consistency moving forward.
