What We Learned From Each NFL Game In Week 1
Falcons- Eagles: What we learned from this game is that Eagles QB Nick Foles does not have to throw 300 yards and 5 touchdowns per game in order to win games. As long as the Eagles have players that want to play, they will find a way to win games. It does not matter if Falcons WR can put up 200 receiving yards a game. If the Falcons cannot score touchdowns, they will not win games and will not compete with the other teams in their tough division.
Bills-Ravens: What we learned from this game is that the Bills were literally smoking weed when they decided to let Nathan Peterman start for the team in Week 1. The Bills need to let Josh Allen play the rest of the season, see how he does and expect great things from him in the 2019 season. This was the kind of start the Ravens needed in order to get back to their old winning ways. Joe Flacco played decent and Alex Collins rushed the football very well. It was kind of awesome to see the Ravens let Lamar Jackson get some playing time as the Ravens smacked the Bills 47-3.
Jaguars- Giants: What we learned from this game is that in order for the Jaguars to win games, they have to have a good defense. Their defense showed up in Week 1 and that was good. Giants RB Saquon Barkley is going to be a star in this league. Even though some people say if Barkley did not rush for that 68 yard touchdown that his first game would be completely terrible, they might have been right. But, what we all need to realize about Saquon is that he does not need to have 10 spectacular plays to be great. As long as Saquon just makes one big play in each NFL game he plays, he will be a star and he will be one of the most valuable running backs in the game.
Buccaneers-Saints: What we learned from this game is that each season there seems to be one game where Ryan Fitzpatrick plays like a monster. And, in Week 1 was the game this season in which Fitzpatrick plays like a monster. His wide receivers were able to catch passes and that was a good sign. We also learned that Alvin Kamara is still a force on the field and on Fantasy football teams.
Texans-Patriots: What we learned from this game is that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is not human. Texans QB DeShaun Watson did not explode on offense. But, we have to remember he was playing against New England at New England. We should not be worried about Watson for this season. Actually, Watson only lost by 7 points to the Patriots and if he had more time, he could have tied the game at 27.
49ers-Vikings: What we learned from this game is that 49ers QB Jimmy Garopollo has lost his first NFL game. Maybe Jimmy will fall back down on Earth and realize that he is going to have to keep working to really be great. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins reminds me of Case Keenum 2.0. Expect Vikings WR's Diggs and Thielen to keep helping Fantasy teams this season.
Titans-Dolphins: What we learned from this game is that it still seems to be hard to realize that Marcus Mariota is not an elite quarterback and he seems to be inconsistent every other week. With Dolphins WR DeVante Parker still out, expect WR Kenny Stills to keep playing like a monster like he did on Sunday against the Titans. Oh yeah, weather delays in teh NFL are the worst.
Bengals-Colts: What we learned from this game is that the Bengals defense is starting with a whole new fresh set of players and they actually played decent in Andrew Luck's return. Indianapolis needs to learn not to blow leads.
Steelers-Browns: What we learned from this game is that the Browns were able to tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is basically a win for the Browns. What you really need to learn is that Steelers QB Big Ben Roethlisberger cannot be playing garbage against Cleveland. A lot of Steelers fans, believe it or not, do not seem to care what Le'Veon Bell does the rest of the season because of the amount of production that Steelers RB James Conner produced on Sunday against Cleveland. A lot of people want to see the Browns start QB Baker Mayfield; but, let's be real, Tyrod Taylor is a good quarterback that should be leading the Cleveland Browns team in the future. If you are not a Tyrod Taylor fan now, you should be after watching him tie against the Steelers when the Browns were losing to them 21-7. Browns RB Carlos Hyde was not bad in his Browns debut.
Chiefs-Chargers: What we learned from this game is that Philip Rivers' wide receivers are not able to catch passes. When I saw Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams drop those balls, I thought to myself that the Chargers cannot win games if their wide receivers cannot catch passes. But, the Chargers can improve during practice this week. I learned that the Chiefs players actually feel more comfortable with QB Patrick Mahomes ll leading the charge instead of former QB Alex Smith. We're still waiting for the day Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt is able to put up 20 fantasy point again.
Seahawks-Broncos: What we learned from this game is that Case Keenum will do anything he can to help Denver win. He might win a lot of games for the Broncos that turn out to be ugly. I expect this season for the Seahawks to be one of the worst seasons that they ever have because of how they have no weapons on offense and defense. I give a lot of credit to Russell Wilson for finding ways to compete in games with the lack of talent he has with his running backs, tight ends and wide receivers.
Cowboys-Panthers: What we learned from this game is that Cam Newton does not need to throw 250 yards and 4 touchdowns to win games. What Cam needs to win games is swag and belief. And, luckily Cam believes in his team and definitely has swag. I don't know what happened, it seemed that two years ago the Cowboys had an outstanding offensive line and all of a sudden at the beginning of last year they were totally not good. I would not be surprised if the Panthers win the division this season. This is the time that we should see Cam Newton play some of the best football of his life.
Redskins-Cardinals: What we learned from this game made Alex Smith more comfortable being the QB for the Redskins. Redskins RB Adrian Peterson rushed for his 100th TD on Sunday and it was an awesome moment of history to watch. The Cardinals are not an exciting team to watch. I wish David Johnson did better after signing that big contract.
Bears-Packers: What we learned from this game is that Aaron Rodgers is the GOAT. Name me another QB who can play with ONE leg and lead their team to a comeback after being down by 20 points in the third quarter. I dare you. Khalil Mack seems to be enjoying playing for the Bears and as long as he is happy, that's all it matters. Mitch Trubisky played a little below average as usual. But, I like the amount of production we have seen from Jordan Howard in the last 24 games he has played.
Jets-Lions: What we learned from this game is that the Lions are not really good defense. The Jets had a nice win on the road. But, I am not positive how well they can do for the rest of the season. Anything is possible. Matt Stafford threw 4 interceptions against the Jets. I think Stafford has a really nice arm; but, I don't think he should be considered one of the highest paid QB's in the league.
Rams-Raiders: What we learned from this game is that the Rams defense is good, Marshawn Lynch likes playing in Oakland, and once Derek Carr got his money that he has been absolute garbage. Derek Carr might be like his brother David. David Carr had one good season in the NFL and that was in 2004. Derek Carr's only good season might be the only one in his career which was in 2016.