The NFL 2020 season began its highly anticipated return, in a very unique time for sports. In any case! Week 1 had some sloppiness, some surprises, and some things that did not change.
The Chiefs obliterated the Texans Thursday night 34-20, as the 2019 Super Bowl champions showed that they are still very good. Their offense is still as potent as ever, and are still Vegas betting favorites behind the Baltimore Ravens, who blew out the Cleveland Browns 38-6 in their Week 1 matchup. Showing just how good of a team they are, reigning MVP Lamar Jackson went 20-25 for 275 yards and three TD’s showing no rust as he seeks to get back to the playoffs after last year’s disappointing exit. Right now, these two teams in the AFC are separating from everybody else as the best, and it isn’t close. These two teams will meet on September 28th on Monday night in a battle to find out which team is the best in the AFC.
Other AFC notable teams include: The Steelers dismantling the New York Giants 26-16, The Buffalo Bills looking good as they beat the Jets 27-17, and Cam Newton making his New England Patriot debut scoring two impressive rushing touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins. Bill Belichick’s Patriots still lack offensive talent, their defense has shown themselves to still be at the top of the NFL food chain.
On the side of the NFC the game of the week was Tom Brady’s highly anticipated Tampa Bay Buccaneers debut against the New Orleans Saints, and it didn’t go so well. Despite scoring three touchdowns Brady struggled as he continues to adapt to this new team of his. He threw two interceptions, one of which went back for a touchdown. The Saints have shown their metal as the best team in the NFC (still) as they look to finally break through and get to a Super Bowl after multiple heart breaking playoff exits.
Aaron Rodgers and his Packers showed off their offense against the Minnesota Vikings beating them 43-34. Rodgers went 32-44 for 364 yards and 4 touchdowns. A great start for the Packers who look to win their division again. Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson also had a fantastic start as he went 31-35 for 322 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 38-25 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. These two quarterbacks are showing themselves to still be the best in the conference and will undoubtedly be in the MVP race by the end of the year.
Some surprises that occurred this weekend include the Philadelphia Eagles blowing a 17-0 lead against the Washington Football Team losing 27-17 as Carson Wentz threw two horrible interceptions while getting sacked eight times. The Eagles offensive line is a mess and it showed during the loss to a chaotic organization. The defending NFC champion 49ers also had a surprise loss as the Arizona Cardinals beat them 24-20. Jimmy Garoppolo had a poor performance and this loss is beginning to create worry of a Super Bowl hangover year.
The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Los Angeles Rams, but that’s nothing new… The Rams opened up week 1 in an impressive new stadium as they shut down the Cowboys offense under new head coach Mike Mccarthy. With week one in the books, surprisingly not a whole lot seems different so far this year, than they did last year. However, with a lot of games left anything can happen this year.