NFL 2023: Week 1 Takeaways

Football is finally back. It’s so nice to say that the road to Sin City Super Bowl 2024 begins now.

Take a look at the games to kick off the 2023-24 season, including the FOX Sports and First & Jenn Games of the Week.

First & Jenn’s Game of the Week

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Final Score:

Bills: They are back with a fighting vengeance. The AFC is a very close-knit competition and I think the Bills are more than capable of contending all season long.

Jets: The team was almost in shambles without Rodgers. I want to see how they can bounce back after signing the quarterback that was supposed to replace Zach Wilson now have to sit him out for Zach Wilson.

America’s Game of the Week 

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Final Score: Packers 38-20

Packers: This Packers team is a little more exciting than I thought. I expect them to still be strong in the division, not sure how they’ll face off against the rest of the conference.

Bears: I wouldn’t give up hope on the Bears. I’ve said time and time again all offseason that I think the Bears can make some noise in the conference. Justin Fields will get right, the first week is always the hardest.

Game to Skip 

Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Commanders

Final Score: Commanders 20-16

Cardinals: This is a very undisciplined team and I was having high hopes from what they were just two seasons ago. It’s a shame to see what the wrong influence can do to a team that could really contend if they got things right.

Commanders: I think the Commanders winning this game was a given, but I’m very optimistic about what they can do throughout the season. I don’t think they finish last in the NFC East, but not sure if they necessarily contend for a top spot.

Week 1 Matchups

Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs

Final Score: Lions 21-20

Lions: Are the Lions coming for an NFC top spot? They certainly took advantage of the missing crucial piece of the Chiefs offense.

Chiefs: When missing a crucial part of your team, obviously issues arise. I don’t doubt that the Chiefs will be back to their usual form when Travis Kelce returns.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Final Score: Browns 24-3

Bengals: What happened to the Bengals? I get the first game of the season is kind of rocky considering you’re jumping right back into giving your 110%, but this is very uncharacteristic for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Browns: On the other hand, I’m very shocked the Browns pulled the win that they did. I’m not saying they’re a surefire contender yet, but they feel like they could start or finish as a middle of the pack team in the AFC.

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

Final Score: Ravens 25-9

Texans: I keep saying it but I think the Texans aren’t quite there yet and will take more time to rebuild. I just don’t consider them a strong team and this game kind of solidified my point.

Ravens: The Ravens are another sneaky good team and I’m looking forward to watching them develop as this season goes on. Their opening game against the Texans I think also solidifies the point that they will fight for an AFC playoff spot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings

Final Score: Buccaneers 20-17

Buccaneers: I want to see what the Buccaneers are able to do in a post-Brady era, and so far they’re not too bad. 

Vikings: I was honestly expecting the Vikings to win this game especially since they have to face the Eagles in primetime next. I’m curious to see how they can bounce back after this loss against a shaky NFC South division team.

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons

Final Score: Falcons 24-10

Panthers: The Panthers might’ve lost but they also have a fairly young team. Bryce Young is continuing to develop and also has a few veterans to rely on to keep the offense going strong.

Falcons: Not surprised that the Falcons won this game, but I am very excited to watch Bijan Robinson and Desmond Ridder continue to develop.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts

Final Score: Jaguars 31-21

Jaguars: The Jaguars are a very exciting team with Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence. I’m expecting more of these games to happen with them winning.

Colts: I don’t know what’s going on with the Colts but things have been haywire since Wentz was on the team and then off the team.

San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Final Score: 49ers 30-7

49ers: Speechless. They’re coming with a vengeance and unfortunately took it out on the wrong Pennsylvania team.

Steelers: Who’s to blame for the loss? I really thought Kenny Pickett was the solution. Many questions about this team.

Tennessee Titans @ New Orleans Saints

Final Score: Saints 16-15

Titans: It seems like the team went downhill after losing A.J. Brown, they’re nowhere near back to dominant form.

Saints: The Saints are too perfect either, but I think they can manage to fight in the NFC South.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Final Score: Raiders 17-16

Raiders: Under the helm of Tom Brady and the quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, I don’t see how the Raiders don’t contend. Close game? Yes, but there’s a lot to be hopeful for with the Raiders.

Broncos: And under the helm of Sean Payton featuring quarterback Russell Wilson, I think the Broncos manage to bounce back this year, too. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ New England Patriots

Final Score: Eagles 25-20

Eagles: This was the worst win I think I’ve seen. How does the kickercarry the team to victory? I would very much not like to see this again.

Patriots: The Patriots defense had some holes in the beginning and fixed them quickly. Add a little bit more experienced offense and you should not sleep on the Patriots.

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Final Score: Rams 30-13

Rams: I’m going to be very controversial and say the Rams are a dark horse NFC team. As long as Stafford is healthy and Aaron Donald is rocking, the Rams are back.

Seahawks: I’m not seeing the Seahawks be a great team this season. I’m not confident in them and this game proved that.

Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers

Final Score: Dolphins 36-34

Dolphins: Tua and Tyreek are the dynamic duo in the AFC East. I’m very excited to see Tua’s return to the game and get back to business – what better way to do it than with a literal cheetah for a receiver?

Chargers: I also think the Chargers have a lot to look forward to this season. Justin Herbert is too good and the Chargers are one of those sneaky good teams.

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Final Score: Cowboys 40-0

Cowboys: I don’t necessarily think the Cowboys are that good, I just think the Giants suffered. However, if you take that out of the equation, the Cowboys do happen to be a team that could fight for the NFC East title.

Giants: The Giants, however, are not a team I expect to get anywhere close the playoffs. The NFC is wide open, but this is a tough start for the Giants to have not put up any points.

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