Week 1 in a football season is always a time of promise. Every team gets a fresh start and a chance to improve on last year. We see some faces in new places, and some new faces as well. Stars return from injuries, and new ones are formed. And this year was no different. Starting out on Thursday with the defending Super Bowl champions, and ending tonight with a prime time doubleheader. 9 games were decided within a score, and another one achieved the rare result of a tie. We recap the action by handing out awards for best game, best performance, and more.
Best Game
Bears at Packers
This game was an easy choice for number one. It had everything: A star excelling with his new team, another star playing a fantastic game coming off of an injury, a second half comeback, and nail biting finish. Aaron Rodgers proved that he is fully recovered from his previous injury, but unfortunately for Packers fans, re-injured himself. Khalil Mack was an absolute monster, with a pick six and a strip sack in which he also recovered the ball. Green Bay made a stop on 4th and 10, but Chicago got the first down anyway because of a roughing the passer call, against Clay Matthews. The Packers didn’t let the Bears score anyway, capping off what was overall an amazing game.
Best Performance
Ryan Fitzpatrick
His stat line was reminiscent of the quarterback he played against, Drew Brees. He had 417 yards and 4 touchdowns on 21 completions, with just seven incompletions. He led the biggest upset of Week 1, a 48-40 win over the Super Bowl contender Saints. He even made people doubt whether Jameis Winston would get his job back after Week 3. Not bad for a guy who’s career passer rating is 80.6.
Best Breakout Performance
James Conner
Steelers fans lay awake in bed Saturday night worrying about how their team would fare without Le’Veon Bell against the Browns. Then Sunday came. So did James Conner. The second year back survived cancer and returned to football. The Steelers drafted him last year in the third round, but he saw limited playing time backing up Le’Veon Bell. Nevertheless, he was fantastic in Cleveland, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 5 receptions for 57 yards. He may be remembered for the one play that he didn’t make, a fumble that allowed Cleveland to get within a touchdown, but he still played a fantastic game.
Best Team Performance
Baltimore Ravens
When discussing great team performances, you typically look at the final score. When it’s 47-3, you know they were dominant. Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns, Tavon Young had two sacks, and the defense allowed 153 total yards. The Bills played an awful game, with Nathan Peterman throwing two interceptions. Baltimore just flat out demolished the Bills.
Some final notes on Week 1. The Browns never put in Baker Mayfield, which surprises me. You have to start your number one overall draft pick in your opener. This may have been a big reason why they tied. Also, the Jaguars-Giants game was surprisingly close, as Saquon Barkley had a shining debut. However, in the end, Eli Manning just couldn’t overcome the Jaguars D. Finally, Tyreek Hill’s 3 touchdown game means one thing: whoever has him in fantasy football is in for a good year. Stay tuned for new posts every week!
