It was a jam packed weekend full of football with games taking place on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday this year. We had some thrilling performances all weekend long with even more amazing games happening. Today we will break down all the game that took place this weekend.

Chiefs VS Ravens

The Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 in a thrilling season opener of the 2024 NFL season. The game was intense from start to finish, marked by key plays and a dramatic ending.

The Chiefs’ offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, was effective throughout the game, with Mahomes throwing for 291 yards and a touchdown. However, it was the young Chiefs receivers who really stood out. Rashee Rice caught 7 passes for 103 yards, while rookie Xavier Worthy impressed with both a receiving and rushing touchdown. Kansas City’s ground game struggled, with only 72 total rushing yards, but Isiah Pacheco added a critical 1-yard touchdown.

Lamar Jackson kept the Ravens in the game, passing for 273 yards and a touchdown, while also racking up 122 rushing yards. Baltimore’s offensive push culminated in a nail-biting final drive where Jackson found tight end Isaiah Likely for what looked like the game-tying touchdown. However, after review, Likely’s toe was ruled out of bounds, sealing the Chiefs’ victory.

Both teams dealt with mistakes, including turnovers and penalties that interrupted their momentum. Despite this, Kansas City’s defense applied significant pressure on the Ravens’ young offensive line, which was crucial in limiting Baltimore’s chances.

Eagles VS Packers

The Philadelphia Eagles edged out the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in an exciting season opener in Brazil. The game was full of momentum swings and big plays from both sides. Saquon Barkley, in his Eagles debut, was the standout player, racking up 109 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. His contributions helped Philadelphia establish a solid lead, but Green Bay kept things close.

Jordan Love played well for the Packers, throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns, but his night ended on a tough note as he suffered an MCL sprain during the final seconds of the game. Green Bay’s wide receiver Jayden Reed also had a standout performance, hauling in 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The game came down to the wire, with the Packers pulling within two points late in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles’ defense held strong. Zack Baun’s game-clinching sack secured the win for Philadelphia, who relied on some late-game clock management and a key field goal by Jake Elliott to seal the victory

Vikings VS Giants

In the Week 1 matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, the Vikings secured a dominant 28-6 victory. Minnesota’s defense, led by new coordinator Brian Flores, put immense pressure on the Giants, stifling their offense throughout the game. The Giants managed only two field goals and were unable to reach the end zone.

Sam Darnold, making his Vikings debut, had a solid performance, completing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. His connection with star receiver Justin Jefferson was crucial, including a 44-yard catch and a touchdown reception on a slant route. Despite facing pressure, Darnold was effective, thanks to a well-designed protection scheme that helped contain the Giants’ pass rush

The Vikings’ defense was relentless, forcing key turnovers, including an interception by Andrew Van Ginkel. They limited Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense to just 171 total yards, exposing the Giants’ offensive line weaknesses

For the Giants, it was a disappointing start to the season. Head coach Brian Daboll’s decision to take over play-calling didn’t yield the desired results, and the lack of offensive rhythm left fans and players frustrated

Saints Vs Panthers

The New Orleans Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints’ offense was firing on all cylinders. Derek Carr had an impressive game, showcasing significant improvement in decision-making and execution compared to previous critiques. The offensive line provided solid protection, allowing Carr to operate effectively. Alvin Kamara was utilized brilliantly, indicating a strategic shift or improvement in play-calling that maximized his talents. The game also highlighted the Saints’ ability to run a modern, dynamic offense, which was a point of contention in past seasons. One of the standout moments was Rashid Shaheed’s 59-yard touchdown reception early in the game, setting the tone and showcasing the Saints’ speed and precision in the passing game. Blake Grupe’s field goal extended the lead, underlining the team’s efficiency in scoring points.The Saints’ defense was equally impressive. They managed to pressure Bryce Young, the Panthers’ quarterback, and forced turnovers, which was crucial in maintaining their lead. This performance suggests a robust defensive strategy that could be a hallmark for the season.

While not detailed extensively, the mention of Blake Grupe’s field goal suggests that special teams were at least competent, if not contributing positively to the game’s outcome.

The game plan was praised for its effectiveness, particularly in establishing a running game which opened up opportunities for the passing game. This balance was key to overwhelming the Panthers’ defense.

The reaction on platforms like X was overwhelmingly positive, with some even suggesting the Saints could be Super Bowl contenders based on this performance. The game was seen as a statement win, especially given the context of the Saints’ previous seasons where offensive strategy and execution were often criticized.

This victory, especially by such a margin, sets a high bar for the Saints. It not only boosts team morale but also sends a message to the league about their potential. However, it’s early in the season, and while this game was a significant success, consistency will be key. In summary, the Saints vs. Panthers game was a showcase of what the Saints’ offense and defense can achieve when they’re clicking. It highlighted improvements in coaching strategy, player performance, and team chemistry, setting an optimistic tone for the Saints’ season. However, the true test will be maintaining this level of play against tougher competition throughout the season.

Dolphins VS Jaguars

The Miami Dolphins edged out the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17 in a Week 1 nail-biter. The Jaguars started strong, building a 17-3 lead by halftime, but the Dolphins rallied in the second half, holding Jacksonville scoreless.

Tua Tagovailoa led a key fourth-quarter drive, setting up Jason Sanders for a 52-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. Jacksonville’s offense struggled to maintain momentum, and Miami’s defense tightened up, especially after halftime, to secure the win.

Texans VS Colts

The Week 1 matchup between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts ended in a dramatic 29-27 victory for the Texans. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with C.J. Stroud and the Texans taking control in the fourth quarter.

Stroud threw two key touchdown passes to Stefon Diggs, including a clutch score that capped a 7-minute drive late in the game. Joe Mixon also had a strong performance, rushing for 159 yards and scoring a crucial touchdown.

On the Colts’ side, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson displayed flashes of brilliance, leading a late touchdown drive that brought Indianapolis within two points. However, Houston’s defense held firm as they ran out the clock to secure the win. Nico Collins made a critical sideline catch that helped the Texans close out the game.

Bengals VS Patriots

In their Week 1 matchup, the New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10 in a defensive battle. The Patriots were powered by a strong performance from running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 120 yards and scored the game’s only offensive touchdown.

New England’s defense played a crucial role, forcing two turnovers and getting a pivotal fourth-down stop that limited the Bengals’ offensive opportunities. Keion White was particularly effective, notching 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. On the other side, Joe Burrow struggled to find rhythm, completing 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards but was unable to engineer a late-game comeback.

Zack Moss scored the Bengals’ lone touchdown on a five-yard run, but it wasn’t enough to overcome New England’s consistent defensive pressure. A late field goal from Joey Slye helped seal the win for the Patriots.

Bears VS Titans

In Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, the Chicago Bears pulled off a dramatic 24-17 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans. The Titans jumped to a 17-0 lead, with Tony Pollard and Will Levis scoring early.

However, Bears’ rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led a stunning second-half rally, including a crucial touchdown drive. Chicago’s defense also stepped up, with Tyrique Stevenson returning an interception for a touchdown.

Cairo Santos added three field goals, and the Bears shut out the Titans in the second half to secure the win.

Bills VS Cardinals

The game started with the Cardinals taking an early lead, capitalizing on the Bills’ initial struggles both offensively and defensively. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift as the Bills’ offense, led by Josh Allen, ignited, scoring 24 unanswered points to take control. Allen was pivotal, throwing for 232 yards with two touchdowns and rushing for another 39 yards with two more scores. His performance was highlighted by a spectacular hurdle over a defender for a touchdown, earning him MVP-like accolades for the game.

The Bills’ defense, which started shaky, tightened up significantly in the second half. Greg Rousseau was a standout with three sacks, significantly altering the game’s momentum with a crucial strip-sack.

A historic kickoff return for a touchdown by DeeJay Dallas under the NFL’s new rules added excitement, but it was the Bills’ resilience, especially in the second half, that defined the game. The defense’s last stand, deflecting a pass on fourth down, sealed the victory.

Falcons VS Steelers

The Steelers managed to keep the Falcons’ offense at bay, particularly in the second half, showcasing a robust defensive performance. The game was marked by a conservative yet effective approach by the Steelers, leaning heavily on their kicking game and defense.

Chris Boswell was the standout performer for the Steelers, setting a team record with six field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards. His accuracy was crucial in a game where points were hard to come by. Justin Fields, starting in place of an injured Russell Wilson, showed promise, leading the Steelers with a mix of conservative plays and key third-down conversions. His performance, especially in clutch moments, was pivotal. T.J. Watt lived up to his reputation, causing significant disruption with a sack, multiple QB hits, and a fumble recovery, embodying the Steelers’ defensive resilience.

The first half saw a back-and-forth struggle, with the Falcons taking a brief lead. However, the Steelers’ strategy of field goals and defensive stands paid off, especially as they tightened up in the second half. The Falcons’ offense, led by Kirk Cousins, struggled against the Steelers’ defense. Despite moments of brilliance, particularly from Bijan Robinson, they couldn’t capitalize enough to overcome the Steelers’ strategy.

Broncos VS Seahawks

The Denver Broncos faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in a game that ended with a 26-20 victory for Seattle

The game was characterized by a strong defensive showing from both teams, but the Seahawks managed to pull ahead with a more effective offensive strategy in the second half. The first half saw the Broncos keeping it close, but they struggled to maintain momentum offensively.

Kenneth Walker III was a standout, rushing for 103 yards, including a crucial 23-yard touchdown that set the tone for the second half. Geno Smith also made significant contributions with his legs, scrambling for a 34-yard touchdown, showcasing his mobility as a key factor in Seattle’s offensive plays. The Seahawks’ defense was particularly effective against rookie quarterback Bo Nix, intercepting him twice and limiting his passing to 138 yards. This defensive pressure was highlighted by players like Julian Love, who not only intercepted but also forced a fumble, illustrating Seattle’s aggressive and effective defensive strategy.

Despite some bright spots, the Broncos’ offense couldn’t capitalize on opportunities, with Bo Nix’s debut marred by turnovers and underwhelming yardage. The offensive line also faced criticism for pass protection issues, which contributed to Nix’s struggles.

While the Broncos’ defense showed moments of promise, especially in the first half, they couldn’t prevent Seattle’s ground game from taking over, which was crucial in Seattle’s comeback.

Chargers VS Raiders

The game was characterized by a defensive struggle initially, with both teams showing resilience. However, the Chargers managed to take control in the second half, showcasing a significant turnaround in offensive efficiency.

J.K. Dobbins was the standout for the Chargers, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown, proving to be the offensive spark they needed. His performance, especially a 61-yard run late in the game, was pivotal in setting up crucial scores.

The Chargers’ defense, particularly highlighted by players like Alohi Gilman and Daiyan Henley, kept the Raiders’ rushing game in check, allowing only 71 yards on the ground. This defensive stand was crucial in maintaining pressure on the Raiders throughout the game.

The Raiders’ decision to punt on 4th-and-1 from the Chargers’ 43-yard line was a critical moment, especially when the Chargers capitalized with Dobbins’ long run, leading to a touchdown that essentially sealed the game.

The Chargers’ second-half adjustments, moving to a no-huddle offense at times, helped in breaking down the Raiders’ defense, which seemed to wear down as the game progressed.

Commanders VS Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a convincing 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers with an impressive display, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns, highlighting his accuracy and decision-making. His connection with receivers like Mike Evans, who caught two touchdowns, and Chris Godwin, who was perfect in his receptions, demonstrated the Bucs’ offensive prowess. The game marked a significant start for Mayfield, proving his value with a performance that included no interceptions and a high passer rating.

The Commanders’ defense, despite moments of pressure on Mayfield, struggled with communication and execution, leading to big plays for Tampa Bay. The absence of key defensive players for the Bucs didn’t hinder their performance, as they managed to keep Washington’s offense in check for most of the game. Washington’s defense gave up several explosive plays, which were pivotal in the Bucs’ scoring drives.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels for the Commanders showed promise, particularly with his legs, rushing for 88 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to extend plays was evident, but the passing game lacked the same efficiency, with Daniels more effective running than throwing. This debut highlighted his potential but also the growing pains of a new quarterback in the NFL.

The game was marked by strategic plays, like the Commanders’ decision to punt on 4th-and-1, which was criticized post-game. Conversely, the Bucs’ adjustments at halftime, particularly moving to a no-huddle offense, seemed to confuse Washington’s defense, leading to a more effective second half.

Cowboys VS Browns

The game was dominated by the Cowboys from the start, with their defense setting the pace. The Browns, despite having a formidable defense themselves, couldn’t keep up with the Cowboys’ offense and defense.

Dak Prescott showcased his leadership and skill, throwing for 179 yards with a touchdown, despite facing pressure. His new contract seemed to fuel his performance, leading the team with poise.

Micah Parsons was the standout defensive player, earning the game ball for his disruptive plays. His performance included nine pressures, five QB hits, one sack, and a pass defense, epitomizing the Cowboys’ defensive dominance.

KaVontae Turpin’s 60-yard punt return for a touchdown was a highlight, contributing significantly to the scoreline. Brandon Aubrey’s consistent field goals, including a 57-yarder, added to the Cowboys’ lead.

The Cowboys’ defense, particularly their pass rush, was relentless, sacking Deshaun Watson six times and forcing two interceptions. This pressure was crucial in disrupting the Browns’ offensive rhythm.

Offensively, while the Cowboys didn’t rack up massive yardage, their efficiency in scoring points, whether through field goals or touchdowns, highlighted a strategic approach focusing on consistency rather than high-risk plays.

Rams VS Lions

The Detroit Lions kicked off their 2024 season with a thrilling 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams, marking a significant start under the lights of Sunday Night Football.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. The Lions jumped to an early lead, showcasing their offensive firepower, but the Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, fought back with resilience, even taking the lead late in the game. However, Detroit’s resilience in overtime, culminating with David Montgomery’s game-winning touchdown, highlighted their determination to secure the win.

David Montgomery emerged as a hero, not just for his game-winning score but for his crucial runs throughout the game, embodying the physicality Coach Dan Campbell expects from his team.

Jared Goff managed the game well, especially under pressure, completing key passes when it mattered most, though his performance was more about efficiency than spectacle.

Aidan Hutchinson was a force on defense, his pressure on Stafford was palpable, contributing significantly to the Rams’ struggles in crucial moments.

The Lions’ strategy initially leaned on a balanced attack, but they seemed to deviate from their run-heavy approach in the second half, which almost cost them the game. However, the return to ground game in overtime was pivotal.

The Rams’ offensive adjustments, particularly their ability to convert on critical downs, kept them in the game. However, their inability to close out the game when ahead was a strategic misstep.

Jets VS 49ers

The 49ers dominated the Jets with a 32-19 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess even without their star running back Christian McCaffrey due to injury. The game was marked by San Francisco’s ability to control the clock and the game’s tempo, largely through their running game led by Jordan Mason, who stepped up significantly in McCaffrey’s absence.

Jordan Mason was the standout for the 49ers, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown, proving to be an effective stand-in for McCaffrey. His performance highlighted the depth and versatility of the 49ers’ backfield.

Aaron Rodgers, despite the loss, showed moments of brilliance, especially in the first quarter where he orchestrated a 12-play, 70-yard drive for a touchdown. His connection with Garrett Wilson was notable, but the game also saw him struggle at times, including an interception.

The 49ers’ game plan was clear: control the game on the ground, which they did effectively, amassing 181 rushing yards. This approach not only kept the Jets’ defense on their toes but also limited Rodgers’ opportunities.

For the Jets, while Rodgers’ return was a narrative highlight, the team’s inability to sustain drives, especially in the second half, was a strategic letdown. Their defense, which was expected to be a strength, struggled against the 49ers’ run game.