The first week of the NFL season has wrapped up, and it’s time to react to the outcomes.

Can Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets find their rhythm?

Is Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract turning into the worst in NFL history?

Are the Cincinnati Bengals facing significant challenges this year?

The new kickoff rules in the NFL are here to stay, but do teams even support them?

The Dallas Cowboys are destined to claim the Super Bowl. This isn’t a question, it’s a bold statement.

Let’s delve deeper into these early overreactions from Week 1:

Same Old Jets? Indeed, in Week 1. But Hold On.

If you expected the Jets to overcome the 49ers on the season opener, that was somewhat overly optimistic.

Rodgers’ much-anticipated return didn’t lead to a win, but the Jets deserve some grace after Week 1. Let’s face it; they are a team in transition, finally getting started with Rodgers making it through a full game. They faced a formidable opponent in the 49ers, a team that has reached the NFC title game three times in five years.

Rodgers’ performance showed that his skills remain sharp, including his beautiful touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, reminding fans why they admire him as a quarterback. The Jets still have ample time to sort things out and could very well become a playoff contender. Patience might be in order after last year’s drama with Rodgers’ injury.

A Quarterback Crisis for the Browns

Deshaun Watson’s decline from one of the league’s brightest quarterbacks to a disappointing performer has been troubling. He hasn’t managed to regain his previous form after his extended absence from the game due to off-field issues, and now he faces yet another lawsuit this week.

Reflecting on Joe Flacco’s contribution to guiding Cleveland to the playoffs last season highlights that the issue lies not with coaching or play calling but with Watson, who is still struggling under the weight of his massive contract. Yes, it may very well be one of the worst deals across sports.

Watson’s performance in the Browns’ opener was lackluster (24 completions on 45 attempts, 169 yards, and two interceptions) despite a brief glimpse of success with a 6-yard touchdown pass. It’s puzzling that Watson didn’t see any action during the preseason, considering he was participating in just his 13^th game over the last three years.

The Bengals’ Core May Be Nearing Its End

The Bengals might be facing an uphill battle this season, and a loss to the New England Patriots should definitely raise concerns in Cincinnati.

While Ja’Marr Chase successfully caught all six of his targets, the game highlighted that he should have secured many more receptions given his and quarterback Joe Burrow’s star power. Chase’s recent contract negotiations may have affected his performance, and the absence of Tee Higgins, who is also seeking a new deal but missed the game with a hamstring injury, was felt significantly.

The Bengals offense displayed a lack of depth in their opening match, and they struggled to create a solid running game (16 carries for 70 yards, despite scoring a touchdown) in their 16-10 home defeat. Quick adjustments are necessary; otherwise, the current trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins under coach Zac Taylor might not last much longer together.

Kickoffs in the NFL Lack Excitement in Week 1—That’s an Understatement.

The NFL’s revised kickoff rule won’t add excitement if teams prefer to kick touchbacks, allowing offenses to start at the 30-yard line.

Before Monday night’s game, out of 159 kickoffs, teams returned 54 (33.9%), which is above last year’s league average of 20.5% for returns. It’s a minor increase just one week into the season, but it would be encouraging to see a few more kickers aiming for a kick-off landing zone to encourage returns or, even better, worse starting field positions.

A huge shoutout to Cardinals returner Deejay Dallas for scoring the first touchdown in the history of dynamic kickoffs against the Bills and to the Saints and Panthers for their commitment: they accounted for 11 of the 54 returns.

Cowboys Set to Win the Super Bowl?

Props to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys for their 33-17 win over the Browns in Week 1. The Cowboys’ defense excelled against Watson, while Prescott and the offense did enough to secure a comfortable win. But let’s not forget: it was the Browns.