Here are the top insights from Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season:
1. The 2024 season is set to be significantly influenced by its rookie quarterbacks, with six drafted in the top 12 picks. Three of them—Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos—started in Week 1. This marks only the fourth time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger that at least three rookie QBs have started in the season opener. Though none shone brightly, they have time to improve.
2. Despite a shaky performance, Caleb Williams became the first quarterback drafted No. 1 overall to win his NFL debut in 22 years. His 14-of-29, 93-yard game helped the Bears secure a 24-17 victory, with defense and special teams playing crucial roles.
2a. In the 22-year span between David Carr and Williams, the 15 quarterbacks selected first overall had a combined record of 0-14-1 in their debuts.
3. Ten teams had different starting quarterbacks compared to their 2023 openers, with four of them securing wins.
4. Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. had just one reception for zero yards, making for a notably underwhelming rookie debut.
5. New England Patriots rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, 38, who previously won a ring with the team in 2014, has the better winning percentage—albeit briefly—after a 16-10 upset victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in his first game as head coach.
6. Bengals rookie punter P Ryan Rehkow had a standout performance, averaging 64.5 yards on his first four punts, including an 80-yard boot.
7. Of the seven head coaches debuting with new teams, Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks and Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers were the only ones to win. Harbaugh’s Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, led by first-year head coach Antonio Pierce.
8. The biggest blunder of the day was Travis Etienne’s third-quarter fumble while heading toward the end zone, which allowed Tyreek Hill to score an 80-yard touchdown on the next play. The Dolphins won 20-17 with a last-minute field goal.
9. Tyreek Hill had a standout game despite an earlier traffic incident that led to his temporary detainment. He recorded seven receptions for 130 yards and an 80-yard touchdown, bringing him to 12 career touchdowns of at least 75 yards, two shy of Devin Hester’s record.
10. Dak Prescott made headlines by signing a four-year, $240 million extension, becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history. In a quieter game, he passed for 179 yards and one touchdown in a 33-17 win over the Cleveland Browns.
11. The Dallas defense, now coordinated by Mike Zimmer, was impressive, allowing only 230 yards, sacking Deshaun Watson six times, and forcing two turnovers.
12. Tom Brady made his debut as Fox’s No. 1 NFL analyst, with the network set to broadcast the Super Bowl in New Orleans in February.
13. Former Patriots teammate Drew Bledsoe compared Tony Romo unfavorably to Tom Brady, saying Romo’s confidence grew too much after becoming a starter.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell had an exceptional game, scoring all 18 of his team’s points with six field goals, including two from over 50 yards, and a key punt.
14a. By Sunday night, 19 field goals of at least 50 yards had been made, setting a new record for any week in NFL history.
15. Justin Fields, starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers in place of the injured Russell Wilson, had an efficient game with 17 completions for 156 yards and 57 rushing yards, outplaying Kirk Cousins. The Steelers’ decision on whether to return to Wilson will be telling.
16. After Kirk Cousins’ two-interception game with the Falcons, expect some calls for Michael Penix Jr. to take over, though it may be premature.
17. Falcons fans were sparse, allowing Steelers players like T.J. Watt to dominate the atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
18. Former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, saw some revenge with a win. Russell Wilson might seek redemption in Week 2 if he plays against the Broncos.
19. The New Orleans Saints scored 47 points in their opener, the most in franchise history for a season debut, even if it was against the struggling Carolina Panthers.
20. CB Alontae Taylor made history by becoming the first defensive back in the Saints’ 58-season history to record three sacks in a single game.
21. Although the Broncos lost in Seattle, they recorded multiple safeties in a game for the first time in seven years.
22. The NFL’s new “dynamic kickoff” rule has led to increased return yardage. DeeJay Dallas of the Cardinals had a 96-yard return touchdown, the first of the season under the new format.
22a. The new kickoff rule has already resulted in more return yards than any previous week last season.
23. Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins made a strong comeback with 135 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a 12-yard touchdown, marking a memorable debut with his new team.
24. Despite their previous rivalry, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and RB J.K. Dobbins are working well together now, with Dobbins reflecting positively on their collaboration.
25. Baker Mayfield is on pace for an NFL-record 68 touchdown passes this season after throwing four in a 37-20 victory over the Commanders. It’s early, but the start is impressive.
26. The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, with the addition of RB Saquon Barkley and the retirement of C Jason Kelce, will look significantly different this season.
27. Under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the Eagles doubled their pre-snap motion usage, a significant shift from last season’s strategy.
27a. Saquon Barkley became the first Eagles player in 20 years to score three touchdowns in his debut with the team, the last being Hall of Famer Terrell Owens.
28. Packers WR Jayden Reed made history by becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to score touchdowns of at least 30 yards both rushing and receiving in Week 1.
29. Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is now the all-time rushing leader among quarterbacks, surpassing Michael Vick’s record with his 122 rushing yards in a loss.
29a. Jackson needs 730 more rushing yards this season to break Vick’s all-time record among quarterbacks.
30. The use of Guardian Caps, which enhance player safety, is increasing, with Patriots S Jabrill Peppers and Steelers G James Daniels among the early adopters.
31. Uniform highlights of the week: The Seahawks' throwbacks and Eagles' new black jerseys both received praise and contributed to their victories, while the Bengals’ and Giants’ new uniforms were less well-received.
31c. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson seemed less than impressed with the Giants’ new jersey after their game.
32. MVP of the Week: Bills QB Josh Allen, who accounted for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) in a game where his offense had fewer wideouts than last season.
32a. Allen now shares the record with Hall of Famer Steve Young for the most career games with multiple rushing and passing touchdowns, with four such games.
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