NFL Week 1 grades: Bengals get an ‘A-‘ for wild OT win over Vikings, Packers get an ‘F’ for embarrassing loss

There have been loads of questions swirling in regards to the Bengals heading into their regular-season opener on Sunday they usually answered most of them throughout a wild 27-24 time beyond regulation victory in opposition to the Vikings. 

After a preseason the place Joe Burrow solely took three snaps, the massive query in Cincinnati was whether or not he was mentally able to play, and if Sunday’s efficiency was any indication, the reply is a powerful sure. Though Burrow’s numbers will not blow anybody away (20 of 27 for 261 yards and two touchdowns), he got here up with clutch throw after clutch throw. 

Burrow’s greatest throw arguably got here in time beyond regulation when he related with C.J. Uzomah for a 32-yard acquire on fourth-and-1 from his personal 48-yard line. 

If the cross had fallen incomplete, the Vikings would have taken over needing simply 10 or so yards to get into subject objective vary. As an alternative, the cross from Burrow arrange Evan McPherson’s game-winning subject objective from 33 yards out. 

One other huge query for the Bengals heading into the season was whether or not or not they made the suitable determination after they drafted Ja’Marr Chase. Though that is not a query that will probably be answered in only one recreation, the Bengals definitely regarded like they made the suitable determination in Week 1. Chase caught every part thrown his means on a day the place he completed with 5 catches for 101 yards. His greatest play in opposition to the Vikings got here simply earlier than halftime when he caught a 50-yard bomb from Burrow. 

The Bengals additionally had some huge questions surrounding their protection heading into the season, which was one of many worst items within the NFL final 12 months. Though it hasn’t fastened every part, the protection positively regarded a lot improved in a recreation the place it sacked Kirk Cousins 3 times, which was an enormous quantity for a group that solely tallied 17 sacks throughout the ENTIRE 2020 season (That quantity was an NFL-low). 

The Bengals offensive line continues to be a giant query mark — Burrow acquired sacked 5 instances and took some enormous hits — however the Bengals proved on Sunday that they’ll win even when their offensive line is not good, which is one thing that could not be mentioned final season. 

With this one win, the Bengals at the moment are tied for first place within the AFC North, which is one thing that ought to positively function a assured booster for a group that is spent a lot time within the division cellar over the previous 5 years. 

Alright, let’s get to the grades for each recreation from Week 1. For those who’re on the lookout for a deeper dive on the Cowboys-Buccaneers recreation that was performed on Thursday, be sure to click here.  

Cincinnati 27-24 over Minnesota (OT)

San Francisco 41-33 over Detroit

Arizona 38-13 over Tennessee

Seattle 28-16 over Indianapolis 

L.A. Chargers 20-16 over Washington

Houston 37-21 over Jacksonville

Carolina 19-14 over N.Y. Jets

Jets-Panthers grades by Patrik Walker (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)

Philadelphia 32-6 over Atlanta

Eagles-Falcons grades by Jeff Kerr (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)

Pittsburgh 23-16 over Buffalo

Payments-Steelers grades by Bryan DeArdo (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)

Denver 27-13 over N.Y. Giants

Miami 17-16 over New England 

Dolphins-Patriots grades by Tyler Sullivan (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)

 New Orleans 38-3 over Inexperienced Bay (in Jacksonville) 

Packers-Saints grades by Jordan Dajani (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)

Kansas Metropolis 33-29 over Cleveland 

Browns-Chiefs grades by Josh Edwards (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)