NFL Week 1 grades: Raiders get an ‘A’ for crazy OT win over Ravens, Bengals get an ‘A-‘ for their wild OT win

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 additional time victory in opposition to the Vikings. 

After a preseason the place Joe Burrow solely took three snaps, the large 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 convincing 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 additional time when he related with C.J. Uzomah for a 32-yard acquire on fourth-and-1 from his personal 48-yard line. 

If the go had fallen incomplete, the Vikings would have taken over needing simply 10 or so yards to get into discipline purpose vary. As a substitute, the go from Burrow arrange Evan McPherson’s game-winning discipline purpose from 33 yards out. 

One other large 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 shall be answered in only one sport, the Bengals actually regarded like they made the suitable determination in Week 1. Chase caught the whole lot thrown his approach 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 large 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 the whole lot, the protection undoubtedly regarded a lot improved in a sport the place it sacked Kirk Cousins thrice, which was an enormous quantity for a group that solely tallied 17 sacks through the ENTIRE 2020 season (That quantity was an NFL-low). 

The Bengals offensive line remains to be a giant query mark — Burrow acquired sacked 5 occasions and took some large hits — however the Bengals proved on Sunday that they will win even when their offensive line is not excellent, which is one thing that could not be stated 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 undoubtedly 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 sport from Week 1. When you’re on the lookout for a deeper dive on the Cowboys-Buccaneers sport that was performed on Thursday, be sure to click here.  

Cincinnati 27-24 over Minnesota (OT)

Las Vegas 33-27 over Baltimore (Monday)

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.)

L.A. Rams 34-14 over Chicago

Bears-Rams grades by Jared Dubin (Love the grades? Hate the grades? Let him know on Twitter.)