NFL Week 1 reactions: Overreactions or reality?

It was an impressive showing, but placing Green Bay as the new NFC frontrunner might be premature.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles also opened their season with a win, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 24-20. Notably, the Eagles also swept the Packers last season, winning both in Week 1 and in the NFC Wild Card.

So, while Green Bay may have leapfrogged Detroit, it's too soon to declare them the team to beat in the NFC.

3. Aaron Rodgers will throw for 30 touchdowns in Pittsburgh: Not an overreaction

Rodgers led the Steelers to a 34–32 win over his former team, the New York Jets, throwing for 244 yards and four touchdowns on 22-of-30 passing. It was his first game with four touchdowns and no interceptions since December 12, 2021 — the same season he last eclipsed 30 touchdown passes (37).

Now under the guidance of 19-year Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Rodgers looks rejuvenated. The change of scenery and experienced coaching could be the spark he needed to get back in the 30-touchdown club if he can stay healthy.

4. The Giants need to bench Russell Wilson: Overreaction

New York’s offense struggled in its 21–6 loss to Washington, with Wilson completing just 17-of-37 passes for 168 yards and no touchdowns. His 59.3 passer rating marked his lowest in a game since Dec. 3, 2023. While the Commanders’ defense played well, Wilson’s struggles raise questions about who should lead the Giants at quarterback.

Rookie Jaxson Dart is currently the primary backup, and Wilson’s poor showing built pressure for Dart’s debut to come sooner rather than later. But it’s too early to make that switch. Wilson didn’t commit a turnover and faced significant pressure behind a struggling offensive line. The run game was also nonexistent — Wilson actually led the Giants in rushing with 44 yards.

If Wilson can’t bounce back in Week 2, talk of benching him may gain traction. But for now, it’s too soon to bench a quarterback after just one game, especially given his veteran experience and a one-year, $10.5 million contract.

5. This is Mike McDaniel's last season in Miami: Not an overreaction

Since taking over as head coach in 2022, McDaniel has kept the Dolphins competitive, but not elite. Over his three seasons, Miami has posted a 28–25 record and gone winless in the playoffs (0–2), being outscored 60–38 in those two games. Despite flashes of promise, the Dolphins have consistently finished second in the AFC East, unable to leapfrog the Buffalo Bills.

Week 1 of the 2025 season didn’t help McDaniel's case. Facing the Colts, Miami was dismantled 33–8, with quarterback Daniel Jones delivering one of the best performances of his career — completing 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and three total touchdowns for Indianapolis.

With the Bills still dominant and both the Jets and New England Patriots working towards rebuilding, the window for McDaniel's job is closing.