NFL Week 1 panic meter: Packers, Cowboys in real trouble?

It's easy to overreact to the poor performances we saw in NFL Week 1, but not every red flag is a serious cause for concern moving forward. Let's break down some of those disappointing performances and rank them on the panic meter.

New England Patriots

Panic meter rating: 5.5/10

The Patriots scored only 10 points and lost to Drew Lock in their 2026 debut, and it won't get much easier for the reigning AFC champs in the next few weeks. New England, which will be without A.J. Brown for at least four games after he landed on injured reserve, has the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills next on the schedule. 

Without their most dynamic weapon on offense, the Patriots could easily find themselves 1-3 through four games. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Panic meter rating: 3/10

We're not pressing the panic button on the Chargers just yet. Sure, it was a deplorable effort from Justin Herbert and company in their blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, but we're willing to give this team some grace. 

This was the first game for Los Angeles with a completely new offense and defense. There are always early kinks to work out with a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator in place. We trust Jim Harbaugh and Herbert to right the ship. 

Green Bay Packers

Panic meter rating: 6.5/10