Week 1: Winners and Losers

The NFL is back! After months of expensive holdouts, record-breaking contracts and blockbuster trades, the National Football League returned with a Week 1 for the ages. From Brazil’s first-ever regular season game to Tom Brady’s debut in the booth, the 2024 season’s first slate of matchups had something for everyone – but not everyone came out on top. Decyfr takes a look at the winners and losers from the first week of NFL action.

Nick Sirianni – Head Coach – Philadelphia Eagles – WINNER

Despite taking the reins of a 4-11-1 team and immediately turning them into perennial playoff contenders – with three-straight playoff appearances, a 34-17 regular season record and an NFC Championship victory in 2022 – Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was viewed as a coach on the hot seat heading into the 2024 season. As a result, a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil, was not only a relief but a necessity for Sirianni. Whilst the team’s performance was solid across the board, the Eagles HC must tip his hat to star offseason addition Saquon Barkley in particular. Finally operating behind a functional offensive line and a top 10 QB, Barkley recorded 132 total yards and a staggering three touchdowns on his debut – immediately ingratiating himself with Eagles fans whilst ensuring Sirianni finishes Week 1 as an undisputed winner.

These head coaches are FEELING THE HEAT in 2024 🥵

Who do you think will be the first to be fired this season? pic.twitter.com/iFDuWPI8ld

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) September 3, 2024

Mark Andrews – Tight End – Baltimore Ravens – LOSER

Before his near season-ending injury last year, Mark Andrews was viewed as one of the best tight ends in the game. Even post-injury, Andrews was one of the top five tight ends selected in most fantasy football drafts this offseason – with experts and fans alike expecting the three-time Pro Bowler to pick up where he left off in Week 1. However, that wasn’t the case, as Andrews recorded just two receptions for 14 yards in Thursday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While one slow performance doesn’t necessarily warrant any major concerns, the breakout performance of fellow Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely does put Andrews’ prospects this season into question. Likely popped off for a staggering nine receptions, 111 yards and a touchdown whilst establishing himself as one of Lamar Jackson’s favourite, and most dynamic, targets. Jackson’s utilisation of tight ends is well documented, meaning Andrews might still find his way back into the fold – however, another game with the workload falling to Likely could see Andrews back on this list in the future.

Jameis Winston – Quarterback – Cleveland Browns – WINNER

Jameis Winston’s signing with the Cleveland Browns this offseason was hardly considered blockbuster – simply a respectable move for a franchise in need of a serviceable backup behind star QB Deshaun Watson. Heading into Week 1, that’s exactly the role that Winston filled. Coming out of Week 1, however, many Browns fans are calling for Winston to take over as QB1 – despite the former No. 1 overall pick not taking a single snap. When Cleveland gave Deshaun Watson a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, after trading the house for him in 2022, it was instantly seen as a risk. Skip forward to Watson’s 169 yard, two interception performance in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and it looks to be one of the worst contracts in NFL history. While Winston taking the reins wouldn’t change the financial side of things, it would almost certainly provide a level of stability on the field that would allow the Browns to remain competitive. Furthermore, it would give Winston another chance to earn a lucrative contract of his own, ahead of the 2025 offseason.

David Tepper – Owner – Carolina Panthers – LOSER

There are two different kinds of owners in the NFL – those who leave the decision making to the general manager and team executives, and those who take matters into their own hands. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has a reputation for being the latter – most notably during the 2023 NFL Draft. In desperate need of a new franchise QB, the Panthers traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears in exchange for the first-overall pick. Rumour has it, despite most of the Panthers organisation being enamoured with C.J. Stroud, the team was forced to select Bryce Young as he was Tepper’s preference. When Stroud then went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year – while Young had a lacklustre rookie season to say the least – the decision immediately looked to be a poor one. However, fans held out hope that with extra weapons and a new head coach, Young could still fulfil his potential. After a brutal 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints and two interceptions from Bryce Young on Sunday, however, it doesn’t look as though things are improving any time soon – with Tepper’s Draft Day involvement continuing to torment fans.

Jordan Mason – Running Back – San Francisco 49ers – WINNER

2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey is the definition of a playmaker – capable of single-handedly determining the outcome of a game. To lose such a player to injury, just one hour before kicking off against a challenging opponent, is hugely problematic. You can therefore imagine the concerns of San Francisco 49ers fans when McCaffrey was ruled out of last night’s contest with the New York Jets – handing over the keys to third-year running back Jordan Mason. Those concerns were quickly put to rest, however, as Mason put on a show against a very talented Jets defense. The former undrafted free agent (UDFA) posted 147 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries – a phenomenal 5.3 yards per attempt – en route to a convincing 32-19 victory at Levi’s Stadium. While it’s safe to assume that McCaffrey’s role as RB1 isn’t in doubt, teams will rarely use just one running back on game day – meaning an explosive RB2 is a valuable position on any offense. Mason’s performance on Monday night will have gone a long way toward securing that position, and a healthy rep count, going forward.

The NFC East SWEEPS Decyfr’s Week 1 awards 👏#FlyEaglesFly #DallasCowboys | @saquon | @erickendricks6 pic.twitter.com/RjWWgG3y7O

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) September 10, 2024

New York Giants – LOSER

Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, the New York Giants had a decision to make – were they going to put their future in the hands of running back Saquon Barkley or quarterback Daniel Jones. To the surprise of many Giants fans, New York chose Daniel Jones – giving him a four-year contract extension worth $160 million, while Barkley was left with the franchise tag despite unquestionably being the spearhead of their offense the previous season. Injuries meant that Daniel Jones only appeared in six games throughout the 2023 season. Those six were hardly impressive, however, as Jones recorded just two touchdowns to six interceptions and 151.5 passing yards per game. Skip forward to Week 1 of 2024, and the departure of Barkley, paired with a healthy Jones, meant all eyes on were the Giants QB1 going into their game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Not only did New York lose 28-6, but Jones threw two interceptions whilst completing just 52% of his throws – with their sole consolation being rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers’ performance, as he recorded five receptions for 66 yards in his first game. To make matters worse, one of those two interceptions was returned by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel for six points – meaning since signing his enormous contract extension, Daniel Jones has thrown more pick-sixes than touchdown passes.