I didn’t catch the 10am and 1pm pacific games due to my other job, but I watched the highlights and watched Sunday Night Football. My honest opinion is that the Lions and Rams showed a slightly potential NFC Championship game preview while the Ravens and Chiefs showcased an AFC Championship game preview. However, watch out for Philadelphia to return to playoff form with Saquon Barkley in the lineup. As for Green Bay, this is bad news after Jordan Love went down with an MCL. It’s only week one, but I’m feeling some teams as playoff hopefuls. The overall highlights of the weekend were kickers and penalties, and there were lots of them. Shout outs to Jake Moody, Chris Boswell, Blake Grupe, and Brandon Aubrey!

10) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Jordan Love showed that Green Bay has a long-term future. But after his injury, there’s already worry about Green Bay moving forward until he returns. Once he’s back, the Packers’ offense will run through him again. Defense needs more development with their new defensive coordinator while the offense must go through Josh Jacobs until their backup quarterback is figured out.

9) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Saquon Barkley gets a warm welcome from Philly in Brazil and debuts very well with 109 rush yards, two rushing touchdowns and two receptions for a touchdown. DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown were the one-two punch in the air with 203 yards combined. The offensive line, post-Jason Kelce, held up well except the snap connection between center and quarterback. However, Philly’s glaring issue is Jalen Hurts’ ball management. While he threw two touchdowns, he also threw two interceptions and lost the ball on one fumble. That must be addressed, or it could cost Philly some games in crucial moments.

8) DALLAS COWBOYS

Dak’s new money made him play like a fearless competitor against the Browns on the road. Him, CeeDee Lamb, and the defense made life miserable for Cleveland and Deshaun Watson. Maybe the new contract jumpstarted Dak’s confidence after questions loomed for his future. While coach Mike McCarthy’s future still on the table, the team feels better after starting the season with a W.

7) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Baker Mayfield came out slinging for four touchdowns against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Washington. While Bucky Irving got the majority of the yards, Rachaad White took his talents to the receiving game alongside Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. There’s some dynamic play by Tampa Bay while their defense put a stranglehold on the offense throughout the game. Atlanta faltered against Justin Fields’ Steelers giving Tampa hope to repeat in the NFC South.

6) LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams offense looked good under Matt Stafford and Sean McVay, but Puka Nacua’s injury slightly hurt their winning opportunity at Detroit. Stafford and Cooper Kupp still played like a dominant duo while others stepped up in Nacua’s place. The concern is their defensive line after Aaron Donald’s retirement, and the offensive line. Maybe both fronts still need time to develop, but they must develop fast as Arizona, Seattle, and San Francisco will challenge them sometime soon.

5) HOUSTON TEXANS

From start to finish, the Colts/Texans matchup was one of the best games of the weekend. It had offense, defense, and special teams involved. For CJ Stroud and Houston, they made a statement with their win, including a sick pass to Nico Collins to seal the game. Newly acquired running back Joe Mixon and receiver Stefon Diggs made their mark very quickly. Mixon tallied 159 rushing yards and a touchdown while Diggs caught for two touchdowns. Defense made an impact in plenty of ways, including a two-point conversion stop that made the difference later on in their 29-27 victory. If they continue their performance the way they did this past weekend, Houston could be a major threat in the AFC.

4) DETROIT LIONS

Detroit showed some fierce defensive play while the offense imposed their will on an Aaron Donald-less defensive front. It took overtime to win, but Detroit proved they are Super Bowl contenders with the number of returns on offense and key additions on defense. Keep an eye on Jared Goff as there were a few plays where he looked a little…shaky.

3) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Again, Baltimore had opportunities to stop Kansas City but failed again after Isaiah Likely “toed the line”. This is their second straight meeting where they had a touchdown that didn’t happen. The offensive line will need time to gel, but Lamar Jackson showed more growth as a passer even though he must work more on his accuracy. The Ravens have every reason to keep their head up moving forward.

2) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

No Christian McCaffrey!!!???…No problem!!! Jordan Mason slaughtered the Jets defense for 147 yards and a touchdown. Defense made work against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, even without Dre Greenlaw. There’s plenty of optimism for San Fran once both are back healthy. They also need Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams fully conditioned for another playoff and Super Bowl run.

1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs are still the Chiefs. They are faster and wider outside with Xavier Worthy’s presence, and the defense are still one of the best in the league. This is now their 22nd straight game without allowing 30 points. Unless Joe Burrow and the Bengals end it next week, their streak is on the line in Week 7 against the 49ers.