NFL Week 1 Grades: Ravens Shine, Bills Impress

In Week 1 of the NFL season, the Ravens received an impressive grade of 'A-' for their performance, while the Bills earned a high mark following their victory over the Texans. The grading process for this season began as it does every year, assessing each game played from September 12, 2026, through January 2027.

The first week kicked off with several notable events including the New Orleans Saints staging a remarkable comeback from a 21-0 deficit against the Detroit Lions, only to lose in overtime following a failed two-point conversion. Additionally, the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers made history by combining for 96 points, a record for a Week 1 game.

The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, succumbed to the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 34-10. Their dismal performance marked a continuation of their struggles in season openers, bringing their record to 3-24-1 since rejoining the NFL in 1999.

An unexpected highlight of the week was the Arizona Cardinals' upset win over the Los Angeles Chargers, winning 26-14 after being 9.5-point underdogs. Surprisingly, both the New York Jets and Giants won their games, marking the first time since 2009 that both teams won their openers in the same season.

The Buffalo Bills triumphed 36-31 over the Texans, with quarterback Josh Allen securing his first win in Houston. Allen threw for 334 yards, including two touchdowns, with the decisive score being a 34-yard touchdown to Josh Palmer, clinching the game with 1:34 remaining. The addition of receiver DJ Moore proved beneficial for Buffalo, as he caught five passes for 100 yards.

On the other hand, the Houston Texans struggled defensively against the formidable Bills offense, raising concerns about their defense as the season unfolds.