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NFL Week 1 winners and losers: Aaron Rodgers, Colts and Cam Newton

By Zach Cohen

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 and Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 and Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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NFL Week 1
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

NFL Week 1 Loser: D’Andre Swift

Too easy, right? I’m talking about his inclusion on this list, though his potential game-winning drop certainly fits that criteria. It’s not the start you want from your rookie running back, but hey, there are still 15 games left for the Lions to play.

NFL Week 1 Winner: Cam Newton

No one knew what to expect when Cam Newton shocked the world by joining New England on a crisp summer evening. Fast forward to Sunday, and Newton looked surprisingly comfortable in his Patriots’ debut. Leave it to Bill Belichick to tailor his offense to his new starting quarterback.

NFL Week 1 Loser: Randy Bullock

Missing a kick to cost your team the game? Normally, we say that about the Chargers. But Bullock’s missed 31-yard field goal would have tied the game and given Joe Burrow another shot to win his debut.

Despite a confusing interception to Melvin Ingram, Burrow looked very promising in his first professional game. It’s too bad Bullock, who injured himself on the kick, couldn’t give Burrow a chance to become the first 1st-overall pick to win his debut since 2002 (David Carr).

NFL Week 1 Winner: Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray and Co. are legit. Fresh off their victory against the reigning NFC Champions, the Cardinals looked like a force to be reckoned with. Murray lived up to the sleeper-MVP hype with 320 total yards, 90 of which came on the ground. DeAndre Hopkins appears to be settled in with his new team as he posted a career-high 14 catches for 151 yards. It’s just one game, but Arizona looks like they’re here to stay.

NFL Week 1 Losers: Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts

Any time you walk into a stadium as favorites and lose, you’ll be on this list. The Eagles get somewhat of a pass because of all their injuries, most notably along their offensive line. However, losing to a team without a name is not a great start to your season. As for the Colts, maybe they’re just not used to packed stadiums in Jacksonville…

All kidding aside, Indianapolis will have some soul-searching to do after an embarrassing loss to a team that could be picking first in the 2021 draft. (Or could they…)

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