Cowboys' Defensive Calamity Headlines NFL Week 1 Winners and Losers

As the NFL wrapped up its first full Sunday of the 2026 season on September 14, the league's opening weekend delivered a mix of brilliance and blunders. While marquee matchups like the Seattle Seahawks' statement win over the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers' dismantling of the Los Angeles Rams set the tone, the Sunday slate still provided plenty of drama. From offensive explosions to defensive meltdowns, here are the biggest winners and losers from Week 1, as analyzed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.

Winners

Baltimore Ravens' Offense

With first-time offensive coordinator Declan Doyle at the helm, the Ravens' new-look attack could have stumbled out of the gate. Instead, Lamar Jackson and company exploded for 31 first-half points in a 41-23 rout of the Indianapolis Colts. Through five drives, Baltimore averaged a staggering 11.1 yards per play, with Jackson looking rejuvenated as a dual-threat. Zay Flowers torched the Colts for 150 yards, including a 54-yard catch-and-run on a choice route. However, Flowers aggravated a hamstring injury, and his potential absence could test the offense's depth. Still, with Derrick Henry steadying the ground game, the Ravens appear poised to reclaim their status as one of the NFL's most vexing matchups.

Josh Allen

The 2024 NFL MVP picked up right where he left off, powering the Buffalo Bills to a 36-31 win over the Houston Texans. Allen accounted for four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing), but the supporting cast looked vastly improved. Newcomer DJ Moore provided a downfield threat, while tight end Dalton Kincaid, finally healthy after playing through a torn PCL, led the team with 130 receiving yards. The offensive line held up against a fierce Texans pass rush that sacked Allen eight times last November. On the game-winning 34-yard strike to Joshua Palmer, Allen admitted the play had never been practiced, but his improvisation paid off. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Allen's ability to elevate those around him makes Buffalo a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Ben Johnson

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson set a lofty goal: to field the NFL's highest-scoring offense. In a 59-38 demolition of the Carolina Panthers, his unit delivered. Quarterback Caleb Williams accounted for four total touchdowns, while the running game churned out 224 yards and four scores on 28 carries. The defense remains a concern, but three takeaways helped mitigate the damage. If the Bears can maintain this pace, they'll be must-see TV every week.

Cincinnati Bengals Defense

The Bengals' defense underwent a makeover in the offseason, and the early returns are promising. In a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati forced four turnovers, including a 27-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Demetrius Knight Jr. Newcomers Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe made impact plays, and Barrett Carter forced two fumbles. While relying on turnovers isn't sustainable, the defense holding up its end of the bargain is a welcome change for a team with AFC aspirations.

Aaron Glenn

After a humbling rookie season as head coach of the New York Jets, Aaron Glenn got a measure of revenge against his predecessor, Robert Saleh, and the Tennessee Titans. The Jets' 23-10 win showcased a composed offense and an aggressive defense. Glenn took over play-calling duties and instilled discipline that was missing in 2025. The schedule gets tougher, but Jets fans can savor their first Week 1 Sunday win in a decade.

T.J. Watt

After a injury-plagued 2025 season, T.J. Watt reminded everyone why he's a former Defensive Player of the Year. The Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher recorded two sacks and a 36-yard pick-six in a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. With Joey Porter Jr.'s status uncertain, Watt's leadership on defense is more critical than ever.

Losers

Christian Parker

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker dismissed the idea of settling for mediocrity, but his unit looked far from average in a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants. The Cowboys surrendered 165 rushing yards, allowed nine of 11 third-down conversions, and suffered multiple coverage breakdowns. Tight end Isaiah Likely scored twice on wide-open touchdowns, and running back Devin Singletary gashed Dallas in the flat for the game-winning score. With a lack of premier talent, Parker's task is daunting, and owner Jerry Jones can't be pleased.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns' 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars was a multifaceted failure. Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw an interception on the fifth play and never found a rhythm, looking both tentative and reckless. The defense, missing Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz, couldn't carry the load. First-year head coach Todd Monken tried to deflect blame, but the unrest in Cleveland is palpable. If Watson doesn't improve quickly, the season could spiral out of control.

Los Angeles Chargers

Excitement about Mike McDaniel's offense was premature. In a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the Chargers never clicked, failing to protect Justin Herbert or establish the run. Ladd McConkey suffered a chest injury, leaving the skill positions thin. The team converted just 2 of 11 on third and fourth downs. With a brutal stretch ahead, including five playoff teams from 2025, the Chargers must find answers fast.

Matt LaFleur

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur endured a nightmare in a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers blew a two-score lead, allowing 29 unanswered points. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores sent relentless blitzes, and Jordan Love was sacked four times in the second half, turning the ball over twice. LaFleur's decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 backfired, and the Packers' inability to finish divisional games remains a troubling trend. The returns of Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons will help, but this loss stings.

Cam Ward

The Titans' 2025 No. 1 pick proclaimed his offense is better than it showed in a 23-10 loss to the Jets, but the evidence was lacking. Ward was pressured on 42.1% of his dropbacks and completed just two passes over 10 yards. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was supposed to unlock Ward's daring style, but the unit still can't handle the basics. Ward's bizarre decision to step out of bounds on third down epitomized the dysfunction.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' 41-23 loss to the Ravens raised questions about their offseason approach. The secondary, expected to be a strength, was torched, with slot corner Justin Walley targeted repeatedly in his NFL debut. The pass rush remains absent, and the offense stalled after the first drive. Daniel Jones was fine in his return from a torn Achilles, but keeping the core together may not be enough in a competitive AFC South.

For more NFL analysis and to gear up with the latest team merchandise, visit Vulius.com. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.