NFL Week 1 Highlights: Best and Worst Performances

The first week of the 2026 NFL season featured a mix of remarkable performances and disappointing plays across various teams. Notably, Tyler Owens of the Commanders delivered an exceptional effort during a punt return, despite his team's loss to the Eagles.

Drake Maye, quarterback for the Patriots, faced criticism for a late-game interception that sealed his team's defeat against the Seahawks. Meanwhile, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was praised for his aggressive game plan that led to a significant victory over the Packers.

The Rams struggled in their season opener against the 49ers, attributed in part to their travel schedule, while the Bengals' defense impressed by forcing multiple turnovers in their win over the Buccaneers. The Cowboys, however, faced scrutiny for their defensive performance in a loss to the Giants, raising questions about their preparedness for the season.