NFL Preseason Week 1 Winners and Losers

After a few games on Thursday and Friday, Week 1 of the NFL preseason rolled into the weekend with 10 contests on Saturday and Sunday.

Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton, Brent Sobleski and Kris Knox provided winners and losers from all of the matchups during the NFL's first full weekend of play.

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo

Score: Chargers 27, Saints 13

Winner: CB Eric Rogers, Los Angeles Chargers

The best way for an undrafted free agent to get everyone's attention is by making plays whenever they're on the field. Case in point, rookie cornerback Eric Rogers snagged a pair of fantastic interceptions during Sunday's contest against the Saints.

Rogers undercut an out-route on 3rd-and-6 and dove through the catch-point, then raced nearly 45 yards for the score. The second occurred because of excellent zone awareness, where the Rutgers product got depth under a curl route and stretched with both arms over his head to create another turnover.

Unfortunately, Rogers did suffer what looked like an ankle injury late in the contest.

Loser: Saints' quarterback situation

Neither Spencer Rattler nor rookie Tyler Shough looked like a viable starting option for the Saints. The two combined to complete 22-of-33 passes for 198 yards, a touchdown, an interception, a lost fumble and five sacks.

The duo looked uncomfortable working through their reads and lacked confidence of where to go with the ball. Shough's 54-yard touchdown completion to Mason Tipton was offset by a poorly thrown out route, where the rookie was late and behind his target, which led to the aforementioned pick-six.

Jake Haener didn't come into the game until less than five minutes left in the contest and subsequently threw an interception.

Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Paul Beaty

Chicago Bears defender Austin Booker sacks Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers during Sunday's action.

Score: Miami Dolphins 24, Chicago Bears 24

Winner: Edge Austin Booker, Chicago Bears

A year ago, Austin Booker surprised many when the underclassman unexpectedly declared for the 2024 draft class. But Booker is a fantastic athlete, with huge upside, hence why the Bears selected him in the fifth round. Booker didn't play extensively as a 21-year-old rookie, so the growth potential seen in Week 1 of the preseason is encouraging.

Booker managed three sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and a forced fumble against the Dolphins. Granted, Booker wasn't dominating Miami's first-team offensive line. Even so, the effort should signal more opportunities in Chicago's defense.

Loser: Miami Dolphins' goal-line offense

The composition of the Dolphins backfield will need to be differentiated prior to the start of the regular season. Jaylen Wright was next in line after four carries by De'Vone Achane. The team's first drive ended when Wright was stuffed on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Miami did a better job with its short-yardage opportunities later in the contest, specifically with Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II in the lineup. However, those earlier issues signal an offensive line that still needs to gel, while the Dolphins coaching staff must find ways to incorporate its bigger, more physical runners earlier into the gameplan.

Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

49ers CB Chase Lucas

Score: Broncos 30, 49ers 9

Winner: San Francisco 49ers Defense

The San Francisco 49ers experienced a bit of a defensive overhaul this offseason, parting with the likes of Javon Hargrave and Dre Greenlaw, bringing back coordinator Robert Saleh and using their first five draft picks on rookie defenders.

The final score might not suggest it, but San Francisco's 2025 defensive debut went swimmingly. San Francisco's defense looked terrific early, despite sitting most of its starters and going against the Denver Broncos' first-team offense. Denver's three series with its starters yielded a punt, a safety and a field goal, while the 49ers defense showcased the sort of intensity that was largely lacking last season. It's a great early sign that Saleh's return will have a positive impact for the 49ers.

Loser: 49ers QB Depth

The 49er stumbled onto quarterback Brock Purdy after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo both suffered season-ending injuries in 2022. They had better hope that their quarterback depth isn't similarly tested this season.

Mac Jones helped deliver an opening-drive touchdown with a 50-yard strike to rookie Jordan Watkins. However, he stalled after that, and Carter Bradley (6-of-14, 32 yards) was even shakier. Both quarterbacks had bad interceptions, but Bradley's accuracy and timing were repeatedly off. Tanner Mordecai, who was signed on Friday, also had a bad decision become an interception.

With rookie Kurtis Rourke still recovering from a torn ACL, San Francisco may want to search for additional QB depth.

New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Jets QB Justin Fields

Score: Jets 30, Packers 10

Winner: QB Justin Fields, New York Jets

The New York Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year contract this offseason, hoping the 2021 first-round pick can put an end to their ongoing quarterback carousel. However, training camp brought some cause for concern, as Fields suffered a toe injury and was reportedly "up and down as a passer" in Jets camp, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (h/t On3's Barkley Truax).

Against the Green Bay Packers, though Fields was mostly up and showed no signs of being slowed by injury. He only played on drive, but led the Jets offense 79 yards in 11 plays while going 3-of-4 passing and scoring on a sensational 13-yard touchdown run. If he can build on his Jets debut, Fields might just have a long-term future in New York.

Loser: WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers

One could argue that Green Bay's entire starting offense came out of Saturday's game as a loser. Jordan Love was just 1-of-5, and the Packers didn't get on the board until Malik Willis led a second-quarter field-goal drive. However, Romeo Doubs was probably the Packers' biggest loser after dropping a pair of passes on the opening drive.

Doubs, who was credited with 22 drops over his first three seasons, is one of Green Bay's receivers whose job could be in jeopardy after the drafting of Matthew Golden and  Savion Williams. He wasn't the only Packers pass-catcher to drop a pass on Saturday, but he did himself no favors in the first unofficial game of his contract year.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Chiefs OT Josh Simmons

Score: Cardinals 20, Chiefs 17

Winner: OT Josh Simmons, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals both played their starters to open Saturday's game, which gave Kansas City a terrific look at rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons. The Ohio State product played 11 snaps and did absolutely nothing to stand out in a negative way—which, for an offensive lineman, is a win.

Simmons repeatedly held his own against a seasoned edge-rusher in Baron Browning and did a terrific job of protecting Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew during his two drives. It's still early, but the Chiefs appear to have their Week 1 starter at left tackle.

Loser: QB Bailey Zappe, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have their starter in Mahomes and acquired a quality backup when they added Minshew this offseason. Bailey Zappe was playing for a roster spot and/or to audition for other teams. His night did not go well.

Zappe, who has nine starts on his resume, repeatedly forced balls into coverage and made poor overall decisions. He went just 8-of-17 and threw a pair of interceptions before giving way to Chris Oladokun. While Zappe may still be able to play his way into a roster spot, he faces an uphill climb fro

Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Rams RB Cody Schrader

Score: Los Angeles Rams 31, Dallas Cowboys 21

Winner: Rams' Backup RBs

Even though the Rams signed Kyren Williams to a three-year extension worth up to $33 million, they made sure to get their reserve ball-carriers ready for fill-in duty. Blake Corum scored twice on short runs. Cody Schrader led the team in rushing with 59 yards. Jarquez Hunter registered 11 carries for 41 yards.

Over the last two years, Williams has been a workhorse running back. Corum, Schrader and Hunter may take some of the load off his legs in the upcoming term.

Loser: QB Joe Milton III, Cowboys

Milton lit up the Rams defense in joint practices, but Los Angeles' defense turned the tables on him Saturday. The second-year signal-caller completed 17 out of 29 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He exited in the fourth quarter with an elbow injury.

Milton's stat line could've been worse if Rams defenders hadn't dropped interceptions in the first half. He also overthrew receivers multiple times. His buzz won't fade with one shaky preseason performance. That said, it's clear he needs more development before seeing regular-season action against starters. 

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter

Score: Steelers 31, Jaguars 25

Winner: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

'Whether or not Travis Hunter can actually play both ways in the NFL has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen even recently told Up & Adams (h/t Nishant Gupta of Athalon Sports) that corner is Hunter's "more natural position," which is why the rookie saw extensive work at receiver early in the offseason.

On Saturday, though, Hunter started out with the first-team offense before checking in with the second-team defense. His numbers weren't jaw-dropping, but Hunter caught a pair of passes for nine yards and didn't seem out of place at either position. It may only be preseason, and it may be a small first step, but Hunter passed his first test as a potential two-way player.

Loser: QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

We didn't learn a lot about the Pittsburgh Steelers, who decided to sit quarterback Aaron Rodgers and most of their starters for the preseason opener. However, Pittsburgh's ability to slow Jacksonville's early offense with backup defenders doesn't bode well for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence was a respectable 6-of-7 passing in his one series. However, his ball placement appeared off, and he averaged a modest 7.2 yards per completion. Jacksonville's offense, which scored just nine first-half points, wasn't much more efficient immediately after Law

Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Titans QB Cam Ward

Score: Buccaneers 29, Titans 7

Winner: QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward might not have had as prolific a preseason debut as some other rookies, but his limited work for the Tennessee Titans on Saturday still resulted in a personal win.

Ward appeared a bit jittery on Tennessee's opening series, a three-and-out. However, he was completely composed on the ensuing drive, going 5-of-6 for 67 yards and helping to set up a Tony Pollard touchdown run. While his pocket awareness wasn't the best, he flashed top-tier arm talent on a deep connection with Calvin Ridley. Tennessee's presumptive Week 1 starter got in, found his footing and left a strong first impression.

Loser: Titans' Run Defense Depth

To be fair, the Titans starting defense only played one series as a unit, though it did allow a field goal. For most of the first half, though, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw little resistance from Tennessee's defense.

Tampa, which has a new offensive coordinator in Josh Grizzard, kept most of its starters off the field. However, it still amassed 209 first-half yards and scored on three of four possessions—with a botched snap serving as the main reason the Bucs didn't score on all four. It was an underwhelming start for a Titans defense that, while respectable in 2024 (second in yards allowed), is looking to establish depth at inside linebacker and along the defensive line.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Vikings CB Kahlef Hailassie

Score: Vikings 20, Texans 10

Winner: Vikings' Cornerback Depth

Vikings' projected starting cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers saw action early in the game. In the second half, Kahlef Hailassie and Ambry Thomas recorded interceptions on three consecutive drives.

If guys like Hailassie and Thomas continue to make big plays, it allows the Vikings to be flexible with their coverage looks in case the new starters underperform early in the season.

Loser: Texans RT, Blake Fisher

Fisher lost some ground in a competition to start at right tackle. He allowed an early quarterback pressure and mostly struggled while the Texans' offensive line held its own against some of the Vikings' defensive starters.

Ersery has taken practice snaps at right tackle and started at left tackle in place of Cam Robinson on Saturday. If Robinson recovers from a leg injury before Week 1, Ersery will likely move back to right tackle, pushing Fisher into a backup role.

New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Score: Giants 34, Bills 25

Winner: QB Jaxson Dart, Giants

The Giants game-planned for Dart to get the ball out of his hands on quick strikes to help him establish a rhythm in the pocket. After a series of short passes, he let it rip on a long throw to Lil'Jordan Humphrey for a touchdown on a 28-yard play. 

In five drives, Dart showed short-to-intermediate accuracy, made pinpoint downfield throws and displayed mobility with three carries, one that went for 19 yards. He finished with 178 total yards passing and rushing. The rookie first-rounder should see the field if Big Blue's season goes off the rails.

Loser: CB Deonte Banks, Giants

Banks is in a battle for the Giants' No. 2 cornerback spot. He didn't make a strong case for himself while his competitor, Cor'Dale Flott, sat out. Banks played through the first half, well after the team pulled its starting defense, which indicates the coaches wanted to see more out of him.

Banks nearly surrendered a big play to Kristian Wilkerson, but the referees ruled the Bills receiver out of bounds. Still, he could've made a pass breakup or snagged an interception with his head turned around to locate the ball. The 2023 first-rounder needs a better performance to keep a starting job.

Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Brian Westerholt

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders

Score: Browns 30, Panthers 10

Winner: QB Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

Oh, the Browns' quarterback competition just got interesting. Sanders had the opportunity to start and get the majority of reps in Cleveland's first preseason contest. During the first half, the fifth-round rookie threw a pair of touchdowns—both of which were impressive passes for different reasons.

Sanders rolled to his left and threaded a pass between two defenders for the initial score. The second included good pocket movement before driving the ball to the open receiver. The first-year quarterback looked comfortable in the pocket and delivered, with minimal mistakes.

Veteran Joe Flacco may have the edge to start, but the Browns will need to get a look at Sanders this season.

Loser: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

This designation comes with a caveat. McMillan is being treated as the Panthers' WR1 and provided a couple bright moments during Friday's contest, specifically a 30-yard over-the-shoulder catch that showed how dangerous he can be as a vertical threat.

However, the rookie didn't get his head around quickly enough in the end zone on what should have been a touchdown. Secondly, this year's eighth overall pick dropped another pass when he should have been able to body off a defender. These are areas that need to be cleaned up to ensure the Panthers' do have their new No. 1 target.

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Atlanta Falcons' Arnold Ebiketie hits Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Score: Lions 17, Falcons 10

Winner: Promising start to Atlanta Falcons' new-look pass-rush

The Falcons' futility in generating pressure for nearly a decade has been well-documented. The organization made sure to invest heavily in its defensive front over the last two drafts. Those selections are now paying dividends.

Two young defenders made a significant impact Friday against the Lions. First, Brandon Dorlus, who barely played as a rookie, generated pressure, registered a sack and forced a turnover. He flashed the ability to move up and down the line of scrimmage. Meanwhile, this year's 26th overall draft pick, James Pearce Jr., demanded significant respect from the Lions, who regularly shifted protections in his direction.

Loser: QB Hendon Hooker, Detroit Lions

Backup quarterback is often described as a team's most important position. It's partially because a team doesn't want to take a massive step back if the starter goes down. In the Lions' case, they have a problem and Hooker may not be the solution.

Detroit drafted Hooker in the third round of the 2023 draft. His rookie campaign was a wash due to injury. He's now in Year 3 and still doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. He fumbled twice against the Falcons and averaged 3.8 yards per attempt. Kyle Allen clearly has the edge to become QB2 behind Jared Goff.

Washington Commanders v. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson

Score: Patriots 48, Commanders 18

Winner: RB TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

Henderson couldn't ask for a better start to his professional career than providing a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. More importantly, the second-round rookie looked explosive each time he touched the ball and appears to have a different gear than nearly everyone else on the field. Henderson also ran the ball once for 18 years.

The Patriots spent this offseason trying to improve Drake Maye's supporting cast. Henderson flashed the ability to make him a dangerous weapon. He could easily emerge as the squad's featured back as the year progresses.

Loser: Washington Commanders run defense

The Commanders featured a bottom three run defense last season. During Friday's contest, they didn't do a good job slowing the Patriots' ground attack. In fact, New England allowed over 100 yards and 5.6 yards per carry in the first half.

The Commanders' starting front seven wasn't on the field. Even so, Washington still needs to be better with its run fits and physicality to slow an opponent no matter who is in the lineup.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens EDGE David Ojabo sacks Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr.

Score: Ravens 24, Colts 16

Winner: RB Keaton Mitchell, Ravens

Less than two years removed from a torn ACL, Mitchell has regained his burst. On the Ravens' second drive, he broke free for 23- and 22-yard gains en route to a rushing touchdown. Mitchell averaged 7.6 yards per carry for the game.

As the big-play threat out of Baltimore's backfield, the third-year pro could be a change-of-pace ball-carrier who takes a load off Derrick Henry and splits pass-catching opportunities with Justice Hill.

Loser: QB Anthony Richardson Sr., Colts

With the Colts' first possession, Richardson connected with Adonai Mitchell and Tyler Warren for a combined 21 yards, but on the following drive, he took a sack from David Ojabo that sent him to the sideline. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson dislocated the pinkie on his throwing hand and doesn't know how long he'll be out.

It's a tough break for Richardson, who's in a quarterback battle with Daniel Jones. In two seasons, he's missed 19 regular-season games mainly because of injuries. His lack of durability continues to raise concerns about his career outlook.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase scores a touchdown.

Score: Eagles 34, Bengals 27

Winner: Bengals' Starting Offense

The Bengals stumbled out of the gate in back-to-back seasons. In 2023, they averaged 12.3 points in the first four games. Cincinnati lost to the New England Patriots 16-10 at home in last year's season opener. Unlike previous years, the Bengals gave their offensive starters notable early preseason snaps and saw optimal results.

In two drives, Joe Burrow completed nine out of 10 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Ja'Marr Chase four times for 77 yards and a score. Cincinnati's offense looks regular-season ready.

Loser: Eagles' Search for No. 2 Cornerback

The Eagles have an open battle for the No. 2 cornerback spot. The Bengals picked on Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo, who are the top contenders for the open position. Now, we see why Philadelphia traded for Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

The Eagles should feel good about cornerback Quinyon Mitchell's promising rookie campaign, but they will miss Darius Slay if no one emerges on the opposite boundary.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Seahawks WR Tory Horton

Score: Seahawks 23, Raiders 23

Winner: Seahawks WR, Tory Horton

Horton's impressive performances through training camp translated to production in game action against the Raiders. He caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

Horton's playmaking ability has come at wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling's expense. The rookie fifth-rounder could work his way into the No. 3 receiver spot for the upcoming season if he continues to make strong impressions.

Loser: Raiders' Run Defense

Seahawks' fourth-string running back George Holani gashed the Raiders' run defense with long gains between the tackles and on the edge. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and scored on a 24-yard run. Seattle ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

In July, Las Vegas released its high-priced defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins, who was recovering from a Jones fracture and might have been a distraction in the locker room. To fill that void, the Raiders acquired Thomas Booker IV in exchange for cornerback Jakorian Bennett, but they need more help to patch up the interior of their defensive line.