The Top-Five NFL Shockers from Week One

Any given Sunday, right?

Why should the first Sunday of the regular season be different from any other? It doesn't deserve special treatment just because it's opening weekend!

Teams will fall, fans will cry, and life will try and continue as scheduled for Week Two.

Analysts have tried to predict the fate of teams and the pace of games throughout the entire offseason. Statistics are always pretty, and history is very useful when attempting to gauge the potential of a team—but they always discount the human factor. 

In all of its unpredictable glory, the NFL delivered on its promises this week.

5. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and the Atlanta Falcons

Opinions across the board had the Atlanta Falcons losing at home to the Detroit Lions. Not only did they win, but the Falcons came right out and smacked everyone in the mouth!

Matt Ryan's very first professional pass was a 66-yard touchdown strike to Michael Jenkins.

Some considered Michael Turner to be no more than a big back that succeeded because he spelled off the best running back in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson. But Turner pounded the turf for 220 yards, helping the Falcons to an early 21-0 lead over Detroit.

Jerious Norwood also contributed a near 100-yard game on the ground.

For a team so far removed from the era of the Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn, and T.J. Duckett trifecta, it seems as if the Falcons are still in great shape running the ball.

The offense clicked on all cylinders, something no one can honestly say they saw coming heading into the first week.

4. The Entire Buffalo Bills Team

No one should be surprised with solid play from the Buffalo Bills. A quick and speedy punt return by the dangerous Roscoe Parrish shouldn't be a shocker, either. But the fashion in which the Buffalo Bills dominated a 2007 playoff team in the Seattle Seahawks has to be an eye-opener!

While the New York Jets and New England Patriots squeaked by the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, the Bills pounded the Seahawks with passing, rushing, and special-teams touchdowns.

Most surprising of all, the Bills padded their lead with a touchdown pass by punter Brian Moorman on a fake field goal.

3. Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles

Donovan McNabb is a bully. His 361-yard performance against the St. Louis Rams reminded the entire league why it's never a good idea to count him out.

Slinging three touchdowns to three different targets on a team oft-criticized for their lack of quality receivers should silence the critics for a while.

3a. Steven Jackson and the Holdout

It's safe to say that the 40 yards on 14 carries Stephen Jackson put up against the Philadelphia Eagles wasn't what the Rams had in mind when they gave him his new contract.

2. The Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers

Fans were hoping to see Jake Delhomme replaced this offseason. Surely their feelings have softened after Delhomme's game-winning touchdown strike to Dante Rosario at the very end of the game.

On a day where Philip Rivers tossed three touchdowns and LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for nearly 100 yards, no one could envision a scenario with the Chargers actually losing the game.

Definitely one of the most thrilling performances, Jake Delhomme's touchdown would be No. 1 if it weren't for the potential impact of...

1. Tom Brady

Bill Belichick's laughable injury reports won't be so funny next week.

After a preseason where Tom Brady sidestepped questions about his foot, it appears his injury-free streak is at an end. 

Brady has been well protected throughout his career by an exceptional offensive line. And whenever he has taken a shot, fans are accustomed to seeing him bounce right back up, shrug it off, and lead a touchdown drive.

Everyone from the fans to his teammates will experience a sense of shock when preparations for a regular-season game without Tom Brady continue. The effects of his injury will resonate throughout the AFC East, as the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets look to close the gap.

And it's only the beginning! Literally!

Monday night games have yet to be played, and at press-time, the Chicago Bears are beating the Indianapolis Colts.

It's going to be a great season!

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.