Sam Darnold is worth buying into as an above-average quarterback this season. After a rocky start to his career, he has found a supportive environment with the Minnesota Vikings, where he has the chance to thrive under offensive-minded coach Kevin O’Connell. With a talented roster that includes star receiver Justin Jefferson, Darnold’s recent performance shows promise. In his debut, he completed 79.2% of his passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. While he may not maintain that level every week, the potential for a breakout year is there.
Kirk Cousins is on the clock. The Atlanta Falcons have invested heavily in Cousins, signing him to a $180 million contract. However, his lackluster performance in Week 1 raises questions about his ability to lead the team effectively. If Cousins struggles against tough opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, the Falcons may need to consider giving rookie Michael Penix Jr. a chance. This situation is worth monitoring closely, as Cousins needs to deliver results quickly.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are in trouble. The Bengals, despite having star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, only managed to score 10 points in their opener against the New England Patriots. This performance is concerning, especially in a competitive division. Similarly, the Browns, who were expected to have a strong defense, struggled against the Dallas Cowboys, allowing 33 points. Deshaun Watson’s performance was disappointing, with a career-low yards per attempt. If both teams don’t bounce back quickly, they may find themselves in a difficult position as the season progresses.
As the NFL season unfolds, the spotlight remains on these key players and teams. The pressure is on Darnold to prove his worth, while Cousins must demonstrate he can live up to his hefty contract. Meanwhile, the Bengals and Browns need to turn their fortunes around to stay competitive in their divisions. The next few weeks will be critical for all involved.
