14 Grueling Truths from Week 1 of the NFL Season

A sometimes shocking, sometimes dull NFL week 1 is in the books and, well, what did you learn…? The following are 14 ways in which The Grueling Truth learned something during the games…

1) Marvin Lewis should have been fired years ago
The Bengals play with no passion and no discipline. The offensive line is horrid, and this is all getting very old in Cincinnati.

2) The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are a threat in the NFC North
Matthew Stafford proved last year that, when healthy, he can put the Lions on his back and carry them. If he stays healthy in 2017, the Lions are a threat to make the playoffs again. The Vikings may have the best defense in the NFL and with the addition of Dalvin Cook, the offense is much more explosive.

3) Beth Mowins and Rex Ryan can cure insomnia
No, really, I feel asleep in the second quarter and missed an exciting finish. You can’t tell me there are not better women announcers than Mowins out there and Ryan made me miss Dan Dierdorf!

4) Adrian Peterson, Saints could be headed for a quick breakup
Peterson will not be happy sharing time in New Orleans and he really won’t like being on a pass-first team. How about a trade to the Giants?

5) Trevor Siemian is the QB in Denver
Siemian looked good in the win over the Chargers and the defense is one of the best as always. Do *not* overlook the Broncos in the AFC West! [You know what, though? I think I will overlook them… –Ed.]

6) The Cardinals are in trouble
With RB David Johnson possibly out for the season, the Cardinals are in a lot of trouble. Carson Palmer is on his last legs and while Bruce Arians is a good coach, I don’t think he’s good enough to fix this team.

7) The Falcons having a Super Bowl hangover?
The Falcons barely escaped Chicago with a win, and questions are going to start popping up about a Super Bowl hangover. As of right now, the Falcons have done nothing to stop that talk. A game against the Packers could go a long way in quieting those questions.

8) Are the Rams that good or the Colts that bad?
The Rams are improved, but make no mistake about it: the Colts are that bad.

9) Are the Chiefs a legit contender?
Seems that anytime Andy Reid is your coach, you are a legit contender. The Chiefs are very good on defense and the offense was much better than expected.

10) Is the Patriots’ run over?
Probably not; I expect a slow start and then Belichick and Brady will get it together and make another playoff run.

11) Have the Jaguars started to realize their potential?
Maybe a win against Tennessee in week 2 will make me lean more toward “yes.” It’s hard to ignore a defense that racks up 10 sacks in an NFL game.

12) Can the Seahawks win with a horrible offensive line?
In any other division, I would say they are in trouble, but the L.A. Rams are probably the second best team in the NFC West so I would say the Seahawks will still make the playoffs. But they will make an early exit in those playoffs.

13) Are the Raiders now the favorite in the AFC?
Not completely sold yet, but they have to be in the discussion. If the defense continues to play well, the Raiders are going to be very hard to beat.

14) Are the Panthers back?
The Panthers are in what is possibly the best division in the NFL, but with Christian McCaffrey in the back field they will be a playoff contender this year.

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