The 2018 NFL Season is in high gear with the first full slate of games on Sunday, September 9, 2018. Tampa Bay, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (filling in for a suspended Jameis Winston) was the surprise of the day, defeating New Orleans and Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees 48-40. Aaron Rodgers added another page to his book of amazing feats and comebacks, returning from injury in the third quarter to lead Green Bay past Chicago 24-23.

There was progress in Cleveland as the Browns tied Pittsburgh 21-21 in a rain-soaked and sloppy game full of penalties, with poor execution by both teams in the perpetual rain storm.

Pittsburgh turned the ball over six times, resulting in a plus-five differential for the home team Browns, yet Cleveland still could not put a win on the board. Games featuring a plus-five differential resulted in a 135-4-1 win/loss record for the team generating the massive plus differential in turnovers. The Cleveland Browns are responsible for two of the losses and a tie after managing not to win a football game, again.

Cousins debuts in Minnesota

Kirk Cousins led the Vikings 24-16 over the visiting San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It was a rough outing for Jimmy G, who threw three interceptions, including a pick-six serving as the differential in the game. Garoppolo was sacked three times, completed 45.4 percent of his passes, and finished with a quarterback rating of 45.1.

Cousins, meanwhile, threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns for a rating of 95.1 in his Vikings debut.

Baltimore shreds hapless Buffalo

The Baltimore Ravens opened the season with a dominating performance over the visiting Buffalo Bills 47-3. Joe Flacco threw for 236 yards and three touchdowns for a sparkling quarterback rating of 121.7.

Baltimore's defense generated six sacks and two turnovers while holding the Bills to 153 total yards. Rookie Josh Allen replaced an ineffective Nathan Peterman in the third quarter and led the Bills to their only points of the game. It's going to be a long season for the Bills Mafia who saw their team return to the playoffs last season in stunning fashion for the first time since 1995.

2018 favorites hot out of the gate

The New England Patriots defeated DeShaun Watson and the Houston Texans 27-20. Defending champion Philadelphia survived Thursday night against Atlanta 18-12 with Nick Foles continuing to fill in for an injured Carson Wentz. Jacksonville held off Eli Manning and the New York Giants 20-15 while the Panthers defeated Dallas 16-8. Week 1 concludes with two games on Monday Night Football. The New York Jets visit the Detroit Lions at 7:10PM EST followed by the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders at 10:20PM EST.
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