NFL Game Recaps: Week 1, 2023 - About Fantasy Football

NFL Game Recaps of previous weeks and seasons can be found via links at the bottom of the page.

Lions 21, Chiefs 20
The Chiefs entered this game as reigning Super Bowl champions, but they were behind the eight ball because of some missing personnel. Their top offensive threat, Travis Kelce, and best defender, Chris Jones, were sidelined for various reasons. Thus, Patrick Mahomes would have to carry the team with a lesser supporting cast.

Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, but that task proved to be too daunting. He did what he could, but was ultimately betrayed by horrid play from some of his receivers and linemen, particularly Kadarius Toney.

Toney was expected to be Kansas City’s new No. 1 receiver this year in the wake of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s departure, and he was expected to play a significant role in this game with Kelce sidelined. Toney certainly played a significant role, but what he did was help the Lions win the game more than anyone on the field. Toney had three drops, all of which were crucial. The first bounced into the arms of rookie safety Brian Branch, who took the turnover back for six. The second drop forced the Chiefs into a field goal instead of a potential touchdown. The third occurred on the final offensive drive, as a catch would have put Kansas City into field goal range to win the game. Instead, the drop forced Kansas City into a negative down-and-distance situation, ultimately ending the game.

Toney caught one pass for one yard on five targets. His drops absolutely crushed the Chiefs, who desperately need Kelce to return next week in Jacksonville to avoid a possible 0-2 start.

Toney ruined Mahomes’ stat line, as the reigning MVP went 21-of-39 for 226 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Had Toney caught all three passes, Mahomes would have approached 300 yards and woudn’t have logged a pick. It’s also worth noting that new right tackle Jawaan Taylor lined up illegally on every play, which future opponents will notice and point out to the officials.

The Chiefs need to fix their rushing attack as well. Mahomes led all ball-carriers with 45 yards on six scrambles. Isiah Pacheco (8-23) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (6-22) didn’t get much against Detroit’s underrated defense, though Pacheco did well in the passing game with four catches for 31 receiving yards. Only Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2-48) and Justin Watson (2-45) had more receiving yardage than Pacheco.

Detroit’s running game needs improvement, too. The Lions fed the ball way too much to David Montgomery, who tallied 74 yards on 21 carries. He also scored a touchdown, but the running lane was so huge on the play that any player in the NFL could have run through it. By contrast, Jahmyr Gibbs (7-42) was so much faster and explosive. Gibbs also caught two passes for 18 receiving yards.

Jared Goff won this game, but didn’t play his best. He went 22-of-35 for 253 yards and a touchdown. He made a clutch throw on third-and-12 in the fourth quarter, but he missed some earlier throws he should have completed.

Goff’s sole touchdown went to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who hauled in six of his nine targets for 71 yards and a touchdown. He finished behind only Josh Reynolds (4-80) on the receiving list. Rookie Sam LaPorta (5-39) did well in his first game.

Panthers xxx, Falcons xxx

Bengals xxx, Browns xxx

Jaguars xxx, Colts xxx

Buccaneers xxx, Vikings xxx

Titans xxx, Saints xxx

49ers xxx, Steelers xxx

Cardinals xxx, Redskins xxx

Texans xxx, Ravens xxx

Packers xxx, Bears xxx

Raiders xxx, Broncos xxx

Eagles xxx, Patriots xxx

Dolphins xxx, Chargers xxx