QB Report Cards for 2026 NFL Week 1
The first week of the 2026 NFL season saw quarterbacks face a mix of injuries, unexpected starts, and strong defenses. While some, like Josh Allen and Caleb Williams, earned top grades for their playmaking, others such as Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott received low marks for struggles in the pocke…
The start of a new NFL season always brings a surge of anticipation, especially for the quarterback position. Week 1 is a litmus test: it tells fans, analysts, and the teams themselves how a franchise will look for the rest of the year. In 2026, the opening day was a roller‑coaster for many QBs, with injuries, unexpected starts, and defensive showdowns shaping the narrative.
Injury‑Induced Surprises
Seattle’s reigning Super Bowl champions began the season without Sam Darnold, who will miss a few games with a glute injury. The injury forced the Seahawks to shuffle their backfield, creating uncertainty for a team that had relied on Darnold’s mobility and arm strength. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots’ rookie Drake Maye faced a tougher challenge after top target AJ Brown was placed on injured reserve, leaving Maye to navigate a defense without his most reliable weapon.
On the other side of the league, the Minnesota Vikings’ Kyler Murray started the season but suffered a concussion early in his debut, forcing the Vikings to look elsewhere for a quarterback who could maintain the team’s offensive rhythm. The Atlanta Falcons, already dealing with a depleted roster, had to rely on their third‑string QB Cooper Rush in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a situation that highlighted the depth issues in Atlanta’s backfield.
Standout Performances Earn Top Grades
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Allen finished with 334 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score that helped the Bills edge the Texans 36‑31. His ability to extend plays and make big throws earned him an A+ grade.
- Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) – The Bears’ rookie quarterback threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards. His dual‑threat style was pivotal in the Bears’ franchise‑best 59‑point opening game, earning him an A+.
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – Jackson’s 324 passing yards and 40 rushing yards showcased his versatility, leading the Ravens to a 41‑23 win over the Colts. His performance earned an A grade.
- Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals) – Brissett threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in a surprising 26‑14 victory over the Chargers, a win that defied pre‑season expectations and earned him a B.
Struggles and Low Grades Highlight Areas for Improvement
- Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) – Watson’s 205 passing yards and one touchdown were marred by a turnover and a lack of comfort in the pocket, resulting in a disappointing 34‑10 loss to the Jaguars and an F grade.
- Cooper Rush (Atlanta Falcons) – With back spasms and a limited passing attack, Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and two interceptions in a 20‑13 loss to the Steelers, earning a D.
- Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) – Goff’s 206 yards and two touchdowns helped the Lions win 31‑30 in overtime, but a questionable fumble rule left the game in doubt, resulting in a B grade.
- Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) – Prescott’s 175 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 28‑20 loss to the Giants led to a C‑ grade, as a critical interception early in the second quarter shifted momentum.
What Happens Next?
The early grades are more than just numbers; they signal how teams might adjust their strategies moving forward. Coaches will likely focus on ball security for quarterbacks like Stroud and Watson, while teams with high‑grade QBs will look to build around their playmakers. Injured players such as Darnold and Maye will need to recover quickly to keep their teams competitive. As the season progresses, the league will watch how these quarterbacks adapt to the challenges of a full 17‑game schedule.
For fans, the Week 1 results set the stage for a season of surprises, as quarterbacks either rise to the occasion or stumble under pressure. The rest of the NFL will be watching to see if early performances translate into sustained success or if adjustments are needed to keep teams on track.
Why it matters
Week 1 quarterback grades offer an early gauge of a team’s offensive potential and highlight key areas—such as health, coaching, and ball security—that can influence a franchise’s trajectory for the entire season.
Key points
- Week 1 injuries forced teams to adapt their quarterback plans
- Josh Allen and Caleb Williams earned top grades for playmaking
- Deshaun Watson’s poor performance highlighted ball‑security issues
- Cooper Rush’s struggles underscored Atlanta’s depth problems
- The season’s early grades set expectations for team strategies
Frequently asked questions
How are the QB grades calculated?
Grades are based on passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, rushing performance, and overall impact on the game.
Will injuries like Darnold’s affect the Seahawks’ season?
Missing a few games can disrupt the offensive rhythm, but depth and coaching adjustments can mitigate the impact.
