In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots pulled off a stunning upset against the favored Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. The Bengals, who were favored by 7.5 points, fell short as the Patriots utilized a strong run game along with an impressive defensive performance to secure a 16-10 victory.

Under the guidance of Bill Belichick, though no longer the head coach, the Patriots displayed a winning formula that proved effective against the Bengals. Led by defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo's game plan, New England's defense kept Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow under constant pressure. Meanwhile, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson shined on offense, rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

The Bengals' slow start in the season has become a recurring issue under head coach Zac Taylor. With this loss, their record now stands at an alarming 1-10 over the first two weeks of the season under his leadership. The offense struggled to find its rhythm, with Burrow only throwing for 164 yards and the passing game appearing out of sync. Additionally, the Bengals lost two fumbles, matching the total number of fumbles lost throughout the entire 2024 season.

Notably, the Patriots showcased a winning formula, relying on a strong running game and solid defense. While their Super Bowl aspirations may be uncertain, this victory highlights their capability to pull off unexpected wins throughout the season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers also started their season on a positive note, defeating the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 24-17. The Steelers' defense put tremendous pressure on Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, with T.J. Watt leading the charge. The offense, spearheaded by quarterback Justin Fields, did enough to secure the victory, with Chris Boswell's six field goals proving instrumental.

Despite showing flashes of potential, Cousins had a nightmare performance, throwing two interceptions and struggling under constant pressure from the Steelers' defense. The Falcons' offense faltered in the second half, managing only 51 yards, overshadowing their decent defensive performance.

In another close encounter, the Arizona Cardinals initially looked like the stronger team but ultimately faltered against the Tennessee Titans, losing by a score of 24-17. Kyler Murray's second-half struggles impacted the Cardinals' offensive output, as their only touchdown came from a 96-yard kickoff return. However, their resilience suggests they may surpass expectations this season.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills showcased their offensive firepower in a dominant 47-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Quarterback Josh Allen stood out, tallying 271 total yards and four touchdowns, proving his ability to carry the team. The Bills' defense faced challenges from Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, but ultimately prevailed, sacking him four times and forcing three turnovers.

The Chicago Bears secured a thrilling come-from-behind victory against the Tennessee Titans, overcoming a 17-point deficit without scoring an offensive touchdown. Their special teams and defense played pivotal roles, with Jonathan Owens' touchdown off a blocked punt and Tyrique Stevenson's game-winning pick six sealing the win.

Lastly, the Miami Dolphins exhibited a strong second-half performance to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. Despite a lackluster first half, the Dolphins regained momentum through the efforts of Tyreek Hill and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Defensively, the Dolphins shut out the Jaguars in the second half, securing the win with two crucial sacks on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

As Week 1 concludes, the NFL season is already proving to be full of surprises and intriguing matchups. The Bengals' struggles and the Patriots' upset serve as reminders that predictions can be shattered on any given Sunday.