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The first week of the 2026 NFL preseason gave fans plenty to discuss. All 32 teams played at least one preseason game. However, the results meant little in the standings. Instead, individual performances carried the most weight. Coaches used these games to evaluate young players. They also watched position battles across their rosters. Several rookies quickly made strong first impressions. Meanwhile, some veterans struggled under the spotlight. Still, preseason results can provide useful clues. Here are some of Week 1’s biggest winners and losers.
Winner: Drew Allar, Pittsburgh Steelers
Drew Allar immediately gave Pittsburgh fans something to celebrate. The rookie quarterback delivered an impressive preseason debut. Allar completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards. He also threw two touchdown passes against Green Bay. Additionally, he scored a rushing touchdown. Most importantly, Allar showed confidence from his first snap. His first pass turned into a 74-yard completion. He then finished three scoring drives during his appearance. Allar entered the game as Pittsburgh’s third quarterback. However, his performance could change that conversation. He now has momentum entering the next preseason game.
Winner: Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza also gave Raiders fans plenty to like. The first-round quarterback looked calm during his debut. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards. Mendoza also threw a six-yard touchdown pass. The numbers did not jump off the page. Still, his composure stood out throughout the game. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza after the game. He specifically highlighted Mendoza’s pocket movement and decision-making. That consistency could help Mendoza as camp continues.
Winner: Trey Smack, Green Bay Packers
Trey Smack turned heads during his first NFL game. The Packers rookie kicker made all four field-goal attempts. Two of those kicks came from 58 yards. That performance could provide Smack valuable confidence. It also strengthens his position in Green Bay’s kicking competition. Kickers face enormous pressure in close NFL games. Therefore, long-distance accuracy can quickly separate competitors. Smack delivered exactly that during Week 1.
Winner: Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love also enjoyed an impressive preseason debut. The rookie running back received plenty of early opportunities. He eventually made several explosive plays against Las Vegas. Love showed the speed and athleticism that excited Arizona. His performance could increase his role during preseason games. The Cardinals already have plenty of competition around their offense. Therefore, Love needed a strong opening statement. He delivered one when his opportunities arrived.
Winner: Denver Broncos
Denver also opened the preseason with plenty of momentum. The Broncos defeated Atlanta 27-7 on Friday night. They dominated the first half and led 24-0. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham played especially well. He finished with 131 passing yards and one touchdown. That performance strengthened his backup quarterback argument. Rookie linebacker Jahdae Barron also made an impact. He returned an interception for a touchdown. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman added another encouraging performance. Meanwhile, veteran receiver Courtland Sutton made several impressive catches. Overall, Denver gave Sean Payton plenty to evaluate.
Loser: Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward experienced a much tougher opening night. The Titans quarterback completed five of 12 passes. He finished with only 57 passing yards. Ward also posted a 56.6 passer rating. San Francisco rested its starters during the matchup. That made Ward’s uneven performance even more noticeable. Titans coach Robert Saleh still defended his quarterback afterward. He said Ward looked more sped up than usual. However, the game exposed areas requiring more work. One preseason game cannot define Ward’s second season. Still, he needs a stronger showing soon.
Loser: Cincinnati’s Offensive Line
Cincinnati entered the preseason with questions around its defense. Instead, the offensive line created an early concern. Joe Burrow started against Detroit’s backups. Yet Detroit recorded a sack on his second pass attempt. Burrow has dealt with heavy pressure throughout his career. Therefore, Cincinnati cannot afford more protection problems. The Bengals invested heavily in improving their roster. Still, the offensive line needs to show more consistency. The preseason provides time to correct those problems.
Loser: Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta struggled badly during its preseason opener. The Falcons lost 27-7 against the Broncos. They fell behind 24-0 before halftime. New quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also had a difficult debut. He finished with only 22 passing yards. He also lost a fumble during the game. That performance does not determine Atlanta’s regular season. Still, the Falcons need better execution moving forward. Meanwhile, Denver exposed several problems on both sides. Atlanta now has two more preseason games to respond.
The Bottom Line
Week 1 offered plenty of encouraging performances. It also created several questions for NFL teams. Allar emerged as one of the weekend’s biggest winners. Mendoza also handled his first professional action well. Smack strengthened his case with four made field goals. Meanwhile, Ward needs a bounce-back performance. Cincinnati must also find better offensive-line consistency. Most importantly, nobody should overreact to preseason results. Coaches use August games to test different combinations. They also limit important players to reduce injury risks. Still, players only get limited opportunities to make impressions. Week 1 gave several young players exactly that chance. Now, the pressure shifts toward Week 2. That is when roster battles will become even clearer.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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