The first week of 2024 NFL preseason football is in the books. While it's hard to draw grand, sweeping conclusions from a single round of exhibition action, we can at least identify some key players and topics who saw their stock rise (or fall) as a result of their ramp-up for fall. With that in mind, here are some of the biggest winners and losers from Week 1 of the preseason: Winner: Caleb Williams The rookie already showcased his trademark gunslinging in training camp, but to see him in action, in pads, was another encouraging sign for Chicago Bears fans.
The young man simply has an "it" factor as an off-script creator, as evidenced in a quick but flashy debut against the Buffalo Bills . Loser: Veteran backup QBs Vying for relevance in Atlanta, Taylor Heinicke struggled to find a rhythm in relief of rookie Michael Penix Jr . with the Falcons .
And Easton Stick was just as erratic filling in for an injured Justin Herbert with the Chargers . Mike White in Miami and Josh Johnson in Baltimore were also underwhelming in limited action. It's not out of the question someone will be dialing Ryan Tannehill's phone down the road.
Winner: Basically every first-round rookie QB Caleb Williams was the most impressive passing the eye test, but man, the gap isn't big between he and his fellow Day 1 picks in terms of Week 1 preseason sizzle. Bo Nix showed the pro-level command Sean Payton has been talking up for months, Jayden Daniels effortlessly utilized his legs to score early, and J.J.
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