# One NFL week is not a season, so stop panicking

> Rams doom, Bears record talk and Chargers regret all rest on 5.9% of the season. Here is why patience wins after Week 1.
- Title: One NFL week is not a season, so stop panicking · OutKick
- Summary: Rams doom, Bears record talk and Chargers regret all rest on 5.9% of the season. Here is why patience wins after Week 1. Week 1 is one game out of 17. Look…
- Keywords: nfl, week 1, overreactions, los angeles rams, chicago bears, news, politics, One, week, season, stop, panicking
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nfl-week-1-proper-reactions-rams-panic-bears-hype-chargers-doubts-need-patience-after-one-game
- Author: Dan Zaksheske
- Published: 2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: nfl, week 1, overreactions, los angeles rams, chicago bears, news, politics
## Week 1 is 5.9% of the season
Every team has played exactly one of 17 games, and fans are already calling their seasons. The week between Week 1 and Week 2 may be the biggest overreaction week in sports.

> It's not. Like, at all.
## The home inspector test
You would never buy a house off 5.9% of an inspection report. Yet every September, fans and media make big calls on less than 6% of the evidence.

> Hey, here's 5.9% of my report on this house and nothing more. You ready to make an offer?
## Rams playoff panic
The Super Bowl favorites lost, and Chris Brockman predicted this Rams "dream team" would miss the playoffs like the 2011 Eagles. That was one game against a good division rival.
## A travel plan that backfired
The Rams flew to Australia just 28 hours before kickoff. The 49ers arrived a week early to get used to the weather and the time change.
## Los Angeles was short-handed
Aaron Donald sat out, and Myles Garrett played through a knee problem that now sidelines him for at least four games. The Rams never sacked Brock Purdy, and that won't keep happening.
## A wake-up call that could help
Nobody entered the season with more "super team" hype. An early loss might knock the Rams out of their own Kool-Aid and set up a strong run over the next few games.

> sometimes a team can get caught drinking its own Kool-Aid
## Bears hype hits 40 a game
Chicago scored a team-record 59 points in its opener, with Caleb Williams making plays all afternoon. Bucky Brooks suggested the Bears could average 40, which would set a scoring record.
## Soft opponent, rusty defenses
Carolina's defense gave up 42 to New England and 40 to Buffalo last season. Scoring was up across Week 1 because starters barely play in preseason and practices hit less.
## Luck the Bears can't repeat
Carolina had three turnovers and 11 penalties. Chicago scored touchdowns on all four red zone trips, converted 10 of 14 third downs and ripped off big plays at a rate no offense can sustain.
## Chargers flop as big favorites
As nine-point home favorites, the Chargers lost to Arizona. They had a punt blocked, Herbert threw an interception and the offense managed just 117 yards after halftime.
## McDaniel's system needs time
The scheme is unusual and takes linemen time to learn, and the Chargers have a new interior line with a rookie center. Tua thrived under McDaniel, so Herbert can too.

> one bad Sunday doesn't make McDaniel the wrong coordinator for Herbert
## Overhyped, but not buried
The receivers behind Ladd McConkey are a worry, and this doesn't look like a team that will rule the AFC. Still, the Chargers are nowhere near as bad as they looked against Arizona.
## Hot takes that might hold up
The Chiefs and Bengals look like the AFC's top contenders, and the Packers should worry after losing to Carson Wentz. The Giants may lead the NFC East, and the Dolphins, Browns and Titans look headed for the bottom.
## Key takeaway

Week 1 is one game out of 17. Look for context like travel, injuries, opponent quality and luck before treating one result as a trend.