What the sports shows argued about today, and who took which side.

Josh Allen led the Bills to a 36-point road victory over Houston's elite defense, which had not allowed that many points since 2023. Allen's performance against a defense that previously dominated him drew comparisons to NBA franchise players. Joe Brady's offensive scheme empowered Allen to play freely, while the Texans' defense struggled against the Bills' attack. C.J. Stroud played solidly but showed flaws like backing up too far in the pocket. Dan Orlovsky suggests the Texans' defensive performance was uncharacteristic and likely a one-off, while Stephen A. Smith points to Stroud's fumbles as a more alarming issue than his interceptions.

SOURCES  1 · 2

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens impressed with 506 total yards and a 41-23 win over the Colts under new head coach Jesse Minter. Jackson threw for 324 yards while Derrick Henry rushed for three touchdowns, averaging six yards per carry. Henry's rushing success freed up Jackson and opened the floodgates for receivers like Zay Flowers. Dan Orlovsky highlights the effectiveness of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's play-calling and Flowers' performance, while Stephen A. Smith credits Henry's rushing for opening up the passing game.

SOURCES  1 · 2

The Bears scored 59 points against the Panthers in the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history, with Caleb Williams throwing for 550 yards. Ben Johnson's offense orchestrated a high-scoring attack, with Williams showing improved accuracy and mobility. Dan Orlovsky calls the offense the scariest in the NFL and notes it will push 35 points a game, while Stephen A. Smith expresses concern about Chicago's defense allowing Bryce Young to throw for 361 yards and four touchdowns. Smith argues the Bears' defense complements their offense by creating turnovers, which led the league last year and produced two more in the opener.

SOURCES  1 · 2

The Giants dominated the Cowboys in the season opener, holding Dallas to 244 yards of offense and winning decisively. The Giants controlled time of possession and dominated both lines of scrimmage. Dan Orlovsky argues the performance says more about the Giants, who look like a real contender. Stephen A. Smith contends the loss reveals deeper issues for Dallas, criticizing their lack of preparation and dismissing preseason excuses. Michael Irvin attributes the poor performance to the lack of preseason games, while Stephen A. Smith criticizes the defense and George Pickens' drops. Irvin remains confident in the Cowboys reaching the NFC championship game.

SOURCES  1 · 3

The Vikings scored 29 straight points to beat the Packers 39-22 after Kyler Murray's concussion, with Carson Wentz throwing two touchdowns to Justin Jefferson. The Packers' collapse was exacerbated by the absence of physical players Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs, who are currently unavailable. Dan Orlovsky says the loss reveals more about Green Bay, citing nine defensive penalties and Jordan Love's poor offensive line protection. Stephen A. Smith credits Minnesota's defensive pressure and criticizes Green Bay's coaching and recent losing streak. Tony Kornheiser questions Matt LaFleur's coaching and Jordan Love's MVP status after the loss.

SOURCES  1 · 3 · 4

The Chargers lost to the Cardinals 26-14, with Justin Herbert struggling in his first game under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Herbert threw an awful interception and the Chargers suffered special teams mishaps. Dan Orlovsky says Herbert deserves criticism for looking unprepared and taking indefensible sacks. Stephen A. Smith argues Herbert relied too heavily on Ladd McConkey and seemed lost after McConkey's injury, though Michael Irvin notes the new system is difficult to learn. Shannon Sharpe argues Jacoby Brissett outplayed Herbert, noting Herbert's history of turnovers and poor playoff performance.

SOURCES  1 · 3 · 4