The NFL’s New Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)
Week 1 of the NFL season didn’t just deliver wins and losses, it revealed storylines that feel like full-on era shifts. Some teams looked reborn with fresh energy, others stumbled into familiar heartbreak, and a few stars reminded us why they belong in the spotlight. Just like Taylor Swift’s albums, each performance told its own story: dramatic, romantic, defiant, or messy. In this breakdown, we’ll grade the teams stepping into new eras, highlight what defined their openers, and pair each with a “surprise song” to set the tone.
Kansas City Chiefs — The Tortured Champs Department
The Chiefs opened their season with a stumble, falling 27-21 to the Chargers in Brazil. Patrick Mahomes had flashes of brilliance, including a rushing score and a TD to Travis Kelce, but the offense felt out of sync and the defense wilted late. Rookie WR Xavier Worthy’s shoulder injury added to the unease. Still powerful, still dangerous, but right now this dynasty sounds more tortured than effortless.
Report Card: Offense: C+ | Defense: C | Vibes: Bruised
Surprise Song: “All You Had to Do Was Stay” — because this one slipped away late.
Green Bay Packers — Lover
At Lambeau, the Packers beat the Lions 27-13 in a game that felt like pure Lover energy: bright, romantic, and hopeful. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns with composure, Micah Parsons made a splash in his debut, and the defense shut down Detroit’s ground game. Fans are falling in love with this version of Green Bay.
Report Card: Offense: B+ | Defense: A | Vibes: Hopeful
Surprise Song: “You Are in Love” — because Packers fans are swooning already
Pittsburgh Steelers — Reputation
Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh debut was full on Reputation vibes. 244 yards, four touchdowns, and a 34-32 revenge win over his old team, the Jets. He was sharp and unapologetic, though the offensive line’s struggles (four sacks allowed) showed cracks still linger. It was bold and unforgettable, exactly what you expect from a Reputation opener. The villain has arrived, and he’s not hiding.
Report Card: Offense: A– | Defense: C+ | Vibes: Defiant
Surprise Song: “Vigilante Shit” — because Rodgers looked like a man out to settle scores.
Buffalo Bills — 1989
Josh Allen’s massive fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Ravens 41-40 was unforgettable. The offense looked ready for another MVP campaign, though the defense still left a little more to be desired. Like 1989, this was pure pop dominance, but consistency is key if the Bills want to stay on top of the charts.
Report Card: Offense: A– | Defense: C+ | Vibes: Confident
Surprise Song: “Out of the Woods” — because Josh dragged Buffalo back from the brink.
Indianapolis Colts — Red
Daniel Jones lit up his Colts debut, leading a 33-8 demolition of Miami. Efficient through the air, smart on the ground, and backed by a defense that created chaos, he gave Indianapolis fans a passionate home opener. Like Red, it was emotional and electric. It was the kind of performance that can spark a season if they keep playing with that fire.
Report Card: Offense: B+ | Defense: A– | Vibes: Thrilling
Surprise Song: “Begin Again” — because Jones looks like a new man in Indy.
Miami Dolphins — Folklore
The Dolphins didn’t just lose, they unraveled in a 33-8 defeat that raised alarms about protection, turnovers, and cohesion. For a team with championship aspirations, it was not the start they were hoping for. Miami’s opener played more like an introspective Folklore track than the explosive banger they needed
Report Card: Offense: D | Defense: D+ | Vibes: Somber
Surprise Song: “This Is Me Trying” — because Week 1 was all effort, no payoff.
Chicago Bears — Red (Messy Version)
Caleb Williams’ performance was chaotic. A rushing TD and flashes of big-play ability showed promise, but inaccuracy and protection issues held him back. On defense, a pick-six from Nahshon Wright stood out, but breakdowns elsewhere kept Chicago from capitalizing. Dramatic highs and frustrating lows provide the perfect soundtrack for Red (Messy Version).
Report Card: Offense: C | Defense: C | Vibes: Chaotic
Surprise Song: “I Almost Do” — because the Bears came close, but not quite.
If opening weekend taught us anything, it’s that football is always better with a little drama, a lot of heart, and just enough chaos to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The real question now: which team’s new era will last beyond its debut single?
