There is common wisdom to not overreact to NFL preseason performances.
But there are teams whose performances are just too hard to ignore.
Here are the teams that are already playing in stride after one week of the preseason.
How were the rightful teams chosen?
Margin of victory, quality of opposition, and performances on both sides of the ball come into play.
Will their hot start continue during the NFL regular season?
Only they can keep or break the momentum.
3. Denver Broncos
They were the weak link of the AFC West last year.
But they are hoping to change that perception this season.
Perhaps step one is defeating the Minnesota Vikings convincingly.
The Denver Broncos had the highest margin of victory among all games, 33-6.
It was a balanced effort for the three-time Super Bowl champions.
Quarterbacks Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater each had a solid performance to keep themselves in the starting job race.
Lock ended his stint with 151 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to K.J. Hamler.
LOCKed in and LAUNCHED 🚀🎯
K.J. Hamler with an 80-yard TD for the @broncos!
📺: #DENvsMIN on NFL Network (or check local listings) pic.twitter.com/hwwEzVT2TY
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 14, 2021
Meanwhile, Bridgewater finished with 74 yards and a touchdown pass.
Damarea Crockett, Royce Freeman, and Javonte Williams combined for 121 rushing yards.
Aside from Hamler, Trinity Benson made two touchdown catches.
Their defense also had a good day with Andre Mintze getting a sack, while DeShawn Williams and Jonathon Cooper had tackles for loss.
Rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II also made a 30-yard pick-six.
2. Chicago Bears
Two words: Justin Fields.
After a sluggish start, the rookie quarterback picked up his performance to finish with 142 passing yards, 33 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown.
Without question, Fields put the NFL on notice with a strong outing and gave Andy Dalton a run for the starting quarterback role.
Justin Fields! pic.twitter.com/9VzQ3Zjvo7
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 14, 2021
However, their victory over the Miami Dolphins was hardly a one-man show.
Jesse James caught the touchdown pass from Fields.
Meanwhile, their defense came out to play as well.
Dan Archibong, Mike Pennel, and Charles Snowden all had a sack each, while DeAndre Houston-Carson got an interception.
It was an impressive performance for the Bears considering that some Dolphins starters played early.
The victory is more commendable given that the Dolphins narrowly missed the NFl playoffs last season despite getting 10 wins.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s hard to argue against two wins in as many games, especially when they had bright spots on both offense and defense.
The Steelers dominated the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game, 16-3.
Dwayne Haskins and Mason Rudolph made the most of their time, while Kalen Ballage also had a rushing touchdown.
Tyler Simmons also received a touchdown pass from quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
Their defense came out to play as Quincy Roche, Abdullah Anderson, Cassius Marsh, and Alex Highsmith all had a sack.
Donovan Stiner made an interception, too.
Meanwhile, Haskins took the lead role in their victory over their interstate rival Philadelphia Eagles.
He had 161 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Anthony Johnson.
ANTHONY JOHNSON WIDDDEE OPEN😳
(🎥 via @steelers)
pic.twitter.com/8BEcgxdUcq— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) August 13, 2021
Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland both had a rushing touchdown.
For the defense, Jamir Jones had a sack and a tackle for loss.
Isaiahh Loudermilk and Quincy Roche also tallied half a sack each.
It’s refreshing to see the Steelers firing at all cylinders, especially from the backfield which was largely non-existent last season.
NEXT: Trevor Lawrence In For A Very Tall Task With Jaguars