NFL preseason 2022 Week 1: 5 things we learned from opening round of fixtures

#3 - Trey Lance looks ready to be a starting QB

San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance

The San Francisco 49ers moved all the way to the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Trey Lance. He spent his rookie season mostly serving as a back-up for Jimmy Garoppolo, but is projected to be the Week 1 starter for the upcoming season. This is despite Garoppolo still being on the roster.

Lance provides a significant upgrade in athleticism and playmaking for the 49ers, despite his significant lack of experience. He got the start in the 49ers first 2022 preseason game and looked ready for his opportunity. He threw a beautiful 76-yard touchdown pass. He is certainly a player to keep a close eye on this season as he has massive upside.

#4 - Deshaun Watson is rusty

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson last played during the 2020 NFL season, when he led the entire league in passing yards. He was then traded to the Cleveland Browns during the 2022 offseason after sitting a year out. He was rewarded with a $230 million fully-guaranteed contract, which is the most guaranteed money in NFL history.

While Watson is expected to come in and make the Browns Super Bowl contenders immediately, he looks extremely rusty. This is to be expected after so much time away from football. The Browns gained just seven total yards in eight plays with Watson in the game as he completed just one of five pass attempts. He appears to have a long way to go to get back into his superstar form, but that's what the preseason is for.

#5 - Zach Wilson proves injuries are still a real danger during the NFL preseason

New York Jets QB Zach Wilson

While the NFL preseason provides players with an opportunity to formally prepare for the regular season, it also presents an injury risk. Football is an extremely physical game, so more football means a higher chance injury.

Zach Wilson fell victim to an injury in the first quarter of the New York Jets' first preseason game of the year. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee as well as a torn meniscus, which will likely keep him out for around a month. This puts his Week 1 status in jeopardy ahead of the 2022 NFL season.