The much-anticipated 2025/26 NFL season is finally here, and Week 1 didn’t disappoint. From the very first snap, fans were treated to a spectacle of fast-paced, high-intensity football packed with drama, big plays, and plenty of storylines.
The season officially opened Friday night with a heated NFC East showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Despite a lightning delay and the bizarre ejection of defensive tackle Jalen Carter before the first play from scrimmage, the Eagles held firm to edge out their rivals 24-20 in a tense finish.
If that wasn’t enough, the action carried over into Saturday’s historic clash in São Paulo, Brazil, where the Los Angeles Chargers stunned Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21.
With those dramatic openers setting the tone, the rest of the weekend followed suit. From nail-biting finishes to breakout stars and costly injuries, Week 1 gave football fans everything they could have hoped for. Here’s a full look at the results from the 15 games played so far, along with the standout performers and key injury updates.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Dallas Cowboys 20
The NFL season opener had everything you’d expect from an Eagles-Cowboys rivalry game: a pregame championship banner ceremony, a 65-minute lightning delay, a bizarre ejection, and a frantic finish. When it was all over, the defending Super Bowl champions held on to beat Dallas 24-20 in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts wasted no time picking up where he left off last season, rushing for two touchdowns and extending his NFL record with 16 career games featuring multiple rushing scores by a quarterback. Saquon Barkley added a 10-yard touchdown run, while Jake Elliott connected from 58 yards to round out the scoring. Hurts even capped one of his scores with a Jordan-inspired shrug, fitting, with Michael Jordan watching from the stands.
However, not everything went smoothly for Philadelphia. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the opening snap after spitting toward Dak Prescott, and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson left with a back injury.
Up next: the Eagles travel to Kansas City for a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas showed plenty of fight but ultimately came up short. Javonte Williams scored both Cowboys touchdowns on short runs, while kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed field goals from 41 and 53 yards. Miles Sanders nearly swung the game in Dallas’ favor with a 49-yard burst, his longest run since 2020, but his fumble at the Eagles’ 9-yard line proved costly.
Also, Dak Prescott had a final chance late in the fourth quarter, but his fourth-and-3 pass fell incomplete, sealing Dallas’ fate. For new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, it was a frustrating debut, though his team showed flashes of potential.
Up next: the Cowboys return home for a divisional matchup against the Giants.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Los Angeles Chargers 27, Kansas City Chiefs 21
If the NFL wanted fireworks for its international showcase in São Paulo, Brazil, the Chargers and Chiefs delivered. In front of a lively crowd at Corinthians Arena, Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers snapped a seven-game losing streak to their AFC West rivals, holding off Patrick Mahomes 27-21.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert was sharp from the jump, finishing with 318 yards, three touchdowns, and a late 19-yard scramble that all but iced the game. His chemistry with Quentin Johnston, who hauled in two scores after years of inconsistency, gave Los Angeles the spark it needed. Keenan Allen also added a touchdown grab, helping the Chargers secure their first win over Kansas City since 2021.
Harbaugh remained perfect in Week 1 contests, improving his career-opening-day record to 6-0. The win also snapped Kansas City’s remarkable 17-game winning streak in one-score games, sending a message that the AFC West may finally be up for grabs.
Injuries are still a concern for L.A. Guard Mekhi Becton rotated in and out while taking oxygen after missing time in camp, and linebacker Denzel Perryman exited with an ankle injury.
Up next: the Chargers head to Las Vegas for a Monday night divisional showdown with the Raiders.
Kansas City Chiefs
For Kansas City, it was a mix of promise and frustration. Mahomes did everything he could, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 40 yards and another score. Hollywood Brown also stepped up with 99 receiving yards, and Travis Kelce found the end zone on a 37-yard strike.
But the night was marred by missed chances: a failed two-point conversion, a missed extra point, and a red-zone drive that stalled late in the fourth quarter. Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy left with a shoulder injury after colliding with Kelce, joining Rashee Rice (suspension) and Jalen Royals (knee) on the unavailable list. That left Mahomes short-handed in a receiving corps already thin on depth.
Up next: the Chiefs return to Arrowhead for a daunting Week 2 Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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NFL Week 1 Recap: Indianapolis Colts 33, Miami Dolphins 8
For the first time in over a decade, the Indianapolis Colts opened a season with a win, and they did it in dominant fashion. Behind a sharp debut from Daniel Jones, Indy rolled past Miami to snap its 11-game Week 1 winless streak, dating all the way back to 2013.
Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Colts career. The former Giants quarterback looked decisive and composed, completing 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown while also punching in two short rushing scores. He became the first Colts quarterback ever to rush for two touchdowns in a season opener, showing why Shane Steichen trusted him to beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie tight end Tyler Warren were steady targets, while Jonathan Taylor chipped in with 71 rushing yards. On defense, Lou Anarumo’s unit was equally sharp, scoring on its first seven possessions and rattling Tua Tagovailoa. Rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu even snagged an interception in coverage, highlighting a disruptive afternoon.
Beyond the box score, the Colts honored late owner Jim Irsay, inducting him into the Ring of Honor in an emotional pregame ceremony. Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Tony Dungy were on hand, while Irsay’s daughters received game balls postgame.
Up next: the Colts travel to Denver for a Week 2 clash with the Broncos.
Miami Dolphins
For Miami, it was a nightmare opener. Tua Tagovailoa struggled throughout, throwing two interceptions, losing a fumble, and failing to find rhythm with Tyreek Hill, who was limited to just four catches for 40 yards. The Dolphins managed only 43 yards of offense in the first half and finished with just 211 total.
Head coach Mike McDaniel didn’t hold back, calling the effort “a formula for failure and nothing else.” Miami’s lone bright spot came late in the fourth quarter, when De’Von Achane found the end zone on a screen pass, but it was too little, too late.
Up next: the Dolphins host the Patriots in their divisional home opener.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, Atlanta Falcons 20
If the NFL wanted drama in the NFC South right out of the gate, this matchup didn’t disappoint. In a game full of fourth-down swings, rookie highlights, and a missed kick at the buzzer, the Buccaneers escaped Atlanta with a 23-20 win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It wasn’t always pretty, but Tampa Bay showed toughness when it mattered most. Baker Mayfield looked rusty early after sitting out the preseason, misfiring on some deep shots and getting little help from the run game. But when the Bucs needed him late, he delivered, engineering a two-minute drive capped by a beautiful 25-yard touchdown to rookie Emeka Egbuka with 59 seconds left. Egbuka, who also scored in the first half, finished with four catches for 67 yards in his debut, looking every bit like a future star.
Defensively, Todd Bowles’ unit had its ups and downs. A gamble that left linebacker SirVocea Dennis one-on-one with Bijan Robinson turned into a 50-yard Falcons touchdown, but the Bucs also came up big on fourth downs. The turning point came midway through the first half when Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby stuffed Robinson on fourth-and-1, setting up Mayfield’s first touchdown to Egbuka. Antoine Winfield Jr. closed things out with clutch plays in the final minute, helping Tampa hold on after Younghoe Koo’s last-second field goal attempt sailed wide right.
Up next: The Buccaneers hit the road for a Monday night showdown with the Texans.
Atlanta Falcons
For the Falcons, it was a case of missed opportunities. Things started with a bang when Bijan Robinson turned a short pass into a 50-yard score on Michael Penix Jr.’s second career throw, but the offense stalled from there. Penix showed flashes, finishing with 298 yards passing and a late 4-yard rushing touchdown that briefly gave Atlanta the lead, but he also struggled to push the ball deep against Tampa’s defense.
The bigger concern might be health. Right tackle Kaleb McGary was lost for the season with a leg injury, while receivers Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Drake London (shoulder), and Jamal Agnew (groin) all either sat out or exited early. That left Penix without consistent weapons, even as Hollywood Brown and Kyle Pitts made timely catches.
And then there was the ending. After Penix’s gutsy touchdown run capped an 18-play drive, Koo had a chance to send it to overtime from 44 yards out. Instead, the kick wasn’t even close.
Up next: Atlanta travels to Minnesota for a Sunday night matchup with the Vikings.
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NFL Week 1 Recap: Cincinnati Bengals 17, Cleveland Browns 16
It wasn’t the offensive fireworks people expected from Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but the Bengals found another way to win, with defense and just enough late execution. In a gritty AFC North clash, Cincinnati escaped Cleveland 17-16 for its first Week 1 win since 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals
For most of the afternoon, the Bengals’ offense sputtered. Burrow finished with only 113 passing yards, one of the lowest totals of his career, and neither Chase (2 catches, 26 yards) nor Tee Higgins (3 for 33) made the impact fans were hoping for after their big offseason extensions. But Cincinnati still walked out 1-0 because of its defense.
DJ Turner and Jordan Battle delivered key second-half interceptions, flipping the momentum each time Cleveland seemed poised to take control. Evan McPherson then drilled a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter to put the Bengals ahead for good. Meanwhile, running back Chase Brown gave Cincinnati its first opening-drive touchdown since 2015, and new tight end Noah Fant chipped in with a short TD grab.
Injuries were a small concern; guard Lucas Patrick (calf) left and didn’t return, while linebacker Logan Wilson was evaluated for a concussion but made it back in the fourth quarter.
The Bengals host the Jaguars in Week 2.
Cleveland Browns
This one will sting for the Browns. They outgained the Bengals 327-141, held the ball for almost 36 minutes, and still came up short, thanks largely to missed opportunities. Rookie kicker Andre Szmyt had a rough debut, missing an extra point and a 36-yard go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter.
There were bright spots, though. Rookie RB Dylan Sampson impressed with 20 touches and eight receptions, and fellow rookie Raheim Sanders scored at the goal line. Veteran QB Joe Flacco threw for 290 yards and a touchdown, but two interceptions, both bouncing off his receivers’ hands, proved costly.
Health could become an issue quickly. OT Jack Conklin exited with an eye injury and didn’t return, while WR Cedric Tillman had a costly deflection that turned into a pick late in the game.
For week 2, the Browns will travel to Baltimore for another divisional showdown
NFL Week 1 Recap: Jacksonville Jaguars 26, Carolina Panthers 10
The Liam Coen era in Jacksonville couldn’t have asked for a better start. After a lightning delay stretched the opener into a long afternoon, the Jaguars came out of the break sharper, more physical, and in control on both sides of the ball. Travis Etienne Jr. stole the show with 143 rushing yards, including a 71-yard burst that set up a touchdown, as the Jags cruised past Carolina 26-10.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The biggest takeaway for the Jags was their defense. It looked alive again. After forcing just nine turnovers all last season, Jacksonville matched nearly a quarter of that output in one game, picking off Bryce Young twice and recovering a fumble. Safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis were especially disruptive, combining for four pass breakups, two QB hits, and a takeaway apiece. Also, first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and new GM James Gladstone couldn’t have asked for a better first impression.
On offense, Trevor Lawrence was steady, tossing a touchdown pass while letting Etienne carry the load. Also, rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. added a rushing score, and the offensive line kept Lawrence upright all day.
The Jaguars will look to build momentum when they visit the Bengals in Week 2.
Carolina Panthers
For Carolina, the opener felt like déjà vu. Bryce Young’s struggles in Week 1 continued, with two interceptions, a lost fumble, and another missed opportunity when he threw the ball out of the end zone on fourth-and-1 before slamming his helmet in frustration. He did, however, manage a late touchdown to Chuba Hubbard, but the Panthers’ offense never found its rhythm.
Stopping the run was another glaring issue. Despite offseason investments to shore up the league’s worst run defense, Carolina surrendered 200 rushing yards, including Etienne’s long sprint. Rookie Travis Hunter, the No. 2 pick, flashed on offense with six catches for 33 yards while playing limited snaps on defense, but his debut was overshadowed by miscues elsewhere.
Injuries piled up, too. Free-agent signing Turk Wharton left with a knee injury, while linebacker Pat Jones exited with an ankle issue. Also, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu missed the game recovering from an appendectomy.
The Panthers head west for a matchup with the Cardinals in Week 2.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Las Vegas Raiders 20, New England Patriots 13
Pete Carroll’s first win as the Raiders’ head coach came the hard way, on the road, in a grind-it-out defensive battle. Geno Smith delivered a 362-yard passing performance in his Las Vegas debut, including nine completions of 20+ yards, as the Raiders rallied past the Patriots 20-13 in Foxborough.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ second-half defense deserves credit. After giving up 10 points in the opening half, they shut New England out until the final minutes. Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce each notched sacks, while Isaiah Pola-Mao’s interception flipped the game in the third quarter. Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty capped that drive with a short touchdown to give Las Vegas the lead for good.
Smith looked confident, spreading the ball around to tight end Brock Bowers (5 catches, 103 yards before a knee injury) and Jakobi Meyers (8 for 97). A clutch 36-yard strike to Dont’e Thornton late in the fourth helped ice the win.
The Raiders also have injury concerns, as Bowers and linebacker Elandon Roberts both exited the game. Their next NFL game will be a Monday night showdown with the Chargers.
New England Patriots
Rookie QB Drake Maye’s NFL debut was a mixed bag. He finished with 287 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, but the stat line was padded late while chasing the game. His interception early in the third quarter proved costly, directly leading to the Raiders’ go-ahead score. New England’s offense also struggled on the ground, managing just 60 rushing yards.
Kayshon Boutte was a bright spot with six catches for 103 yards, while safety Jaylinn Hawkins had an interception and a sack. But penalties, poor pass protection, and a questionable coaching decision, punting on fourth-and-10 in Raiders territory while trailing late, didn’t help Mike Vrabel’s head coaching debut. The Patriots will try to regroup when they visit the Dolphins in Week 2.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Arizona Cardinals 20, New Orleans Saints 13
It wasn’t always pretty, but Kyler Murray and the Cardinals walked out of NFL Week 1 with a win, and that’s all that mattered. Murray fought through illness to throw two touchdown passes and lead Arizona to a 20-13 victory, spoiling Kellen Moore’s debut as Saints head coach.
Arizona Cardinals
The offense had its ups and downs, some highlight plays from Marvin Harrison Jr. (71 yards and a TD) and TE Trey McBride, but also too many stalled drives thanks to sacks and penalties. Rookie RB Trey Benson provided a spark with a 52-yard run, showing Arizona has more depth behind James Conner than people thought. Defensively, Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson came up clutch, breaking up a potential game-tying touchdown catch in the final seconds.
Linebacker Cody Simon and safety Joey Blount were evaluated for concussions, but otherwise, the Cardinals came out relatively healthy. They’ll host Carolina in Week 2.
New Orleans Saints
Self-inflicted wounds defined the Saints’ opener. Thirteen penalties, shaky clock management, and even a missed kick from usually reliable Blake Grupe left too many points on the field. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler was, however, solid, delivering 214 passing yards with no turnovers, and nearly led a late comeback drive before the Cardinals’ defense slammed the door.
Alvin Kamara provided the highlight of the day with an 18-yard touchdown run, while veteran DE Cameron Jordan turned back the clock with 1.5 sacks. Right tackle Taliese Fuaga, however, exited with a knee injury, adding to the concerns.
Next up, the Saints have a home clash with the 49ers.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Pittsburgh Steelers 34, New York Jets 32
Aaron Rodgers couldn’t have asked for a sweeter debut with the Steelers. Facing the team that released him just months ago, Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, including two in a wild 50-second span, and led Pittsburgh to a thrilling 34-32 comeback win at MetLife Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers
For all the talk about Pittsburgh’s revamped defense, it was Rodgers and the kicking game that carried the day. The 41-year-old QB looked vintage, completing 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and four scores with no turnovers. His connection with Ben Skowronek stood out; the wideout not only caught Rodgers’ first touchdown as a Steeler but also recovered a key fumble on special teams that flipped momentum in the fourth quarter.
Still, the defense raised questions. Breece Hall gashed them for 107 yards, and Justin Fields added 48 and two rushing TDs of his own. Pittsburgh gave up 182 rushing yards overall, eerily similar to their playoff loss to Baltimore last January. Injuries didn’t help either, with safety DeShon Elliott, linebacker Malik Harrison, and corner Joey Porter Jr. all leaving at various points.
The Steelers will try to shore up their run defense when they host the Seahawks in NFL Week 2.
New York Jets
Despite leading twice in the fourth quarter, New York let another game slip away, continuing a pattern from last season when they lost six times after being ahead late. Fields, in his Jets debut, actually impressed. He went 16-of-22 for 218 yards and a touchdown while also using his legs to keep drives alive. His chemistry with Garrett Wilson showed promise, though Wilson couldn’t haul in a crucial fourth-down pass with under a minute left thanks to a hit from Jalen Ramsey.
For their NFL Week 2 game, the Jets will turn to an AFC East showdown with the Bills.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Washington Commanders 21, New York Giants 6
Washington leaned on its defense and a timely debut performance from Deebo Samuel to grind out a 21-6 win over the Giants. It wasn’t flashy, but after their defensive collapse in last year’s NFC title game, the Commanders will happily take this start.
Washington Commanders
The revamped defensive front lived up to its billing. Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne anchored a run defense that held the Giants’ running backs to just 38 yards on 15 carries. Add in relentless pressure on Russell Wilson, who was sacked three times and forced into errant throws, and it was exactly the kind of tone-setter coach Dan Quinn wanted.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had some accuracy issues but still threw for 233 yards, ran for 71, and delivered when it mattered. Meanwhile, Samuel quickly endeared himself to the home crowd with 96 total yards and a 19-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Rookie RB Bill Croskey-Merritt also chipped in 82 yards and a score in his debut.
Washington will try to keep the momentum rolling in its next NFL matchup against the Packers on Thursday.
New York Giants
For Giants fans, it felt all too familiar. The offense sputtered, managing just 231 yards and no touchdowns. Wilson’s first start in blue was rough: 17-of-37 passing, constant pressure, and six points on two red-zone trips. Without LT Andrew Thomas, the offensive line looked overwhelmed.
Malik Nabers was a bright spot with five catches for 71 yards, but even he admitted his back wasn’t at 100%. Defensively, there were positives: three sacks, a blocked punt, and rookie LB Abdul Carter flashing in his debut. But the lack of urgency in the red zone cost them dearly.
The Giants have now lost three straight openers by a combined score of 89-12. They’ll need a spark, and fast, before heading to Dallas in Week 2.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Denver Broncos 20, Tennessee Titans 12
The Sean Payton era in Denver continues to revolve around defense. The Broncos sacked rookie QB Cam Ward six times and held Tennessee to just 133 total yards in a 20-12 victory that spoiled the No. 1 pick’s debut.
Denver Broncos
If there were concerns about Bo Nix’s rocky start, the defense erased them. Nix turned the ball over three times, two interceptions and his first lost fumble as a pro, but Denver’s defense was suffocating. Patrick Surtain II and company limited the Titans to 2.4 yards per play, forced five punts in the second half, and delivered back-to-back sacks to knock Tennessee out of field-goal range in a critical moment.
Offensively, things didn’t click until late. Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a 22-yard touchdown just before halftime, and R.J. Harvey’s 50-yard run set up a J.K. Dobbins score in the second half. The Broncos know they’ll need more balance going forward, but six sacks and a dominant front seven give them a margin for error.
Denver travels to face the Colts for its NFL Week 2 game.
Tennessee Titans
It wasn’t the debut Ward dreamed of, but there were some positives. He showed poise in the pocket, maneuvering well and firing a few impressive deep throws. Still, he finished just 12-of-28 for 112 yards, no touchdowns, and the late strip-sack that sealed the loss.
Brian Callahan leaned on Tony Pollard and the run game early, but the offense never found rhythm, partly due to penalties (13 for 131 yards) and partly because Denver’s defense was relentless. The Titans did force three turnovers, but their offense managed just six points off them, a glaring missed opportunity.
Tennessee will host the Rams for their NFL Week 2 game, hoping for better execution on offense.
NFL Week 1 Recap: San Francisco 49ers 17, Seattle Seahawks 13
It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty. The 49ers escaped Lumen Field with a 17-13 win after third-string tight end Jake Tonges caught his first career NFL touchdown with less than two minutes to play. It was the kind of “next man up” performance Kyle Shanahan has come to rely on when injuries pile up.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners had more players in the blue tent than they would’ve liked. George Kittle, Trent Williams, and Jauan Jennings all left with injuries, while Fred Warner gave fans a scare before returning. That left Brock Purdy to lean on role players like Tonges, who delivered the game-winner after Christian McCaffrey carried much of the load with 142 total yards.
San Francisco’s defense also closed the deal. Nick Bosa strip-sacked Sam Darnold in the red zone with 90 seconds left, putting an exclamation point on Robert Saleh’s first game back as defensive coordinator.
The one glaring concern was, however, Jake Moody. The second-year kicker missed two field goals from inside 40 yards, making it fair to question just how much longer the 49ers’ patience will last.
For their NFL Week 2 matchup, they’ll face the New Orleans Saints.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s defense looked the part, forcing two Purdy interceptions and keeping the Niners’ passing game in check for most of the day. But the offense never clicked. Darnold was efficient (16-of-23, 150 yards) but lost a critical fumble on the final drive.
The run game was also puzzling. Kenneth Walker III started, but Zach Charbonnet saw more snaps and scored the team’s only touchdown. Figuring out the RB1 pecking order will be something to watch in Week 2 when they face the Steelers.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Green Bay Packers 27, Detroit Lions 13
The Packers snapped their divisional skid in style, beating the two-time defending NFC North champions at Lambeau Field. With Jordan Love sharp and Micah Parsons making an immediate defensive impact, Green Bay looked nothing like the team that stumbled in the division a year ago.
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love erased any rust concerns early. He went 16-of-22 for 188 yards and two touchdowns, including a beautiful 48-yard deep shot to Romeo Doubs that set up a score. Josh Jacobs also found the end zone, extending his touchdown streak to nine straight games.
But the loudest ovation of the day went to Parsons. Acquired in a blockbuster trade just over a week ago, the All-Pro edge rusher had a sack, pressured Jared Goff into an interception, and generally tilted the field in Green Bay’s favor. Even on limited snaps, his presence was felt.
The win marked the Packers’ 13th straight home opener, the NFL’s longest of such streak since the Dolphins of the late 1970s. They’ll face the Commanders on Thursday night for their NFL Week 2 matchup.
Detroit Lions
For a team that averaged 33 points per game last year, this was a stumble. Detroit didn’t score a touchdown until the final minute, and Jared Goff’s 225-yard day came mostly on underneath throws. The run game was held to just 44 yards, and a potential pick-six by Brian Branch was wiped out by a penalty at a crucial moment.
Injuries didn’t help either. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold left with a groin injury, raising concerns given last season’s injury struggles.
Next up in their league schedule is against the Bears.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Los Angeles Rams 14, Houston Texans 9
This one was a slugfest. The Rams leaned on their defense and a little late-game heroics to edge the Texans 14-9 at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford, playing his first live snaps since missing much of camp, threw for 245 yards and a touchdown while surpassing 60,000 career passing yards, becoming the 10th QB in history to do so. His favorite target, Puka Nacua, was as tough as advertised. Despite leaving briefly with a cut on his forehead, he returned to post 10 catches for 130 yards.
The defense sealed it late. Linebacker Nate Landman forced a fumble in the red zone with under two minutes left, then Braden Fiske recovered to shut the door. Stafford’s poise on third-and-long to Nacua iced the game.
They face the Titans in their next NFL game.
Houston Texans
A new-look offense, but same old problems. C.J. Stroud showed flashes with 188 passing yards, but the Texans never reached the end zone. They settled for three field goals in the first half and went scoreless in the second.
Penalties (11 for 80 yards) and protection issues (three sacks, heavy pressure all day) stalled drives. Most surprising was the lack of involvement for Nico Collins, who finished with just three catches for 25 yards despite his Pro Bowl pedigree.
For their next NFL matchup, they’ll face the Buccaneers on Monday night.
NFL Week 1 Recap: Buffalo Bills 41, Baltimore Ravens 40
The Buffalo Bills pulled off one of the wildest comebacks of Week 1, stunning the Baltimore Ravens 41-40 in a game that looked all but over with just minutes left on the clock.
Bills
Josh Allen was simply unstoppable. The star quarterback put on an MVP-caliber performance, throwing for 394 yards and two touchdowns while also adding two more on the ground. Even as Buffalo’s defense struggled to contain Baltimore’s rushing attack, Allen kept the Bills in it, trading blows with Lamar Jackson’s offense until the very end.
The turning point came with just over three minutes to play. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver forced a fumble from Derrick Henry, which Terrel Bernard scooped up. That set up Allen’s 1-yard touchdown run to pull Buffalo within two. Though the 2-point conversion failed, the Bills’ defense finally held, forcing a three-and-out to give Allen one last chance. He drove the offense into field goal range, and as the clock hit zero, the Bills walked away with the win.
They will face the Jets in their next NFL game on Sunday.
Ravens
For the Ravens, this was a collapse that will sting for a long time. Baltimore became the first team since 2017 to lose a game after leading by 15 or more points in the final four minutes. Up 40-25 late in the fourth, it looked like they’d cruise to a big season-opening victory. But Henry’s fumble with just over three minutes left shifted everything.
There were, however, still positives: Lamar Jackson moved the ball efficiently, and newcomer DeAndre Hopkins made a jaw-dropping debut, catching a one-handed 29-yard touchdown that had fans buzzing. But none of it mattered after the meltdown.
Now the Ravens have to regroup quickly, with the Browns, Lions, and Chiefs looming in the next three weeks. They’ll face the Browns in their next game on Sunday.
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