Overview
- The Chicago Bears piled up 552 yards and 59 points in a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers, with Caleb Williams throwing for 269 yards and two TDs while adding two rushing scores to set a franchise mark for an opener.
- The Buffalo Bills overcame the Houston Texans on a 34-yard Josh Allen touchdown to Joshua Palmer in the final two minutes, then preserved the 36-31 win when Greg Rousseau sacked C.J. Stroud and Terrel Bernard recovered a fumble.
- Minnesota routed Green Bay 39-22 after starter Kyler Murray was removed under concussion protocol and backup Carson Wentz completed three touchdown passes in relief to fuel a late comeback.
- Turnovers and takeaways swung multiple games: Cincinnati’s defense forced four turnovers in a 33-27 win over Tampa Bay, and several teams sealed results with strip-sacks or fourth-quarter defensive stands.
- Week 1’s pattern of high scoring, late-game drama and early injuries gives new coaches and veterans immediate leverage in narratives to follow and signals which teams must fix protection, tackling or depth quickly.