Overview
- The Chicago Bears erupted for a 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, posting 552 yards of offense and setting a franchise record for points in a season opener as Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns and 334 yards.
- The Buffalo Bills rallied late in a 36-31 win in Houston when Josh Allen drove a seven-play, 96-yard touchdown drive capped by a 34-yard pass to Joshua Palmer to secure Joe Brady’s first game as head coach.
- Minnesota overcame a first-quarter loss of starting QB Kyler Murray to concussion protocol as Carson Wentz led a comeback to a 39-22 victory over Green Bay, spotlighting immediate player-availability questions.
- Several new or new-to-the-role coaches opened with statement wins — John Harbaugh in New York, Jesse Minter in Baltimore and Joe Brady in Buffalo — shifting early narratives about leadership and team direction.
- Beyond the scoring surge, Week 1 produced contrasting signs for contenders: Cincinnati’s reworked defense forced four turnovers in a win, while the Chargers’ new offense struggled in a loss, leaving both units under early evaluation.