Overview
- The NFL recorded its highest point total for an opening Sunday since the 1970 merger, a scoring surge that reshaped Week 1 narratives across the league.
- Chicago rolled to a 59-37 win over Carolina as Caleb Williams passed for 269 yards, rushed for two scores, and the Bears amassed 552 total yards in a statement offensive performance.
- Buffalo edged Houston 36-31 after Josh Allen hit Joshua Palmer for a 34-yard touchdown with 1:36 left, and Greg Rousseau forced a game-ending strip sack that Terrel Bernard recovered to seal the win.
- Minnesota beat Green Bay 39-22 after starting QB Kyler Murray entered concussion protocol early and did not return, with backup Carson Wentz completing three touchdown passes in relief.
- Defenses also mattered: Cincinnati forced four turnovers in its win and Baltimore's Derrick Henry rushed for three touchdowns in a 41-23 opener that moved him into third on the NFL career rushing-touchdown list.