The NFL launched its season with a historic display of offensive firepower, setting a new benchmark for scoring during the first Sunday of play since the 1970 league merger. Champion-contending teams such as the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens delivered statement victories, establishing early momentum for the 2026 campaign.
In Houston, Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady made an immediate impact in his debut game. Promoted from offensive co-ordinator, Brady guided his squad through a tense matchup against the Texans, whose defense had been the league’s most formidable the previous year. The contest featured eight lead changes, but quarterback Josh Allen, the 2024 MVP, delivered a decisive 34-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer with under two minutes remaining. Allen finished with 334 passing yards and two passing scores, while running back David Montgomery added three rushing touchdowns, securing a 36-31 victory for Buffalo.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens began life under interim coach Jesse Minter following the departure of long-time head coach John Harbaugh. Wide receiver Zay Flowers, now the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid pass-catcher, recorded a career-high 150 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. Running back Derrick Henry scored twice in the opening period to move into third place on the all-time rushing touchdown list. Despite missing the second half with injuries, Flowers and rookie Ja’Kobi Lane helped Baltimore cruise to a 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Chicago Bears produced the weekend’s most explosive offensive performance, dismantling the Carolina Panthers 59-37. The high-scoring affair marks the highest total recorded in an NFL Week 1 game since 1980. Running back D’Andre Swift accounted for three touchdowns, while head coach Ben Johnson reiterated his ambitious goals for the franchise.
“We want to be the highest scoring. We want to have the most wins. We want to win Super Bowls,” Johnson said after guiding Chicago to its first division title in seven years last season.
Elsewhere, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh took charge of the New York Giants, leading them to a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The game, held at MetLife Stadium two days after the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, featured tributes to first responders. Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns, complemented by Cam Skattebo’s rushing contribution, signaling genuine optimism for New York’s playoff chances.
In other key results, the Arizona Cardinals stunned playoff contender Los Angeles Chargers with a 26-14 win at SoFi Stadium, continuing their rebuild under new head coach Mike LaFleur. In Minnesota, the Vikings rallied from a 22-10 deficit to defeat Green Bay 39-22, with Justin Jefferson returning to form with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals impressed on both sides of the ball, recording four sacks and four forced fumbles in a 33-27 home victory over Tampa Bay, suggesting their revamped defense could address past shortcomings.
Eight lead changes in that Bills game sounded exhausting. Josh Allen always delivers when it matters most though.
Did anyone else notice the Cardinals shut down the Chargers? LA looked lost without their usual offensive spark.
Jesse Minter stepping in and winning by eighteen is impressive. The Ravens are still a force even without Harbaugh.
Wait, John Harbaugh actually won with the Giants? That feels like a fluke against Dallas. I’ll believe it when I see it again.
59-37? The Bears offense is absolutely terrifying. I was not ready for that level of scoring in Week 1.