NFL offenses displayed remarkable efficiency and scoring prowess in the opening week of the season, contributing to one of the highest-scoring Week 1 periods in league history. Quarterbacks demonstrated midseason form, with 13 posting a passer rating over 100.
Ten teams exceeded 30 points, and six teams scored at least 24 points in the first half alone. The Chicago Bears' 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers featured 1,030 total yards and the most combined points (96) ever recorded in an opening week game, falling just three points shy of a 53-year-old record for most points in a Week 1 contest.
Quarterback Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a 36-31 road win against the Houston Texans. Despite the Texans' defense ranking among the league's stingiest in the previous season, allowing the second-fewest points and fewest yards per game, Allen passed for 334 yards. The Bills scored on eight of their 11 possessions before closing out the game.
Chicago's coach, Ben Johnson, has set a season goal for his team to break the NFL record for most points in a season. Despite a strong offensive performance, Johnson indicated that the team still has areas to improve, noting that they scored touchdowns on their last four drives.
Notable individual performances included Caleb Williams, who showcased command of the Bears' offense with precision throws and effective runs. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were instrumental in the Ravens' 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, with Jackson playing like a two-time MVP and Henry demonstrating a vintage performance.
Other matchups saw the New York Giants defeat the Dallas Cowboys 28-20, controlling the clock and limiting opportunities for the Cowboys' playmakers. The Arizona Cardinals secured the week's biggest upset with a 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, with rookie coach Mike LaFleur's game plan and QB Jacoby Brissett's execution proving effective.
The Philadelphia Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts, secured a narrow 24-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings, relying on big plays to overcome inconsistencies. The Green Bay Packers saw their lead evaporate in a 39-22 loss to the Vikings, highlighting the offense's struggles with miscues.
The Bengals' revamped defense contributed to a 33-27 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as new starters pressured Baker Mayfield, who lost three fumbles. Joe Burrow did not need a prolific performance due to Tampa Bay's four turnovers.
The Detroit Lions ultimately defeated the New Orleans Saints in overtime, though the Saints' comeback effort, spearheaded by Shough's poise and maturity, provided reasons for optimism.
In other games, the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Cleveland Browns 34-10, and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-13, with Aaron Rodgers showing comfort in his reunion with coach Mike McCarthy.