NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 11:02 PM ET

Bears' 59-Point Eruption Sets Historic Tone

Chicago opened its season with a 59-37 win over the Panthers, the fourth-most points in franchise history and a combined 96-point outburst. Offensive coordinator Johnson doubled down on his unit's approach following the eruption, while rookie quarterback Caleb Williams shined in Week 1 alongside Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence, as Ja'Marr Chase, Drake London and Colston Loveland endured quiet days. Advanced stats underscored the performance: Williams hit 20-plus MPH twice on the day, while Dalton Kincaid led the Bills in receiving. Analysts urged caution against overreacting to Week 1, weighing Lamar Jackson's big day and which Class of 2023 quarterback will be extended first. Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to every game, starting with Buffalo's dismantling of Houston's defense, and the league's Week 1 trolls featured the Bills' Houston-themed jabs atop the leaderboard. Players also brought flair before kickoff, with fashionable arrivals ranging from Spiderman to a Navy nod, featuring Dak Prescott and Cam Skattebo.

Bills Outlast Texans Behind Allen's Masterclass

In a house of Bills horrors — Buffalo had not won in Houston since 2006 — Josh Allen uncorked a whopper of an offensive performance as the Bills outlasted the Texans, making Brady a winner in his debut. The result headlined Sunday's action, with big plays pushing Allen and company past a defense that battered him a season ago.

Jets Roll as Geno Smith Rewrites the Script

Geno Smith made his re-debut with the Jets — 3,612 days after his previous start — and helped New York defeat the Titans. The Titans fell flat in coach Saleh's debut, dropping a 23-10 decision to his former team as quarterback Cam Ward completed 19 of 32 attempts for 140 yards and one touchdown. New York is also eager to end its interception drought and ready to see what No. 2 pick David Bailey will do in his debut. Injuries marred the win, though, as rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick both suffered injuries Sunday.

Henry Vaults to Third All Time in Rushing Touchdowns

Ravens running back Derrick Henry moved into third place on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdowns list by scoring three times Sunday, adding another milestone to a Hall of Fame résumé.

Steelers Celebrate McCarthy's Debut; Rodgers Hands Over Game Ball

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers gave coach Mike McCarthy a game ball after Pittsburgh's victory Sunday, capping McCarthy's first win at the helm. The Steelers managed the result despite uncertainty surrounding star cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who was inactive for the opener because of a back injury amid a summer-long contract dispute. Porter remains open to a trade, and five teams — including the Cowboys, 49ers and Lions — could look to add the star cornerback.

Diggs Owns Costly Goal-Post Penalty; Commanders Stand Behind Him

Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs knew the moment he hugged the goal post to celebrate a fourth-quarter touchdown Sunday that he had committed a penalty that cost his team. Diggs took responsibility for the miscue, and Washington's locker room voiced its support in the aftermath. The Commanders are also expecting a big year from Jayden Daniels in 2026, with offensive coordinator David Blough saying the quarterback has had his best NFL camp so far.

Lawrence's 100th TD Finds a Rookie; Jaguars Roll

Trevor Lawrence's 100th NFL touchdown pass went to rookie Josh Cameron, who hauled in the milestone score. The Jaguars' day stood in contrast to Cleveland's, where Todd Monken sidestepped a question about whether he will stick with Deshaun Watson as the Browns' starter but said it was unfair to blame the loss on the veteran quarterback after a 34-10 defeat.

Injury Wave Hits Rams, Vikings, Patriots, 49ers and Jets

Rams star defensive end Myles Garrett will undergo knee surgery and is headed to injured reserve, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit in his Minnesota debut, ending his day early. Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain that will keep him out for four weeks, leaving New England to determine who steps up. 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling will miss at least a month because of an ankle injury, sources told NFL Network. The Raiders, meanwhile, believe there is a realistic chance that star tight end Brock Bowers will miss only one game because of his knee injury and could return for Week 2, sources told ESPN.

Chiefs Turn to Undrafted Rookie at Left Tackle

Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is out for Monday's season opener against the Broncos, with Kansas City expected to turn to undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to help protect Patrick Mahomes, who returns under center.

Falcons Stick With Rush Despite Back Spasms

Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush experienced back spasms Saturday, but he will still start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced.

Quarterback Market Braces for Explosion as Extensions Stall

Baker Mayfield just got $55 million per year in new money — a signal of where the quarterback market is headed, and great news for 11 other passers ready for big deals. Lamar Jackson has been reluctant to discuss a long-term extension with the Ravens and has been more focused on the upcoming 2026 season, with league sources telling ESPN that no deal is expected before the season starts. The Texans and C.J. Stroud made a run at completing an extension before the regular season, but both sides agreed they now prefer to wait until after this season to work out a long-term deal. The Jaguars and Parker Washington are unlikely to agree to a contract extension before the start of the season, a source told NFL Network.

Crosby Shut Down Rams Talks to Stay in Las Vegas

The Rams pursued Maxx Crosby shortly after his trade from the Raiders to the Ravens fell through, but Crosby shut down the talks and wanted to stay with the Raiders, sources told NFL Network.

Cousins Embraces Year 15 as Mentor to Raiders' Young Core

Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is approaching Year 15 as a starter while serving as a mentor to the team's young core, discussing the 2026 season and working with Klint Kubiak in a conversation with ESPN.

Chargers' Title Hopes Ride on McDaniel-Harbaugh Partnership

There is a lot on the line in the relationship between Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and coach Jim Harbaugh, a football marriage that could prove central to Los Angeles' championship ambitions.

Giants Capitalize on Prescott's Interception in Sunday Night Clash

The Giants capitalized on Prescott's interception with Likely's touchdown as the Sunday night action unfolded. Bettors had plenty to track, with odds, spreads, totals and FPI predictions covering all 16 Week 1 games. Our experts dove into the odds and player props for the week, offering betting tips and favorite plays, while a separate look at Cowboys-Giants on Sunday Night Football framed Dallas as a slight favorite. Fifteen predictions ahead of kickoff weighed upset picks and fantasy sleepers, asking whether DeVonta Smith could find the end zone and whether the Jets would finally intercept a pass.

Inactives and Draft Watch Round Out the Weekend

Updated inactives and analysis tracked the status of Jeanty, Love, Odunze and others leading up to kickoff. On the college side, NFL draft spin off Week 2 of the CFB season raised questions at the top of the QB class, with Dante Moore's play under scrutiny and Jeremiah Smith drawing praise.