NFL Football 8 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 11:10 PM ET

Bears' Record-Setting Opener

The Chicago Bears opened their season with a historic 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers, scoring the fourth-most points in a single game in franchise history as the two teams combined for 96 points. Head coach Ben Johnson made clear he has no intention of pumping the brakes on his offense after the eruption. The performance anchored a wild opening Sunday that also saw Caleb Williams, Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence deliver statement fantasy days, while Ja'Marr Chase, Drake London and Colston Loveland were held quiet. Advanced data underlined Chicago's explosiveness: Williams was clocked running over 20 MPH twice, part of a six-stat deep dive that also flagged Baker Mayfield's struggles pushing the ball downfield. NFL Nation reporters broke down every Sunday game, with the Bears' offensive explosion and Buffalo's dominance of Houston topping the lessons learned.

Bills Roll, Allen Shines

Josh Allen authored a monster offensive performance as Buffalo outlasted the Texans in Houston — a venue where the franchise had not won since 2006 — handing new coordinator Joe Brady a victory in his debut. The Bills' social media team kept the pressure on afterward, with Houston-themed jabs leading the league's Week 1 trolling efforts. Allen's big day was one of several quarterback storylines that analysts warned against overreacting to, alongside questions about whether Lamar Jackson is poised to reset the market and which member of the Class of 2023 quarterback crop will sign an extension first.

Geno's Long Road Back

Geno Smith made his re-debut as the Jets' starting quarterback on Sunday — 3,612 days after his previous start for the franchise — and guided New York to a win over the Titans. The result doubled as a sour homecoming for Tennessee, which fell 23-10 in Robert Saleh's debut against his former team. Titans quarterback Cam Ward endured a rough afternoon, completing 19 of 32 attempts for 140 yards and one touchdown. The injury bug bit the Jets as well: rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. hurt his ankle in his NFL debut, and veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also went down, leaving both players sidelined in the victory.

Steelers, Browns QB Questions

Aaron Rodgers handed coach Mike McCarthy a game ball following Pittsburgh's season-opening victory, marking McCarthy's first win at the helm of the Steelers. In Cleveland, the picture was far murkier: coach Todd Monken was noncommittal on Deshaun Watson as the Browns' starter after a 34-10 loss to Jacksonville, though he called it "unfair" to pin the defeat on the veteran quarterback. Jacksonville's day included a milestone: Trevor Lawrence's 100th career touchdown pass went to rookie wide receiver Josh Cameron, who hauled in the historic grab.

Ravens' Henry Makes History

Derrick Henry vaulted into third place on the NFL's all-time rushing touchdowns list, scoring three times for the Ravens on Sunday to climb the record books. His power running headlined a day of standout individual performances across the league.

Injury Watch: Rams Lose Garrett

The Rams absorbed a major blow when star defensive end Myles Garrett was slated to undergo knee surgery and head to injured reserve, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Minnesota also faces uncertainty after quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion on a hard hit in his Vikings debut against the Packers, though he was reported to be in good spirits afterward.

Commanders' Costly Celebration

Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs knew immediately that hugging the goal post to celebrate a fourth-quarter touchdown Sunday had cost his team a penalty, and he took responsibility for the mistake. His teammates and the organization publicly supported him in the aftermath of the emotional swing.

Trade Buzz and Sunday Night

With Joey Porter Jr. open to a trade, five teams — including the Cowboys, 49ers and Lions — could look to add the star Steelers cornerback. Attention now shifts to "Sunday Night Football," where Dallas enters as a slight favorite against the Giants, and live coverage tracked the Giants capitalizing on a Dak Prescott interception with a Likely touchdown. Off the field, the league's Week 1 arrivals brought plenty of style, with Dak Prescott and Cam Skattebo among the standout fashion moments. And Baker Mayfield's new deal — $55 million per year in new money — signals a quarterback market poised to explode, with 11 other passers in line for big paydays.