NFL Football 8 Hours

Last updated: September 15, 2026, 10:05 PM ET

Chiefs Open Title Defense With Statement Win

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their season with a resounding 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium, and the debut of running back Kenneth Walker III could not have gone better. Walker starred in his first game in a Chiefs uniform, powering an offense that also welcomed back Patrick Mahomes from a torn ACL. Mahomes, whose scrambling ability was a major question mark entering the season, showed that his work paid off with several improvised plays outside the pocket. The Broncos, meanwhile, were handed what quarterback Bo Nix described as a nasty wake-up call, with Nix calling the performance "pretty pitiful" after Denver managed just 10 points. The game also drew plenty of celebrity attention, as Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise sat side-by-side in a suite at Arrowhead, supporting Swift's husband and Kansas City's star tight end.

Brees Nearly Returned for Broncos Playoff Run

In a remarkable revelation, sources told ESPN that Drew Brees mulled an NFL comeback and discussed the possibility of playing for the Denver Broncos during their AFC title game run. Broncos assistant coaches had conversations with the former Super Bowl MVP about a potential return to the field, though the talks never materialized into an actual signing.

Week 1 Offensive Explosions and Advanced Stats

Four offenses erupted in Week, with Chicago, Baltimore, Buffalo, and Jacksonville among 10 teams that scored 30-plus points. The Bears, Bills, Jaguars, and Ravens each showcased explosive playmaking that could signal shifting power dynamics in their respective divisions. Digging deeper into the numbers, Ben Solak found six cool advanced stats from Sunday's games, including a wide receiver hitting 20-plus mph twice and tight end Dalton Kincaid having a huge day for the Bills.

Power Rankings and Week 2 Preview

With one week in the books, the power rankings poll has some surprises, as the Bills, Seahawks, and Ravens all rose in the standings. All 32 teams were stacked ahead of Week, with top newcomers identified across the league. to Week, Ben Solak outlined seven things to watch, including whether the Titans can score any points against the Eagles and whether Ben Johnson can solve Brian Flores' defense. Early bettors are eyeing four games worth targeting, with lines involving the Panthers, Cardinals, Lions, Bills, and Patriots offering immediate value when odds were released.

49ers Backfield Takes Shape

San Francisco found balance in its run game with Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black, as McCaffrey had four fewer carries in Week 1 than Black. The split backfield approach could be a sign of things to come for the 49ers as they manage McCaffrey's workload through the early part of the season.

Roster Moves Across the League

The New York Jets added depth with Cooper and Fitzpatrick hurt, as rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are both expected to miss time. Cooper is week-to-week with an ankle sprain, prompting the Jets to sign veteran receiver Shepard among other moves. In Baltimore, the Ravens cut kicker Jake Moody from the practice squad after Tyler Loop's impressive performance in the season opener. The Carolina Panthers waived receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. on Tuesday and signed linebacker Tyrel Dodson from the practice squad. The Cleveland Browns placed running back Dylan Sampson on injured reserve with a knee injury, further thinning their backfield depth.

Off-Field Developments

Attorneys representing the former girlfriend of Josh Jacobs have filed a motion seeking to have evidence in the case permanently sealed. In New England, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he had Macklemore removed as an opening act for an Ed Sheeran concert, stating he would not provide a platform for "hate speech." Meanwhile, the NFLPA report cards revealed team travel grades, with ESPN speaking to several players and team executives about which organizations pay for the best planes and hotels — and which cut corners.