NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 18, 2026, 6:03 AM ET

Bills Open Highmark Stadium in Style

The Buffalo Bills christened their new Highmark Stadium with a resounding 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions, moving to 2-0 in their new home. Josh Allen accounted for five touchdowns as Buffalo's offense fired on all cylinders in front of a raucous home crowd. The atmosphere left players searching for words, with one Bill describing the scene simply: "That place was electric." The win wasn't without cost, however, as standout defensive tackle Ed Oliver was a surprise inactive after suffering a hip injury during pregame warmups. Buffalo also lost wide receiver DJ Moore, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury and did not return.

Lions Left Searching for Answers

Detroit's defensive collapse against Buffalo prompted an emotional response from linebacker Jack Campbell, who fought back tears while shouldering the blame for the unit's poor performance. The Lions also lost defensive back Avonte Maddox, who was carted off with a foot injury in the Thursday night loss. For quarterback Jared Goff, the game carried a different weight entirely — the arrival of his daughter, Romy Isabelle, has sharpened his focus as he navigates the demands of fatherhood alongside his career. Allen, meanwhile, continues to carry not just the Bills' offense but also the jokes and the hopes of a fanbase hungry for a championship, as one profile asks whether this is finally the year for the king of western New York.

Rams Await Word on Donald

The Los Angeles Rams are holding out hope that star defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be available for Monday Night Football against the Giants. Head coach Sean McVay said the team remains "hopeful" that Donald, who practiced in full Thursday, will suit up. The Rams are among several teams dealing with early-season uncertainty, with an insider notebook highlighting QB1 questions in Seattle, Minnesota, and Atlanta, plus rough starts for both the Rams and Chargers.

Broncos Not Panicking After Chiefs Loss

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix struck a measured tone following his team's disappointing loss to Kansas City, saying the mistakes were clear to see on film but that the locker room is "not freaking out." The rookie signal-caller emphasized that corrections are manageable and the season is far from lost.

Eagles' Carter to Play Through Wrist Injury

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter expects to wear a cast on his injured right wrist but made clear he won't let it alter his approach. Carter said he "can't let it affect me" as he prepares to anchor the Eagles' defensive front. His availability is a boost for a Philadelphia defense that has championship aspirations.

Seahawks Turn to Lock at Quarterback

With Sam Darnold sidelined, veteran Drew Lock is stepping into the starting role for the Seattle Seahawks, and his priority is simple: protect the football. Lock is prioritizing ball security as he looks to find Seattle's playmakers ahead of a matchup against the Cardinals. The transition has been part of a broader adjustment for head coach Mike Macdonald, who described his early tenure in Seattle as the "most difficult stretch" of his life, detailing personal struggles he navigated after being hired.

Patriots' Henderson Ready for Week 2

New England Patriots running back Tre Veyon Henderson declared himself "ready to go" after missing Week, setting up his anticipated debut against the Steelers on Sunday. Henderson's return adds a dynamic element to a Patriots backfield eager to establish itself.

Steelers' Porter Leaves Practice Early

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. left practice early on Thursday with what the team described as an athletic issue, just days after he had been cleared. Porter's status bears watching as Pittsburgh prepares for its Week 2 matchup.

Chargers' McDaniel Stunned by Offensive Woes

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel admitted he was caught off-guard by his unit's performance in a loss to the Cardinals, saying the offense did not meet his "vision" for what it should be. The Chargers are among the teams off to a rough start, and McDaniel's candid assessment signals urgency to correct course.

Texans' Stroud Unbothered by Criticism

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the high road when asked about criticism from former Texans great Andre Johnson regarding his body language. Stroud brushed off the critique, declining to engage with the commentary. The Texans, however, have a more pressing concern: star wide receiver Nico Collins suffered a hamstring injury during Wednesday's practice and is uncertain to play in Week.

Colts' Allen Charged with OWI

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen was formally charged with two misdemeanor drunk driving offenses after allegedly blowing .224 on a breath test — nearly three times the legal limit. The charges represent a significant off-field development for the veteran receiver and the Colts organization.

Around the NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant coach Ken Zampese, who coached Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, said the Browns had their QB1 in Mayfield and "mucked it up" by trading him. Mayfield, meanwhile, is embracing the lighter side of NFL life — he donned a Michigan tank after losing a bet with head coach Todd Bowles, following Michigan's stunning upset of his Oklahoma Sooners.

In a notable off-field gesture, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving offered to pay the $11,941 fine levied against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who was penalized for a tribute to a slain Palestinian girl.

The NFL informed teams that Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright are ineligible to sign in 2026 following their brief return to LSU.

Betting and Fantasy

New York sportsbooks took in a record approximately $595 million in wagers during NFL Week, underscoring the surging mainstream adoption of legal sports betting.

On the fantasy front, analysts are urging patience with several slow starters. Matt Bowen examined whether concern is warranted for 11 players after disappointing Week 1 showings. A separate breakdown offered facts vs. feelings on eight notable performances. Mike Clay revealed his top predicted TD scorers for Week, with Jonathan Taylor among the names to watch.

Coaching and Scheme Trends

The NFL is experiencing a notable schematic shift: teams are operating under center far more frequently, with the shotgun formation dropping to 42.5% usage — and the change is producing results. The Commanders, Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, Giants, and Raiders are among the teams embracing the trend, which represents a philosophical departure from the spread concepts that dominated the past decade.

to Week 2

Several storylines are converging ahead of Sunday's slate. Dak Prescott needs four touchdown passes to pass Tony Romo in the Cowboys' record book, and those who have caught his scores shared their stories. Bryce Young's 4-1 record against the Falcons could be a harbinger as the Panthers prepare to visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And for the Bills, the live updates from their Thursday night win over Detroit captured every moment as Allen scored his fourth touchdown and Buffalo piled on against the Lions.