NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 15, 2026, 7:15 AM ET

Chiefs Open Title Defense With Statement Win

Kansas City opened its season with a 31-10 demolition of Denver on "Monday Night Football," and the debut of Kenneth Walker III gave the Chiefs a punishing ground dimension they lacked a year ago. Patrick Mahomes, returning from a torn ACL, showed no rust, and his scrambling ability paid off repeatedly as Kansas City pulled away. The 274-day rehabilitation that rebuilt Mahomes from the most significant injury of his career is detailed here, with the quarterback vowing on Dec. 14 to be ready for Week 1 and delivering on that promise.

Kelce Makes History

Travis Kelce passed Jason Witten to move into second place all time in receiving yards by a tight end, adding another milestone to a résumé already bound for Canton. The achievement came in front of a star-studded Arrowhead crowd, with Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise sharing a suite while supporting Kelce.

Denver's Parallels and What-Ifs

Denver's current roster bears a striking resemblance to the 2015 team that rode a shutdown defense to a Super Bowl 50 title, according to Talib Miller, and the organization has similar goals. In a remarkable revelation, Broncos assistant coaches held discussions with Drew Brees about the retired star quarterback coming back to play for Denver in last season's AFC Championship Game.

New York's Summer of Optimism

For the first time since 2009, the Jets and Giants both started 1-0, extending a summer of New York momentum across the sport. Giants coach John Harbaugh even tackled Malik Nabers in practice, a move he described as "all in fun" designed to help his star receiver move past lingering injury fears.

Week 1 Offensive Explosions

Chicago, Baltimore, Buffalo and Jacksonville were among 10 teams that scored 30-plus points Sunday, headlined by the Bears' 59-point outburst and the Ravens' 41. Lamar Jackson looked like his old self in new coordinator Declan Doyle's system, embracing changes to how he has played the position his entire life. The statistical deep dive found six cool advanced stats from Sunday, including a Bears offense that was electric and a Williams who hit 20-plus mph twice.

Rookie and Veteran Milestones

Trevor Lawrence's 100th career NFL touchdown pass went to rookie wide receiver Josh Cameron, who hauled it in for his first career catch — and Lawrence told him he can keep the ball. The high-scoring opening Sunday produced touchdowns galore and a bettor-friendly trifecta for those who backed a variety of scorers.

Overreaction Patrol

Is Lamar Jackson going to reset the quarterback market, and which Class of 2023 passer gets extended first? Those are among the Week 1 overreactions worth sizing up before drawing conclusions. NFL Nation reporters reacted to every Sunday game, answering the biggest questions, including whether the Giants are legit and what happened to Dallas' new defense.

Quarterback Market Set to Erupt

Baker Mayfield's new deal paying him $55 million per year in new money signals where the quarterback market is headed, great news for 11 other passers lined up for big paydays. In Cleveland, coach Todd Monken said he expects Deshaun Watson to remain the starter Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Injury Report

The Eagles are placing left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve with a knee injury, costing him at least the next four games; Dickerson called himself a "complete liability" in the opener. Detroit running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to miss 12 weeks following back surgery. Dallas will likely be without linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and safety Malik Hooker for the next two games, per coach Brian Schottenheimer. Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has a rib injury and is considered day-to-day, while Pittsburgh's Mike McCarthy was noncommittal on Porter's timeline to return. Minnesota's Kevin O'Connell said the hit that concussed Kyler Murray was a "violent, physical play" but did not fault Green Bay.

Trade and Off-Field Buzz

Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is open to a trade, and the Cowboys, 49ers and Lions are among five teams that could pursue the star defensive back. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he had Macklemore removed as an opening act for Ed Sheeran's Gillette Stadium shows, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery.

Fantasy and Betting

For fantasy managers, Eric Karabell lists Shough, Black and Coker among the top waiver pickups worth adding for Week. Early lines have produced four Week 2 bets offering immediate value, including games involving Carolina, Arizona, Detroit, Buffalo and New England.

Trolls and Draft Watch

Early-season rust did not stop teams from trolling opponents after wins, with the Bills' Houston-themed jabs topping the Week 1 trolls. On the college front, NFL draft risers and notes from Saturday's games raise questions at the top of the quarterback class, including whether Dante Moore's play should worry evaluators and what has impressed most about Jeremiah Smith.