The NFL returned with a bang, delivering a Week 1 slate full of surprises and big performances. As we try to make sense of all that went down and look ahead to Week 2, here is what you should know around the league and what is on tap in the week ahead.
Lions-Bills showdown highlights Week 2 slate
While there are not as many significant games that immediately jump off the page in Week 2 compared to the opening week slate, the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions could deliver the game of the week on Thursday night.
In his first game with former offensive coordinator Joe Brady as the head coach, quarterback Josh Allen overcame his previous curse playing against the Houston Texans by going 20-of-29 for 334 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to two more scores on the ground, in a 36-31 win that looked very impressive.
The Lions, meanwhile, blew a 20-point lead against the New Orleans Saints before stopping them on a two-point conversion attempt to escape with a 31-30 overtime win. The Lions played with fire and let a comfortable lead slip away when they should not have.
Both teams were expected to be strong contenders this season, but if the early returns from Week 1 proved anything, it is that Buffalo looked extremely dangerous and Detroit needs to work on putting a complete game together if it wants to sustain success.
Historic scoring and performances dominate Week 1
Aside from the sloppy opener between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, defense was optional in most games around the league. In fact, teams combined to score 791 points in Week 1, which officially tied the record for the most Week 1 points scored in the Super Bowl era (2012).
From the Chicago Bears backing up HC Ben Johnson’s preseason proclamation with an emphatic 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers to six games on Sunday producing a combined total of at least 60 points, there was plenty of offense for fans to celebrate.
Additionally, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry moved to third on the all-time rushing TDs list with a massive three-TD performance against the Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt joined Julius Peppers as the only players with at least 100 career sacks and 10-plus interceptions since sacks became an official stat in 1982.
Chiefs cruise in Patrick Mahomes’ return; Giants make a statement in John Harbaugh’s debut
The Chiefs put the league on notice with a commanding 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Monday night. While Mahomes had three TDs (one rushing) in his long-awaited return and tight end Travis Kelce turned back the clock with his longest reception (59 yards) since 2021, the star of the game was RB Kenneth Walker III, who gave the Chiefs backfield some hope with a whopping 173 yards and a TD.
On Sunday night, the New York Giants kicked off the Harbaugh era with a 28-20 statement win over the Dallas Cowboys. From QB Jaxson Dart’s three TDs and RB Cam Skattebo’s TD run and acrobatic celebration to TE Isaiah Likely’s two receiving TDs, the Giants looked like legitimate contenders in the NFC East.
Injuries take a toll
From Seahawks QB Sam Darnold’s hip injury and Patriots WR A.J. Brown’s ankle injury on opening night to Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray’s concussion early in Sunday’s win over the Green Bay Packers, several players around the league have already been plagued by injuries.
That does not even include Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett, who had an underwhelming performance in a shocking 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will miss at least the next four games due to arthroscopic surgery on his ailing knee.
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