NFL Week 1 Highlights: What Happened and Why It Matters

Week 1 kicked off the season with a bang. Fans finally got to see their teams back on the field, and the action lived up to the hype. From surprise upsets to stellar debuts, there was a lot to talk about. Below you’ll find the most important takeaways, plus a few tips on what to keep an eye on as the season rolls forward.

Scoreboard Snapshot

Here are the quick results you need to know:

• Chiefs 31–24 Bills – Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns and showed he’s still the league’s top gun.
• Packers 27–20 Bears – Aaron Rodgers’s first game back proved he still has a magic arm.
• Rams 21–17 Seahawks – A late field goal sealed the win and gave the Rams early momentum.
• Giants 13–10 Patriots – A defensive battle that highlighted the Giants’ improved pass rush.

Those games set the tone for the rest of the league. Teams that won by double digits look strong, while close calls hint at possible adjustments.

Stars and Surprises

Every opening week brings a few breakout performances. This time around, a few names stood out:

• Justin Jefferson – The Vikings’ wideout racked up 150 receiving yards and two scores, showing he’s a real threat for the season.
• Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia’s quarterback mixed his arm and legs to total over 250 yards of offense, keeping the Eagles competitive.
• Derrick Henry – The Titans’ running back finally broke his 2023 slump with 120 rushing yards and a long TD.
• Calvin Ridley – Made a surprise return for the Falcons, catching a 70‑yard bomb that sparked a comeback.

On the flip side, a few teams struggled more than expected. The Jets’ offense sputtered, and the Panthers’ defense gave up big plays early.

If you’re wondering what this means for the rest of the season, here are two simple takeaways:

• Teams with strong passing attacks (Chiefs, Vikings) will likely dominate early, especially against weaker secondaries.
• Running backs who can break big runs (Henry, Saquon Barkley) still matter – they open up play‑action and keep defenses honest.

Overall, Week 1 delivered the excitement fans crave. The next steps? Keep watching the injuries list, watch for coaching tweaks, and note which players keep racking up yards week after week.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just caught the opening games, the storylines are already shaping up. Stay tuned for Week 2 – the stakes get higher and the drama only grows.