NFL offenses provide one of the
highest-scoring opening weeks in history
[September 15, 2026]
By ROB MAADD
Offenses didn’t need any time to shake off the rust.
They lit up the scoreboard, tying the record for the highest-scoring
opening week in NFL history.
The Bears beat Carolina 59-37, falling three points shy of tying
Atlanta’s 53-year-old record for the most in Week 1. The game
featured 1,030 total yards and the most combined points (96) ever in
an opener.
Josh Allen led the Bills to a stunning performance against Houston’s
once-stingy defense in a 36-31 road win. The Texans allowed the
second-fewest points (17.4 per game) and fewest yards (277.2 per
game) in 2025. But Allen threw for 334 yards and Buffalo scored on
eight of its 11 possessions before kneeling down to win coach Joe
Brady’s first game.
Eleven teams scored more than 30 points, including the Chiefs in a
31-10 victory over the Broncos on Monday night. Six had at least 24
in the first half.
Maybe starters don’t need to play in the preseason. Quarterbacks
were in midseason form as 13 posted a passer rating over 100.
All those joint practices must have benefited offenses more than
defenses.
One of Chicago’s team goals set by coach Ben Johnson is to break the
NFL record for most points in a season. Johnson believes the Bears
still have room to improve despite scoring touchdowns on their last
four drives.
“There’s still a number of things on there that I didn’t love just
from the sideline perspective,” Johnson said.
Teams combined to score 791 points, tying the high previously set in
2012.
Here are 10 takeaways from Sunday’s games:
Caleb in control
Caleb Williams kicked off his second season in Johnson’s offense
playing like a guy who is going to be an MVP candidate. He made
precision throws, big plays with his legs and was in command for
Chicago’s offense from start to finish.
Ravens were dominant
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens were impressive in a
41-23 victory at Indianapolis, giving coach Jesse Minter his first
win. Baltimore has high expectations and the team’s core players
were spectacular.
Jackson, who dealt with injuries last season, played like a two-time
MVP. The 32-year-old Henry ran like he’s 22. Zay Flowers had a
career day.
The Colts have now lost eight straight games after starting 8-2 last
year. Quarterback Daniel Jones was ineffective in his first game
back from a torn Achilles tendon, and the defense was poor.
Impressive debut for John Harbaugh’s Giants
John Harbaugh had a better day than brother Jim. Jaxson Dart, Cam
Skattebo and the New York Giants defeated Dallas 28-20 in their
first game with their new coach. The Giants played like Harbaugh’s
old Ravens teams. They controlled the ball for almost 37 minutes and
kept Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ playmakers off the field.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs to score a
touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday,
Sept. 13, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
Mike McDaniel’s offense fizzles
Justin Herbert and the Chargers had an inconsistent start in Mike
McDaniel’s first game as offensive coordinator and the Cardinals
pulled off the biggest upset of the week with a 26-14 win at Los
Angeles.
Rookie coach Mike LaFleur had an excellent game plan and QB Jacoby
Brissett executed it well to lead Arizona, which was a 9 1/2-point
underdog.
Big plays boost Philly
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles were up and down in offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion’s first game, relying on big plays to overcome
inconsistency. Hurts made enough splash plays to lead Philadelphia
to a 24-22 win that was secured by the defense stopping a 2-point
conversion. Saquon Barkley got half of his 83 yards rushing on a
42-yard carry. He’s going to need more running lanes.
Packers still can’t win without Micah
The Packers knocked Kyler Murray out of the game and had a 12-point
lead in the second half only to see Carson Wentz rally the Vikings
to a 39-22 victory. Green Bay fell to 0-6 without All-Pro pass
rusher Micah Parsons, who is still recovering from ACL surgery.
Jordan Love and the offense can’t afford to continue having so many
miscues.
Bengals torment Baker Mayfield
The Bengals bolstered a defense that desperately needed a makeover
and it paid off early. Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen and other new
starters harassed Baker Mayfield throughout the game in a 33-27
victory. Mayfield lost three fumbles in his first game since signing
a new contract. Joe Burrow didn’t have to be prolific thanks to
Tampa Bay’s four turnovers.
Shough matures on the spot
The Saints’ comeback bid fell short in overtime when coach Kellen
Moore went for the victory and the 2-point conversion was stopped by
Detroit. But Tyler Shough’s performance is reason for optimism. He
overcame a poor start, showed poise, maturity and had a strong
finish to help New Orleans rally from a 21-0 deficit.
Same old Watson
Deshaun Watson’s stat line doesn't tell the true story. The Browns
were overmatched and overwhelmed by the Jaguars, 34-10. It’s hard to
imagine Watson will start Cleveland’s home opener in Week 3.
Last ride needs help
Aaron Rodgers began his last season in the NFL with a win in his
reunion with coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers beat the
injury-depleted Falcons and third-string QB Cooper Rush 20-13.
Rodgers is clearly comfortable in McCarthy's offense and the
42-year-old still is an elite passer. But DK Metcalf struggled and
the run game was lackluster.
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