Week 1 NFL Highlights: Chiefs dominate, Bears post record offense, coaching decisions under scrutiny
In the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, the Chiefs secured a convincing win over the Broncos, the Bears posted a 59-point offensive outburst, and several teams faced early criticism of coaching and roster moves.
The Kansas City Chiefs opened the season with a 31-10 victory against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, reinforcing their status as playoff contenders. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, returning from knee surgery, completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while rookie running back Kenneth Walker contributed 191 rushing yards and two scores. The performance was credited to offseason roster adjustments, including Walker’s free-agent signing and improvements in the secondary under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur faced criticism after a fourth-down decision in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which turned a five-point lead into a 39-22 defeat. The decision, made after an offsides penalty on a field-goal attempt, resulted in a failed quarterback sneak and a subsequent Vikings comeback. LaFleur’s job security has been questioned following previous late-game decisions, though the franchise has historically been reluctant to dismiss coaches mid-season.
The Chicago Bears delivered a 59-point, 552-yard offensive performance against the Carolina Panthers, highlighted by quarterback Caleb Williams and a strong running game from D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Despite limited production from top receivers, the Bears’ early output suggests a high ceiling for the offense, even as their defense allowed 37 points.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense struggled in a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants, with coverage breakdowns and difficulty containing the Giants’ running game. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker, in his first season, was noted as needing more time to implement his system, drawing a comparison to other first-year coordinators who improved later in the season.
The Los Angeles Rams were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in their season-opening game in Melbourne, with quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive end Myles Garrett hindered by travel fatigue and injury concerns. The team’s early performance raised questions about its preseason preparation and the health of key players.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions in a 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, prompting concerns about his development against strong defenses. At 24 years old and with limited NFL starts, Maye’s performance was described as part of a typical learning curve.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Mike McDaniel’s debut resulted in a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Analysts pointed to ongoing issues with the interior offensive line, including injuries to newly signed center Tyler Biadasz, as a primary factor limiting the offense’s effectiveness despite McDaniel’s reputation as a play designer.