Week 1 NFL Kickoff Highlights New Coaches, Returning Stars and Key Quarterback Storylines
The NFL's 107th season opened with 15 games, featuring several teams under new head coaches, the return of injured quarterbacks and high expectations for quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
The NFL’s 107th regular season began with a Wednesday night game in which the Seattle Seahawks, despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury early, defeated the New England Patriots 13-10. Thursday saw the San Francisco 49ers beat the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the league’s first Australia-based matchup, and Sunday will host 13 more contests before a Monday night showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos.
Ten clubs entered the season with new head coaches. Joe Brady took over the Buffalo Bills after two years as offensive coordinator, while Jesse Minter succeeded John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Other first-year coaches include Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh, Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, Todd Monken in Cleveland, Robert Saleh in Tennessee, Mike LaFleur in Arizona, Jeff Hafley in Miami and Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas. Historically, ten teams have reached the playoffs in a coach’s inaugural season, and several hope to repeat that success.
Several high-profile quarterbacks returned from injury. Washington’s Jayden Daniels, Jacksonville’s Deshaun Watson, Minnesota’s Kyler Murray (now with the Vikings), Indianapolis’s Daniel Jones and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes all made season-opening starts after missing significant time in 2025. Mahomes, a two-time MVP, is slated to play in prime time against the Broncos.
Quarterbacks under intense scrutiny include Houston’s C.J. Stroud, whose playoff-year performance sparked debate, and Carolina’s Bryce Young, both seeking to solidify their roles. Chicago’s Caleb Williams, the 2024 first-overall pick, also aims to demonstrate consistency after a mixed second season.
Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, each seeking their first Super Bowl ring, opened the season with new coaching staffs after their teams dismissed long-time head coaches. Jackson’s contract expires after the 2026 season, while Burrow’s Bengals have not made the playoffs since 2022 and face pressure to avoid a fourth consecutive losing season.
Coaches on the hot seat include New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, Washington Commanders’ Dan Quinn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles and Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell, all of whom must deliver early wins to ease mounting expectations.
The opening week sets the tone for a marathon season, with numerous storylines that could shape the league’s competitive landscape.