An analysis of which teams and players moved forward and who fell back in the kickoff week of the 2026 National Football League season
By Matthew Serocki, lead NFL columnist | September 15, 2026
A closer look at how things shook out for prominent teams and names in Week 1 of NFL action:
3 UP
- Carson Wentz, Vikings – Minnesota signed quarterback Kyler Murray in the offseason due to his playmaking ability and dual-threat ability. The former Arizona Cardinal was injured in the first quarter, forcing Wentz into action. It was ugly early on, but when the dust settled, he led the Vikings to a 39-22 victory over division rival Green Bay. He only threw for 133 yards on 19 attempts, but tossed three touchdowns. Two went to Justin Jefferson. The fact that Jefferson caught two scores and had 8 receptions for 92 yards is a good sign after a disappointing injury.
- Running up the score with Ben Johnson’s Bears – Johnson wasn’t shy about wanting to set the league record for scoring in a season. While most coaches focus on winning the division and then potentially the Super Bowl, the brash Johnson made good on his statement after defeating the Carolina Panthers 59-37. Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns while the offense put up 291 yards on the ground. Chicago will bask in the glory for a week, but can’t rely on every opponent ceding 549 yards of total offense each week. The Bears’ defense gave up 478 yards and 37 points. That’s not a Super Bowl-winning approach.
- AFC Powers reestablish dominance with new coaches – Buffalo has been a perennial threat to make the Super Bowl. Up until last season, the same could be said for Baltimore. Both former MVPs were on fire in Week 1 despite having new head coaches. Lamar Jackson threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 40 yards. Derrick Henry was already in MVP form, racking up 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. Josh Allen threw two scores and rushed for two more in a huge win in Houston. It was only the first week, but both powerhouses started with a bang under new coaches
Honorable Mention: Isaiah Likely, New York Giants – 2 Touchdowns in team debut.
3 DOWN
- Down and Out in Los Angeles – Both the Rams and Chargers made the playoffs in 2025. The Rams were a heavy Super Bowl favorite in 2026, while the Chargers had a solid team as long as everyone stayed healthy. Matt Stafford’s Week 1 loss could be explained away as jet lag or minimal preparation for a game overseas. The 49ers handled it differently by arriving a full week early. Once the dust settled, San Francisco looked like the Super Bowl favorite after winning 27-7. Brock Purdy tossed three touchdowns. Stafford looked nothing like the 2025 MVP winner, throwing for only 155 yards with an interception. If that wasn’t bad enough, Myles Garrett did nothing in his team debut and will miss at least four weeks after a knee injury. The Chargers have Jim Harbaugh at the helm and Justin Herbert under center. That didn’t matter as Arizona upset Harbaugh’s team 26-14. The Cardinals sacked Herbert three times and had an interception. These types of performances are fodder for Herbert skeptics.
- Far from an MVP showing – While playing the defending Super Bowl Champions in the first game of the season can be tough, Drake Maye had the game in his hands more than once against Seattle. The Patriots controlled much of the game with Sam Darnold gone early in the first quarter. Maye threw a touchdown to a rookie tight end, but in the second half, he looked like the rookie. He tossed three interceptions, including a head-scratcher late in the fourth quarter with New England in field goal range. He did lose AJ Brown and forced throws he shouldn’t have, but he’s a third-year player. Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels need to calm him down before this becomes a big problem for the Patriots.
- So much for GOTI – Dak Prescott (175 yards passing, 2 Touchdowns, interception) named the Dallas offense “GOTI” in the off-season. The abbreviation stands for “Greatest Offense There Is.” After scoring 27.7 points per game last year, there was potential with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Prescott, and Javonte Williams leading the charge. Dallas was second in the league in total offense per game (391.9 ypg) last year. Against division rival New York, Dallas managed only 20 points and 277 yards of offense. The Giants controlled the clock, limiting chances to score. Drives stalled due to dropped passes or inferior playcalling.
Honorable Mention – Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay (3 fumbles lost)
