The NFL’s 2024 season kicked off with an action-packed Week 1, full of exciting finishes, impressive performances, and some early surprises. Here’s a detailed look at the standout moments and the biggest takeaways for each team.
Detroit Lions: Resilience in Overtime Victory
The Detroit Lions started their season with a gritty 26-20 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams. Wide receiver Jameson Williams led the offense with a career-best performance, catching five passes for 121 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown. However, the Lions’ secondary showed signs of concern, allowing Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to pass for 317 yards. Despite a shaky finish, the Lions’ determination could set the tone for a strong season.
Next Game: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Los Angeles Rams: Injuries Take Their Toll
The Rams fought hard but came up short against the Lions, with injuries playing a significant role in their defeat. Key players like wide receiver Puka Nacua and several offensive linemen exited the game with injuries, leaving the team shorthanded. Despite the setbacks, Tyler Johnson provided a spark with 79 receiving yards, and the defense showed potential under new leadership.
Next Game: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Dallas Cowboys: Dominant Defense Steals the Show
The Dallas Cowboys delivered a statement win, crushing the Cleveland Browns 33-17. The defense, led by Micah Parsons, overwhelmed the Browns with six sacks and two interceptions. Dak Prescott managed 156 passing yards and a touchdown, while KaVontae Turpin electrified the crowd with a punt return for a touchdown. The Cowboys showcased a well-rounded performance that bodes well for their season.
Next Game: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cleveland Browns: Offensive Struggles Persist
The Browns’ offense faltered in their 33-17 loss to the Cowboys, with quarterback Deshaun Watson throwing for just 169 yards and two interceptions. The offensive line, weakened by absences, allowed six sacks, contributing to the team’s inability to establish rhythm. The Browns will need to make significant adjustments moving forward.
Next Game: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Miami Dolphins: Second-Half Surge Leads to Comeback Win
The Miami Dolphins mounted a second-half comeback to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. After falling behind 17-7, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 337 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown to Tyreek Hill, who ended the game with 130 receiving yards. The Dolphins’ defense tightened up in the second half, shutting out the Jaguars to secure the win.
Next Game: vs. Bills (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Jacksonville Jaguars: Missed Chances in Costly Defeat
Jacksonville squandered a 17-7 lead in a 20-17 loss to the Dolphins, largely due to a critical fumble by Travis Etienne and inconsistent play from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who finished with just 162 passing yards. The Jaguars will need to improve both in pass protection and offensive execution to turn things around.
Next Game: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
New England Patriots: Defense Fuels Surprise Upset
Under new head coach Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots pulled off an upset over the Cincinnati Bengals, winning 16-10. The Patriots leaned on a stout defensive effort and a strong rushing performance from Rhamondre Stevenson, who gained 120 yards and scored a touchdown. Mayo’s debut was marked by disciplined play and effective game management.
Next Game: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cincinnati Bengals: Slow Start Raises Concerns
The Bengals began the season with a disappointing 16-10 loss to the Patriots. Quarterback Joe Burrow, still dealing with a wrist issue, struggled to connect on deep throws, averaging just 5.7 yards per attempt. With a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs next, Cincinnati needs to regroup quickly.
Next Game: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Buffalo Bills: Allen’s Heroics Key to Close Win
Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a hard-fought 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, contributing 271 total yards and four touchdowns. Defensive end Greg Rousseau was a standout, registering three sacks and providing a much-needed pass rush. The Bills will look to carry their momentum into a quick turnaround against Miami.
Next Game: at Dolphins (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Arizona Cardinals: Promising Offense Despite Setback
Despite losing to the Bills, the Cardinals showed offensive potential, especially in nearly overcoming a significant deficit. However, defensive lapses, including multiple big plays allowed, proved costly. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had a quiet start, but the offense has the tools to be explosive moving forward.
Next Game: at Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Houston Texans: Big Win in Division Opener
The Houston Texans earned a critical divisional win against the Indianapolis Colts, prevailing 29-27. Running back Joe Mixon made a significant impact, rushing for 159 yards and a touchdown, adding a new dynamic to Houston’s offense. This win gives the Texans an early edge in the AFC South race.
Next Game: vs. Bears (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Indianapolis Colts: Mixed Signals in Narrow Loss
The Colts were narrowly defeated by the Texans, 29-27, in a game filled with ups and downs. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson displayed flashes of potential with two deep touchdown passes but lacked overall consistency. The Colts will look to refine their game plan and improve execution as they head to Green Bay.
Next Game: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chicago Bears: Gritty Comeback After Slow Start
The Bears overcame a 17-0 deficit to defeat the Tennessee Titans 24-17. While rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled, completing only 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, the defense stepped up with key plays, including a pick-six by Tyrique Stevenson. Chicago will need to see improvement from its young quarterback moving forward.
Next Game: at Texans (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Tennessee Titans: Offense Stalls in Second Half
The Titans lost momentum after taking a 17-0 lead against the Bears, ultimately losing 24-17. Quarterback Will Levis struggled with turnovers, throwing two interceptions. The Titans will need to improve their offensive consistency and clean up mistakes to find success.
Next Game: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Minnesota Vikings: Darnold Leads Charge in Strong Win
Sam Darnold, starting for the first time in three years, led the Vikings to a 28-6 victory over the New York Giants, completing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Darnold’s efficient play and a solid defensive effort were key to Minnesota’s commanding win.
Next Game: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
New York Giants: Offense Falters in Home Loss
The Giants were thoroughly outplayed in their 28-6 loss to the Vikings. Quarterback Daniel Jones struggled, completing only 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions. The Giants will need a quick turnaround to avoid an early-season slump.
Next Game: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mayfield Shines in Offensive Showcase
The Buccaneers made a statement with a 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns, leading an offense that scored on five consecutive drives. Tampa Bay looks to build on this momentum in the weeks ahead.
Next Game: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Washington Commanders: Defensive Issues Loom Large
Washington struggled defensively in their 37-20 loss to Tampa Bay, allowing Baker Mayfield to carve up their secondary. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had a promising debut but lacked sufficient support from his defense. The Commanders need to tighten up defensively to remain competitive.
Next Game: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
New Orleans Saints: Statement Win in Season Opener
The Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers 47-10, showing off a balanced attack with Derek Carr throwing three touchdowns and the defense forcing multiple turnovers. New Orleans set a franchise record for points in a season opener, sending a strong message to the rest of the NFC South.
Next Game: at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Carolina Panthers: Rough Start in All Phases
The Panthers suffered a blowout loss to the Saints, 47-10, highlighting issues on both sides of the ball. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young struggled mightily, raising concerns about his development. The Panthers need significant improvement across the board.
Next Game: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Philadelphia Eagles: Offense Overcomes Mistakes in Win
The Eagles outlasted the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in the NFL’s first South American game. Despite two interceptions from Jalen Hurts, the offense excelled with Saquon Barkley amassing 132 total yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles’ secondary needs to tighten up as they prepare for tougher competition.
Next Game: vs. Falcons (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Green Bay Packers: Love’s Injury Adds to Concerns
The Packers lost to the Eagles 34-29 and saw quarterback Jordan Love exit with a knee injury. While Jayden Reed impressed with 138 receiving yards, Green Bay’s defense struggled to contain Philadelphia’s playmakers. The Packers face uncertainty as they move forward without their starting quarterback.
Next Game: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Kansas City Chiefs: Big Plays Highlight Season-Opening Win
The Chiefs opened their season with a 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, showcasing explosive plays, including a 35-yard touchdown catch by rookie Xavier Worthy. Defensive lineman Chris Jones anchored the defense with a sack and forced fumble, underscoring his importance to the team.
Next Game: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Baltimore Ravens: Offensive Line Issues Cause for Concern
The Ravens fell to the Chiefs 27-20, struggling with pass protection as Lamar Jackson was under constant pressure. Zay Flowers had a quiet game, and the offensive line’s struggles are a significant concern heading into a tough stretch of games.
Next Game: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
This Week 1 recap highlights the early trends and key storylines emerging across the league as teams begin to position themselves for the long season ahead.
