32 things we learned in NFL Week 1 − just don't ask who the best team is right now
The opening week of the 2026 NFL campaign delivered a wave of notable outcomes and early shifts in momentum. Josh Allen earned his maiden victory at NRG Stadium as the Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Texans, while Lamar Jackson guided the Baltimore Ravens past the Indianapolis Colts.
Elsewhere, early success smiled upon the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears, whose offense delivered on high preseason expectations outlined by Ben Johnson. Meanwhile, Robert Saleh's Tennessee Titans stumbled out of the gate in a defeat against the New York Jets, joined in early-season struggles by the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Outside of the main Sunday slate, the sports calendar featured plenty of major events, including an NFC East clash pitting Daniel Jones, Dexter Lawrence, and the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond football, Alexander Zverev secured his premier US Open championship, and the United States men's national basketball team mounted a comeback to overcome France for FIBA gold.
