The NFL’s opening weekend roared to life with a series of thrilling contests that set the tone for what promises to be a captivating campaign. Kirk Cousins cemented his place in the record books with three touchdown throws to lead the Las Vegas Raiders to a 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins, while the Chicago Bears produced the highest-scoring season opener in league history, a staggering 59-37 triumph over Carolina. From Trevor Lawrence’s commanding display in Jacksonville to Carson Wentz steering a remarkable comeback in Minnesota, the weekend offered something for every fan.
Cousins Reaches a Landmark as Las Vegas Impress
Kirk Cousins became the 15th quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 300 career touchdown passes, reaching the mark with three strikes in Sunday’s convincing Raiders win. Completing 21 of 30 passes for 160 yards, Cousins moved one touchdown ahead of the legendary John Elway into 14th place on the all-time list. The veteran quarterback, making his first start for Las Vegas after joining from Atlanta during the off-season, showed the poise that has defined a long and distinguished career.
Running back Ashton Jeanty was the star of the show alongside Cousins, rushing for 102 yards and adding six receptions for 45 more. It marked Jeanty’s third career 100-yard game, a remarkable feat for the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft. The versatile back showed no lingering effects from an ankle injury sustained in late August, giving the Raiders genuine reason for optimism.
The Raiders totalled 290 yards in their first game under coach Klint Kubiak, the offensive co-ordinator from Seattle’s Super Bowl-winning side last season. That represented a stark contrast to an offence that finished the previous campaign dead last in both yardage and scoring. However, Las Vegas faces a formidable six-game stretch against sides such as Kansas City, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Lawrence Leads Jaguars Domination, Bears Make History
Trevor Lawrence threw for 245 yards and four touchdowns as the Jacksonville Jaguars dismantled a struggling Cleveland side 34-10. The young quarterback, who starred so brightly at the end of last season, opened 2026 in similar fashion, completing 18 of 23 passes for a career-high rating of 150.6. Jacksonville scored on six of their first seven possessions and looked every bit the team tipped for a deep postseason run.
Running back Ashton Jeanty’s involvement was limited to the Raiders contest, but across the league, other backs made serious statements. Derrick Henry rushed for three touchdowns against Indianapolis to move into third place on the NFL’s career rushing touchdown list with 125, two clear of Hall of Famer Marcus Allen. Henry amassed 144 yards on 24 carries in Baltimore’s 41-23 victory, recording his 56th 100-yard game in the process.
In Chicago, the Bears rewrote the record books entirely. Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground, as Chicago defeated Carolina 59-37. The combined 96 points surpassed the previous record of 88 set in Tampa Bay’s 2018 affair against New Orleans. The Bears also smashed a franchise record for points in a season opener that had stood since 1948. D’Andre Swift, fresh from a $33.75 million contract extension, ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie sensation Caleb Williams showed every indication of being ready to lead the franchise.
Steelers, Jets and Bengals Secure Notable Wins
The Pittsburgh Steelers began the Mike McCarthy era on a positive note, defeating Atlanta 20-13 behind a decisive pick-six from T.J. Watt. The defensive end intercepted a pass from Cooper Rush and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to break open a tightly contested affair. It was a characteristically clutch performance from Watt, though Pittsburgh’s offence was far from convincing, plagued by dropped passes and penalties throughout.
Across the NFL, several other results carried significant weight. The Jets defeated Tennessee 23-10 with Breece Hall running for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Geno Smith threw for 215 yards in his return to the side. The victory gave New York their first season-opening win since 2023 and spoiled the debut of Titans coach Robert Saleh, who faced his former team. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the second overall pick, recorded one of three sacks for the Jets.
The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a hard-fought 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay, with Joe Burrow passing for 254 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook, both new signings, forced fumbles in a dominant defensive display. The Bengals scored 24 points off Tampa Bay’s mistakes, with three of those turnovers coming from quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had signed a $165 million extension just days earlier.
Drama in the Final Moments
Several contests went down to the wire, providing the kind of edge-of-your-seat tension that keeps fans glued to their screens. The Detroit Lions escaped with a 31-30 overtime win over New Orleans after Tyler Shough failed to connect on a two-point conversion attempt in the end zone. Saints coach Kellen Moore chose to go for the win rather than force a tie, a bold decision that ultimately backfired when Jared Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for the winning score in the extra period.
The Philadelphia Eagles edged the Washington Commanders 24-22, with Jalen Hurts throwing for 203 yards and three touchdowns. The decisive moment came when defensive end Moro Ojomo stopped Washington’s attempt at a tying two-point conversion with just over a minute remaining. It was a successful debut for new offensive co-ordinator Sean Mannion, who has now worked with Hurts across five different staffs in five seasons.
In Minnesota, Carson Wentz came off the bench following Kyler Murray’s first-quarter concussion to lead a breathtaking comeback against Green Bay. The Vikings scored 29 consecutive points, with Wentz connecting twice with Justin Jefferson and orchestrating a two-point conversion to seize a 25-22 lead with under seven minutes remaining. It was a gutsy performance that will embolden the Vikings faithful heading into the campaign proper.
Why it Matters
The opening weekend set the narrative for the entire 2026 NFL season, establishing new stars, confirming rising contenders and exposing those who still have significant ground to cover. Cousins reaching the 300-touchdown milestone places him among the all-time greats, a testament to longevity and consistent excellence. The Bears’ record-setting rout signals a squad with genuine ambitions, while Lawrence’s performance in Jacksonville suggests the AFC South may be due for a prolonged period of dominance. With a packed schedule ahead and the play-offs still the ultimate prize, the stories born on this opening weekend will only grow in significance as the months unfold.
