The first full week of the 2026 NFL preseason is in the books, giving teams their first meaningful game action of the summer and providing early clues about quarterback competitions, rookies and roster battles. The league’s Week 1 schedule featured 16 games after the Hall of Fame Game opened the preseason the previous week.
Biggest stories
Buffalo opens new stadium with a statement
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Carolina Panthers 29–14 in the first game at the new Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen completed 6 of 8 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown to Keon Coleman before Buffalo’s backups finished the job.
Bears roll past Browns
Chicago defeated Cleveland 34–10, with veteran quarterback Case Keenum completing 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Deshaun Watson, returning from an Achilles injury, threw for 126 yards, while rookie Shedeur Sanders had 79 yards and an interception.
Rams knock off Chiefs
The Los Angeles Rams defeated Kansas City 20–12. Kansas City struggled to find the end zone, with all 12 points coming from Harrison Butker field goals. Rams quarterback Ty Simpson threw two second-half touchdown passes.
Ravens dominate Eagles
Baltimore’s 24–7 victory over Philadelphia was one of Saturday’s most convincing results, giving the Ravens a strong opening-week performance.
Vikings survive Giants
Minnesota edged New York 13–10, but the Vikings left with injury concerns. Kyler Murray made his brief Minnesota debut, while Carson Wentz threw the winning touchdown. Vikings defender Jamal Adams suffered a serious-looking knee injury.
Thursday highlights
The opening night produced several notable results:
Steelers 28, Packers 9 — Pittsburgh controlled the game and its defense stood out.
Chargers 27, Texans 7 — Los Angeles pulled away after Houston’s promising opening drive.
Cardinals 27, Raiders 14 — Arizona handed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and Las Vegas a loss in his NFL debut.
Titans 19, 49ers 13 — Tennessee picked up a road victory.
Bengals 16, Lions 14 — Cincinnati held on in a tight finish.
Colts 13, Patriots 13 — The only tie of the opening week.
Mendoza’s debut drew particular attention. The rookie quarterback acknowledged afterward that his timing and anticipation needed improvement, while Raiders coach Klint Kubiak praised his command of the offense.
Friday roundup
Washington defeated Miami 20–7,
Denver beat Atlanta 27–7
Tampa Bay defeated the New York Jets 24–16.
The Dolphins showed some promise on their opening drive despite the defeat, while Washington’s rookie running-back competition produced several encouraging performances. Denver’s defense also controlled its matchup with Atlanta.
Players who stood out
Josh Allen, Bills: Efficient and productive in limited action.
Case Keenum, Bears: 9-of-10 passing for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Nikola Jokić? No — this is football, not basketball.
The real rookie quarterback storyline belonged to Fernando Mendoza, whose debut provided plenty for Las Vegas to evaluate.
Ayden Garnes, Buccaneers: Returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in Tampa Bay’s victory over the Jets.
Jacob Saylors, Lions: Produced 83 total yards and strengthened his case in Detroit’s running-back competition despite the loss.
