Week 1 Scoreboard
| Matchup | Final |
|---|---|
| Detroit at Cincinnati | Bengals 16, Lions 14 |
| Green Bay at Pittsburgh | Steelers 28, Packers 9 |
| Indianapolis at New England | Colts 13, Patriots 13 |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Houston | Chargers 27, Texans 7 |
| Arizona at Las Vegas | Cardinals 27, Raiders 14 |
| Tennessee at San Francisco | Titans 19, 49ers 13 |
| Tampa Bay at New York Jets | Buccaneers 24, Jets 16 |
| Miami at Washington | Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 |
| Denver at Atlanta | Broncos 27, Falcons 7 |
| Minnesota at New York Giants | Vikings 13, Giants 10 |
| Carolina at Buffalo | Bills 29, Panthers 14 |
| Cleveland at Chicago | Bears 34, Browns 10 |
| Jacksonville at New Orleans | Jaguars 24, Saints 20 |
| Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City | Rams 20, Chiefs 12 |
| Philadelphia at Baltimore | Ravens 24, Eagles 7 |
| Dallas at Seattle | Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 |
Stock Up
Drew Allar, Pittsburgh Steelers
Allar accounted for three touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 28-9 victory over Green Bay, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. He controlled all three of his possessions and gave Pittsburgh an encouraging first look at its rookie quarterback.
Ty Simpson, Los Angeles Rams
Simpson threw two touchdown passes as the Rams defeated Kansas City 20-12. His sharp preseason debut added immediate intrigue to the Rams’ quarterback depth chart.
Baltimore’s Defense
The Ravens recorded seven three-and-outs in Jesse Minter’s preseason debut and held Philadelphia to seven points. The early identity was clear: disciplined spacing, decisive pursuit and sustained pressure.
Chicago Bears
Chicago produced the biggest victory of the week, beating Cleveland 34-10. The Bears combined efficient scoring with a defense that prevented the Browns from establishing any sustained rhythm.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo opened the new Highmark Stadium with a 29-14 win over Carolina. The result delivered a successful first chapter for the venue and gave the Bills a strong start to the preseason.
Stock Down
Green Bay’s Defensive Control
The Packers allowed Pittsburgh to finish drives and never found an answer for Allar’s command. Preseason results are secondary, but situational defense remains an immediate correction point.
Cleveland’s Overall Execution
A 24-point defeat was the widest margin of Week 1. Cleveland struggled to answer Chicago’s scoring pace and left the opener with work to do across multiple units.
Philadelphia’s Offensive Rhythm
Seven Baltimore three-and-outs defined the night. The Eagles produced only seven points and repeatedly failed to extend drives against Minter’s defense.
Rookie Standouts
Allar and Simpson delivered the strongest quarterback headlines. Allar’s three-total-touchdown performance showed poise and efficiency, while Simpson’s two touchdown passes helped Los Angeles earn a road victory in Kansas City. Both rookies moved from projection to production in their first major preseason test.
QB Battles
Pittsburgh’s quarterback evaluation changed immediately after Allar led touchdown drives on each of his three possessions. His performance creates pressure for more meaningful repetitions in Week 2.
For the Rams, Simpson strengthened his position in the competition for backup responsibilities. The next question is whether he can repeat the timing and decision-making when defensive looks become more complex.
Major Team Takeaways
Road teams made the defining statement of Week 1. The Chargers, Cardinals, Titans, Commanders, Broncos, Vikings, Jaguars, Rams and Cowboys all won away from home. Buffalo and Chicago also delivered decisive victories, while Indianapolis and New England played the week’s only tie, 13-13.
The larger lesson is not about final records. Week 1 revealed which young quarterbacks could command an offense, which defenses could control third down and which depth groups were ready to compete immediately.
Next Up
NFL Preseason Week 2 begins Thursday, August 20. The focus shifts from first impressions to response: whether the week’s standouts can build on their debuts and whether struggling units can correct their opening-game problems.
