Offenses required no time at all to shake off the rust.

They illuminated the scoreboard during one of the highest-scoring opening weeks in NFL history.

The Bears defeated Carolina 59-37, finishing a mere three points short of equalling Atlanta’s 53-year-old record for the highest score in Week 1.

The contest produced 1,030 total yards and the highest combined points tally (96) ever recorded in an opener.

Josh Allen orchestrated a remarkable performance for the Bills against Houston’s previously stingy defense, securing a 36-31 victory on the road.

The Texans had conceded the second-fewest points (17.4 per game) and the fewest yards (277.2 per game) in 2025.

Nevertheless, Allen passed for 334 yards, and Buffalo capitalized on eight of its 11 possessions before kneeling down to clinch coach Joe Brady’s inaugural win.

No fewer than ten teams amassed upwards of 30 points, while six had tallied at least 24 by the first half.

Perhaps starters need not feature in the preseason.

Quarterbacks were already in midseason form, as 13 registered a passer rating exceeding 100.

It stands to reason that all those joint practices must have benefited offenses more than defenses.

One of the team objectives established by Chicago’s coach, Ben Johnson, is to surpass the NFL record for the highest number of points scored in a single season.

Johnson maintains that the Bears still possess scope for improvement, notwithstanding their having scored touchdowns on each of their last four drives.

“There remain a number of aspects that I did not particularly appreciate, even from a sideline perspective,” Johnson said.

As the Broncos and Chiefs prepare to take the field for Monday night's encounter, the two franchises have collectively amassed 750 points.

The Week 1 record, established in 2012, stands at 791.

The following constitute ten key observations derived from Sunday's matches:

Caleb Williams commenced his second season within Johnson's offense, performing in a manner befitting a quarterback poised to emerge as an MVP candidate.

He delivered precision throws, generated explosive plays with his legs, and exerted command over Chicago's offense from beginning to end.

Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens delivered an impressive performance in a 41-23 victory at Indianapolis, securing coach Jesse Minter his first win.

Baltimore harbors lofty expectations, and the team’s core players were nothing short of spectacular.

Jackson, who contended with injuries throughout the previous season, performed at the calibre of a two-time MVP.

Henry, at 32 years of age, ran as though he were 22.

Zay Flowers enjoyed a career-defining day.

The Colts have now suffered eight consecutive defeats, having begun last season at 8-2.

Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered an ineffective performance in his first outing since returning from a torn Achilles, while the defense was equally lackluster.

John Harbaugh enjoyed a more auspicious day than his brother Jim.

Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants overcame Dallas 28-20 in their inaugural outing under their new head coach.

The Giants bore a striking resemblance to Harbaugh’s former Ravens squads.

They maintained possession for nearly 37 minutes, thereby keeping Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ playmakers off the field.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers stumbled through an inconsistent start in Mike McDaniel’s inaugural outing as offensive coordinator, while the Cardinals engineered the week’s most stunning upset, prevailing 26-14 in Los Angeles.

Rookie head coach Mike LaFleur devised an excellent game plan, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett executed it well to lead Arizona, which was a 9 ½-point underdog.

In offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s inaugural game, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles delivered an inconsistent performance, depending on explosive plays to compensate for their erratic execution.

Hurts produced a sufficient number of spectacular moments to propel Philadelphia to a 24-22 victory, which was ultimately sealed when the defense thwarted a 2-point conversion attempt.

Saquon Barkley accumulated half of his 83 rushing yards on a single 42-yard carry.

He will require more running lanes going forward.

The Packers eliminated Kyler Murray from the contest and held a 12-point advantage in the second half, only to watch Carson Wentz orchestrate a Vikings comeback for a 39-22 triumph.

Green Bay has now dropped to 0-6 in the absence of All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, who remains in recovery following ACL surgery.

Jordan Love and the offense cannot afford to keep committing so many errors.

The Bengals strengthened a defense that badly needed a revamp, and it paid off early.

Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen and other new starters harassed Baker Mayfield throughout the game in a 33-27 victory.

Mayfield lost three fumbles in his first game since signing a new contract.

Joe Burrow didn't have to be prolific thanks to Tampa Bay's four turnovers.

The Saints’ comeback bid fell short in overtime when coach Kellen Moore opted for the victory, only for the 2-point conversion to be thwarted by Detroit.

Nevertheless, Shough’s performance offers grounds for optimism.

Having overcome a poor start, he demonstrated poise and maturity, culminating in a strong finish that helped New Orleans rally from a 21-0 deficit.

Deshaun Watson’s stat line fails to convey the true narrative.

The Browns were thoroughly overmatched and overwhelmed by the Jaguars, 34-10.

It strains credulity to imagine Watson starting Cleveland’s home opener in Week 3.

Aaron Rodgers commenced his final NFL season with a victory in his reunion with coach Mike McCarthy.

The Steelers defeated the injury-depleted Falcons and third-string QB Cooper Rush 20-13.

Rodgers is evidently at ease within McCarthy’s offensive scheme, and the 42-year-old remains an elite passer.

Nevertheless, DK Metcalf struggled, and the running game proved lackluster.

For exhaustive coverage of the NFL, consult AP’s comprehensive reporting here