Record-breaking opener
Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns and the Chicago Bears erupted for 59 points in a 96-point season-opening shootout with the Carolina Panthers, the most prolific opening day in NFL history. The combined total of 96 points eclipsed the previous season-opener mark of 88 set in 2018 and marked the most points conceded in a game in Panthers franchise history.
Key performances for Chicago
Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns and added 65 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Running back D'Andre Swift, who signed a $33.75m contract extension earlier in the week, ran 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns, while Kyle Monangai contributed 100 rushing yards including a 61-yard touchdown burst. Coach Ben Johnson's Bears also set a franchise record for points in an opener, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1948.
Carolina's offense kept pace in a high-scoring affair, but could not overcome Chicago's balanced attack. The Panthers' 37 points were not enough to avoid surrendering a franchise-worst single-game total to their opponents.
Bills stage late comeback in thriller
Elsewhere on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills prevailed over the Houston Texans after mounting a late rally. The win was decided in the closing stages of the game as Buffalo overturned a deficit to secure the victory in a closely contested matchup, highlighting the early-season volatility around the league.
Implications and outlook
The opener offered a dramatic start to the NFL season, with Chicago announcing itself as an offensive force and Buffalo demonstrating resilience in a tight finish. Teams will look to refine defenses after a weekend that featured both record-setting scoring and narrow, late-game drama.