NFL Week 1 Recap: Chiefs Defeat Broncos as Bills Claim Top Power Ranking Spot

The Kansas City Chiefs secured a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football to conclude a high-scoring opening week.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday Night Football to conclude the opening week of the 2026 NFL season. According to ESPN Research, the league averaged 49.4 points per game, tying 2012 for the highest Week 1 scoring output since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. Following these results, the Buffalo Bills moved to No. 1 in the Week 2 Power Rankings after a 36-31 win over the Houston Texans.

Individual performances highlighted the opening slate, including Kenneth Walker III rushing for a career-high 173 yards and a 60-yard touchdown in the Chiefs' victory. In Baltimore, the Ravens beat the Colts 41-23, marking the first time in the franchise's 31-year history they recorded a 300-yard passer (Lamar Jackson), a 150-yard receiver (Zay Flowers), and a 100-yard rusher (Derrick Henry) in a single game. David Montgomery set a Texans franchise record for a debut by scoring three touchdowns in Houston's five-point loss to Buffalo.

Defensive and special teams milestones were also established. Buccaneers linebacker Josiah Trotter became the first rookie since 1982 to record both a pick-six and a sack in his NFL debut during a 33-27 loss to the Bengals. In Green Bay, kicker Trey Smack converted a 59-yard field goal, while Vikings defensive tackle Domonique Orange stopped a fourth-and-1 sneak to help Minnesota secure a 39-22 win. The Detroit Lions earned a 31-30 overtime victory against the Saints behind a 4-yard winning touchdown catch by Amon-Ra St. Brown.