The new NFL season kicked off in dramatic fashion, headlined by Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills pulling off one of the most memorable opening-week comebacks in recent memory. Down by 15 points in the fourth quarter against Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens, Allen engineered a furious rally that ended in a 41-40 victory setting the tone for a wild Sunday across the league.
A Showdown of MVPs in Buffalo
Highmark Stadium was rocking from the start as recent MVPs Allen and Jackson went toe-to-toe in what quickly became an instant classic. Jackson showed his brilliance early, driving the Ravens into a commanding lead with help from Derrick Henry, who rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns before a costly fumble swung momentum.
Allen refused to let Buffalo fade. With under five minutes left, he delivered 16 points in a blistering stretch, capped by a 32-yard game-winning field goal from 41-year-old kicker Matt Prater who had only joined the team two days earlier.
Allen told NBC
“Our team didn’t quit. I think there’s some people who left the stadium and that’s OK, but have some faith next time.”
It was the Bills’ first fourth-quarter comeback from 15 points down since 1967, and it came as the franchise began its farewell season in its current stadium. Allen finished with 394 yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing scores in a performance that lived up to and even exceeded the hype of a battle between two MVP quarterbacks.
Rodgers’ Revenge in New York
The drama wasn’t limited to Buffalo. Aaron Rodgers, now wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey after parting ways with the New York Jets, reminded everyone he still has plenty left in the tank. At 41 years old, Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a thrilling 34-32 win over his former team.
“There were probably people in the organisation that didn’t think I could play any more, so it was nice to remind those people that I still can,” Rodgers said after the game.
The Jets nearly stole it late, but a costly fumble and a record 60-yard field goal from Steelers kicker Chris Boswell sealed their fate. It was the first time in 15 years that a quarterback threw four touchdowns against his old team and Rodgers made sure to savor every second of it.
Parsons Makes Impact on Packers Debut
Over in Green Bay, Micah Parsons made his much-anticipated debut after a whirlwind trade from Dallas just 10 days earlier. Despite limited snaps, Parsons was everywhere, sacking Jared Goff and constantly pressuring Detroit’s offense as the Packers beat the Lions 27-13.
“The fact that I was traded a week before the season was really outrageous and rough,” Parsons admitted. Yet his impact was undeniable, and Packers fans already see him as a cornerstone for a defense that could become one of the league’s best.
Colts End Opening-Day Curse
For the first time since 2013, the Indianapolis Colts won their season opener, snapping an 11-game losing streak on Week One. Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was the star, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores in a dominant 33-8 win over Miami.
The Colts scored on all seven of their possessions, something the NFL confirmed hadn’t happened in at least 47 years and the performance served as a fitting tribute to late owner Jim Irsay, who passed away earlier this year.
Rookies and Records Highlight the Rest
The Bengals avoided another slow start as Joe Burrow and the defense held off the Browns 17-16, while Tampa Bay rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka etched his name into history. Egbuka became just the second rookie since the 1970 merger to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute, helping the Buccaneers edge Atlanta.
Las Vegas rookie Ashton Jeanty also scored in his debut against the Patriots, while Washington’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt impressed with 82 yards and a touchdown in a rout of the Giants.
Elsewhere, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford crossed the 60,000-yard milestone in a win over Houston, though San Francisco’s victory over Seattle came at a cost with tight end George Kittle leaving injured. Highly touted rookie Travis Hunter saw action on both sides of the ball for Jacksonville, catching six passes and playing snaps on defense, while top pick Cam Ward’s first start with Tennessee ended in a loss to Denver.
