Bengals Spark Contender Hopes, Bears Ignite History-Making Offense, Packers Stumble in Week 1

Week 1 delivered a roller-coaster of results: the Bengals flashed top-tier contender upside with a stingy defense and a healthy Joe Burrow; the Bears exploded offensively, as Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns and two 100-yard rushers helped fuel a historic 59-37 opener; the Packers collapsed after an early lead, surrendering momentum and a late surge in a loss to Minnesota. Across the league, Bills and Ravens showed late-game strength, Browns looked overwhelmed by Deshaun Watson’s uneven play, and Chargers appeared out of sync on a day Arizona capitalized with a win. Jets, Giants, and Cardinals offered surprising positives, underscoring how quickly early-season impressions can shift and that the balance between contenders and concerns remains fluid.