Robert McClain and the Falcons edged the Saints in Week 1. Credit: Getty Images
Falcons 37, Saints 34
Matt Ryan and Drew Brees engaged in a classic shootout Sunday, with Ryan coming out on top. The Falcons QB hit on 31-of-43 passes for a franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns as Atlanta took the early lead in the race for the NFC South title. Matt Bryant kicked two 50-plus yard field goals late for the victorious Falcons.
Vikings 34, Rams 6
The Rams chose to stop Peterson but got burned by Patterson. Vikings receiver Cordarelle Patterson made the most of his three carries Sunday, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown. Patterson’s score came via a 67-yard run off a pitch in the third quarter. Minnesota’s star running back, Adrian Peterson, ran for 75 yards on 21 carries.
Steelers 30, Browns 27
Many were calling for Johnny Manziel to make his NFL debut midway through Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh as the Steelers held a 27-3 lead at halftime, but Cleveland coach Mike Pettine held firm with starter Brian Hoyer, and it nearly paid off. Hoyer and rookie running backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell led a furious second half comeback by the Browns as Cleveland had the game tied at 27 with 11:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. But some solid play by Ben Roethlisberger down the stretch allowed kicker Shaun Suisham to kick a 41-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired.
Eagles 34, Jaguars 17
Jacksonville was poised to pull of the upset of the day Sunday, but the Eagles would have none of it, particularly in the second half, as Nick Foles passed for 322 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Foles’ 68-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin in the fourth quarter highlighted a big Eagles rally.
Jets 19, Raiders 14
Chris Ivory’s 71-yard, fourth quarter touchdown and a stingy New York defense allowed the Jets to get off to the start they wanted to in 2014. Jets quarterback Geno Smith hit on 23-of-28 pass attempts for 221 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Bengals 23, Ravens 16
AJ Green’s 77-yard touchdown grab with 4:58 remaining in the fourth quarter got the Bengals over the hump in Baltiimore. The Bengals defense shutout Baltimore in the first half.
Texans 17, Redskins 6
Houston ended the 2013 season having lost 14 straight games but 2014 is looking much rosier. Arian Foster rushed for 103 yards on 27 carries and Andre Johnson had 93 yards of receiving on six grabs in the Texans win.
Bills 23, Bears 20
The Bills pulled off one of the major surprises of Week 1, going in to Chicago and beating the highly-regarded Bears. Fred Jackson’s 38-yard overtime jaunt set up a chip shot, game-winning field goal for Buffalo kicker Dan Carpenter.
Titans 26, Chiefs 10
A stifling Titans defense picked off Alex Smith three times and Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker looked much improved – throwing for 266 yards on 22-of-33 passing – as Ken Whisenhunt won his first game as Titans head coach.
Panthers 20, Buccaneers 14
49ers 28, Cowboys 17
