Steelers 24, Vikings 21
In the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in Ireland, the Pittsburgh Steelers edged out the Minnesota Vikings in a thrilling 24–21 victory at Croke Park. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers connected with wide receiver D.K. Metcalf for an 80-yard touchdown, the longest scoring pass of the season across the league. Running back Kenneth Gainwell contributed with 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers’ defense was pivotal, sacking Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz six times and forcing two interceptions. Despite a late rally from the Vikings, Pittsburgh held on to secure the win, improving their record to 3–1.
Bills 31, Saints 19
The Buffalo Bills maintained their undefeated streak at home, defeating the New Orleans Saints 31–19. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, leading the offense effectively. The Saints struggled to keep up, despite a strong performance from running back Alvin Kamara, who rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo’s defense also played a crucial role, limiting New Orleans to just 19 points.
Texans 26, Titans 0
The Houston Texans dominated the Tennessee Titans in a 26–0 shutout. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense stifled the Titans’ offense, allowing only 150 total yards. The Texans’ balanced attack and strong defensive performance secured their victory. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward struggled for Tennessee, completing only 10 of 26 passes for 108 yards.
Lions 34, Browns 10
The Detroit Lions secured a comfortable 34–10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Jared Goff passed for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught two touchdown passes, and Kalif Raymond returned a punt 65 yards for a score. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs added 91 rushing yards and a touchdown. Detroit’s defense capitalized on three Browns turnovers, converting them into 17 points. The Lions improved to 3–1 with their third straight win, while Cleveland dropped to 1–3.
Falcons 34, Commanders 27
The Atlanta Falcons led from start to finish, defeating the Washington Commanders 34–27. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, including a 69-yard catch-and-run to running back Bijan Robinson and a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Drake London. Robinson added 75 rushing yards and 106 receiving yards, while London caught eight passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Kyle Pitts contributed with his first touchdown of the season. The Falcons’ defense made key stops, including a late onside kick recovery by Pitts, to secure the win. Atlanta improved to 2–2, while Washington fell to 2–2.
Eagles 31, Buccaneers 25
The Philadelphia Eagles edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a high-scoring affair, winning 31–25. Quarterback Jalen Hurts passed for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Philadelphia’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, and the defense made timely plays to secure the win.
Patriots 42, Panthers 13
The New England Patriots dominated the Carolina Panthers with a 42–13 victory. Quarterback Drake Maye threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns, leading the offense to a commanding performance. The Patriots’ defense also contributed, limiting the Panthers to just 13 points.
Giants 21, Chargers 18
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart led the New York Giants to their first win of the season with a 21–18 victory over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Making his first career start after replacing veteran Russell Wilson, Dart ran for a 15-yard touchdown on the opening drive and finished with 111 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and 54 rushing yards. The Giants’ defense played a pivotal role, with interceptions by Andru Phillips and Dexter Lawrence setting up key scoring opportunities. Rookie Cam Skattebo added 79 rushing yards for New York.
Despite a strong performance from Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton—who ran for 128 yards and a touchdown—quarterback Justin Herbert struggled, throwing two interceptions and a season-low 203 passing yards. Injuries impacted both teams: the Giants lost wide receiver Malik Nabers to a likely torn ACL, and the Chargers lost left tackle Joe Alt to a high ankle sprain. New York sealed the game by running out the clock in the closing minutes, improving to 1–3, while the Chargers fell to 3–1
Jaguars 26, 49ers 21
The Jacksonville Jaguars upset the San Francisco 49ers with a 26–21 victory. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns, while Travis Etienne Jr. led the team’s rushing attack. He carried the ball 19 times for 124 yards and scored a touchdown, including a pivotal 48-yard touchdown run that gave the Jaguars their first lead of the game. The Jaguars’ defense also stepped up, making key plays to secure the win.
Rams 27, Colts 20
The Los Angeles Rams held off the Indianapolis Colts to win 27–20. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 29 of 41 passes for 375 yards, while wide receiver Puka Nacua led the team with 170 receiving yards on 13 catches, including a game-tying touchdown. The Rams’ offense was efficient, and the defense made timely stops to secure the win.
Bears 25, Raiders 24
Caleb Williams led the Bears’ offense, orchestrating a late-game drive that culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by D’Andre Swift, giving Chicago a 25–24 lead with Josh Blackwell’s crucial block of Daniel Carlson’s 54-yard field goal attempt with 33 seconds left sealed the victory for the Bears. Rome Odunze became the first Bears receiver since Alshon Jeffery in 2014 to catch a touchdown in each of the first four games of the season.
Ashton Jeanty of the Raiders had an impressive performance, rushing for 138 yards and scoring three touchdowns, marking the first time a Raiders rookie achieved such a feat since Bo Jackson in 1987. Geno Smith, despite throwing three interceptions, managed to throw two touchdown passes, including a 9-yard connection to Jeanty.
Chiefs 37, Ravens 20
The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Baltimore Ravens with a 37–20 win. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 270 yards and four touchdowns. The Chiefs’ offense was explosive, and the defense made key plays to secure the win. For Baltimore, the game was marred by a significant hamstring injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson, who exited late in the third quarter with the Ravens trailing 30–13. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush replaced Jackson for the remainder of the game.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Cowboys 40, Packers 40 TIE
Brandon Aubrey and Brandon McManus traded short field goals in overtime, and Micah Parsons’ return to Dallas ended with the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in a 40-40 tie. Dak Prescott and Jordan Love had three touchdown passes apiece in regulation, which included seven consecutive lead-changing TDs before McManus’ tying 53-yard field goal as time expired.
The second-highest scoring tie in NFL history, behind the Raiders’ 43-43 draw with the Boston Patriots in the AFL in 1964, was the first for Dallas since 1969. The Packers last tied in 2018.
TONIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: A DOUBLEHEADER
The (0-3) New York Jets are in Miami to battle the (0-3) Dolphins.
The (2-1) Cincinnati Bengals are in Denver to take on the (1-2) Broncos.
Titans QB Cam Ward is asked how he feels his team is playing: “If we keepin’ it buck right now, we ass. We’ve dropped a quarter of our fu****g games and we’ve yet to do anything.”
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks about partaking in some of the Irish culture with a couple of Guinness beers. He also talked about his plans for the bye week. After the interview, Rich Eisen cracked a joke: “There goes Aaron Rodgers. Breaking news right there. A dark beer retreat it appears that he had earlier this week.”
