NFL Opening Weekend 2026: Hot Takes, Surprises, and Early Predictions

Every September the NFL opens with a mix of hype, fireworks and—let’s be honest—a few over‑reactions. I’m not a prophet, just a guy who watches a lot of football and likes to write about it, so here’s my muddled, slightly biased take on the first weekend of the 2026 campaign.

Southern California Drama Meets Melbourne Madness

Thursday Night Football went global—well, technically Friday night in the Southern Hemisphere—when the 49ers and Rams met at the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground. Over 100,000 fans cheered, some probably still figuring out what a "touchdown" looks like.

The two clubs couldn’t have had more different offseasons. San Francisco battled injuries and even a bizarre "imposter" player scandal, while Los Angeles bolstered its defense with three elite linemen and coaxed a legendary defender out of retirement. Still, the 49ers, who entered as clear underdogs, left the Aussie crowd stunned, smothering a jet‑lagged Rams squad.

Matthew Stafford looked miserable—throws went wide, and the Rams’ reigning defensive player of the year (DPOY) didn’t register a single sack. To add insult to injury, star linebacker Garrett was placed on IR for knee surgery, meaning at least four weeks without him. If the 49ers stay relatively healthy, I’m willing to bet they’ll claim the NFC’s top spot and secure that coveted first‑round bye. Kyle Shanahan’s play‑calling is never a gamble you want to take lightly, especially with Deebo Samuel back and Mike Evans slotting in as a wide‑out X.

Are the Bears This Year’s Cowboys?

The game that felt like a scoring carnival was Chicago vs. Carolina. Combined, the two teams threw 96 points into the night; the Bears alone accounted for 59. Their ground game was relentless—291 rushing yards on just 39 carries and six touchdowns. Coach Ben Johnson promised “the highest‑scoring offense ever,” and for the moment, he’s delivering.

But here’s the catch: the defense. Last season the Bears rode a +22 turnover margin—more luck than skill—while even the best defensive unit (the Texans) managed +17. With veterans like Gervon Dexter, Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright and Tremaine Edmunds gone, the Bears’ defensive depth looks thin. It’s a classic Cowboys‑style dilemma: a fireworks offense that could be dragged down by a porous defense. If they don’t tighten up, those lofty ambitions might fizzle out.

Lamar and Josh Are the Best in the Business

Lamar Jackson finally got a chance to shake off a rough 2025. He tossed for 324 yards, added 40 on the ground, and looked as poised as a quarterback can be. The Ravens rode his wave to a dominant win over Indianapolis, with veteran Derrick Henry still proving age is just a number—144 rushing yards and three touchdowns at 32.

Meanwhile, Josh Allen reminded us why he’s a fantasy darling. Against a defense many called the league’s best, Allen put up 334 passing yards, four total touchdowns (two aerial, two on the ground), and kept turnovers to a minimum. After a turnover‑heavy 2025, that’s a breath of fresh air. The Bills still need to iron out their defensive inconsistencies, but if Allen stays this sharp, Buffalo could be knocking on a Super Bowl door.

All in all, opening weekend gave us a lot to chew on. The 49ers look primed, the Bears need a defensive wake‑up call, and the league’s top quarterbacks are already making noise. Stay tuned—because if anything, the rest of the season will be just as unpredictable as the first week.