Football

NFL Week 1: Broncos-Chiefs could break a 14-year-old record

DAZN

14, Sep

NFL Week 1: Broncos-Chiefs could break a 14-year-old record

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The NFL could close out its first week of competition by breaking a 14-year-old record.

Heading into the final game of Week 1 between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs, teams had combined for a total of 750 points across 15 games, a combined average of 50 points per game.

Just 42 points in the Monday Night Football game would be enough to make this Week 1 the highest-scoring since the merger between the AFL and the NFL in 1970.

The 2012 record within reach of the Broncos and Chiefs

The current record dates back to the first week of the 2012 season, during which all 32 teams combined for 791 points, an average of 49.4 points per game.

A combined total of at least 42 points between Denver and Kansas City would bring the 2026 opening week tally to 792 points and place this round alone at the top of the all-time list.

The threshold looks well within reach: a 24-20 victory for either side, for example, would be enough to break the record.

Bears-Panthers sets the tone with 96 points

The biggest single contribution to this offensive onslaught came from the game between the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers.

The two teams combined for 96 points in Chicago's 59-37 victory, setting a new record for an opening game.

Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, while Chicago finished the game with 552 offensive yards and six rushing touchdowns.

A spectacular opening statement from an offense that head coach Ben Johnson wants to see become the most prolific in the NFL.

Caleb-Williams-09132026-GETTY-FTR Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Ten teams have already surpassed 30 points

Chicago are not the only team to have lit up the scoreboard. In total, ten franchises scored at least 30 points, the third-highest such total in history for a Week 1.

The Baltimore Ravens dominated Indianapolis 41-23, while the Buffalo Bills put up 36 points against Houston's highly regarded Defense.

The Detroit Lions beat the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers 39-22.

Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Carolina and Houston also crossed the 30-point mark during a day dominated by offenses.

Why did offenses score so heavily?

This offensive explosion cannot be attributed to a single factor. No fewer than 21 teams changed offensive coordinator during the offseason, and several of these new-look units produced immediate results.

Defenses may also have struggled from a lack of full-intensity repetitions during the preseason. Starters now play very little in exhibition games, which can complicate tackling and communication in the opening week.

The number of young quarterbacks capable of creating plays both through the air and on the ground is also making offenses increasingly difficult to contain.

Analysis: a spectacular record, but not yet a trend

This Week 1 speaks above all to the depth of offensive talent in the NFL. It does not, however, mean that the teams involved will sustain this level over the coming months.

Chicago scored 59 points but also conceded 37. Minnesota produced an impressive comeback, while some highly anticipated defenses, such as those of Houston and Dallas, showed early vulnerabilities.

The potential record is therefore spectacular, but the real question will be one of consistency. Defenses will adapt as more game film becomes available and find their rhythm as the weeks go on.

Whatever happens next, the 2026 season has already delivered a memorable opening round. It now falls to the Broncos and the Chiefs to add the final 42 points needed to make history.