The NFL season is back. It's really, truly here. And it's great.
Sunday's early games featured a number of surprises... including multiple 2 point safeties, an impressive performance by a rookie QB, and more!
Here is a quick look at the games:
Chiefs 28, Jaguars 2
Andy Reid is UNDEFEATD (1-0) as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs! It was an impressive debut for KC after being the worst team in the NFL last year. Alex Smith led a sharp looking KC offense to 28 straight points after the Jaguars scored the first points of the game with a 2 point safety. The Gus Bradley era could be off to a slow start in Jacksonville. The Jags may also have the new "honor" of being the worst team in the NFL.
Patriots 23, Bills 21
It looked like the Bills were going to steal this win from the Patriots but alas, it was too good to be true. New England took the lead late and sealed the deal. Bills first round pick rookie QB EJ Manuel put together a good performance that many probably didn't see coming: 18/27, 150, and 2 TD.
Bengals 21, Bears 24
Marc Trestman made his debut as the Bears HC. The Bengals figure to be a competitive team, so that's a nice win for Chicago. Bengals fans can still take solace in their star WR: AJ Green is very much a beast. 9 receptions, 162 yards, and 2 TD.
Dolphins 23, Browns 10
Some people thought the Browns may be a surprise team this year. Well, surprise! They are still bad. Brandon Weeden isn't cutting it at QB for Cleveland.
Vikings 24 , Lions 34
Adrian Peterson is still Adrian Peterson. He's the best running back in the NFL and it's not even close. He's also the main reason why the Vikings manage any kind of success. It's not always enough, however. The Lions offense, highlighted by new addition RB Reggie Bush, was too many for the Vikings defense to handle.
Raiders 17, Colts 21
Phew! I had the Colts as my suicide league pick, as I'm sure a number of other people did. The Raiders looked surprisingly competent with Terrelle Pyror at QB. The Colts defense isn't the most impressive unit, but maybe Oakland isn't as bad as we thi--- nah.
Falcons 17, Saints 23
This was a great divisional matchup that came down to the wire. In Sean Peyton's first game back from his 2012 suspension, the Saints scraped out a win in the final seconds. The Falcons were in scoring position but a Matt Ryan interception sealed the deal for a New Orleans victory. No dice for Matty Ice.
Buccaneers 17, Jets 18
J-E-T-S! Bucs LB Lavonte David pushed Geno Smith as he was going out of bounds with little time on the clock left, which led to a 15 yard unnecessary penalty! Dumbest play of the day. Jets win! My pick is looking brilliant.
Titans 16, Steelers 9
The opening play of the game was an accidental safety. A Titans player accidentally fielded the ball on the kickoff at the 1 and then kneeled down in the endzone. Then the Steelers lost their starting center Maurkice Pouncey early in this ugly game, so it was no surprise that Pittsburgh's offensive line looked terrible. Call it an overreaction but I don't feel good about the Steelers' chances in 2013. Or the Titans.
Seahawks 12, Panthers 7
The Seahawks are popular Super Bowl favorites but clearly couldn't score. Neither could the Panthers. A game of good defenses. Second year QB Rusell Wilson was 25-33 for 320 yards and a late TD to lead the 'hawks to a win.
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Late afternoon games are up next - Cardinals at Rams and Packers at 49ers.
Discuss those late game in the Week 1 NFL open thread.
More from Bleeding Green Nation:
NFL Week 1 Games Open Thread
Meet the Bleeding Green Nation Staff
The Linc - One More Day Until Eagles vs Redskins!
Comparing the Philadelphia Eagles 2013 Opening Day Roster to 2012
Eagles vs Redskins Week 1 Flash Video: Heavy Metal Birds