DETROIT LIONS 35, Arizona Cardinals 23
After a slow start for the Lions in the first half, quarterback Matt Stafford tossed three scoring strikes in the second half on his way to a 29-for-41, 292 yard performance.
Meantime, it was a rough second half for Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. With running back David Johnson in the locker room, Palmer became a man with a target on his back. He tossed three interceptions as the Lions took command midway through the third quarter.
There were a lot of eyes on Stafford after recently signing a big contract. I'd say he passed the first test.
Next up: Cardinals at Indianapolis. Lions at Giants
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 30, Washington Redskins 17
Big performances by a trio of receivers, namely Algohor, Ertz and Sproles combined with a stiff defense that got to Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The running game was virtually non-existent for the Redskins, if not for both teams.
Of bigger concern, the Eagles lost cornerback Ronald Darby to what looked like a serious right ankle injury early in the second quarter. Darby will be evaluated when the team returns to Philadelphia.
Next up: Eagles at Chiefs. Redskins at Rams.
ATLANTA FALCONS 23, Chicago Bears 17
An 88-yard scoring strike from quarterback Matt Ryan to Austin Hooper was the killshot as the Falcons opened the season with an important win against the Bears.
The Bears had chances to win the game in the final minutes, but squandered three opportunities in the final minute of the game, but two incomplete passes and a sack of quarterback Mike Glennon sealed the deal for the defending NFC champions.
Ryan threw for 321 yards while the Bears committed three turnovers in the game.
Next up: Falcons vs. Packers. Bears at Buccaneers.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 29, Houston Texans 7
Leonard Fournette had an impressive game, scoring a touchdown while Blake Bortles did just enough to capitalize on chronic mistakes by the Texans to get a much needed road win to start the season.
Texans starting quarterback Tom Savage was, in a word, terrible. He was sacked six times under a constant swarm of Jaguars defenders, led by Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue.
Rookie DeShawn Watson came into the game and did throw a touchdown pass for the Texans, but was also sacked four times in the game.
Houston linebacker Brian Cushing, as well as tight ends Ryan Griffin, C.J. Fiedorowicz and receiver Bruce Ellington all left the game with concussions. Meantime, Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson injured his left knee in the first quarter and didn't return.
Up Next: Jaguars vs. Titans. Texans at Bengals.