Four Playoff Teams, Including Last Season's No. 1 Seeds, Fall in NFL Week 1

Four teams that reached the playoffs last season — including both No. 1 seeds — lost in the NFL’s opening weekend, delivering jolts to fanbases and prompting measured reminders around the league that one game does not determine a season.

The Detroit Lions were routed in Green Bay, the Kansas City Chiefs were upset by the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, the Baltimore Ravens surrendered a 15-point fourth-quarter lead to the Buffalo Bills, and the Houston Texans were held to nine points in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Lions managed only a late touchdown and fell 27-13 at Green Bay in the first game since offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed for the Chicago Bears. Detroit’s offense struggled much of the day, and quarterback Jared Goff failed to spark the unit that went deep into the playoffs last season. Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the small-sample nature of Week 1 and called the mistakes “so correctable,” saying the roster remained accountable and focused on improvement.

In Kansas City, the Chiefs were beaten 27-21 by the Chargers in a game played in Brazil, handing Andy Reid and his staff an uncharacteristic early setback. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were on the field but could not overcome Los Angeles’ balanced attack. The loss creates the possibility — however early — of an 0-2 start for a franchise accustomed to late-season runs, but league observers cautioned against declaring a power shift based on one outing.

The Bills’ rally over the Ravens was among the most dramatic finishes of the weekend. Buffalo overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, capped by Josh Allen drives and a 32-yard, game-winning field goal by Matt Prater as time expired in a 41-40 victory. Baltimore had controlled much of the game behind Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, but a fourth-quarter Henry fumble helped swing the momentum. Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, acknowledged the sting of the loss and said, “We all hate losing. Probably let it linger for a night then we have to forget about it and get ready for the Browns.”

Houston’s offense sputtered in a 14-9 setback to the Rams as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was harried and sacked three times while throwing an interception. The Texans, who have won the AFC South in recent seasons, must rebound quickly with a Monday night showdown at Tampa Bay looming. Stroud struck a reflective tone after the game, saying he wants a balance of urgency and perspective: “I always try to think positively and give ourselves a little grace, but also there’s an urgency and there’s some things we need to fix… I think when there’s friction in that, I think sometimes is a good thing in a positive way.”

Several of the affected teams enter Week 2 with acknowledged personnel changes and lingering questions. Detroit lost defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets and center Frank Ragnow to retirement in the offseason, and the Lions were expecting veteran pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson’s return to bolster their defense. Chiefs coach Andy Reid and coordinator staff will now prepare for an early-season test with a quick-turn home game against a familiar opponent. For Baltimore and Buffalo, Sunday’s finish already has implications for home-field scenarios and early-season standings in the AFC North and AFC East.

League trends and recent history offered caution against overreaction. Teams that stumble early have frequently rebounded: the Ravens themselves began a recent season 0-2 and still won the division, and other clubs have climbed back from slow starts to reach or win postseason games. Coaches and executives repeatedly reminded reporters and fans that the regular season contains 17 games and that Week 1 is a limited data point.

Players and coaches across the league echoed that view even as they dissected mistakes. The losses can sharpen focus and prompt adjustments, but front offices also face a longer calendar in which injuries, matchups and midseason moves will shape outcomes. For now, Buffalo’s last-second victory, Kansas City’s unexpected road loss in Brazil, Detroit’s offensive breakdown at Green Bay and Houston’s struggles are the dominant storylines from Week 1 — and a brisk reminder that the NFL season is just beginning.

There are 16 regular-season games remaining for every team to sort through personnel issues, correct early errors and chase postseason goals. Week 1 produced headlines and talking points, but it did not decide the race to the Super Bowl.