Chargers Dominate Chiefs in Brazil, 27-6
SÃO PAULO (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers opened their season in style, shutting down the Kansas City Chiefs 27-6 on Sunday in Brazil.
The Chargers’ defense was the story of the game, holding Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to just 180 total yards of offense and no touchdowns. Haason Reddick led the way with three sacks as Los Angeles controlled the line of scrimmage.
“This defense came to make a statement today,” Reddick said. “We knew if we got pressure and kept our energy up, we could keep them out of the end zone. That’s exactly what we did.”
On offense, the Chargers leaned heavily on Christian McCaffrey, who delivered a monster performance with 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His explosive runs consistently broke through the Kansas City front, helping Los Angeles (1-0) build and maintain its lead.
The Chiefs (0-1), meanwhile, never found a rhythm and will look to regroup after one of their most lopsided losses of the Mahomes era.
With the win, the Chargers not only started their season strong but also made an early statement that they intend to be contenders in the AFC playoff race.
Texans Edge Rams in 41-38 Shootout
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Houston Texans outlasted the Los Angeles Rams 41-38 on Sunday in a wild back-and-forth game that saw both offenses trade blows until the final whistle.
Running back Derrick Henry was a force for Houston, dragging tacklers for tough yards and finishing with 83 yards and a touchdown. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed poise in the shootout, throwing for 303 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions while keeping pace with one of the league’s best.
On the other side, Justin Herbert looked every bit like an MVP candidate for Los Angeles. He carved up Houston’s defense with 389 yards and four touchdowns, keeping the Rams in it until the very end.
Ultimately, Houston’s ability to finish drives proved the difference, as Maye spread the ball around and Henry iced the clock late. The Texans (1-0) opened their season with a statement win, while the Rams (0-1) will leave wondering what more Herbert could have done.
“This was about staying composed,” Texans head coach David Shaw said. “Our guys matched every punch and found a way to make one more play when it mattered.”
Packers Hold Off Lions’ Rally, Win 31-24 at Lambeau
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers opened their season with a 31-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, fending off a furious late rally led by Jared Goff.
The Packers built a commanding 31-14 lead, sparked by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s dual-threat performance. Tua accounted for all four Green Bay touchdowns — two through the air and two on the ground — finishing with 224 passing yards, two interceptions, and a previously unseen ability to improvise outside the pocket.
Running back Isiah Pacheco helped open up the offense, grinding out 98 yards at a clip of 6.5 yards per carry, keeping Detroit’s defense on its heels.
But the Lions weren’t done. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs burned Green Bay’s secondary, posting 119 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores in the second half to bring Detroit within one possession. The Lions even recovered an onside kick in the closing minutes, but Green Bay’s defense stiffened to preserve the win.
“This league is never easy,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “We made it harder on ourselves late, but we’ll take the win and learn from it.”
The Packers (1-0) move into early control of the NFC North, while the Lions (0-1) will look to regroup after a near comeback that came up just short.
49ers Dominate Seahawks 48-7 in Seattle
SEATTLE (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers rolled to a 48-7 rout over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, putting together one of their most complete performances in recent memory.
San Francisco’s offense clicked on all cylinders, racking up 469 total yards while the defense suffocated Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 158 yards.
Quarterback Jordan Love orchestrated the attack with efficiency, throwing for 237 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. On the ground, Jaylen Warren provided the balance the 49ers have been searching for, powering his way to 184 rushing yards and two touchdowns behind a dominant offensive line.
Defensively, linebacker Drue Tranquill delivered a statement performance with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception, leading a unit that never let Seattle breathe.
“We wanted to set the tone for the season, and that’s exactly what we did today,” Tranquill said. “When the offense and defense play like that together, we’re tough to beat.”
The 49ers (1-0) start their season with a convincing division win, while the Seahawks (0-1) will need to regroup quickly after a humbling defeat at home.
