NFL Week 1 Sunday Recap: Lions Edge Rams in OT, Cowboys Impress, and Caleb Williams Wins Debut

Sunday’s NFL action was nothing short of exhilarating as teams wrapped up the opening weekend of the 2024 season. The day was filled with drama and memorable performances, setting the stage for a thrilling Monday Night Football matchup between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers.

The day’s excitement kicked off with an unexpected twist as Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill was “briefly detained” by police en route to the stadium. Nonetheless, the games proceeded with high stakes and fierce competition.

Lions Triumph in Overtime Classic

Sunday Night Football featured a riveting clash between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams, marked by the return of quarterbacks Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford facing off once more since their 2021 trade. The game delivered a dramatic conclusion, with the Lions emerging victorious 26-20 in overtime.

Detroit led 10-3 at halftime, courtesy of a touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs. Goff then connected with Jameson Williams for a 52-yard touchdown, seemingly putting the game out of reach. However, the Rams mounted a comeback, with Kyren Williams scoring late in the third quarter and Stafford finding Cooper Kupp for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth.

With just seconds left, Lions kicker Jake Bates tied the game, sending it into overtime. Detroit won the OT coin toss and methodically drove 70 yards down the field, with David Montgomery’s one-yard touchdown run sealing the win. This marked Detroit’s first overtime victory since 2016, providing a promising start for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised Williams for his performance, highlighting his potential for growth. Despite not playing his best game, Williams’s contribution was pivotal, with five catches for 121 yards.

The Rams faced additional disappointment as wide receiver Puka Nacua was sidelined with a knee injury at halftime, compounding their woes.

Cowboys Shine in Dominant Win

The Dallas Cowboys, addressing offseason questions with key moves, made a statement with a convincing 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Dak Prescott, who recently signed a record $240 million extension, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb were instrumental in the win. Prescott threw for a touchdown, while Ezekiel Elliott added another on the ground, and kicker Brandon Aubrey contributed four field goals.

The Cowboys’ defense was the standout, intercepting Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson twice and sacking him twice. Micah Parsons was a dominant force, exploiting Cleveland’s offensive line issues. Parsons expressed confidence in his team’s potential, noting that they have only scratched the surface of their capabilities.

For the Browns, the game was a disappointment. Watson struggled, throwing for just 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions amid constant pressure. Cleveland fans voiced their frustration with boos during the first half. Despite the setback, Watson remains optimistic, citing the long season ahead and the potential for turnaround.

The game also marked the debut of NFL legend Tom Brady in the commentary booth, adding another layer of intrigue to the day’s events.

Caleb Williams Shines in NFL Debut

Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, secured his first NFL victory despite a challenging start. The Chicago Bears quarterback faced a tough game against the Tennessee Titans, falling behind by 17 points early. However, the Bears’ defense and special teams orchestrated a comeback.

Jonathan Owens, husband of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to spark the rally. Following field goals from Cairo Santos, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson intercepted Titans quarterback Will Levis and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 24-17 lead.

Williams, who threw for 93 yards on 14-of-29 attempts, became the first No. 1 pick in over 20 years to win his Week 1 debut. Though he acknowledged areas for improvement, Williams was unfazed by his performance, focusing on the victory and the opportunities ahead.

Week 1 Sunday Scores

Here’s a roundup of Sunday’s results:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 18-10 Atlanta Falcons
• Arizona Cardinals 28-34 Buffalo Bills
• Tennessee Titans 17-24 Chicago Bears
• New England Patriots 16-10 Cincinnati Bengals
• Houston Texans 29-27 Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars 17-20 Miami Dolphins
• Carolina Panthers 10-47 New Orleans Saints
• Minnesota Vikings 28-6 New York Giants
• Las Vegas Raiders 10-22 Los Angeles Chargers
• Denver Broncos 20-26 Seattle Seahawks
• Dallas Cowboys 33-17 Cleveland Browns
• Washington Commanders 20-37 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Los Angeles Rams 20-26 (OT) Detroit Lions

The NFL’s opening weekend delivered excitement, drama, and a glimpse of what’s to come this season.