One weekend down, and the NFL has already given us plenty to overreact to.

There are still 17 weeks to go, but here are my three biggest takeaways from the opening weekend of the 2026 season.

1. The Bears Offense Might Be Legit

Fifty-nine points.

That’s not a typo.

Chicago opened its season by beating Carolina 59–37 while piling up 552 yards of offense.

Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, D’Andre Swift rushed for 124 yards and three scores, and Kyle Monangai added another 100 yards on the ground.

It’s only one game, and allowing 37 points isn’t exactly ideal, but Ben Johnson’s offense looks dangerous.

The NFC North may have just gotten even more uncomfortable.

2. Don’t Forget About San Francisco

The 49ers entered 2026 trying to prove they could reestablish themselves as one of the NFC’s heavyweights.

Beating the Rams 27–7 in Melbourne, Australia, was a pretty convincing way to start.

Playing thousands of miles from home as part of the NFL’s expanding international schedule, San Francisco controlled an NFC West opponent that entered the season with legitimate playoff expectations.

One game doesn’t erase all the questions surrounding the 49ers, but this looked a lot more like the San Francisco team we’ve grown accustomed to seeing near the top of the NFC.

In a conference without an obvious runaway favorite, don’t be surprised if San Francisco remains firmly in the NFC contender conversation.

3. Baltimore Looks Scary

If there was any concern about Baltimore adjusting to a new coaching staff, Week 1 didn’t provide much evidence for it.

The Ravens rolled Indianapolis 41–23 and produced 506 yards of offense.

Lamar Jackson threw for 324 yards, while Derrick Henry scored three rushing touchdowns.

Plenty will change between now and January, but Baltimore already looks like a team capable of being right in the middle of the AFC championship conversation.

One Week Down

Chicago’s offense might be for real.

San Francisco looks ready to rejoin the NFC’s elite.

And Baltimore already looks like a serious threat in the AFC.

Of course, it’s Week 1.

By this time next week, we might be questioning everything we just learned.

That’s the NFL.

And it’s good to have it back.