NFL Week 1 scores, highlights, updates, schedule: Mac Jones throws first career TD; Chiefs rally past Browns
All the best highlights from Week 1 are right here

It's the first Sunday of the 2021 season and we're keeping you updated on all the action and biggest storylines throughout the day. The Week 1 slate has some fantastic matchups and storylines, and we're here to help you watch it unfold. Check back often to find out everything you need to know.
Schedule
Thursday
Buccaneers 31, Cowboys 29 (Recap)
Sunday
Cardinals 38, Titans 13 (Recap)
Jaguars 37, Texans 21 (Recap)
Chargers 20, Washington 16 (Recap)
Bengals 27, Vikings 24 (Recap)
Panthers 19, Jets 14 (Recap)
Eagles 32, Falcons 6 (Recap)
Steelers 23, Bills 16 (Recap)
Seahawks 28, Colts 16 (Recap)
49ers 41, Lions 33 (Recap)
Browns 33, Chiefs 29 (Recap)
Broncos 27, Giants 13 (Recap)
Saints 38, Packers 3 (Recap)
Dolphins 17, Patriots 16 (Recap)
Bears at Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET (Preview)
Monday
Ravens at Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET (Preview)
Last-minute pick seals Chiefs win
Mike Hughes for the victory! The Chiefs corner sealed Kansas City's tight 33-29 win over the Browns with an interception that came with just over a minute to play at Arrowhead Stadium, spoiling an otherwise promising day for Cleveland.
Mike Hughes seals the win for the @Chiefs! #ChiefsKingdom #CLEvsKC pic.twitter.com/MjTbeBiYVL
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Gordon runs by entire Giants defense
The New York "D" could not keep up with Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos, and Melvin Gordon all but sealed Denver's big Week 1 win with a 70-yard gallop past every Giant on the field to put the home team up 27-7.
70-yard HOUSE CALL ☎️ @Melvingordon25 #BroncosCountry
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #DENvsNYG on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/lhBd7Ame3W
Jameis launches fifth TD to bury Packers
If you bet on Jameis Winston to win MVP this year, your season is off to a brilliant start. Winston unloaded a bomb to Deonte Harris for his fifth (yes, fifth) touchdown to put New Orleans up 38-3 against the Packers, who have since pulled Aaron Rodgers for Jordan Love in a white-flag moment nobody predicted going into this weekend.
JAMEIS WINSTON HAS FIVE TOUCHDOWN PASSES. #Saints
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #GBvsNO on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/bqrTNmxwLe
Mac Jones' first career TD pass
Down 7-3 late in the first half against the Dolphins, the Patriots rookie quarterback stood firm in the pocket in the face of pressure and delivered a strike to a wide-open Nelson Agholor on a slant, putting New England ahead.
First career touchdown for @MacJones_10! #ForeverNE
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #MIAvsNE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/0PnGErqVhU
Jameis throws alley-oop on fourth-and-goal
Who said the Saints can't score points without Drew Brees? Jameis Winston put New Orleans up 17-0 on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers with a fourth-and-goal shot to tight end Juwan Johnson, who went up high for the highlight-reel grab.
How about Jameis on 4th and Goal?! #Saints
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #GBvsNO on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/WeTVz2SP5A
Mahomes shows off his legs
The Browns had little trouble moving the ball against the Chiefs early at Arrowhead Stadium, with Nick Chubb's touchdown run making it three TDs in three red-zone trips to open the game. But Patrick Mahomes kept Kansas City within reach with a nice razzle-dazzle score on the ground.
How to avoid the rush and score a touchdown, by @PatrickMahomes. #ChiefsKingdom
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #CLEvsKC on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ErraQlVqq1
Burrow's 4th-down beauty
Cincinnati almost blew a 14-point lead hosting the Vikings, with Minnesota roaring back to send Sunday's opener to overtime. After failed drives for both sides, Joe Burrow threw a pretty floater to Drew Sample on fourth-and-inches from midfield, with just a minute to play, setting up rookie Evan McPherson's game-winning field goal.
BURROW!
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Pure onions on 4th down in overtime. #RuleTheJungle | @Bengals
📺: #MINvsCIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/xrUCpx0fQ5
Goff's clutch two-point throw
The Lions trailed the 49ers 41-17 in the fourth quarter, only to storm back in the waning minutes. San Francisco held on for the victory, but Jared Goff's pinpoint two-point throw to Quintez Cephus pulled the game within eight in the final minute.
#ToeDragSwag FOR TWO! @QoDeep_87
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #SFvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/JV94qnlk7K
Steelers scoop-and-score
The Steelers are sniffing upset in Buffalo. This blocked punt turned scoop-and-score gave Pittsburgh a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
BLOCK. THAT. KICK. #HereWeGo
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #PITvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/6G4gla9A8u
Zach Wilson's first NFL TD toss
Wilson's pro debut has not been one to remember, but he did finally throw his first NFL touchdown in the third quarter -- hooking up with his new No. 1 receiver in Corey Davis.
.@ZachWilson's first career TOUCHDOWN! #TakeFlight | @nyjets
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #NYJvsCAR on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/PezK6Iilwv
Kyler Murray's insane third TD pass
This is a throw of the week candidate. Murray is balling out in Nashville this Sunday, and his third touchdown pass was pretty incredible. Off his back foot, fading away, 26 yards right in the bucket. That's backyard football right there.
Off his back foot. @K1 drops a DIME for his 3rd TD pass of the day! @ckirk #AZCardinals
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #AZvsTEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/iluWB4zrhD
Tee Higgins breaking ankles
How about these Bengals? They currently have the lead against the Vikings and it's thanks to their passing attack. Much of the praise will be given to rookie Ja'Marr Chase, but don't forget about Tee Higgins. He's a rising star in this league, and a great route runner as well. Look how much separation he got on this play.
Protect the ankles when @teehiggins5 runs routes. 😮#RuleTheJungle | @Bengals
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #MINvsCIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Q67cXDZBUq
Terry McLaurin catch of the year candidate
It's Taylor Heinicke at quarterback after Ryan Fitzpatrick exited due to a right hip injury, and he has this Washington offense moving. Check out this incredible catch by Terry McLaurin. Make sure you watch the second angle of this play as well. If this doesn't prove McLaurin is one of the best receivers in the NFL then I don't know what does.
ACROBATIC from Terry McLaurin! #WashingtonFootball
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #LACvsWAS on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/dOLGjOLlhi
Ja'Marr Chase scores his first NFL TD
Chase struggled with drops in the preseason, but we all knew this LSU connection between he and Burrow was going to be dynamic. That showed itself in the second quarter, as Chase hauled in his first score -- a 50-yard touchdown to give the Bengals the lead just before halftime.
BURROW.
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
CHASE.
SIX FOR CINCY.
Right where they left off at @LSUFootball.@JoeyB | @real10jayy__ | @Bengals
📺: #MINvsCIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/8TGbksVvAJ
He's leading Cincy in receiving at the halftime break, with three catches for 80 yards and a score.
Kyler Murray, you are unreal
Kyler Murray is one of the most electric playmakers in the NFL, even if he doesn't have a winning record as a starter. That could change in 2021, as he and the Cards have been dominating the Titans. Check out this play, as he runs back and forth in the backfield before finding his receiver downfield.
Kyler’s playmaking ability is unreal. @K1 #AZCardinals
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #AZvsTEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/st94I91csz
Wilson-Lockett x2
Wilson and Lockett connected for their second long touchdown of the game right before halftime -- this one going for 69 yards. The Colts can't do anything to stop the long ball, and their defensive backs have been left shaking their heads. Lockett has caught three passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.
DIALING UP THE DEEP BALL: @DangeRussWilson + @TDLockett12 connect again! #Seahawks
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #SEAvsIND on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/kphVSAFLJh
49ers' pick six
The 49ers have blown it open in Detroit. After JaMycal Hasty punched it in from three yards out to take an 11-point lead, Dre Greenlaw recorded a 39-yard pick six a few plays later!
Did you start the @49ers defense in @NFLFantasy?
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Because they're SCORING. @49ers | #FTTB | @dregreenlaw
📺: #SFvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/FeYpG07QEw
T.J. Watt strip-sack
A defensive matchup is taking place in Buffalo, which is just fine if you're the Steelers. Earlier this week, the Steelers made T.J. Watt the highest-paid defender with a huge, $112 million extension, and he rewarded them with a strip-sack in the second quarter.
And that’s why @_TJWatt got that new contract. #HereWeGo
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #PITvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/u5yDPG6s5g
Trevor Lawrence throws his first NFL TD pass
Things aren't going incredibly well for the Jaguars in Week 1 against the Texans, but No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence did throw his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter. He's just getting warmed up.
First career touchdown pass for No. 1 overall pick @Trevorlawrencee! 🙌 #DUUUVAL
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #JAXvsHOU on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Gt2DjhiUwr
Rookie Elijah Mitchell 38 yards to the house
Trey Sermon was a surprise inactive for the 49ers, and then Raheem Mostert went down with a knee injury in the opening half. That apparently didn't bother Kyle Shanahan too much, because he has another rookie in Elijah Mitchell who looks sharp. He rushed in a 38-yard score in the second quarter to reclaim the lead for San Francisco.
Rookie got the edge and he's GONE. #FTTB@elijahmitche11 | @49ers
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #SFvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ORynys5nSq
Chandler Jones has three sacks in the first quarter
The boo birds were out early in Tennessee, as Arizona's defensive front dominated early. Chandler Jones recorded a whopping three sacks in the first quarter by dominating left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is coming off of a torn ACL.
.@chanjones55 has three sacks and it’s only the first quarter 🔥 #AZCardinals
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #AZvsTEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/PJ77BIqrB1
Tyler Lockett: Star WR and referee
Tyler Lockett and Russell Wilson have a special kind of chemistry. All Wilson has to do is throw it up to him if he's in single coverage. Check out the catch on this 23-yard touchdown, what an adjustment! Arguably the best part about this play was the celebration, however, as Lockett did a full referee routine.
Nothing more automatic than Russ and Lockett. #Seahawks
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #SEAvsIND on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/RVwFmkftyE
DeAndre Hopkins doing DeAndre Hopkins things
It's early, but the Cardinals are rolling Nashville! After stripping Ryan Tannehill, the Cardinals were set up with excellent field position. It took three plays to punch it in from five yards out, but Hopkins came through on third down with a clutch catch.
.@DeAndreHopkins gets two feet in. Touchdown, @AZCardinals!
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #AZvsTEN on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/0Sv1PLF7s1
Trey Lance's first NFL pass is a TD
We knew Jimmy Garoppolo would start this Sunday, but we also knew we would see No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance at some point. When the 49ers got into the red zone in the first quarter, Lance entered the game, and his first pass attempt resulted in a touchdown.
6 points for the new guys 🙌@treylance09 x @Channel_10
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2021
📺 #SFvsDET on FOX pic.twitter.com/sCTf65lfav
Garoppolo is the starter as of now, but this just puts more pressure on him.
DeVonta Smith's first NFL catch is a TD
It was fair to expect that Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith would make an immediate impact with the Eagles, but this immediate? Smith's first NFL catch was an 18-yard touchdown from his former college teammate Jalen Hurts! He's a special kind of player with a special kind of speed.
DEVONTA SMITH IS ALREADY SCORING TOUCHDOWNS. #FlyEaglesFly
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #PHIvsATL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/7fqYOfvTmA
First touchdown of NFL Sunday!
Justin Herbert and the Chargers are facing a tough test in Washington's defense, but they dominated on their first drive of the game. The second-year signal-caller marched the Chargers offense 75 yards down the field in 10 plays, and Austin Ekeler finished off the drive with a three-yard touchdown.
EK-ALERT!
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
Austin Ekeler scores the first TD of the season for the @Chargers!
📺: #LACvsWAS on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/z0ztkQxivL
Ekeler practiced just once this week, and was labeled as questionable due to a hamstring injury. He rushed for 14 yards on the first drive, however.
Excited for the biggest NFL schedule in history? Follow along on the CBS Sports app and get the latest insights from our team of NFL insiders, plus news from our team of experts, as well as data insights on every player. If you already have the CBS Sports app, make sure to favorite the your favorite team so you don't miss a thing!
Isaiah McKenzie takes the opening kickoff 75 yards
Steelers at Bills is going to be a Week 1 matchup everyone has eyes on, and Buffalo got off to a hot start at home. Isaiah McKenzie took the opening kickoff 75 yards into enemy territory. Just listen to the roar of the crowd!
Isaiah McKenzie takes the opening kickoff 75 yards! #BillsMafia
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
📺: #PITvsBUF on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/c2HYaX6N8J
Three rookie QBs set for Week 1 start
Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft five months ago, and today three of them will be starting. First-overall pick Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are favorites in Houston despite Jacksonville winning just one game a year a year ago (while the Urban Meyer era is beginning amid discord). Zach Wilson, who had the most impressive preseason of the group, will try to lift the Jets to an upset against Sam Darnold's Panthers in Carolina. And Mac Jones is, of course, the surprise rookie QB1 for the Patriots after they stunningly cut Cam Newton.
But those won't be the only three rookie QBs to see the field. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports that Trey Lance will see some playing time for the 49ers in Detroit as San Francisco looks to transition to the rookie. And while Justin Fields may not play for the Bears, it should be interesting to see what happens if Andy Dalton struggles against the Rams in the night game.
















