The first Sunday of the NFL season wasted no time in delivering major upsets as both the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts dropped their openers.
Taking on two-time NFC champions Seattle, St. Louis blew a 24-13 second-half lead only to rebound and win 34-31 in overtime.
Following Russell Wilson’s first hook-up with newcomer Jimmy Graham, a field goal and a fumble recovery for a touchdown to give Seattle the lead, Rams’ quarterback Nick Foles came up with a clutch 37-yard bomb with Lance Kendricks to tie the scores at 31-31 and force overtime.
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In the extra frame, St. Louis moved down the field and Greg Zuerlein kicked a 37-yard field goal before the Rams’ defence stuffed Marshawn Lynch on fourth down to hand the Seahawks a loss.
Elsewhere, despite being one of the favourites in the AFC, Indianapolis suffered a 27-14 upset as Buffalo’s defence clamped down on Anderw Luck and the Colts offence.
Luck completed just 26-of-49 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
On the other side of the ball, Tyrod Taylor was efficient in his first start with the Bills, hitting on 14 of his 19 throws for 195 yards and a touchdown, while picking up 41 yards on the ground.
Buffalo’s balanced run attack gashed Indianapolis for 147 yards, 41 of which came from LeSean McCoy, who also added 46 receiving yards in his
debut with the team.
In the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers started their season on the right note with a 31-23 victory over division rivals Chicago Bears.
After trailing 13-10 at halftime, Aaron Rodgers tossed two of his three touchdowns on the day in the second half, while a late 2-yard plunge by running back Eddie Lacy sealed the win.
In the absence of top target Jordy Nelson, who’s out for the season with a knee injury, Rodgers went back to the well with old friend James Jones, who reeled in two scores to go with his 51 yards.
In Houston, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offence exploded in the first half to create enough separation for a 27-20 win against the Texans.
Quarterback Alex Smith carved up Houston’s defence to the tune of three passing touchdowns, including a 10-yard and 42-yard connection with tight end Travis Kelce.