Denver Broncos (1-0)
Week 1: Won 31-24 vs. Indianapolis Colts
How it happened: Three first half touchdown passes to Julius Thomas put the Colts in a hole that they couldn't climb out of. Thomas led the Broncos with seven catches for 104 yards as Peyton Manning became just the second player to defeat all 32 teams in the NFL. Andrew Luck and the Colts mounted a comeback that wasn't quite enough as they had four of the last five scores of the game. Luck's scramble that ended with a dive into the end zone with less than 30 seconds left in the first half gave the Colts new life but a touchdown run by Montee Ball where he battled down the middle for the score gave the Broncos a 31-10 lead, which was enough of a cushion for the home team.
It was over when: With less than two minutes left in the game on fourth-and-6, rookie Bradley Roby knocked down a pass intended for Reggie Wayne, sending the Broncos' offense back on the field and sealing the win.
Key performer: Julius Thomas' three touchdowns tied Shannon Sharpe's franchise record for most scores in a game by a tight end.
What's next: The Chiefs and Broncos open AFC West play in Denver.
Between the hashmarks:
- Rahim Moore, in his return to the field after missing the last nine games of the 2013 season with acute compartment syndrome, had two picks.
- During the first half of the game, the Broncos went 6-of-7 on third down and dropped to 1-for-7 in the second half.
Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)
Week 1: Lost 26-10 vs. Tennessee Titans
How it happened: As if Jake Locker picking apart the Chief's defense and finishing 22-of-33 for 266 yards and two touchdowns wasn't enough, Kansas City lost Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson and starting defensive tackle Mike DeVito to Achilles injuries during the loss. While Locker thrived under Ken Whisenunt's new system, Alex Smith was picked off three times. Smith was missing key offensive weapons due to suspension as Dwayne Bowe and Donald Stephenson did not play. Jamaal Charles, who did play, had seven carries for 19 yards and four catches for 15 yards in the game. The Chief's lone touchdown was in the fourth quarter when Smith connected with Anthony Fasano in the end zone.
It was over when: Smith's pass on third-and-4 intended for Donnie Avery was picked off by Michael Griffin with just over one minute left in the game.
Key performer: Eric Berry had the most solo tackles of any player in the NFL in Week 1 with 14.
What's next: The Chiefs head to Denver to face the Broncos.
Between the hash marks:
- The Chiefs finished the game 1-of-12 on third down.
- Donnie Avery led the Chiefs' receiving corps during Bowe's one-game suspension with seven catches for 84 yards.
Oakland Raiders (0-1)
Week 1: Lost 19-14 at New York Jets
How it happened: After getting the nod over Matt Schaub and his first career NFL start, Derek Carr finished the day 20-of-32 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He started the game 7-for-7 but the Jets put the pressure on him during the second half and held the Raiders to -3 yards in the third quarter. The Raiders took the lead in the first quarter when Rod Streater's 12-yard touchdown catch put them up 7-3. But, Chris Ivory's 71-yard run put the game out of reach for Oakland. James Jones' 30-yard touchdown catch with less than two minutes to go in the game was futile and the Jets came away with the win.
It was over when: The Raiders' failed attempt at an onside kick gave the Jets the ball back with less than two minutes left. Two Geno Smith kneeldowns later, the game was over.
Key performer: Linebacker Sio Moore led the Raiders with 13 tackles, 11 solo, and forced two fumbles. He also sacked Smith, forcing him to fumble the ball.
What's next: The Raiders will take on the Houston Texans in Oakland.
Between the hash marks:
- The Raiders' first three picks of the 2014 draft, Khalil Mack, Carr and Gabe Jackson, all started in the game.
- The Raiders' defense only allowed one Jets touchdown in four red-zone situations.
San Diego Chargers (0-1)
Week 1: Lost 18-17 at Arizona
How it happened: Playing in the second of two games on Monday night, the Chargers fell to the Arizona Cardinals, 18-17. The remained close throughout the night and the Chargers had a 17-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Malcom Floyd had a 6-yard touchdown reception and Jeremiah Attaochu forced a Carson Palmer fumble, leading to a 20-yard touchdown run from Ryan Matthews. But, the Cardinals came roaring back in the fourth quarter. Palmer connected with Stepfan Taylor for a 5-yard touchdown reception. Rookie wide receiver John Brown made his impact on the game as he hauled in a 13-yard catch in the end zone with 2:25 left to play to put the Cardinals up by one.
It was over when: On fourth-and-2 with less than two minutes left, Rivers' pass was batted down at the line of scrimmage.
Key performer: Attaochu, in his NFL debut, had four tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. He also blocked a punt and played well during kickoff coverage.
What's next: The Chargers head home to face the Seahawks.
Between the hash marks:
- The Cardinals outgained the Chargers 403 to 290 yards. Arizona's 22 first downs trumped the Chargers' 15.
- Floyd, in his first game back after suffering a neck injury in Week 2 of 2013, caught four passes for 50 yards.
