The Minnesota Vikings maintained their undefeated start to the NFL season with a 23-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Justin Jefferson returned to the Vikings’ lineup following an ankle injury, contributing a leaping touchdown reception. Running back Aaron Jones, who initially fumbled early in the game, redeemed himself with a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown. Will Reichard proved reliable for Minnesota, converting all three field-goal attempts, including a 55-yard kick that extended the Vikings' lead late in the game. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 229 yards passing and added 51 yards on the ground, throwing one touchdown without turnovers. Defensively, the Vikings limited the Saints to just 142 total yards and a single offensive touchdown, while safety Jonas Sanker scored on an 87-yard fumble return for New Orleans, who suffered a third consecutive loss at the Superdome.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-24 behind quarterback Joe Burrow’s four touchdown passes. Burrow completed 23 of 32 attempts for 190 yards, targeting nine different receivers and finding the end zone with tight ends Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson, and running back Samaje Perine. Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, returning after a concussion, had six receptions for 77 yards, highlighted by a one-handed 45-yard touchdown catch. Defensive standout Jordan Battle intercepted Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis twice in the second quarter, capitalizing on a noticed throwing motion “tell.” The Dolphins remained winless after five games despite a late rally, with rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. scoring twice. Miami’s missed extra point and an unsuccessful onside kick in the final minute sealed their loss.
The Green Bay Packers secured a convincing 31-7 win against the Chicago Bears as wide receiver Christian Watson scored two lengthy touchdowns from quarterback Jordan Love. Love completed 25 of 31 passes for 367 yards, marking his highest yardage total against Chicago at Lambeau Field. MarShawn Lloyd added two touchdown runs, while the Packers’ defense forced five turnovers, including two interceptions by safety Xavier McKinney. The Bears started rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent in place of the injured Caleb Williams.
Detroit overcame a slow start to rout the Arizona Cardinals 45-21. Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes while running back Jahmy Gibbs rushed for 151 yards and scored twice. Gibbs set an NFL record with 58 total touchdowns before age 25, surpassing Lions legend Barry Sanders. Wide receiver Jameson Williams marked his first multi-touchdown game for Detroit, with scoring catches of eight and 39 yards. The Cardinals’ struggles continued at home, marking their ninth straight home loss amid a midgame trade sending receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston. Harrison was inactive and absent from the stadium on Sunday.
In Los Angeles, the Denver Broncos ended a four-game losing skid with a 23-17 win over the Chargers. Wil Lutz’s late 19-yard field goal lifted Denver ahead, following a fourth-quarter surge that saw the Broncos score 13 unanswered points. Denver, coached by Sean Payton who recently assumed play-calling duties, earned their first division victory and first win at SoFi Stadium since 2023. The Chargers, also 0-5, were hampered by an inexperienced offensive line and pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert, who was sacked five times and threw an interception. A late touchdown by Courtland Sutton kept the game close, but the Chargers failed to capitalize in the closing moments.
San Francisco edged Seattle 32-29 as quarterback Brock Purdy led two critical fourth-quarter scoring drives capped by Eddy Piñeiro’s 43-yard field goal with under two minutes remaining. The 49ers improved to 5-0, avenging tough losses to the Seahawks last season. The game was marked by an NFL season-high seven turnovers and the ejection of 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Despite a lack of long touchdown drives, Purdy overcame a second-and-21 situation with a 28-yard connection to Mike Evans in a key late possession.
In overtime, the Baltimore Ravens rallied to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 30-23. Quarterback Tyler Huntley scored the game-tying touchdown and a two-point conversion in regulation’s final minute before sealing the win with a one-yard touchdown sneak. Running back Derrick Henry contributed 102 rushing yards for Baltimore, helping the team secure a come-from-behind victory on Sunday night.