With Week One of many NFL common season now within the books, now we have a greater understanding of how each squad would possibly look this yr. Groups just like the Browns and Dolphins may very well be in for a protracted season, whereas the Raiders and Jets might shock everyone and make the playoffs. With every part that happened, let’s establish one takeaway for every workforce within the league after Week One.
Arizona Cardinals
The protection will probably be a lot better than final season’s.
It might need come towards the New Orleans Saints, who’ve arguably the worst quarterback room within the NFL, however the Cardinals’ protection already appears to be like higher than it did final yr. Rookie cornerback Will Johnson is an authorized stud. The inside defensive position held the Saints’ working backs to 78 dashing yards. Spencer Rattler wanted to finish 27 passes to interrupt the 210-yard threshold. Extra importantly, the protection held New Orleans out of the tip zone 4 straight instances to win the sport. With their backs towards the wall, Arizona’s defenders prevailed.
Atlanta Falcons
The Soiled Birds have discovered their franchise quarterback.
It’s not Michael Penix Jr.’s fault that the Falcons misplaced that recreation. He did every part he might to place Atlanta ready to win. The second-year QB orchestrated a 91-yard drive that ended with a go-ahead landing. And if that wasn’t sufficient, he moved the ball 60 yards in eight performs, which allowed the Falcons to aim a game-tying discipline objective. Penix has ice in his veins and appears just like the quarterback of the long run in Atlanta.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens can positively win the Tremendous Bowl.
The loss to Buffalo was clearly devastating, however it was the primary recreation of the season in an extremely tough highway surroundings. Lamar Jackson continues to be one of many three greatest quarterbacks within the NFL, whereas Derrick Henry proved he hasn’t misplaced a step. If Payments broad receiver Keon Coleman didn’t make a ridiculous catch off a fluke tipped go, we might be having a unique dialog concerning the Ravens in the present day.
Buffalo Payments
Josh Allen continues to be essentially the most invaluable participant within the NFL.
Relationship again to the beginning of the 2025 NFL Playoffs (a four-game stretch), Josh Allen has 1,030 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 135 dashing yards, and 4 dashing touchdowns. The man is a one-man wrecking crew on the offensive facet of the ball. If some other quarterback within the NFL had been within the place he was in on Sunday night time, they’d lose that recreation. Not Allen, who accounted for 85.3% of the Payments’ offensive yards this weekend.
Carolina Panthers
It’s time to maneuver on from Bryce Younger.
There was hope for the previous primary general choose coming into this season after he closed out final yr with ten complete touchdowns and 0 interceptions in his ultimate three video games. He was set as much as have a powerful begin to the 2025-26 common season by going towards a Jaguars workforce that ranked final in passing yards allowed final yr. As an alternative, he laid an egg, turning the ball over 3 times whereas being held to only 154 passing yards. Carolina wants to start out eager about their subsequent transfer on the quarterback place as a result of Bryce Younger isn’t the reply.
Chicago Bears
The identical points from final yr confirmed up once more in Week One.
All people stated that head coach Ben Johnson would usher in a brand new period of Bears soccer, however that was not what the tape confirmed final night time. The offensive line nonetheless struggled to guard Caleb Williams, who continues to carry onto the soccer too lengthy. Chicago was additionally penalized 12 instances for 127 yards. Worst of all, the Bears misplaced the sport although they led by 10+ factors within the fourth quarter. The final particular person to have that occur to them of their head teaching debut: former Bears coach Matt Nagy.
Cincinnati Bengals
The protection and particular groups bailed out the offense.
After hyping up Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense all low season, it was Cincy’s particular groups and protection that received them the sport. The Bengals completely stifled the Browns’ dashing assault, which averaged a measly 2.04 yards per carry, the second-lowest output from Week One. In the meantime, the secondary had two perfectly-timed interceptions to save lots of Cincinnati from an embarrassing loss. The offense should be higher as a result of the protection and particular groups shouldn’t have the luxurious of enjoying the Browns each week.
Cleveland Browns
This workforce would be the worst in soccer if it doesn’t work out the best way to run the ball.
We now have to offer Cleveland the good thing about the doubt as a result of they had been going towards a new-look Bengals defensive entrance that made some significant additions alongside the inside defensive position. Regardless, the dashing assault was abysmal. The highest two Browns rushers amassed 37 yards on 18 carries, which equates to 2.06 yards per run. That might clarify why Joe Flacco ended up trying 45 passes. Anticipating a 40-year-old quarterback to throw the ball 40+ instances a recreation isn’t a recipe for fulfillment. Hopefully, rookie working again Quinshon Judkins can add some juice to the dashing assault each time he takes the sphere.
Dallas Cowboys
The protection received’t be as dangerous as we initially anticipated.
Even with the lack of Micah Parsons, the Cowboys’ protection didn’t look half dangerous in a divisional highway recreation towards the defending Tremendous Bowl Champions. Saquon Barkley solely averaged 3.33 yards per carry in Week One after averaging 5.81 yards per try through the common season final yr. Additionally, Dallas held Philly’s quarterback to six.61 yards per go, a noticeable enchancment from final yr, after they allowed virtually eight yards per try.
Denver Broncos
This may as soon as once more be probably the greatest pass-rushing groups within the NFL.
It felt virtually inconceivable that Denver would be capable to replicate their defensive output from final season, when it recorded 63 regular-season sacks, 9 greater than the following closest workforce. However they’re already off to a roaring begin with a league-leading six sacks in Week One. Elite cornerback play will end in various protection sacks. And with Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Jonathon Cooper nonetheless on this combine, this go rush will probably be lethal this season.
Detroit Lions
The offense will take a noticeable step again this yr.
It might need been the lack of Ben Johnson. It might need been the addition of Micah Parsons to the Packers’ protection. It would’ve been the modifications to the inside offensive line. In actuality, although, it was most likely all three of this stuff that resulted in such a poor offensive efficiency from the Lions. They wanted a miraculous catch from a rookie broad receiver on a 4th and three with below a minute left within the recreation to get their first landing of the afternoon. That’s a foul signal for a workforce that led the NFL in factors per recreation final season.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
This may very well be one of the best workforce within the NFC.
Jordan Love regarded sharp, which shouldn’t be stunning after he handled a nagging lower-body damage for principally the whole lot of the 2024-25 season. On the opposite facet of the ball, the acquisition of Micah Parsons has opened up so many new alternatives for a unit that’s presently tied with one different workforce for one of the best run protection within the NFL. There have been issues concerning the secondary, but when the cornerbacks can preserve every part in entrance of them and quit brief completions whereas defending the deep ball, this protection will probably be one of many league’s greatest. Consider constant quarterback play, and the Packers are a reliable menace to be the highest workforce of their convention.
Houston Texans
The offensive line continues to be a problem.
Someway, buying and selling away a Professional Bowl left sort out and restructuring the inside offensive line with gamers who weren’t higher than final yr’s didn’t make the go safety and run blocking higher. Who would’ve guessed? The Rams completed Week One with the second-most sack yards within the league, although they solely had three quarterback takedowns. That and 7 QB hits would possibly clarify why C.J. Stroud was held to 188 passing yards and 0 touchdowns whereas the offense averaged 4.65 yards per play.
Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones received’t be as dangerous as all of us thought.
Although Jones was dangerous with the New York Giants, a part of the explanation he struggled needed to do with the truth that he had horrible safety. So, enjoying for the Indianapolis Colts, who’ve an elite inside offensive lineman and dependable offensive tackles, would possibly make Jones look a bit of higher. It additionally doesn’t harm that he’s as soon as once more enjoying in the identical backfield as one of many higher working backs within the NFL, one thing he didn’t get an opportunity to do final season in New York. He received’t be probably the greatest QBs within the NFL all season lengthy, however he additionally most likely received’t be one of many worst whereas enjoying for Indy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Liam Coen period is off to an virtually excellent begin.
The whole lot {that a} Jags fan might’ve hoped for occurred in Week One towards the Carolina Panthers. The passing assault was environment friendly whereas not being requested to do an excessive amount of. The dashing assault gashed the Panthers for 200 yards. Their go protection, which was the worst within the NFL final season, is presently ranked first in opposing quarterback ranking allowed (49.0). On prime of that, the protection is already a 3rd of the best way in direction of matching their takeaway output from final season. If there hadn’t been a climate delay, this may’ve been the proper day for the Jags.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Accidents to ability place gamers might sink KC’s season.
When the Chiefs’ dynasty was first starting, Kansas Metropolis was capable of win Tremendous Bowls by slinging the ball all around the discipline to top-flight playmakers like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and so on. Now, although, Travis Kelce has misplaced a step, Hill is gone, and the Chiefs are counting on a rotation of free brokers who’re previous their primes and younger bucks who haven’t fairly discovered their footing but. Xavier Worthy’s absence clearly harm KC’s offensive recreation plan. Plus, Rashee Rice isn’t going to be obtainable till Week Seven. If the Chiefs proceed to run into points retaining their greatest offensive weapons on the sphere, there’s an actual likelihood they miss the playoffs.
Las Vegas Raiders
This workforce is sweet sufficient to win the AFC West.
The Raiders went on the highway with a brand new head coach and a brand new quarterback and pulled out a gutsy win towards a workforce that has playoff aspirations. The Chiefs have already got a loss below their belt, whereas the Broncos and Chargers confirmed they’ve main flaws. With Vegas enjoying a fourth-place schedule and the opposite AFC West groups anticipated to beat up on one another all season lengthy, the Raiders can clinch the division by beating dangerous groups and successful house video games towards the Chargers, Broncos, and Chiefs.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert appears to be like like an MVP candidate.
Proper now, the favorites to win the 2025-26 NFL MVP award are Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. After these two guys, no offensive participant within the NFL had a greater Week One efficiency than Justin Herbert. He threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns in a neutral-site recreation towards the defending AFC Champs. It’s additionally price noting that he had a 19-yard run that clinched the win for the Chargers. If he places up the passing numbers he normally does whereas additionally working the ball successfully, he might wind up bringing house some {hardware} when the season ends.
Los Angeles Rams
No one needs to be anxious about Matthew Stafford.
After an low season crammed with uncertainty that even included questions on Matthew Stafford’s potential to play in Week One as a consequence of an aggravated disc, the 37-year-old quarterback regarded very environment friendly towards probably the greatest defenses within the NFL. He accomplished 72.4% of his passes for 245 yards and a passing landing. Hell, he even tried a quarterback sneak, one thing that you just wouldn’t do if you happen to had a debilitating again damage. After taking three sacks and nonetheless managing to stand up every time and lead the Rams to a win, we will all put to relaxation issues about Matthew Stafford’s well being.
Miami Dolphins
This will probably be one of many 5 worst groups within the NFL.
The ‘Phins wanted to get off to a powerful begin to the 2025-26 marketing campaign since they’re scheduled to face divisional opponents in three of their first 4 video games. They’d a simple matchup towards a Colts workforce that had no expectations when the common season began. However as an alternative of handing Indianapolis its Twelfth-straight Week One loss, Miami was bullied by Indy and regarded hapless offensively and defensively. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was horrible, throwing for 114 yards and a landing whereas turning the ball over 3 times and taking three sacks. If that’s how he appears to be like for the remainder of the season, the Dolphins will probably be fortunate to win three video games.
Minnesota Vikings
This workforce won’t be nearly as good because it was final season, however it received’t be dangerous both.
Profitable 14 regular-season video games is tough within the Nationwide Soccer League, as confirmed by the truth that the Vikes have solely achieved it twice for the reason that workforce was based in 1960. With what is actually a rookie quarterback changing a longtime veteran like Sam Darnold, there will certainly be some rising pains for Minnesota this season. These had been clearly on show within the first three quarters of final night time’s recreation. However with all of the additions this group made within the trenches on each side of the ball, there’s a sensible likelihood that this workforce can win eight video games or possibly much more.
New England Patriots
We have to taper expectations for the 2025-26 Pats.
It was laborious to not purchase into the New England Patriots’ low season hype. They employed a coach who’s a longtime winner and paired him with a second-year quarterback in Drake Maye, who regarded poised to take that subsequent step as a passer with a number of new weapons on the offensive facet of the ball. Additionally they invested closely of their offensive and defensive traces by way of the draft and free company. However on the finish of the day, this can be a new regime in New England with a quarterback who continues to be studying to play persistently on the NFL stage. Making the playoffs continues to be a chance, however the 2025-26 marketing campaign shouldn’t be thought-about a failure if the Pats miss out on the postseason.
New Orleans Saints
This most likely received’t be the worst workforce within the NFL this yr.
It wasn’t an awesome day to be a soccer fan within the Massive Straightforward. Nevertheless, there have been loads of positives that followers might come away with from Sunday’s recreation. New Orleans was a dropped go away from forcing time beyond regulation. Quarterback Spencer Rattler was capable of virtually pull off an ideal two-minute drill in his seventh NFL begin. To not point out, the protection recorded 5 sacks within the recreation, the second-most by any workforce in Week One. Don’t anticipate the Saints successful the Tremendous Bowl or something like that, however they didn’t appear like the worst workforce in soccer, which is what the expectations had been coming into this season.
New York Giants
This offense would be the NFL’s worst with Russell Wilson because the beginning quarterback.
Russell Wilson is now not the game-breaking, former MVP candidate that he was when he performed for the Seattle Seahawks. He doesn’t have the mobility that made him such a harmful participant offensively. Groups would somewhat defend the go than dedicate a defender to stopping him from working with the ball. He averages 4.5 yards per go try, which ranks twenty ninth out of 33 quarterbacks who performed in Week One. That mark was decrease than the averages of all of the quarterbacks on the Giants’ roster final season. It’s not a matter of if Russell Wilson is benched, however when.
New York Jets
The Justin Discipline reclamation undertaking is off to a wonderful begin.
Gang Inexperienced might need misplaced in Week One, however blame for the loss can’t be pinned on new quarterback Justin Fields. He took care of the soccer, accomplished 72.7% of his passes, threw for 218 yards, and scored three touchdowns. After the primary week of motion, he’s tenth within the NFL in QBR and fifth in quarterback ranking. It could’ve been an ideal outing for Fields had the Jets received the sport. The subsequent vital step is making certain he continues to play effectively towards the Payments in Week Two. That needs to be potential after Lamar Jackson confirmed Buffalo struggles towards working quarterbacks.
Philadelphia Eagles
This protection won’t be nearly as good because it was final yr.
This shouldn’t come as a lot of a shock to Eagles followers. The protection misplaced a number of key starters from final season, together with Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Additionally they needed to half methods with contributors like Isaiah Rodgers, Avonte Maddox, and Oren Burks. Any time a workforce loses seven impactful gamers, they’re going to take a step again, particularly if all seven of these guys play on one facet of the ball. Philly continues to be the workforce to beat within the NFC till confirmed in any other case, however this protection won’t be one of many three greatest models within the NFL prefer it was through the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Don’t count on to get Week One Aaron Rodgers for the complete season.
Aaron Rodgers is essentially the most vindictive soccer participant within the NFL. It shouldn’t be all that stunning that he managed to throw 4 touchdowns towards the workforce that ran him out of New York. He’s additionally extremely clever, so he most likely knew all of the weak factors within the Jets’ protection since he performed with most of these guys final season. Based mostly on Week One, he’s projected to throw 68 touchdowns, shattering the previous file of 55. I assure that won’t occur. He’ll come again right down to Earth towards stiffer competitors from the AFC North and NFC North.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy was definitely worth the extension he was given.
There have been many doubts about Brock Purdy having the ability to replicate the improbable 2023-24 season he had when San Francisco had its full arsenal of weapons after the Niners removed Deebo Samuel and handled accidents to quite a few broad receivers. Purdy silenced the doubters by going into Seattle undermanned on the wideout spot and placing collectively a game-winning drive towards one of many best-coached defensive groups within the NFL. He could not put up gaudy numbers like he used to, however he has earned his extension and confirmed that he’s the unquestioned chief of the San Francisco 49ers offense from a participant standpoint.
Seattle Seahawks
It was a mistake to maneuver on from Geno Smith.
Final yr, the Seahawks completed with the eighth-best passing assault within the NFL. Given the chance to signal Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to the sixth-most passing yards within the league, Seattle added him after buying and selling away Geno Smith on the identical day. Geno Smith threw for 362 yards and a landing in a Week One highway win, whereas Sam Darnold was held to 150 passing yards and no touchdowns in a house loss. And to prime all of it off, he fumbled the ball away on what would’ve been a game-winning drive after his arm hit one in every of his offensive linemen. Sam Darnold is an apparent downgrade from Geno Smith.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The go rush and dashing recreation have to be higher.
The Bucs won’t win many video games if their go rush solely information one sack and their working backs common 3.12 yards per carry. Baker Mayfield was Tampa’s lead rusher in Week One, which is worrisome as a result of he must be targeted on throwing the soccer, not working it. Mayfield working excessively additionally will increase the danger of damage. On the identical time, final yr’s protection was so efficient as a result of it completed tied for sixth in sacks recorded. Tristan Wirfs’ eventual return will assist the dashing assault. I don’t know if there’s a fast repair for the go rush, although.
Tennessee Titans
This workforce should get Cam Ward higher weapons.
When you solely take a look at the field rating, you’ll suppose that Cam Ward had a horrible outing in his first NFL begin, however that’s merely not true. He performed pretty effectively towards the third-ranked scoring protection from final season. Sadly for him, Tennessee’s go catchers had a number of poorly-timed drops, together with two on the ultimate drive of the sport. The Titans are doing Cam Ward no favors with the group of go catchers that they’ve assembled. Ward would additionally profit from Tennessee’s dashing assault averaging greater than 3.38 yards per carry.
Washington Commanders
Don’t count on a sophomore stoop for Jayden Daniels.
There have been some preliminary issues that Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels wouldn’t be capable to replicate his rookie season efficiency. However that concept was shortly dropped when he threw for 233 passing yards and ran for an additional 68 dashing yards towards the New York Giants, who spent some huge cash and draft capital to enhance their protection. Daniels averted turning the ball over and managed to search out seven totally different receivers for a reception on a day when he casually accomplished 19 of 30 go makes an attempt. Jayden Daniels is positioned to be probably the greatest quarterbacks within the NFL for years to come back.
