The opening week of the 2025 NFL season is underway, and we’re already off to a wild begin.
Within the season opener on Thursday, the Eagles held off the Cowboys regardless of a lightning delay and the ejection of defensive sort out Jalen Carter earlier than the primary play from scrimmage. The motion continued Friday night time, when the Chargers surprised the Chiefs with a decent win in São Paulo, Brazil. And within the early window Sunday, new Colts quarterback Daniel Jones scored three whole touchdowns in a blowout win over the Dolphins.
Our NFL Nation reporters are reacting to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing every part else it is advisable know for each workforce. Let’s get to it.
Leap to:
PIT-NYJ | NYG-WSH | LV-NE
ARI-NO | MIA-IND
KC-LAC | DAL-PHI
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What occurred to the offseason emphasis on enhancing the run protection? The calendar mentioned Sept. 7, but it surely felt like Jan. 11, because the Steelers’ protection obtained repeatedly gashed on the bottom. On a day when Aaron Rodgers threw for 4 TDs in his Steelers debut, issues felt just like their 2024 season-ending playoff loss in opposition to the Ravens — one which coach Mike Tomlin mentioned closely influenced the workforce’s offseason strikes. The Steelers couldn’t sluggish operating again Breece Corridor and struggled to include quarterback Justin Fields. The protection was with out first-round DL Derrick Harmon (MCL sprain), however the issues went past lacking a rookie because the Jets racked up 182 dashing yards and three dashing touchdowns, together with Fields’ 1-yard rating within the fourth quarter on a run faux to present the Jets the lead with seven minutes remaining.
Most stunning efficiency: Ben Skowronek. The huge receiver and particular teamer, who was nicknamed “Dirtbag” by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for his affinity for doing the soiled work, caught Rodgers’ first landing as a Steeler and was a key a part of the momentum-swinging fourth-quarter play to get better a fumble pressured by Kenneth Gainwell on kickoff protection. The 2021 seventh-round choose by the Rams grew to become quick pals with Rodgers throughout the offseason, and their connection instantly translated to the sector. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Are the 2025 Jets studying from the ‘Similar Outdated Jets’ script? The 2024 Jets misplaced a franchise-record six video games after main within the fourth quarter. Coach Aaron Glenn’s mission is to alter the narrative, to show these aren’t the “Similar Outdated Jets.” This wasn’t the way in which to begin. Tortured by their former quarterback, Rodgers, the Jets blew not one, however two leads within the fourth quarter, struggling a crushing defeat. The script was acquainted. There have been expensive penalties and protection breakdowns and Rodgers’ 4 touchdowns. There have been some positives, totally on offense. But when Glenn desires to alter the shedding tradition, his workforce must discover a technique to win video games like this.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Fields made huge performs along with his legs, dashing for 48 yards and two touchdowns — however that’s hardly an upset. We’re speaking about among the finest operating quarterbacks within the NFL. No, the stunning a part of his efficiency was his accuracy from the pocket and his general command. Fields, who had a shaky preseason (to be form), accomplished 16 of twenty-two passes for 218 yards and a landing. He saved his eyes downfield and match the ball into a few tight home windows. If he retains it up, and if the Jets can run it as successfully as they did on Sunday (182 yards), they’ll win extra video games than folks count on. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Is the protection this good? They’ll get a greater really feel Thursday at Inexperienced Bay. However the Commanders’ beefed-up entrance helped. The run protection (Thirtieth-ranked final season) allowed solely 38 yards on 15 carries to the Giants’ operating backs, as tackles Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne (amongst others) stood out. Washington’s line depth factored into harassing quarterback Russell Wilson into 17-of-37 passing. The Commanders protection, Thirtieth in factors per recreation within the fourth quarter final season, didn’t permit any Sunday. Sure, it was in opposition to a weak offense, however Washington wanted this begin.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Jayden Daniels was not as correct as traditional, throwing behind his goal on a number of throws over the center, which partly explains why he was simply 3-of-8 on third down. And but: Daniels’ 71 yards dashing have been pivotal and he nonetheless threw for 233 yards. He shall be extra correct, which bodes effectively for this offense. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Are these the identical Giants from the previous two years? The offense regarded awfully related, regardless of subbing out Daniel Jones for Wilson. The Giants completed with 231 whole yards and 6 factors. Their offensive line struggled badly they usually reverted to throwing the ball to star huge receiver Malik Nabers within the second half. Returning 10 of 11 starters and solely including Wilson wasn’t the answer in Week 1. However what has modified is rookie Jaxson Dart ready in reserve and an improved protection. The unit completed with three sacks and saved them on this recreation.
Key stat to know: When below strain, Wilson was 2-of-12 for 26 yards with two sacks and two scrambles. The veteran QB and a leaky offensive line (with out LT Andrew Thomas) have been a foul mixture. Wilson isn’t as cell as he as soon as was. He regarded skittish below strain in his first recreation with the Giants, going 0-for-5 with a sack below strain within the first half alone. Not a profitable formulation. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent recreation: at Cowboys (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Can the Raiders’ protection keep a excessive degree of play? After the Raiders struggled to include New England’s passing recreation within the first half, they stepped up within the second half. Las Vegas held the Patriots scoreless within the remaining two quarters. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was sacked twice and pressured seven occasions. The Raiders will face a lot stronger offenses later within the season, beginning with the Chargers subsequent week. However their means to make changes within the second half is an encouraging signal for a unit that had a number of purple flags going into the season.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Geno Smith’s first drive was every part the Raiders might hope for, ending with a 26-yard landing cross to Tre Tucker. After the offense stalled, Smith settled again in and helped Las Vegas rating 10 unanswered factors within the second half. Smith additionally did job spreading the ball round. All-Professional tight finish Brock Bowers totaled 5 catches for 103 yards whereas wideout Jakobi Meyers had eight catches for 97 yards. — Ryan McFadden
Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Monday, 10 p.m. ET)
What can QB Drake Maye do to raise the offense? Maye’s preseason struggles with excessive throws continued into the common season. The Patriots want to deal with how greatest to settle him down early and produce a greater success fee on higher-percentage throws. Maye did discover extra of a rhythm as the primary half progressed however then obtained derailed popping out of halftime and performed a poor second half because the Patriots fizzled out. He completed 30-of-46 for 287 yards with one landing and one interception — a stat line that was bolstered on a remaining drive when the Raiders have been enjoying a prevent-style protection — as Raiders QB Geno Smith outdueled him in making the crucial throws.
Turning level: The Patriots led 10-7 at halftime and acquired the kickoff to open the second half, however Maye was intercepted on a downfield cross when proper sort out Morgan Moses and proper guard Mike Onwenu struggled to deal with a stunt and Maye was hurried and hit within the chest as he threw. The Raiders turned the choose right into a TD and by no means trailed once more. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Are the offensive inconsistencies regarding? Not now they aren’t. The Cardinals confirmed flashes of brilliance (Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 45-yard catch and Trey McBride’s 25-yard snag come to thoughts), however there have been extra damaged and unproductive performs, momentum-killing sacks and penalties than they’d need. There’s the caveat that this was Week 1 and a variety of kinks shall be ironed out earlier than their subsequent recreation. However the variety of destructive performs (seven) and performs that didn’t achieve any yards (4) are drive stallers. If the offense doesn’t present noticeable progress subsequent week, the inconsistencies might grow to be a priority.
Most stunning efficiency: Operating again Trey Benson had a brand new profession excessive at one level on Sunday with 69 yards, however then misplaced yardage earlier than he gained it again once more. The backup operating again shined within the season opener, because of a 52-yard run within the third quarter that just about tripled his earlier career-long of 20 yards. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent recreation: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
How shortly can the Saints repair their self-inflicted wounds? Penalties, clock administration points and even a uncommon missed kick from Blake Grupe have been a few of the most regarding points that got here out of this loss recreation. New Orleans made puzzling utilization of its timeouts, letting the Cardinals bleed the clock on the finish of the primary half after which not utilizing one on its final offensive drive of the sport. The penalties have been one other concern, because the Saints completed with 13, a problem they’ll should reverse by subsequent week.
Most stunning efficiency: Defensive finish Cameron Jordan. It took Jordan 10 video games to get his first sack final season in what he has admitted was a really tough 12 months for him professionally. However Jordan, 36, was off to begin for Yr 15, ending the sport with 1.5 sacks, three pressures and a batted cross. He reworked his contract within the offseason for a incentive-based deal based mostly on sacks, needing 5 to make $300,000. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
What does Sunday’s efficiency say about Daniel Jones’ potential? This recreation went precisely in line with plan for Jones and the Colts. All alongside, coach Shane Steichen had predicted Jones could be a fast decision-maker and never power unhealthy throws. He confirmed that by delivering on-time, fast throws but additionally using well timed aggressive downfield targets to Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce. Jones completed 22-of-29 for 272 yards and a landing cross. He additionally added two dashing scores on goal-line sneaks, changing into the primary Colts quarterback with two dashing touchdowns in a season opener.
Development to observe: The Colts used a wide range of blitzes Sunday, one thing the workforce not often employed below former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. However below new coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts obtained aggressive. DBs Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross recorded sacks and defensive finish Laiatu Latu had an interception whereas dropping into protection on a artistic blitz name. Indianapolis ranked twenty ninth in blitz fee in 2024 at 18.7%. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
The place was the connection between Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill? Tagovailoa appeared out of sync along with his prime goal, which is smart contemplating he hasn’t taken stay recreation snaps with Hill since December. The Dolphins’ main receiver completed with 4 catches for 40 yards on six targets, however 21 of these got here on a single completion. Neither participant appeared involved about their cohesiveness throughout the week, however this efficiency raised eyebrows. They’ve a date subsequent week with the Patriots and coach Mike Vrabel, whose Titans groups gave Miami bother in 2021 and 2023.
Most stunning efficiency: The Dolphins’ entrance seven is meant to be the power of their protection, but it surely didn’t make an impression Sunday. Indianapolis scored on its first seven possessions, gashing the Dolphins’ protection with 156 dashing yards. Jones was additionally surgical at any time when Miami was capable of strain him, finishing 5 of 6 passes for 72 yards and a landing — with a whopping plus-16% completion proportion over expectation, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent recreation: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
What’s happening with proper guard Mekhi Becton? Becton regarded exhausted all through Friday night time’s recreation and frolicked on the sideline receiving oxygen throughout offensive sequence. He missed three weeks of coaching camp apply with an undisclosed damage and got here into Friday night time’s recreation questionable with an undisclosed sickness. The constructive signal for the Chargers is that Becton completed the sport on the sector, however the variety of snaps he missed was regarding.
Most stunning efficiency: Chargers huge receiver Quentin Johnston completed with 5 catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns, buoying the Chargers’ victory. He has been one of many Chargers’ most maligned gamers in his first three years, struggling to search out consistency since his rookie season. Friday was an indication that he might attain the potential that made him a first-round choose in 2023. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Monday, 10 p.m. ET)
Will Xavier Worthy’s damage put the Chiefs’ offense again in the identical predicament as final season? After his first cross of the season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was with out three of his key receivers — Rashee Rice (suspended the primary six weeks), rookie Jalen Royals (knee tendonitis) and Worthy (proper shoulder). If Worthy and Royals are unavailable subsequent week, Mahomes will seemingly should be a superhero once more, relying totally on tight finish Travis Kelce and his improvisational expertise. The one receiver who can nonetheless make a distinction is Hollywood Brown, who completed this week’s recreation with 99 receiving yards.
Stat to know: Getting into the season opener, the Chiefs had received a league-record 17 straight one-score video games, together with the playoffs. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was glorious within the second half, permitting his workforce to maintain its lead regardless of Mahomes’ spectacular rallying efforts. Within the second half, Herbert accomplished 13 of his 16 cross makes an attempt for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs blitzed him typically, sacking him twice, however he sealed the victory when he scrambled to his proper for a 19-yard achieve on a third-and-14 simply earlier than the two-minute warning. — Nate Taylor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 4:20 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Can the secondary get issues buttoned up for his or her Week 2 matchup in opposition to the Chiefs? The cornerback spot reverse Quinyon Mitchell was a query mark all summer season and stays so after Adoree’ Jackson was flagged for a cross interference, yielded 5 catches for 103 yards and missed two tackles, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. The end result might have been worse if not for some crucial drops by Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio must determine whether or not to make the transfer to Jakorian Bennett, who was acquired from the Raiders in August, or persist with Jackson for the Tremendous Bowl rematch in opposition to Patrick Mahomes.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Tremendous Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts picked up the place he left off, benefiting from giant dashing lanes to attain a pair of dashing touchdowns and propel the Eagles’ offense. He now has 16 video games with a number of dashing touchdowns, extending his NFL report for a QB (second is Josh Allen with 12). — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Sunday, 4:20 p.m. ET)
Is there a purpose to be inspired even in a loss? Most likely so, however let’s do not forget that an unsightly win is healthier than a morale-serving loss. The offense has an opportunity to be explosive, and the younger line carried out a lot better than anticipated. The protection struggled at first (123 dashing yards within the first half) however solely allowed three factors within the second half. Taking part in the defending Tremendous Bowl champ on their celebratory night time is rarely simple, but the Cowboys hung with the Eagles. They opened some eyes with what they did, however they nonetheless want a win in Week 2 in a foul method.
Turning level: In video games in opposition to groups just like the Eagles, margins for error are slim, which is why Lamb’s drops have been crucial. However Miles Sanders’ fumble on the Eagles’ 9-yard line within the third quarter flipped the momentum. Sanders obtained the Cowboys in place to retake the lead within the third quarter with a 49-yard achieve, his longest since 2020, however then he misplaced the ball on his subsequent carry. On the following three possessions, the Cowboys didn’t make it to Eagles’ territory. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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