NFL Week 1: Key Questions & Takeaways

The initial week of the 2025 NFL season is occurring, and already, the competition has been very energetic.

During the Thursday season debut, the Eagles resisted the Cowboys despite intense weather and the removal of Philadelphia defensive player Jalen Carter before the opening period. The excitement kept going on Friday night, as the Chargers shocked the Chiefs by securing a victory in Sao Paulo.

On Sunday afternoon, fresh Colts quarterback Daniel Jones achieved three touchdowns in the success over the Dolphins. The quarterbacks who switched groups were rivals, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers succeeded over Justin Fields and the Jets. Later on, the Packers defeated the Lions with edge rusher Micah Parsons’ first presence for Green Bay. Meanwhile, the 49ers returned to beat the Seahawks with the winning touchdown during the remaining minutes. The Bills ended the night by recovering to win against the Ravens.

Our NFL Nation reporters are commenting on all the events, responding to the current questions during the competition and giving details about everything you must know regarding each team. Let’s go.

Jump to:
BAL-BUF | TEN-DEN | DET-GB
SF-SEA | HOU-LAR | CAR-JAX
TB-ATL | CIN-CLE | PIT-NYJ
NYG-WSH | LV-NE | ARI-NO
MIA-IND | KC-LAC | DAL-PHI

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Bills

Can Josh Allen’s great skill compensate for a defense that experienced obstacles? Absolutely yes. The Bills were headed for an unfavorable result, with the defense experiencing challenges throughout the competition, allowing larger passes both outside and inside, experiencing difficulty with securing plays and enabling the Ravens to achieve scores with ease. However, Allen assisted the Bills in staying connected. He showed an amazing performance, completing 33 passes of 46 attempts for 394 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, and achieving two rushing touchdowns.

Turning point: Defensive player Ed Oliver induced Derrick Henry to release the ball, which was recovered by Terrel Bernard. This occurred when only three minutes were remaining. The Bills were down 40-32. The recovery resulted in Allen achieving a 1-yard touchdown as the Bills took a 2-point conversion, but did not succeed. The defense forced a Ravens three-and-out, placing Buffalo for the winning field goal as time came to an end. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next game: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Ravens

How terrible was the loss for the Ravens? This competition was the Ravens’ biggest breakdown of the Lamar Jackson era. Baltimore became the team in 2017 to have a loss despite being up 15 or more during the final four minutes. The Ravens’ main challenge was turnovers, similar to the divisional playoff loss. Henry’s forced release with 3:06 left halted Baltimore’s movement. Currently, after falling to 0-1, the Ravens are returning back to Baltimore to compete against the Browns before encountering two other Super Bowl competitors — the Monday night competition at home against the Detroit Lions during Week 3 and a Week 4 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Key stat to know: Receiver DeAndre Hopkins knows how to make an excellent first presence. During the third period, his first attempt to catch for the Ravens was a one-handed catch for 29-yards that resulted in a touchdown. This was Hopkins’ fourth one-handed touchdown reach since 2017, which is equal to Courtland Sutton and Garrett Wilson for leading most of NFL.

Best quote from the locker room: “I informed my friends following the competition that the loss relies on me. I take it like a man,” Henry said. “Since returning, we put emphasis on taking care of the ball. I became unmindful. They performed a play, but the loss relies on me. I feel the situation would be very different if I were to take care of the ball.” — Jamison Hensley

Next game: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Broncos

Where are the changes that Broncos’ trainer Sean Payton had promised for the offense? Over the course of the season, Payton had guaranteed improvements in the competition so that it can be more successful. Along with the improvements, he hoped to make the special teams stronger. With the reminder that winning is winning, the Broncos’ defense showed major playoff efforts. If the defense is going to have to confront areas that are left by the offensive team, it will be more challenging to overcome in the event that the defensive is not against a QB in his first start. Denver appeared disconnected on offensive for a lot of the time (three turnovers, two penalty delays) with a run game that was a nonfactor until it almost became too late. The Broncos had 74 of rushing yards during the final period.

What to make of the QB performance: Bo Nix was caught up within the struggle that did not appear to become easier until the Broncos’ run team powered them to achieving a fourth-quarter score. Similar to last season’s opening, he experienced two interceptions. He was also inexperienced in when he was struck during the first part. Despite the Titans’ hard work, the second-year quarterback looks to forward to protecting that are not surprised by his running abilities. The Titans had Nix throw, leaning and fading.

Best quote from the locker room: “I feel we competed as we were intending to,” linebacker Alex Singleton said about the Denver’s defense. “I glanced around and felt like this was scary.” The Broncos experienced six sacks. The Titans had five drives during the first Broncos’ 50-yard mark, leaving with three field scores. — Jeff Legwold

Next game: at Colts (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Titans

With the top pick during the center, how long will the Titans be a heavily run team? Brian Callahan has expressed his confidence in the running attempt. Tennessee initially opened with two consecutive passes before rookie Cam Ward went around the tension to find Tony Pollard for a first down on third-and-11. Callahan turned to Pollard during Denver’s turnovers. Inexplicably, he did not run the ball on a path that began at Tennessee’s 7-yard spot with 47 seconds within the first period. The numbers were skewed to passing games. As the Broncos drew away, we will observe if Callahan opens some more for Ward next week.

What to make of the QB performance: Ward expressed his calmness as he moved around the space for all with the exception of 2 plays, where he was sacked. He has to become knowledgeable in getting the ball out faster, even if he is throwing the ball away. In spite of failing to complete half of his shots, Ward succeeded in some throws to Gunnar Helm.

Best quote from the locker room: “You must consult the instructors about that,” cornerback L’Jarius Sneed said regarding competing in 19 shots without a second-half shot. “I am not in control of that. I did not tweak anything. I am good. This is a coaching choice. I had knowledge that I would be pitching but had no knowledge it would go. I am very sad. I felt great. I wanted to provide more.” — Turron Davenport

Next game: vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Packers

How is Micah Parsons intending to assist the defense? With the limited action that he had, Parsons could experience big things in the coming future. It occurred until the fourth period that he recorded his first sack. During the second period, he caused Lions quarterback Jared Goff to throw quickly, which resulted in an Evan Williams interception. Parsons had collapsed in the leading to Lukas Van Ness’ third-quarter sack. Parsons’ workload would not raise significantly during the short turnaround game this Thursday, but the impact will not be limited.

What to make of the QB performance: After missing training time due to the injury, Jordan Love appeared to come out slowly. He completed 5 passes of 7 attempts with a pair of touchdowns on throws with 15 or more air yards during the first half. The biggest action was a 48-yard deep ball to Romeo Doubs during the second period which led to a 19-yard score from Jayden Reed. While the team struggled during the second half, Josh Jacobs was running well and set a record with scoring a rushing TD. — Rob Demovsky

Next game: vs. Commanders (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Lions

How cautious should Detroit be with their offensive performance? Was it due to the first game or adjusting to the John Morton trainer? Either way, the Detroit’s team was not powerful while in Green Bay as it failed to score a touchdown. According to the ESPN Research, this had not occurred since 2023 (Week 7 at Baltimore). Isaac TeSlaa had scored Detroit’s TD during the competition’s last minute. Detroit was the leader in the NFL with 33.2 scores per game. With most of the core unit returning, they had their first road loss during the NFC Championship Game at San Francisco.

Trend to watch: Terrion Arnold was disqualified during the second period due to a groin injury. The 2024 season saw a lot of injuries as 21 Detroit players were on the list which was the most in the NFL. 16 of the defensive players were on that list. — Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

49ers

With main injuries, the 49ers salvaged the competition, but can it be sustained? On Sunday, the Niners experienced George Kittle and Trent Williams in the injury tent at the same time. Fred Warner was also scared by his injury before coming back. In the second half, Jauan Jennings did not return. The Niners are excited about their young talent, the star veterans still must take over. The injury issues appeared similar to what occurred last season. If it continues, we have already seen what it can mean for a Niners campaign unless they receive more heroism from Brock Purdy.

Stat to know: Jake Moody has succeeded in 12 of the 23 field attempts. Since Week 10 of last season, this 52% rate is lower than those kickers who have been attempting at least 10 field kicks in this period. On Sunday, he missed from 27 yards during the first half and had a 36-yarder blocked during the second half. This made him the first San Francisco kicker to have two misses since 2006. The Niners are patient with Moody, so it is fair to wonder if that tolerance is gone.

Best quote from the locker room: “I feel we have a fresh team. Having new people compete for the first time and winning a tough competition against a good team is a big deal,” said Christian McCaffrey. — Nick Wagoner

Next game: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Seahawks

Is it crucial for the Seahawks’ team to protect them? The loss supported the thought of how the defense must protect them while the offensive catches up. Mike Macdonald allowed the winning touchdown after picking off Purdy, again and again but not breaking, and putting the offensive on most of the afternoon. Sam Darnold (16-of-23, 150 yards) had a chance to win the competition, but released the ball in the breaking space.

Trend to watch: Who is the Seahawk’s running back? Kenneth Walker III had the start, but Zach Charbonnet succeeded. Charbonnet beat Walker 29-20 and ended with 47 yards, with Seattle’s only touchdown. Walker had 13 shots for 24 yards.

Best quote from the locker room: “I am unable to sugarcoat it. You wait to compete and coming out on top is hard to swallow,” safety Julian Love said. — Brady Henderson

Next game: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Rams

When will the Rams’ team begin? The Rams have a history of weak starts when beginning 1-4 in 2024 and 3-6 in 2023. In the present year, quarterback Matthew Stafford had missed a part of his camp as he was having back problems. The Rams started off 1-0 after their defense did not allow a Texans touchdown on Sunday. The team scored 14 points. Puka Nacua experienced the strongest performance, achieving 10 catches for 110 yards.

Key stat to know: Stafford’s 245 passing yards pushed him over 60,000 yards, becoming the 10th quarterback in NFL history to hit the mark. According to research, Stafford matched with Matt Ryan as the second-fastest player. Drew Brees reached the score earlier.

Best quote from the locker room: Nacua had stitches after cutting his face during the first-quarter. He came back in the second period and posted catches during his first round back. Sean McVay said that Nacua is tough while on the field. Stafford said that when tackle football becomes Puka Nacua’s game.

Texans

Is it the old team? The Texans had new receivers, linemen, a playmaker and a starting running back. The team did not succeed and the offenses did not score the touchdown. Stroud was struck three times and was being forced back on his dropbacks. There were holdings, starts and shifts.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Not getting touches from Collins. Collins finished with three catches for 25 yards. The Rams wanted to include him.

Best quote from the locker room: Stroud called the loss a wake-up call and stated that they must attempt to practice more during the week.

Next game: vs. Buccaneers (Monday, 7 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Jaguars

How should we feel about the Jaguars’ performance? The Jaguars forced two turnovers and stopped two downs. It could become different for the additions since last year.

Most surprising performance: Etienne is the top back. The job was won by him. All four had runs. — Mike DiRocco

Next game: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Panthers

Was Young’s end tease? Young had been horrible in the opening day. He had additional picks and saved. He had a passing touchdown but was bad.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Stopping the run.

Best quote from the locker room: Canales pat Young. Canales and Young must talk. It was frustrating. — David Newton

Next game: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Buccaneers

Does the win raise questions or reflect to celebrate? These are closers. Mayfield missed some connections. Dennis was facing against Robinson and cost them a score. Mayfield made plays and after surrendering a touchdown, Mayfield drove a two minute and Egbuka succeeded.

Turning point: Kancey stuffed Robinson. Mayfield located Egbuka. — Jenna Laine

Next game: at Texans (Monday, 7 p.m. ET)

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Falcons

What can do to unlock the team? Robinson made a touchdown. Atlanta went. The team will need better play.

What to make of the QB performance: Penix plays with his feet. Atlanta will need more from the games. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: at Vikings (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)