NFL 2025 Season: Midway Surprises
The 2025 NFL season is nearly halfway through, and, honestly, the 17-game schedule still feels a bit odd to me. Anyway, we’re looking at six teams that have caught us off guard, some in a good way and others, well, not so much.
When the season kicked off, the Indianapolis Colts were given a win total of 7.5. Now, here they are, about to hit that mark with just one win needed—and it’s not even Halloween yet!
Heading into Week 9 with an impressive 7-1 record, the Colts have emerged as one of the season’s biggest surprises. Daniel Jones has outperformed expectations in the quarterback battle with Anthony Richardson, solidifying his status as one of the league’s standout players. He’s third in adjusted net yards per attempt, second in QBR, and leads with a remarkable success rate of 56.3%.
Yet, the spotlight might actually be on Jonathan Taylor, whose 850 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns are certainly worthy of MVP consideration.
Looking ahead, the Colts still have matchups against the Chiefs and Seahawks, plus a season series with the Texans. So, things could be looking pretty sporty for Indianapolis soon. But right now? They’re the toast of the league.
Now, onto the New England Patriots. They entered the season with an over/under of 8.5 wins, which makes their current six wins—especially this late in October—less shocking. However, the manner in which they’ve secured these victories is what’s surprising.
For instance, their triumph against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football signaled to the NFL that the Patriots might be contenders. Their victory over the Cleveland Browns, despite a solid defense, became their most significant test so far. Drake Maye had an impressive showing, ranking high on various offensive stats, and it’s hard to ignore how his performance could be fueling the hype.
If you want to delve deeper into Maye’s efficiency, there are metrics that showcase his above-average completion rates and points potential.
As the Patriots face a challenging finale—including trips to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers and a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens—expect them to maintain their competitive effort.
Speaking of the Buccaneers, they’ve transformed into a top-tier NFL team this season, realizing their full potential. Their 6-2 record against a tough schedule is commendable, especially given they’ve faced five playoff-caliber teams already, like Houston and Philadelphia. Baker Mayfield has been stellar, combining flair with solid decision-making.
However, with Mike Evans now on IR, it begs the question—can they sustain this momentum? Still, they’ve shown depth and adaptability.
Then, the Seahawks. It’s almost unbelievable how well they’re doing after taking a chance on Sam Darnold—one that many thought would implode. But he’s not just getting by; he’s thriving. Seattle’s 5-2 record positions them comfortably within the NFC West. Their scoring offense is among the best, and their defense, surprisingly resilient.
That said, skepticism lingers about the strength of their competition. Still, having Darnold at the helm makes Seattle one of the season’s big surprises.
On the flip side, the Ravens have been a shocking disappointment. Losing Lamar Jackson to injury revealed a complete identity crisis in their game plan. Despite recent adjustments, their defense has crumbled in a way that’s uncharacteristic. Even if Jackson returns and things improve offensively, doubts persist about whether the defense can lift the team out of this slump.
Lastly, the Cardinals. They entered the season with expectations of 8.5 wins but could very well meet their under by Thanksgiving. After starting strong, they fell precipitously, managing just two wins since then. Kyler Murray’s inconsistency, paired with a lackluster rushing game after injuries to key players, highlights their struggles.
With a tough schedule that includes facing the Rams and other formidable teams twice, it’s hard to see the Cardinals turning their season around now.
