Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season was pretty unusual. It was marked by struggles among skill players, with many quarterbacks failing to throw for even 200 yards. Surprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts shone brightly, while Aaron Rodgers steered the Pittsburgh Steelers to a win—though big favorites like the Bengals, Buccaneers, and Broncos didn’t particularly dazzle in their victories.
It’s really tough to assess a team after just one game, and thankfully no one is asking me to—yet! I think we should take a moment to react to Sunday’s games and draw some conclusions, even if there’s still plenty of football left to be played.
Let’s revisit these hot takes later in the season and see which ones actually hold up. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments about which predictions you think are more likely to last.
Mike McDaniel Faces Tough Start
The Dolphins had a rough Week 1, suffering a humiliating 25-point loss to the Colts, having come in as road favorites. Miami’s offense has been explosive when Tua Tagovailoa is healthy, but in this game, he struggled and was ultimately replaced by Zach Wilson because of his ineffectiveness. Tagovailoa threw two interceptions and managed only 114 yards on 23 attempts. Both picks were pretty dreadful. Plus, Tyreek Hill seemed to express frustration with the performance against a defense that couldn’t find a rhythm. If Miami is going to struggle like this against a Daniel Jones-led team, it might be a long season ahead. McDaniel, who was already under pressure entering the season, didn’t make the best impression. His creative ideas look far better when his team performs well, but right now, it appears his tenure in Miami is increasingly precarious.
Lions Struggle Without Key Coordinator
The Lions lost both of their coordinators from last season—Aaron Glenn to the Jets and Ben Johnson to the Bears. In their Week 1 loss against the Green Bay Packers, it was evident how much they missed Johnson. Detroit’s defense gave up 27 points to Green Bay, largely outplayed by Jordan Love. The Lions struggled to score, only managing a touchdown in the final minutes of the game. Despite having some promising weapons, they couldn’t find success on Sunday. Their famous running back duo gained just 46 yards on 22 carries, while their receiving trio only amassed 147 yards combined. Under Johnson, the Lions had a reputation for innovative plays that gained significant yardage. After seeing this performance, I’m not quite convinced that the Packers’ defense is that formidable, especially with their challenges last season. It was clear that without Johnson, the Lions were lost offensively.
Bo Nix Struggles in Second Season
Bo Nix had a promising rookie season, leading to some optimism for the Broncos as they entered the new season. However, despite being more seasoned than most quarterbacks, Nix fell short against an average Bills defense last year, and this trend continued with a lackluster performance in a tight win against the Titans. He threw 40 passes but only gained 176 yards and had two interceptions. While winning is winning, it didn’t inspire confidence for anyone expecting a breakout season. I appreciate Denver’s defense, but I’m hesitant to trust Nix’s abilities just yet.
Justin Fields Might Be the Jets’ Future
There’s no such thing as a good loss, especially not in the first week and certainly not against Aaron Rodgers. But the Jets may have a reason for hope after Justin Fields’ impressive debut. New York signed him to a two-year deal, raising questions about his ability to manage a competent passing game. Fields, however, showed efficiency and made key plays, including two touchdown runs, making him the second-best rushing quarterback behind Lamar Jackson. If the Jets capitalize on his strengths, they could have an exciting future despite this loss. Fields, being just 26, might still have room to grow and evolve within the team.
Russell Wilson’s Time with the Giants May Be Short
While it’s possible Wilson may find a fresh start with the Giants, doubts linger about his future as the team’s starter, especially after a disappointing 21-6 loss to Washington. The Giants drafted Jackson Dart for good reason, and even skeptics like myself thought he performed well in the preseason. Wilson’s rough outing included 37 attempts for a mere 168 yards. The team lacks substantial offensive weapons except for Malik Nabers, and Wilson historically struggles with protecting the ball. While he had a remarkable career, it’s hard not to see the end of the road, especially given the current roster.
Bills Might Be a Team of Destiny
I have my eye on the Ravens as my Super Bowl pick, but wow, the Bills’ comeback in their Week 1 game was something else. Let’s hope for another Bills-Ravens playoff showdown; that would definitely be thrilling.
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