2025 NFL Week 1 Winners and Losers

The first week of 2025 NFL action wrapped with an NFC North showdown, as Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears hosted J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton spent Week 1 tracking the biggest winners and losers of the opening slate.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Score: Vikings 27, Bears 24

Winner: QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

For a good chunk of Sunday's game, it felt like J.J. McCarthy's first NFL start was bound to be a disaster.

He was wildly inconsistent early before throwing a third-quarter interception to Nahshon Wright that was returned 74 yards and what, at the time, felt like the dagger to the Vikings' hopes.

The 2024 first-round pick eventually found his confidence and rebounded with a spectacular fourth quarter, throwing two scores and running one in himself.

Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores gave McCarthy the chance to settle in by establishing the run and ramping up the defensive pressure. They certainly deserve credit for eventually putting him in a favorable position.

However, young quarterbacks often crumble when things don't go their way, and McCarthy didn't.

Loser: Bears' Hopes of an Immediate Turnaround

Early on, it felt like it was going to be Chicago's night.

Caleb Williams looked more comfortable under Ben Johnson than he did at any point as a rookie, the ground game poked holes in Minnesota's defense, and the Bears enter the fourth quarter with a 17-6 lead.

The loss serves as a reminder that changing a franchise's fortunes won't happen overnight.

Johnson scripted a perfect touchdown drive to open the game, but the offense scored just three points between its first and second-to-last possessions. The Bears' new-look offensive line struggled to handle Minnesota's defensive front after some initial success, and the defense couldn't close out the game.

Chicago fans have plenty of reasons to come out of the game feeling good about the future, but the Bears head into next week's game against the Detroit Lions knowing that climbing to the top of the division will take time.

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Ravens RB Derrick Henry fumbles after taking a hit from Bills DT Ed Oliver.

Score: Bills 41, Ravens 40

Winner: DT Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills

Even though the Bills gave up 40 points, Oliver put together a spectacular performance, registering a team-high six solo tackles, three for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.

He kept the Bills in the game by stripping Derrick Henry late in the fourth quarter. Buffalo capitalized on the takeaway with a touchdown, then secured the win with a game-winning field goal on the next drive.

The offense matched scores with the Ravens' explosive unit, but Oliver's game-changing play allowed the Bills to pull off a stunning comeback down 15 points late in the final quarter.

Loser: Baltimore Ravens Defense

Looking at the Ravens' depth chart, it's hard to find a weak spot at any defensive position.

Last year, they ranked ninth in points allowed and added two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, who had a rough night in coverage, and rookie first-round safety Malaki Starks. Baltimore didn't allow more than 38 points in a game for the 2024 season.

In a Sunday night stunner, the Bills scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, turning this matchup into a track meet. Henry will hang his head over the lost fumble, though Baltimore's defenders will feel sick about allowing three consecutive scoring drives in the final seven minutes of regulation.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Rams LB Nate Landman (53) celebrates a fumble recovery.

Score: Rams 14, Texans 9

Winner: LB Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have a collection of early-round draft picks from recent years across their front seven that includes 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young.

Though Los Angeles' defensive line overwhelmed the Texans' offensive line for most of the game, Landman made the game-winning play.

On a short reception, Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale advanced into the red zone, but Landman punched the ball out and recovered it to seal the game for the Rams. He also tied for a team-leading 10 tackles.

Coming over from the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, the 26-year-old, who went undrafted in 2022, made a name for himself on Sunday.

Loser: Houston Texans' Makeshift Offensive Line

The Texans' offensive line took a loss before Sunday's contest. The club ruled out guard Ed Ingram, who's dealing with an abdominal injury. During the game, left tackle Cam Robinson and center Jake Andrews suffered injuries. The former returned, but the latter left on a cart with an ankle issue.

The Texans' new-look offensive line struggled as expected. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked three times and often had to scramble, gaining 32 yards on five runs behind unreliable protection.

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Packers QB Jordan Love

Score: Packers 27, Lions 13

Winner: QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers 

Love underwent surgery on his left thumb in August, but he showed no lingering effects in a strong performance against the Lions.

The 2020 first-round pick led three consecutive scoring drives to start the game. He made completions to nine different pass-catchers in the first half and finished with 188 passing yards and two touchdowns with a 73 percent completion rate.

With a plethora of young wide receivers at his disposal, Love should bounce back from an inconsistent 2024 campaign.

Loser: Detroit Lions' Coaching Staff

Green Bay deserves credit for its performance. However, Detroit's new coordinators, replacing those who left for head coaching jobs, seemed to struggle.

The Lions defense gave up 17 points on its first three drives on the field. With the addition of edge-rusher Micah Parsons, the Packers' pass rush generated constant pressure and sacked Jared Goff four times. 

Detroit could feel the loss of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn on offense and defense, respectively, for a few weeks. Offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard need to come up with better game plans next week.

Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Broncos RB RJ Harvey

Score: Broncos 20, Titans 12

Winner: Denver's New-Look Ground Game

This offseason, the Denver Broncos added veteran running back J.K. Dobbins and rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey to bolster a ground game that ranked just 21st in yards per carry allowed last season.

If the goal was to create a more balanced team and help take pressure off of second-year quarterback Bo Nix, mission accomplished.

Nix did not have a great game (3 turnovers), but Denver's offense was still functional, thanks in large part to Dobbins and Harvey. The Broncos rushed for 151 yards and five yards per carry as a team. A more balanced offense and some timely defense allowed Denver to get the win.

Loser: Titans' New-Look Offensive Line

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward isn't a loser because of his performance against Denver, even if it wasn't great. It was a tough first assignment, and this year's No. 1 overall pick had some bright moments to go with rookie struggles.

However, Ward can't be happy with the protection he received on Sunday. The Titans added Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr. to their starting lineup in the offseason, but the line really didn't look any better than last year's.

Moore, who signed a four-year, $82 million deal in free agency, played poorly, and the line surrendered six sacks as a unit. Tennessee also averaged just 3.4 yards per carry.

Ward will likely get better as the season goes on, but the line could remain a problem.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

49ers DC Robert Saleh

Score: 49ers 17, Seahawks 13

Winner: 49ers DC Robert Saleh

The San Francisco 49ers survived a sloppy game against the rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday thanks to some terrific defense—especially in the biggest moments.

The 49ers allowed just 227 yards and 4.5 yards per play in Week 1. Yet, they still needed a big play at the end, due in part to miscues and giveaways (two of them). Nick Bosa delivered with a game-ending strip sack and recovery.

San Francisco's defense looked a lot more like the playoff-caliber unit we've seen in years past than the group that ranked 29th in points allowed last season. It did so despite experiencing significant roster turnover in the offseason.

Credit returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who just might coach his way into another head-coaching opportunity this season.

Loser: 49ers' Attempt to Turn the Page on 2024

Injuries played a massive role in San Francisco's 2024 struggles, and they're already causing problems in 2025.

Star tight end George Kittle was ruled out early with a hamstring issue, while wideout Jauan Jennings ended up on the sideline with a shoulder problem. Guard Dominick Puni, who suffered a PCL sprain during the preseason, briefly left the game as well. Add in some struggles in the kicking game (one missed, one blocked), and this felt a lot like a game straight out of 2024.

The 49ers escaped with a win, but if any new long-term injuries occur, they could be walking into another lengthy season.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Jaguars 26, Panthers 10

Winner: Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr.

Heading into the 2025 campaign, it was unknown who would be the Liam Coen's lead back for the Jaguars. Would it be former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr.? The hard-charging Tank Bigsby? Rookie Bhayshul Tuten?

That question appears to have been answered emphatically.

Granted, it came against the NFL's worst run defense from a year ago, but Etienne had his best game in a while in Sunday's blowout win over Carolina. He carried the ball 16 times for a gaudy 143 yards, adding three catches for 13 yards,

Meanwhile, Bigsby and Tuten combined for eight touches in the game.

Loser: Panthers QB Bryce Young

The last thing the Carolina Panthers wanted in Week 1 was to see quarterback Bryce Young open the season playing like he did to kick off 2024, before Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched the 2023 No. 1 overall pick.

There's no sugarcoating Young's Week 1 performance, though. He barely completed over half his passes for 154 yards, had a woeful 4.4 yards per attempt and a pair of interceptions. His only touchdown pass of the day came with the game out of hand—and just after a pick-six was wiped out by a defensive holding call.

New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders

AP Foto/Nick Wass

Deebo Samuel

Commanders 21, Giants 6

Winner: Commanders WR Deebo Samuel

Some Commanders fans may want to see rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt here after his auspicious NFL debut: 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown.

But there was another newcomer to the nation's capital who was the biggest winner of Week 1.

Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel had himself a day against the Giants, with 10 targets (most on the team), seven catches (more than twice as many as any other Commander), a team-leading 77 receiving yards and a touchdown on a 19-yard end-around.

On a day when Terry McLaurin had just four targets and two catches, Samuel was the focal point of the Washington passing game.

Loser: New York Giants offense

It feels like Jaxson Dart is going to be mentioned a lot in the aftermath of this game.

Russell Wilson's debut for the Giants wasn't great. He had 17 completions in 37 attempts for 168 yards and a passer rating under 60.

It's not like the New York ground game gave the veteran QB any help, though. Tyrone Tracy Jr. averaged 2.4 yards per carry, and Wilson was the team's leading rusher.

The offensive front for the Giants was a major area of concern entering the season, and those worries appear to have been well-founded.

Whether it was run blocking or pass protection, Big Blue were pushed around throughout the game by a Commanders team that wasn't known for having a fearsome front in 2024.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka

Score: Buccaneers 23, Atlanta Falcons 20

Winner: WR Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When the Buccaneers chose Emeka Egbuka with this year's 19th overall draft pick, the move felt like overkill. After all, Tampa Bay already featured a talented wide receiver room with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard and Jalen McMillan.

Godwin is still recovering from last year's ankle injury, but the Bucs didn't miss a beat Sunday with Egbuka taking the veteran's spot. 

The 22-year-old caught four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL debut, including the game-winning 25-yard score with 59 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Egbuka is a premium route-runner at a young age, and the confidence he showed in his first professional game speaks volumes. 

Loser: Atlanta Falcons' Run Game

Bijan Robinson was awesome in the season opener, but the majority of his threat came as a receiver out of the backfield, where he caught six passes for a game-high 100 yards. 

Meanwhile, the Falcons' run game never really got started. Robinson managed 24 yards on 12 carries. As a team, Atlanta averaged 2.5 yards per carry. The running backs didn't have a run longer than six yards. 

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will need more help as the season progresses.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers

Score: Steelers 34, Jets 32

Winner: QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers waited patiently this offseason for their chosen quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, to sign with the team. Otherwise, the organization didn't do much to improve at the game's most important position.

And the signal-caller's performance in Week 1 validated Pittsburgh's all-in approach, at least for now. 

Rodgers doesn't need to be an MVP-caliber quarterback at this point in his career, because the Steelers have plenty of talent throughout the roster. But when their 41-year-old quarterback completes 73.3 percent of his passes (on 30 attempts) and throws four touchdown passes, they are getting more than they expected. 

Loser: WR/KR Xavier Gipson, New York Jets

Overall, the Jets played well and now have something to build around on offense for the first time in years. However, a special teams gaffe cost them when they had every opportunity to leave Sunday's contest with a victory. 

The Jets led by two points in the fourth quarter, but Xavier Gipson fumbled a kickoff return. The Steelers recovered and scored two plays later, turning the game in their favor.

The Jets did respond, but Pittsburgh scored 14 points in what turned out to be less than one minute of game play during the final frame. 

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Saints QB Spencer Rattler

Cardinals 20, Saints 13

Winner: Cardinals S Budda Baker

Budda Baker is widely considered one of the best safeties in the NFL, and he played like it Sunday in New Orleans.

On a day where both offenses had some Week 1 choppiness action going on, the seven-time Pro Bowler was a force from start to finish. He led all players in the game with 10 total tackles, adding a tackle for loss and a critical pass defended late on.

Sunday's victory was a little closer than expected, but Arizona is 1-0—and Baker was a key part of the win.

Loser: Saints QB Spencer Rattler

This one feels a little mean, because an argument can be made that Rattler played better than most expected.

However, better than expected and good are two separate things.

To the quarterback's credit, he didn't turn the ball over. He was only sacked once, and he showed some ability to gain yardage with his legs. But his 4.7 yards per attempt, lack of a touchdown pass and 70.4 passer rating showed what we already knew.

The offensive ceiling in New Orleans is severely capped with Rattler under center.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Bengals QB Joe Burrow

Bengals 17, Browns 16

Winner: Bengals HC Zac Taylor

The Zac Taylor era in Cincinnati has been plagued by slow starts. Last year, the Bengals were stunned in Week 1 at home by a poor New England Patriots team on the way to an 0-3 start.

Sunday, Cincinnati managed just 141 yards of offense and 11 first downs. Wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for five catches for 59 yards.

Were it not for a pair of missed kicks, the Bengals would have lost this game. But those kicks were missed, and Cincinnati is 1-0.

Taylor can take a deep breath—for now.

Loser: Any semblance of hope in Cleveland

Sunday's loss to the Bengals was about as Cleveland-like a start to the season as you can get.

The Browns outgained the Bengals by a margin of well over 2-to-1. The Cleveland defense held quarterback Joe Burrow to just 113 passing yards and a single touchdown.

But thanks to a pair of Joe Flacco interceptions (on tipped balls) and a lousy day from Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt, the Browns snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

It's going to be a long season for the Browns.

New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers

Score: Raiders 20, Patriots 13

Winner: WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders

Meyers has been in a contract dispute with the Raiders' front office over the past couple of months. Despite a pending trade request, though, he's gone about business as usual. Against New England, he caught eight passes for 97 yards.

All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers also exited in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. If the Georgia product is out, Meyers becomes more valuable to the Raiders' aerial attack.

Loser: RG Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders

As a unit, the Raiders' offensive line struggled to handle blitzes. The Patriots attacked Powers-Johnson early and often, and he whiffed on multiple blocks that resulted in sacks through the first half.

The 2024 second-rounder also drew a flag for an ineligible man downfield, which the Patriots declined, and unnecessary roughness that forced the Raiders to punt on 4th-and-31 late in the second quarter. 

Fans wondered why the coaching staff moved Powers-Johnson from center to right guard, and they have an early answer. He needs to improve his ability to pick up the blitz and reduce penalties after committing 11 infractions last year.

Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore forces fumble against Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Score: Colts 33, Dolphins 8

Winner: Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo

So much went right for the Indianapolis Colts that multiple different winners could have been selected. However, the turnaround seen on the team's defense in Week 1 after years of a bland and outdated approach from previous defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was nothing short of stunning.

New Colts DC Lou Anarumo had Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's head spinning. Miami's 43 first-half yards were the fewest by a Dolphins team since 1991, according to the CBS telecast.

Indianapolis sacked Tagovailoa three times, intercepted the quarterback twice, forced a fumble and allowed only 211 yards.

This defensive approach can play each week.

Loser: Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel

Questions about Mike McDaniel's long-term status with the Dolphins were already bubbling under the surface. But a dismantling at the hands of the Colts, who hadn't won a game in Week 1 since the 2013 campaign, firmly places the Miami head coach on the hot seat.

The Dolphins looked completely unprepared for the start of the season, and Tyreek Hill's obvious frustration on the sideline is a powder keg ready to explode.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

Chargers WR Quentin Johnston

Score: Chargers 27, Chiefs 21

Winner: WR Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

An honorable mention could go to Justin Herbert or Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman because L.A.'s offense looked a lot more dynamic and pass-friendly than it did at any point in 2024.

Adding the likes of Omarion Hampton and Kennan Allen has given Herbert an improved supporting cast and Roman more flexibility.

However, it had to feel good to be Quentin Johnston walking out of Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday.

After having a minimal impact as a rookie and battling drops in 2024, the 24-year-old—for at least a night—ended the bust talk. He repeatedly knifed through Kansas City's coverage and made multiple big-time catches, including two for touchdowns.

Fantasy enthusiasts should prepare themselves to see Johnston as a top waiver target next week.

Loser: OT Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs

Friday brought the regular-season debut of Chiefs rookie left tackle Josh Simmons. Against a talented, Jim Harbaugh-coached defense, one might have excused the rookie for a rough outing.

Simmons did have a few rookie moments, including a holding penalty, but he looked like a seasoned pro compared to right tackle Jawaan Taylor. The six-year veteran was flagged multiple times for holding and for false starts, at one point earning him an earful from tight end Travis Kelce.

For the Chiefs, it was a sloppy overall night, which began with No. 1 receiver Xavier Worthy getting knocked from the game with a shoulder injury. Taylor was a liability, though, and he could be a problem for Kansas City moving forward.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

Score: Eagles 24, Cowboys 20

Winner: QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Does anyone else remember the conversations about Hurts being overrated this offseason? Well, he answered the critics without an outstanding performance Thursday against the Cowboys.

The Eagles quarterback completed 82.6 percent of his passes during the contest. More importantly, his mobility kept Philadelphia ahead of the chains when needed.

In fact, the quarterback led the Eagles with 62 rushing yards. He made the necessary plays to show he can be the driving force behind Philadelphia's offense.

Loser: DL Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

While Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb struggled with multiple drops in the second half, he still had opportunities to help his team.

In contrast, Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected before taking a snap after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Yes, the Eagles still found a way to win despite their top defender not being on the field. At the same time, Carter's lack of maturity and understanding of the moment shouldn't be lost on anyone, particularly those within his own locker room.

The 24-year-old has the potential to be an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate, as long as he doesn't continue to make poor decisions.