Week 1 of the NFL season is always a whirlwind of excitement, and this year was no exception. The anticipation leading up to the games, fueled by the offseason drama and training camp battles, finally culminated in a flurry of touchdowns, upsets, and memorable plays. But beyond the highlights, some crucial storylines emerged, prompting both celebration and concern among fans and analysts.
One of the biggest surprises was Daniel Jones's stellar performance for the Indianapolis Colts. His impressive debut, with minimal incompletions and multiple touchdowns, left many questioning whether his previous tenure with the New York Giants truly reflected his potential. While early success shouldn't guarantee a season of dominance, Jones certainly made a strong statement.
Aaron Rodgers's return to form also grabbed headlines. A four-touchdown, zero-interception game against his former team, the New York Jets, solidified his place among the league's elite quarterbacks. While age and injury concerns remain, Rodgers clearly showed that he still has plenty of magic left in his arsenal.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals' narrow victory raised concerns about their offensive line's ability to protect Joe Burrow. While Zac Taylor's team scraped through with a win, their recurring struggles in protecting their franchise quarterback remain a significant worry. This weakness could easily cost them later in the season.
The Detroit Lions also had a less-than-ideal start. With new coordinators on both offense and defense, it was expected there would be a period of adjustment. However, the slow start underlines the challenges of implementing significant changes to a team's strategy in a short timeframe.
J.J. McCarthy's performance for the Minnesota Vikings further captured attention. Although his debut was uneven at first, he displayed strong second-half play and secured NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. McCarthy’s arrival has injected excitement into Minnesota, but his long-term potential remains to be seen.
The highly anticipated showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills delivered one of the most thrilling games of the week, ending with a nail-biting victory for the Bills. The game’s quality and intensity, combined with the teams' reputations, cemented its status as a potential ‘Game of the Year’ contender.
Looking ahead to Super Bowl contention, several teams already stand out: The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their opening loss, still remain powerful contenders thanks to Patrick Mahomes; the Baltimore Ravens, despite some critical late-game lapses; the Philadelphia Eagles, although their Week 1 win was not entirely smooth; the Green Bay Packers, who played a consistently sound game; and the Buffalo Bills, who displayed resilience and the brilliance of Josh Allen.
On the other end of the spectrum, the fight for the 2026 NFL Draft’s first pick is already heating up. The Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins all showed significant weaknesses in Week 1, putting them in a strong position to compete for the top draft pick. The Chicago Bears, despite an early touchdown, also displayed inconsistency that hints at a potential struggle this season.
Week 1 provided plenty of excitement and established key storylines. While it's early, the season's trajectory is beginning to take shape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what unfolds in the weeks to come.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6617302/2025/09/11/nfl-trending-week-2-vikings-jj-mccarthy/
