With the first week of the 2025-26 NFL season underway, many teams have already begun preparing for the playoffs, while others are booking their flights to Cancun.
WINNERS:
- Kevin O’Connell
After an impressive 14-3 record and a playoff birth in 2024, O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings’ front office made the bold decision to move on from Sam Darnold and cash in on second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Darnold was signed by Seattle, and Minnesota looked ahead with their new quarterback moving forward. In McCarthy’s first career start, the young QB played excellently in a fourth-quarter comeback to win over the Chicago Bears, 27-24. Many questions remain regarding how McCarthy will play throughout the year, but week one was a good beginning.
- The Ravens Offense
The Baltimore offense was built around the rushing duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The All-Pro combination helped the Ravens finish first in rushing last season and was the main factor for the team’s Wild Card victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heading into this year, Derrick Henry would be turning 31 years old, and as a running back with multiple years of 250+ touches, it was uncertain how well the All-Pro would perform. However, Baltimore’s week one matchup against the Buffalo Bills put these doubts to rest.
- Daniel Jones
From bust to baller. Jones signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Indianapolis Colts to battle for the starting quarterback job with Anthony Richardson. Many weren’t thrilled to hear Jones won the job over the more explosive and versatile Richardson. However, those same critics were shocked to see a 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins in week one. Jones went for nearly 300 yards and three total scores in the win. There is still uncertainty on whether Jones can continue this production; we now know the talent is still there.
- The Jets
It’s rare to see a team that lost be considered a “winner,” but the Jets definitely fit that criteria. In a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-32, the Jets looked amazing on both sides of the ball. The defense had 26 quarterback pressures and four sacks in the loss. On the other end of the ball, quarterback Justin Fields looked amazing in New York’s offense. Scoring two on the ground and one through the air, Fields delivered a powerful game that can give Jets’ fans much-needed hope and momentum. Although the loss, first-year head Coach Aaron Glenn seems to be putting this team in a better position for the future than many thought.
- Aaron Rodgers
After being cut from the Jets and not knowing where he would play for his 21st season, Rodgers went into week one with a chip on his shoulder playing his former team. Under his first game in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ black and gold, Rodgers played like it was 2021 again. Throwing for over 270 yards and four touchdowns with zero turnovers, Rodgers picked up the victory over the team that moved on from him just a few months ago. Despite some questionable defensive performances in the first half, the Steelers are looking like serious contenders with Rodgers under center.
