Two weeks of the 2025 NFL season have passed, and narratives are beginning to take shape, albeit prematurely. The 10 teams with a 2-0 record cannot all aspire to the Super Bowl. History confirms that some will not make the playoffs. With Week 3 underway, 11 teams find themselves with a worrying 0-2, but not everything is lost for them. What all 32 teams share is the need to reverse an early trend that hinders their progress, or to maintain one that can lead them to success.
Next, we will analyze the surprising trends of each team, evaluating whether they are real or just mirages and if they will last in the next 15 games.
Buffalo BillsInitial surprise: The Bills lead the league in rushing attempts.Verdict: Somewhat real. The offense, under the direction of coordinator Joe Brady, has put emphasis on a productive running game to support quarterback Josh Allen. This will continue as the season progresses, especially with a solid offensive line and with James Cook having a good start. Staying ahead in rushing attempts seems unlikely, but the focus on the ground game will persist.Miami DolphinsInitial surprise: The Dolphins rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.Verdict: Real. Miami struggled to run the ball in 2024, finishing 21st in rushing yards. Although they added new offensive guards and drafted Ollie Gordon II, injuries have already forced replacements for the entire right side of their offensive line, and Gordon hasn’t been consistent in the game plan. De’Von Achane has continued where he left off last season, but there are no signs that Miami’s ground production is a mirage.New England PatriotsInitial surprise: The Patriots average 10.5 accepted penalties per game.Verdict: Mirage. The Patriots have not reflected the expected discipline with Mike Vrabel in charge. This should not continue, especially with the false starts, as offensive tackles Will Campbell and Morgan Moses have combined for six.New York JetsInitial surprise: The Jets are ranked 21st in yards allowed and 30th in points allowed.Verdict: Mirage. They are not that bad on defense. They have 14 players remaining from a defense that finished fourth in yards allowed, so there is talent. Part of the problem is that they are still learning a new defense, a hybrid system. Poor tackling is not helping.AFC NorthBaltimore RavensInitial surprise: Mark Andrews’ lack of productivity.Verdict: Real. Andrews has not been part of the Ravens’ game plan, recording two receptions for 7 yards in the first two games of the season. It’s difficult to think that Andrews’ target share will increase, especially with the expected return of Isaiah Likely in the coming weeks.Cincinnati BengalsInitial surprise: The Bengals can’t run the ball.Verdict: Mirage. With Jake Browning now at quarterback instead of Joe Burrow, there’s a chance the offense finds a bit more balance, which could lead to greater efficiency in Brown’s running game.Cleveland BrownsInitial surprise: The Browns’ revamped running game has only produced one run of more than 10 yards.Verdict: Mirage. The running game should improve as Judkins gets more comfortable.Pittsburgh SteelersInitial surprise: The Steelers’ defense ranks 29th in yards and points allowed per game.Verdict: Real. The defense is terrible and there don’t seem to be any easy solutions on the horizon.AFC SouthHouston TexansInitial surprise: C.J. Stroud’s high pressure rate.Verdict: Real. The Texans’ season will fail if they don’t fix this, especially with stronger AFC rivals on the horizon.Indianapolis ColtsInitial surprise: The Colts have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.Verdict: Real. The Colts are on an offensive streak, with a combination of Daniel Jones’ decision-making, smart plays from coach Shane Steichen, and a versatile group of offensive weapons.Jacksonville JaguarsInitial surprise: The Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing.Verdict: Mirage-ish. Expecting them to lead the league throughout the season is the mirage.Tennessee TitansInitial surprise: The Titans’ third-down conversion distance is the worst in the league.Verdict: Real. Most of the problems stem from early penalties in the series. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked 11 times.AFC WestDenver BroncosInitial surprise: The Broncos are tied for 28th in the league in turnover margin.Verdict: Real. If the Broncos consider themselves ready to contend with the AFC heavyweights, they can’t live on the negative side of the turnover margin.Kansas City ChiefsInitial surprise: Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in rushing.Verdict: Mirage-ish. The Chiefs hope it’s a mirage.Las Vegas RaidersInitial surprise: The Raiders have allowed the fifth-fewest points.Verdict: Real.Los Angeles ChargersInitial surprise: The production of Quentin Johnston.Verdict: Real. Johnston should remain productive this season.
NFC
NFC East
Dallas CowboysInitial surprise: Four rushing touchdowns.Verdict: Real. If the Cowboys can be a threat on the ground, it will help Dak Prescott and his receivers find space.New York GiantsInitial surprise: Ground attack among the five worst.Verdict: Real. The racing game is already looking for answers.Philadelphia EaglesInitial surprise: A.J. Brown has not been a significant factor in the offense, with only six receptions for 35 yards.Verdict: Mirage. Assuming his health continues to improve, he should refill the stat sheet in no time.Washington CommandersInitial surprise: Terry McLaurin is on pace to get less than 700 yards.Verdict: Mirage. It’s a matter of time for McLaurin.NFC NorthChicago BearsInitial surprise: Chicago’s defense ranks 32nd in points allowed.Verdict: Real.Detroit LionsInitial surprise: The Lions are tied for the most receiving touchdowns in the NFL.Verdict: Real. Detroit was able to set a franchise record by averaging 8.8 yards per play on offense against the Bears and produced a game with at least 500 total net yards, five passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.
