The 2025 NFL season is just beginning, and narratives are already starting to form, albeit prematurely. Of the ten teams with a 2-0 record, not all will reach the Super Bowl. History confirms this. Likewise, the eleven teams with 0-2 are not all out of contention. What all 32 teams share is the need to reverse negative trends or continue positive ones to achieve their goals. We analyze the key trends of each team.
The initial surprise: The Bills lead the league in rushing attempts.
The Verdict: Real, to a certain extent. The offense, under coordinator Joe Brady, prioritizes the running game to support quarterback Josh Allen. This will continue, especially with a solid offensive line and with James Cook showing good performance. If the Bills can take the lead early, as in their victory against the Jets, the emphasis on the running game will persist, although leading in rushing attempts seems less likely.Miami DolphinsThe initial surprise: The Dolphins rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.
The verdict: Real. Miami struggled to run the ball in 2024, finishing 21st in rushing yards. Although reinforcements were added, including Ollie Gordon II, injuries on the offensive line and Gordon’s lack of consistency complicate the situation. De’Von Achane continues to stand out, but Miami’s ground production doesn’t seem to be an illusion.New England PatriotsThe initial surprise: The Patriots average 10.5 accepted penalties per game.
The verdict: Mirage. The Patriots have shown indiscipline, but this should not persist, especially with false starts. Mike Vrabel’s team is expected to improve in this aspect.New York JetsThe initial surprise: The Jets are in 21st place in yards allowed and 30th in points allowed.
The verdict: Mirage. The defense isn’t that bad. With talent at all three levels, including ex All-Pros, the team is learning a new hybrid system. Tackling issues also contribute to the situation.
AFC North
Baltimore RavensThe initial surprise: Mark Andrews’ lack of productivity.
The verdict: Real. Andrews has not been a key part of the Ravens’ game plan, with few targets and yards. Despite expectations, his involvement in the offense seems limited, especially with the return of Isaiah Likely.Cincinnati BengalsThe initial surprise: The Bengals can’t run the ball.
The verdict: Mirage. The Bengals are last in rushing yards per attempt (2.4). With Jake Browning at quarterback, instead of Joe Burrow, there could be a bit more balance in the offense, which could lead to greater efficiency in Chase Brown’s running game.
Cleveland Browns
The initial surprise: The Browns’ revamped ground game has produced only one run of more than 10 yards.
The Verdict: Mirage. The ground game is a key focus for the Browns, but they generate few explosive plays. The arrival of Quinshon Judkins is a promising sign, and the ground game is expected to improve as Judkins becomes more comfortable.Pittsburgh SteelersThe initial surprise: The Steelers’ defense ranks 29th in yards and points allowed per game.
The verdict: Real. Despite having the most expensive defense in the league, the Steelers have shown obvious defensive problems. The inability to stop the run affects the passing game, and easy solutions don’t seem to be in sight.
AFC South
Houston Texans
The initial surprise: The high pressure rate on C.J. Stroud.
The verdict: Real. Stroud has faced a lot of pressure, and this is not a mirage. The situation requires improvements in play calling, offensive line protection, and the receivers’ ability to get open. The Texans’ success depends on solving these problems.Indianapolis ColtsThe initial surprise: The Colts have one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL.
The Verdict: Real. The Colts have had a promising offensive start, with a combination of smart decisions from quarterback Daniel Jones, a smart game plan, and a variety of offensive weapons. They rank second in expected offensive points and are tied for first in yards per play.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The initial surprise: The Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing yards.
The verdict: Somewhat misleading. Although the ground game is expected to improve, leading the league throughout the season is unlikely.Tennessee TitansThe initial surprise: The Titans’ third-down distance is the worst in the league.
The Verdict: Real. Problems often arise from early penalties. Cam Ward, the rookie quarterback, has been sacked 11 times.
The initial surprise: The Broncos are tied for 28th in turnover margin.
The verdict: Real. The Broncos cannot afford to be on the negative side in the turnover margin. Bo Nix, the quarterback, has thrown several interceptions. In addition, penalties also affect the team.Kansas City ChiefsThe initial surprise: Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in rushing yards.
The verdict: Somewhat misleading. Mahomes has had to run to give the Chiefs an option in the running game. Although Isiah Pacheco is healthy, he has struggled. Kareem Hunt is primarily a short-yardage runner. It is unusual for Mahomes to be the second quarterback since 1950 to record more rushing yards than any other player on his team in the first two games of the season.Las Vegas RaidersThe initial surprise: The Raiders have allowed the fifth-fewest points.
The verdict: Real. The Las Vegas defense has allowed few points per game. Despite doubts in the secondary, coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham have shown their ability to get the best out of the available talent.Los Angeles ChargersThe initial surprise: Quentin Johnston’s production.
The verdict: Real. Johnston leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. He has been one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets, and is expected to remain productive.
NFC East
Dallas CowboysThe initial surprise: Four rushing touchdowns.
The Verdict: Real. Javonte Williams has scored three touchdowns, the most for a Dallas running back in the first two games since 2008. New offensive coordinator Klayton Adams has implemented changes in the running game, and if the Cowboys can be a threat in the red zone, this will help Dak Prescott.New York GiantsThe initial surprise: Ground attack among the five worst.
The verdict: Real. The offensive line has problems in pass blocking and the running game is looking for answers. It seems unlikely that the situation will change.Philadelphia EaglesThe initial surprise: A.J. Brown has not been a significant factor in the offense, with only six receptions for 35 yards.
The Verdict: Mirage. Brown, with over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons, should regain his production. The Eagles’ passing game is developing under the new offensive coordinator. Brown is expected to excel again.Washington CommandersThe initial surprise: Terry McLaurin is on pace to get less than 700 yards.
The verdict: Mirage. McLaurin has surpassed 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons, so his production should increase. Lack of training and a slow start could explain the situation. It’s a matter of time for McLaurin.
NFC North
Chicago BearsThe initial surprise: Chicago’s defense ranks 32nd in points allowed.
The verdict: Real. The Bears’ defense, which was supposed to be the team’s backbone, has allowed many points. The worst was the 52 points conceded against Detroit, the most since 2014.Detroit LionsThe initial surprise: The Lions are tied for the most touchdowns received in the NFL.
The verdict: Real. Jared Goff could continue this trend. Detroit scored five touchdowns against Chicago, with Amon-Ra St. Brown achieving three.
