The 2025 NFL season kicked off with an inaugural week full of emotions, culminating in the victory of the Minnesota Vikings over the Chicago Bears on “Monday Night Football”.
The week 1 presented a spectacular start with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Dallas Cowboys, followed by the surprising victory of the Los Angeles Chargers over the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil. Sunday was marked by impressive triumphs of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, who overcame a 15-point deficit in the last four minutes.
Given this scenario, it is necessary to update the ranking of the 32 teams heading into Week 2. Alofoke Deportes reporters have selected the rookies and new acquisitions (excluding quarterbacks) who stood out the most on their respective teams.
Here’s the analysis of the top-ranked teams.
1. Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Ravens (41-40)
Kicker Matt Prater, 41, was the key figure. He arrived in Buffalo on Thursday and, after training on Friday, made the game-winning 32-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday. Prater is playing due to Tyler Bass’s injury and made all his field goal attempts and extra points.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Cowboys (24-20)
Rookie Jihaad Campbell stood out on defense, playing almost every snap. He forced a key fumble and made an important play by preventing a deep reception. The duo of Campbell and Zack Baun promises to be one of the best in the league.
3. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Result of Week 1: Loss against the Bills (41-40)
DeAndre Hopkins made an immediate impact. His first reception with the Ravens was a 29-yard touchdown with one hand. Hopkins, along with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, gives Baltimore a versatile aerial attack.
4. Green Bay Packers (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Lions (27-13)
Micah Parsons, with his performance, generated an immediate impact. In just 29 plays, he recorded three pressures, including a sack that forced an interception. His performance opened up opportunities for other defensive players.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)
Result of Week 1: Loss against the Chargers (27-21)
Josh Simmons, in his debut, showed a solid performance protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. Although he committed some false start penalties, he demonstrated his athleticism.
6. Washington Commanders (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Giants (21-6)
Deebo Samuel led the attack with seven receptions, 77 yards, and a 19-yard touchdown run. His versatility complements Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown.
7. Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Texans (14-9)
Nate Landman, at a crucial moment, forced a fumble that changed the course of the game. He was named team captain and his performance was key to securing the victory.
8. Detroit Lions (0-1)
Result of Week 1: Loss against the Packers (27-13)
Isaac TeSlaa, in his first reception in the NFL, scored a spectacular 13-yard touchdown. He became the tenth player in franchise history to achieve a touchdown in his debut.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Chiefs (27-21)
Keenan Allen, although a new addition, returned to the Chargers after being traded to the Bears. He finished with seven receptions, 68 yards, and a touchdown, adding his 60th touchdown with the Chargers.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Falcons (23-20)
Emeka Egbuka, in his debut, caught two touchdown passes, including the one that secured the victory. His connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield was crucial.
11. Denver Broncos (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Titans (20-12)
Talanoa Hufanga, chosen captain, had an outstanding performance with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. He led a defense that limited the Titans to 133 total yards.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Browns (17-16)
Noah Fant, with his blocking and receiving ability, was a key element in the Bengals’ attack, being the primary target in the team’s first touchdown.
13. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Bears (27-24)
Jordan Mason, with 68 rushing yards, fueled the Vikings’ comeback, opening up space for quarterback J.J. McCarthy and contributing to three touchdowns in the final quarter.
14. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Seahawks (17-13)
Marques Sigle, after overcoming an injury, won the starting position and had a solid performance, with six tackles, a recovered fumble, and good coverage.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
Result of Week 1: Victory over the Jets (34-32)
Kenneth Gainwell, with a forced fumble, set up the touchdown that gave the Steelers the lead in the final quarter. He had more plays than starting running back Jaylen Warren and participated as a receiver.
16. Houston Texans (0-1)
Result of Week 1: Defeat against the Rams (14-9)
Nick Chubb…
