Josh Allen and the standout performers in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season
Josh Allen needed help from kicker Matt Prater to complete an epic comeback, but he did something no other player in the NFL has done.
Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season ended with a spectacular comeback by J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings over the Chicago Bears. From the season-opening clash between the Eagles and Cowboys to the second-ever game in Brazil—where the Chargers made a statement against the Chiefs—here are the standout performances from the first weekend of action.
Josh Allen needed help from kicker Matt Prater to cap off an epic comeback. The Buffalo Bills edged the Baltimore Ravens 41–40 on the first Sunday Night Football of the season, and Allen’s fourth quarter was one for the record books.
The Wyoming alum became the first player in NFL history to throw for more than 250 yards and rush for two touchdowns in a single quarter. Buffalo rallied from a 15-point deficit to win on Prater’s last-second field goal.
Aaron Rodgers in vintage MVP mode
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new quarterback looked every bit like the Green Bay legend in his debut, turning back the clock with a performance reminiscent of his MVP years. Rodgers led Pittsburgh to a road win over the New York Jets, recording his 28th career game with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. He finished 22-of-30 for 244 yards.
Play-action was his most effective weapon, as Rodgers threw three of his four touchdowns off fake runs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. But the 41-year-old also showed some vulnerability, getting sacked four times for holding onto the ball too long.
Travis Etienne wins starting spot in Jacksonville
Jacksonville entered Week 1 with a running back battle between Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. Etienne ended the debate quickly. His dominant performance not only secured the starting role but also prompted the Jaguars to trade Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks.
Etienne rushed for 143 yards on 16 carries and added three receptions for 13 yards from Trevor Lawrence.
Myles Garrett shut down the Bengals
Myles Garrett once again proved he’s the heart of Cleveland’s defense, nearly forcing overtime in a tight loss to the Bengals. Garrett was a constant disruption, dominating both Cincinnati’s run game and Joe Burrow’s pocket.
Burrow was sacked three times, two of them by Garrett, who is now just four sacks shy of passing Reggie White’s mark of 108 before turning 30. Garrett also stuffed running back Chase Brown for a loss twice.
Bobby Okereke tackles, well, everyone
The New York Giants’ offense sputtered in Week 1, but their defense kept them in the game, holding Jayden Daniels and the Commanders to just 21 points. Leading the charge was linebacker Bobby Okereke.
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Okereke seemed to be everywhere, finishing with 16 total tackles. If he maintains that pace, he would project to a remarkable 272 tackles over the full season.
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