NFL 2025 Season: Early Trends and Sustainability Analysis

We're two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, and already, some surprising trends have emerged. But which of these trends are here to stay, and which are just early-season mirages? Let's dive into the data and see what the NFL Nation reporters have to say.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

• Early Surprise: The Bills lead the league in rushing attempts.
• Verdict: Real to an extent. The offense under coordinator Joe Brady has emphasized a productive run game to support quarterback Josh Allen. This trend is likely to continue, especially with a strong offensive line and James Cook starting the season strong.

Miami Dolphins

• Early Surprise: The Dolphins rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.
• Verdict: Real. Despite attempts to improve the run game, injuries and inconsistent play have kept the Dolphins' ground game ineffective.

New England Patriots

• Early Surprise: The Patriots are averaging 10.5 accepted penalties per game.
• Verdict: Mirage. Expect the Patriots to clean up their act as the season progresses.

New York Jets

• Early Surprise: The Jets rank 21st in yards allowed, 30th in points allowed.
• Verdict: Mirage. With talent on all three levels of the defense, the Jets' defensive struggles are likely temporary.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

• Early Surprise: Mark Andrews' lack of productivity.
• Verdict: Real. Andrews has been surprisingly absent from the Ravens' game plan, and this trend may continue.

Cincinnati Bengals

• Early Surprise: The Bengals can't run the ball.
• Verdict: Mirage. With Jake Browning at quarterback, the Bengals' run game should improve.

Cleveland Browns

• Early Surprise: The Browns' retooled running game has produced only one run of 10-plus yards.
• Verdict: Mirage. Expect the Browns' run game to pick up as rookie Quinshon Judkins gets more comfortable.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Early Surprise: The Steelers defense ranks 29th in yards and points allowed per game.
• Verdict: Real. The Steelers' defensive issues are significant and may not be easily fixed.

AFC South

Houston Texans

• Early Surprise: C.J. Stroud's high pressure rate.
• Verdict: Real. The Texans' offensive line struggles are a major concern.

Indianapolis Colts

• Early Surprise: The Colts have one of the NFL's most potent offenses.
• Verdict: Real. The Colts' offense is firing on all cylinders and shows no signs of slowing down.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Early Surprise: The Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing.
• Verdict: Mirage-ish. While the Jaguars' run game has improved, leading the league may be unsustainable.

Tennessee Titans

• Early Surprise: The Titans' third-down distance is the worst in the league.
• Verdict: Real. Penalties and poor execution have put the Titans in difficult third-down situations.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

• Early Surprise: The Broncos are tied for 28th in the league in turnover margin.
• Verdict: Real. The Broncos' turnover issues are a significant problem.

Kansas City Chiefs

• Early Surprise: Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in rushing.
• Verdict: Mirage-ish. The Chiefs hope this trend is temporary, but Mahomes' rushing may continue to be a factor.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Early Surprise: The Raiders have the fifth-fewest points allowed.
• Verdict: Real. The Raiders' defense has been surprisingly effective.

Los Angeles Chargers

• Early Surprise: Quentin Johnston's production.
• Verdict: Real. Johnston has been a key target for Justin Herbert and should continue to produce.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

• Early Surprise: Four rushing touchdowns.
• Verdict: Real. The Cowboys' run game has improved significantly.

New York Giants

• Early Surprise: Bottom five rushing attack.
• Verdict: Real. The Giants' run game struggles are likely to continue.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Early Surprise: A.J. Brown has not been a major factor in the offense.
• Verdict: Mirage. Expect Brown's production to increase as the season progresses.

Washington Commanders

• Early Surprise: Terry McLaurin is on pace for less than 700 yards.
• Verdict: Mirage. McLaurin's slow start is likely temporary.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

• Early Surprise: Chicago's defense ranks 32nd in points allowed.
• Verdict: Real. The Bears' defensive struggles are a significant concern.

Detroit Lions

• Early Surprise: The Lions are tied for the NFL's most receiving touchdowns this season.
• Verdict: Real. With a loaded offense, the Lions' passing game should continue to thrive.

Green Bay Packers

• Early Surprise: The Packers lead the league in QB pressures.
• Verdict: Real. The addition of Micah Parsons has significantly improved the Packers' pass rush.

Minnesota Vikings

• Early Surprise: A rough start for a revamped offensive line.
• Verdict: Real. Injuries and lack of cohesion have hindered the Vikings' offensive line.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

• Early Surprise: The Falcons have one of the most potent pass rushes in the league.
• Verdict: Mirage -- to an extent. The Falcons' pass rush has improved, but leading the league may be unsustainable.

Carolina Panthers

• Early Surprise: Xavier Legette's horrible start.
• Verdict: Real. Legette's struggles are a significant concern for the Panthers.

New Orleans Saints

• Early Surprise: The Saints defense is tied for second in the league with eight sacks.
• Verdict: Mirage. The Saints' sack numbers may not be sustainable.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Early Surprise: The Bucs' 2-0 hot start.
• Verdict: Real. The Bucs have started strong and should continue to perform well.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

• Early Surprise: RB James Conner is off to a slow start.
• Verdict: Mirage. Expect Conner to find his rhythm as the season progresses.

Los Angeles Rams

• Early Surprise: OLB Byron Young leads the Rams in sacks.
• Verdict: Real. Young has been a standout on the Rams' defense.

San Francisco 49ers

• Early Surprise: The Niners are again middle of the pack in scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
• Verdict: Mirage. Expect the 49ers' red zone efficiency to improve as key players return.

Seattle Seahawks

• Early Surprise: Zach Charbonnet is playing more than Kenneth Walker III.
• Verdict: Real. Charbonnet's role in the Seahawks' offense is likely to continue.