The opening week of the 2025 NFL season has wrapped up. Remarkably, it kicked off with a statistical oddity, and Sunday night showcased another one. The season opener started unusually when the Eagles’ standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. At halftime, the score was Philadelphia 21, Dallas 20. Philly opened the second half with a field goal, bringing the score to 24-21. Dallas then executed a 9-play drive, but then a lightning event struck both literally and metaphorically. Former Eagle running back Miles Sanders fumbled at the Philly 11-yard line; after the Eagles regained possession, a lengthy delay ensued due to inclement weather. Although play resumed an hour later, no additional scoring occurred, resulting in a final score of 24-21 in favor of Philadelphia. This marks only the second occurrence in 20 years where a first half had over 40 points yet did not surpass an O/U total of under 50.
Later on Sunday, another surprising game unfolded when Baltimore, with a 99% win probability, suffered a heartbreaking 41-40 defeat against Buffalo. A critical fumble by Ravens’ star running back Derrick Henry contributed to this shocking turn of events. If these games are indicative of the season ahead, brace yourself; we are in for a thrilling journey.
For the second consecutive season, we finished Week 1 with a commendable record of 10-6, and our total of 98 points this year shows an improvement of two points. It’s always rewarding to kick off the season strong instead of playing catch-up later on.
Doc’s Sports provides expert NFL predictions for every game on our dedicated NFL predictions page.
16 points – Detroit Lions over Chicago Bears: With the advantage of home momentum and execution, Detroit capitalizes on Chicago’s defensive weaknesses. The Lions sustain drives effectively while their defensive front fatigues the Bears late in the game for a crucial divisional victory.
15 points – Cincinnati Bengals over Jacksonville Jaguars: Cincinnati’s solid protection and efficient distribution expose vulnerabilities in Jacksonville’s secondary. The Bengals finish strong with time-consuming drives as the Jaguars struggle to find their rhythm.
14 points – Baltimore Ravens over Cleveland Browns: Baltimore establishes dominance early with controlled field play and aggressive strategies. The Ravens’ defense intensifies pressure, forcing punts and giving their offense the space needed to build a lead after halftime.
13 points – Buffalo Bills over New York Jets: The Bills engage in a back-and-forth with the Jets, then tighten defensively in the final quarter. They capitalize on a crucial possession, translating crowd energy into a pivotal road score.
12 points – Arizona Cardinals over Carolina Panthers: Arizona’s swift pace and accuracy put pressure on Carolina, forcing their defense to react. The Cardinals generate turnovers and convert opportunities in the red zone to secure a comfortable home lead.
11 points – Minnesota Vikings over Atlanta Falcons (SNF): Under the spotlight, Minnesota matches Atlanta’s urgency and gains defensive footing in the final moments. The Vikings ride the home crowd’s energy to execute a critical scoring drive and secure a fourth-quarter stand.
10 points – Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants: Dallas relies on veteran experience and precise blocking to maintain control of the game. The Cowboys take advantage of soft coverage, methodically moving the chains before finishing strong with a defensive stop.
9 points – Green Bay Packers over Washington Commanders (TNF): Green Bay establishes control early with a physical approach and effective ball management. The Packers find their offensive groove while disrupting Washington’s drives to build and maintain a lead.
8 points – San Francisco 49ers over New Orleans Saints: San Francisco’s depth and discipline overpower New Orleans at the line of scrimmage. The 49ers dictate play and score efficiently, pulling ahead as the Saints struggle.
7 points – Pittsburgh Steelers over Seattle Seahawks: Pittsburgh wins the matchup in the trenches, limiting Seattle’s run game and generating pressure. The Steelers gradually build a lead through careful drives orchestrated by future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers while the Seahawks struggle to respond away from home.
6 points – Indianapolis Colts over Denver Broncos: Indianapolis generates early momentum using motion and spacing, capitalizing on gaps in Denver’s defense. The Colts maintain control, clinching victory with critical stops and sustained drives.
5 points – Kansas City Chiefs over Philadelphia Eagles: Kansas City leverages its home-field advantage in a highly anticipated rematch from Super Bowl LIX, dominating the line of scrimmage and forcing turnovers. The Eagles put up a fight but fail to match the Chiefs’ balanced attack and timely defensive plays.
4 points – Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Houston Texans (MNF): Tampa Bay varies its plays to keep Houston’s defense guessing. The Buccaneers efficiently manage the clock and finish drives, while the Texans falter at critical junctures during their road game.
3 points – Los Angeles Rams over Tennessee Titans: The Rams capitalize on their experience and protection to control the game’s tempo. They strike early against Tennessee’s defensive schemes and convert crucial downs. The Titans linger but fail to apply pressure, with Los Angeles sealing the game with a critical red zone stop.
2 points – Miami Dolphins over New England Patriots: Miami’s speed allows them to create separation early, challenging New England’s defense. The Dolphins shift field position with explosive plays and consistent pressure.
1 point – Las Vegas Raiders over Los Angeles Chargers (MNF): Las Vegas manages the tempo at home, exploiting defensive errors with precision execution. The Raiders create short-field opportunities and secure victory with a late scoring drive.
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