The 2025 NFL season has been full of surprises, with some teams and players exceeding expectations while others struggle to find their footing. Here are the six biggest surprises so far:
Sam Darnold's Resurgence: The Seahawks' decision to trade for Sam Darnold has paid off. He's been a standout quarterback, showcasing his accuracy and leadership. His 61-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a perfectly placed touchdown to Cooper Kupp are testaments to his improved performance. With a top-three completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, Darnold has been a key reason for the Seahawks' explosive offense.
See AlsoSean McVay on Rams' Kicking Game: 'It's Cost Us Through First Five Weeks' - NFL AnalysisBucs WR Emeka Egbuka Injured! How Will Baker Mayfield and the Bucs Offense Adapt?Cowboys Injury Update: 5 Players Ruled Out, 7 Questionable - CeeDee Lamb, Miles Sanders & MoreCowboys Injury Update: 5 Players Out, 10 Limited - Who's Impacted Most?New England Patriots' Early Renaissance: The Patriots are off to a 4-2 start, already matching their win total from the previous two seasons. Drake Maye's performance is impressive, with three deep touchdown passes under pressure. The team's consistency, even after a prime-time road upset, showcases Mike Vrabel's coaching prowess. With Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas contributing, the Patriots are a force to be reckoned with.
Baker Mayfield's MVP Case: The Bucs' 5-1 record is no surprise, but Mayfield's elevated play is. Despite missing his top receivers, Mayfield has led the Bucs to success. His third-quarter sequence against the 49ers, where he eluded a sack and threw a 45-yard touchdown, showcases his resilience and leadership. With 12 touchdowns and just one interception, Mayfield is a strong contender for the MVP award.
Indianapolis Colts' Completeness: The Colts are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. With a top-three scoring offense and defense, they can run, pass, and protect effectively. Daniel Jones has been efficient, and the team's turnover rate is low. The Colts' success is sustainable, and they are the only AFC team with five wins. Their high-scoring offense and defense make them a formidable force.
Eagles' Offensive Cohesion: The Eagles' stunning loss to the Giants highlights their lack of offensive cohesion. The running game, once a strength, has diminished, and Jalen Hurts has faced challenges. Wide receivers are frustrated with their roles, and the offense is predictable. The Eagles' elite talent should allow them to overcome these issues, but a clearer offensive identity is needed to defend their title.
Baltimore Ravens' Freefall: The Ravens' 1-5 start is a shocking turn of events. Injuries have plagued the team, and Lamar Jackson's performance has been affected. The defense is giving up an average of 32.3 points per game, and Derrick Henry's rushing average has declined. The Ravens' struggles are a stark contrast to their Super Bowl aspirations, and a turnaround may be challenging with so many issues and losses.
