NFL Week 1 Recap: the Biggest Storylines

by Noah Santiago

The NFL season is officially underway, and week 1 did not disappoint. From unexpected surprising performances to lots of blunders, this past week in football was filled with action. Quarterbacks made statements, rookies turned some heads, and a few familiar faces reminded everyone that football was finally back. As the first week comes to a close, it’s time to break down some of the biggest storylines, performances, and early surprises.

Aaron Rodgers is Back

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field during minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (Justin Berl/Getty Images/TNS)

The 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers proves that he still has it as he gets revenge on his former team, the Justin Fields-led Jets. Rodgers had a stellar performance, throwing for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns. This was the best that the Steelers offense has looked in a long time, in part thanks to other new additions like DK Metcalf and potential up and coming players like Calvin Austin. However, the Jets also looked good. They garnered nearly 400 offensive yards—a rare feat for New York.

The Chargers are Legit

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arena Corinthians on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images/TNS)

The Chargers came through with the upset of the week on Friday as they defeated the Chiefs 27-21 in the NFL's Brazil game. Quarterback Justin Herbert played exceptional, throwing for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns. Keenan Allen looks like he is returning back to form after a bumpy season last year. Young wide receiver Quentin Johnston had a breakout game as well. Do not be surprised if the Chargers make a deep playoff run this year.

The Packers are the Best Team in the NFC

Micah Parsons (1) of the Green Bay Packers reacts after sacking Jared Goff (16) of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (John Fisher/Getty Images/TNS)

The Packers destroyed the Lions on Sunday, winning 27-13. The number 1 seeded Lions could not seem to get anything going on offense as the newly acquired Micah Parsons kept putting pressure on them, even recording a sack. The Packers are real contenders this year. Do not be surprised if they potentially make the Super Bowl.

Emeka Egbuka is the Early Pick for OROTY

Emeka Egbuka could not have asked for a better debut to the NFL. He was Baker Mayfield's favorite target on Sunday on a team already filled with weapons. He went for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Falcons. We will see if he can continue this production after star receiver Chris Godwin returns, but as of right now, he is a major threat to defenses

Ravens and Bills Might Have Been Game of the Year

The action-packed Sunday concluded with a thriller between the Ravens and the Bills. Outstanding performances on both sides—especially the ageless Derrick Henry who ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns and the electric Josh Allen who threw for 394 and a pair of touchdowns. The game also had a crazy finish as the Bills completed the 15-point comeback with under 5 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. It was only week 1, but we might have just seen the game of the year.