The NFL is officially back, and it's shaping up to be an epic season. The first week of the 2025 NFL season delivered a plethora of exciting games that left fans across the world wanting more. From highly anticipated debuts to improbable comebacks, Week 1 provided a captivating look at the league's ever-changing landscape. With all that took place in Week 1, here are some of the major takeaways every NFL fan needs to know.

Micah Parsons Is a “One of One”

In limited action, Micah Parsons put the league on notice that he is a generational talent and is worth the price that the Green Bay Packers paid. In only 29 defensive snaps, Parsons sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff once and pressured him twice in the Packers' 27-13 win. Following the game, Parsons shared how it felt to be a Packer after his debut at Lambeau Field.

"I can't lie — it gave me chills. This environment, the first time, how they embraced me — the fans. This was 1 of 1," Parsons told CBS in his postgame interview. While it’s easy to overreact to week one, Parsons and the Packers have the potential to go all the way to Super Bowl 60.

16 Black Quarterbacks Started In Week One

For the first time in the history of the NFL, a record-breaking 16 Black quarterbacks started in Week 1 of the 2025 season. This means that half of the league's 32 teams were led by a Black signal-caller to open the year. In the AFC, Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Justin Fields (Jets), C.J. Stroud (Texans), Cam Ward (Titans), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Geno Smith (Raiders), and Russell Wilson (Giants) The NFC boast Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Jordan Love (Packers), Caleb Williams (Bears), Bryce Young (Panthers), Spencer Rattler (Saints), Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons), and Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

The Philadelphia Eagles Are Focused On Winning Back-To-Back Super Bowls

On Banner night, the Philadelphia Eagles showed they were all business with a hard-fought  24-20  victory over the divisional rival Dallas Cowboys. Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while adding 62 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. “It means everything to come out and start strong,” Hurts told the NBC broadcast after the game. "It's a new team, it’s a new journey, and we got tested tonight. They played a hell of a game,” continued. “We know how they are when Dak (Prescott) is back and they got their crew all together, so a lot of respect for that team on the other side.”

The Baltimore Ravens' Late-Game Struggles Continue

For the last several seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have had one of the most talented teams in the NFL. But in high-pressure situations, they seem to falter. The latest example of this was their devastating 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The loss has reignited the conversation around the team's ongoing struggles to close out games. Although they dominated the game, the Ravens blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, a collapse that felt all too familiar to fans. With questionable playcalling, defensive lapses, and a costly fumble by the usually reliable Derrick Henry, the Ravens, who are one of the favorites in the AFC, still have questions about whether they can get over the hump.

Have The Kansas City Chiefs Lost Their Luster?

Things did not go as planned in the Kansas City Chiefs' mission to return to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs opened their 2025 season with a 27-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil. Without question, the game marked a disappointing start for the defending AFC West champions, who were inconsistent on both sides of the ball. They also committed 10 total penalties and missed an extra point. If the Chiefs are going to compete in the AFC and get back into Super Bowl contention, they are going to have to make some quick adjustments.