After nearly seven months of pause, the NFL returned with momentum: all 32 teams opened the 2025 season, delivering dramatic finishes, dazzling wins, and painful losses. Below are the three key takeaways from Week One that set the tone for the coming months.

A Veteran Start: Derrick Henry Opens the Season with a Historic Game

The 31-year-old veteran at the running back position proves once again that his peak form time is not over. In the festive prime-time showdown against Philadelphia, Henry showcased a strong mix of both ground and explosive qualities, scoring two touchdowns and forcing the opponent’s defense to squeeze every last ounce out of each moment. This start underscores his ability to blend physical contact with top-end speed – exactly what has long set him apart from most competitors.

His ability to withstand pressure from the line and then attack the defense across the width of the field allows him to maintain a balance between power and precision. After a long tenure in the league, Henry has again become one of the team’s main sources of points, raising the bar for his teammates and striking fear into opponents’ hearts. However the fourth quarter brought an unexpected twist: a turnover seemed costly, and it allowed the opponent to keep hopes for a comeback alive.

“First of all, I need to take care of the ball,” Henry told reporters after the game. “I told my teammates after the game to take responsibility for themselves. I take responsibility, as a man.”

– Derrick Henry

Despite the late mistake, Henry remains the engine of his team’s offense. Last year’s surge and his ability to seize initiative in pressure situations continue to excite fans and analysts. If he keeps the pace with Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have a good shot at continuing their playoff push and facing other teams at a high level.

Miami Loses Its Way: Opening Loss and Growing Concerns

The Miami Dolphins began the season with disappointment: a 33-8 loss to Indianapolis cast doubt on their playoff plans. The words of star receiver Tyreek Hill and public posts on social media hinting at internal tensions only intensified the discussion around the team. Tua Tagovailoa misfired on many expected plays – two interceptions and a fumble – lacking the consistency to generate points. The Colts’ defense also made an impression – Daniel Jones, coming in from the offseason, delivered a measured performance in the air and on the ground, creating problems for the opponent.

Postgame comments from head coach Mike McDaniel described the situation as a learning experience: “Guys, let the noise and shine of Week One not blind us; we’re a young team going through a transition.” He emphasized that the team must grow from its mistakes and quickly find a path to a stable performance.

“Guys, let the noise and glow of Week One not blind us; there are some deep lessons ahead,” – McDaniel said after the game. “We are a young team going through a transitional phase. This happens in the NFL, but we learn from the toughest examples.”

– Mike McDaniel

Now Miami needs a reevaluation of its game plan and an overhaul of the team’s spine. The schedule, set against division competition, points to a challenging path to the playoffs, but the season has just begun, and there are still plenty of chances to get back on the winning track.

Could a Surprise Team Be a Title Contender? Brazil Perspective

As part of Open Week, the NFL league returned to Brazil for the first time in years – a event that lets us see whether a team can realistically contend for the Super Bowl. If last year the surprise was the Philadelphia Eagles’ upset over the Green Bay Packers with a subsequent triumph in Super Bowl LIX, this year attention is focused on the Los Angeles Chargers: they celebrated a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs by 27-21.

Even from more than 6,100 miles from their California home, the Chargers showed serious ambitions. The defense, supported by an aggressive offense, helped reduce KC’s impact, and the main story is quarterback Justin Herbert’s all-around performance: 318 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a decisive 19-yard run at the end of the game that ended a long losing streak to the Chiefs.

“Justin was phenomenal in every aspect of the game with truly precise throwing,” – said after the game Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, acknowledging Herbert’s contribution to the win. “I was impressed by his footwork and the finish to seal the game.”

– Jim Harbaugh

The Chargers’ victory in Brazil over the Chiefs again confirms their potential as a serious playoff contender and perhaps a deeper run in the title race. With avoiding serious injuries and repeating consistency, the team has a high chance of a long playoff push and, perhaps, a return to a title run.

The opening week brought three key milestones: Henry’s experience, Miami’s energetic start, and the Chargers’ ambitious steps. Whether they maintain their pace through the season remains to be seen, but already they are crafting a tense and engaging story for all of 2025.