2025 NFL Season Trends: Browns' Rookie Promise, Bengals' Rushing Mirage, and More Key Insights

September 17, 2025
2025 NFL Season Trends: Browns' Rookie Promise, Bengals' Rushing Mirage, and More Key Insights
  • The Buffalo Bills' increased rushing attempts are a real trend, supported by their offensive scheme and consistent line play, likely to continue as they build early leads.

  • Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, a comprehensive review reveals which team trends are likely to continue and which are temporary anomalies.

  • The Cleveland Browns' run game appears limited, but rookie Quinshon Judkins shows promise to help improve their rushing attack as he gains experience, while the Cincinnati Bengals' rushing struggles are a mirage, with potential for better performance with new quarterback Jake Browning and an improved offensive line.

  • The Chicago Bears' defense is struggling significantly, ranking as the worst in points allowed, highlighting ongoing issues especially after recent high-scoring games.

  • The Detroit Lions' high number of receiving touchdowns is a real trend, supported by returning offensive weapons and a franchise-record 8.8 yards per play in Week 2.

  • Tennessee Titans' poor third-down efficiency, characterized by long distances and penalties, is a real problem that is likely to persist without major adjustments.

  • The NFC East displays mixed trends: the Dallas Cowboys' increased rushing touchdowns are real, driven by offensive line improvements, while the New York Giants' poor rushing attack remains a concern due to offensive line issues.

  • The Atlanta Falcons' early pass rush success is a mirage, with their high sack rate expected to regress to the mean, given their historically low sack numbers in recent seasons.

  • Similarly, the New Orleans Saints' defensive sack numbers are a mirage; their overall pass rush win rate and pressure stats suggest their success is likely to diminish as the season progresses.

  • The Green Bay Packers' top league ranking in quarterback pressures is genuine, significantly boosted by Micah Parsons' impact on their defense.

  • The Minnesota Vikings' struggles with their revamped offensive line are real, mainly due to injuries and poor coordination, affecting both pass protection and rushing.

  • The Houston Texans' high pressure rate on quarterback C.J. Stroud is real, driven by poor pass protection and receiver difficulties, which could threaten their offensive success if not addressed.

Summary based on 1 source


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