The first week of the 2025 season came and went across the NFL past weekend, giving both fans and media alike plenty to discuss, read into, and overreact about.
From a spit that resulted in suspension, two incredible comebacks in primetime, a handful of new scorebugs, and 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers playing like he’s 21, we’re officially off and running in the latest campaign of America’s new pastime.
As the greatest NFL coach of all time once said: “players win games“, and with that, the NFL has named their AFC and NFC offensive, defensive, and special teams Players of the Week for Week 1. Here’s a look at who received the honors:
Offense: QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen led the charge in the Bills’ comeback win on Sunday night. / Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Stats: 33-for-46 (72%), 394 yards, 2 TD, 30 rushing yards, 2 TD
Defense: LB Foye Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars
Foye Oluokun put together an outstanding performance in his Jaguars debut. / Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Stats: 10 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Special Teams: K Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Boswell scored 10 points for the Steelers on Sunday. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Stats: 2/2 FG, Long 60, 4/4 XP
Offense: QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy put the Vikings on his back in the fourth quarter on Monday night. / Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Stats: 13/20 (65%), 143 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 25 rushing yards, 1 TD
Defense: LB Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams
Nate Landman forced a fumble that sealed the win for the Rams this weekend. / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Stats: 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Special Teams: KR Kam Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kam Johnson’s 54-yard kick return on Sunday set the Buccaneers up for a touchdown. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Stats: 1 kick return, 54 yards
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