The most notable plays of Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season was a thrilling spectacle, with comebacks, stellar debuts, and defining moments that defined the start. Below is a list of the most notable plays, described in detail:

Jalen Hurts scores the game-winning TD (Eagles vs. Cowboys, 24-20): In the fourth quarter of the season-opening game, quarterback Jalen Hurts escaped pressure and ran 12 yards for the game-winning touchdown, sealing the victory for the defending champion Eagles over the Cowboys in a game marked by penalties and early mistakes, including Jalen Carter's ejection for spitting on Dak Prescott.

Justin Herbert connects with Ladd McConkey (Chargers vs. Chiefs, 27-21): In the first international game in Sao Paulo, Herbert threw a 28-yard pass to his rookie, McConkey, in the final minutes, beating Patrick Mahomes and securing the Chargers' upset against the Chiefs, with Mahomes opening the scoring via Travis Kelce.

Aaron Rodgers throws 4 TDs in his debut (Steelers vs. Jets, 34-32): The veteran QB, now with Pittsburgh, shined with four touchdown passes, including a 35-yarder to George Pickens, getting revenge on his former team in a thriller decided by Jalen Ramsey's interception in the red zone, which forced a turnover on downs.
Baker Mayfield to Emeka Egbuka for 25 yards (Buccaneers vs. Falcons, 23-20): With the game tied, Mayfield led a five-play, 63-yard drive, culminating with a spectacular pass up the middle to rookie Egbuka for the game-winning TD; the Falcons missed a 44-yard free throw late, despite a defense that limited Tampa to 192 yards through three quarters.

Ed Oliver forces a fumble on Derrick Henry (Bills vs. Ravens, 31-27): In an epic 15-point fourth-quarter comeback, coach Oliver stripped Henry (169 yards, 2 TDs) late in the fourth quarter, allowing an immediate TD by Josh Allen; Buffalo sealed the deal with a free throw, beating Lamar Jackson in an MVP duel.

Micah Parsons sack in his debut (Packers vs. Lions, 27-13): The newly acquired pass rusher recorded his first sack as a Packer on Jared Goff in the fourth quarter, contributing to Green Bay's defensive dominance; Jordan Love added two TD passes, while Evan Williams intercepted Goff in the red zone.

Nick Bosa strip sack and recovery (49ers vs. Seahawks, 17-13): Despite George Kittle's injury (hamstring), Bosa stripped and recovered the ball from Geno Smith on the final play, sealing the victory; Brock Purdy connected with a late TD to Jake Tonges, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba added 124 yards for Seattle.

Daniel Jones to Michael Pittman Jr. for 27 yards (Colts vs. Dolphins, 33-8): In his debut as a starter, Jones threw a pinpoint TD to Pittman, part of a 272-yard, two-TD run. The Colts defense added interceptions and sacks to Tua Tagovailoa, breaking an 11-year winless streak in Week 1.

Trevor Lawrence to Travis Hunter (Jaguars vs. Panthers, 20-3): Two-way rookie Hunter caught his first NFL reception for 22 yards from Lawrence before a thunderstorm halted the game; Travis Etienne added 143 rushing yards in the blowout.

Kyler Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr. for 45 yards (Cardinals vs. Saints, 20-13): Murray connected on a 45-yard dime to rookie Harrison, followed by a 1-yard TD; Budda Baker led with 10 tackles and a key TD, while the Cardinals defense contained Alvin Kamara.

These plays not only defined outcomes, but also highlighted the emerging talent and intensity of the new season.