The 2025 NFL season is finally underway, and it’s time to let your team’s performance dictate your mood for the rest of the week. Whether you earned the victory and are sending out troll texts or your phone is being blown up by coworkers after an embarrassing performance, here are the “Studs and Duds” of Week 1
Stud: Emeka Egbuka
What a way to kick off an NFL career. Egbuka hauled in four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with one minute left in the fourth quarter. Drafted with an ADP around 94 in Tampa Bay’s crowded offense, he was pegged as a bench option who might occasionally slot in as a flex. Those who took a chance on him are now basking in glory after his 20-point fantasy debut. Something about Mercedes-Benz Stadium seems to bring out the best in Egbuka, who also helped Ohio State win the national championship there. Falcons fans may be in for a long run of seeing him dominate.
Dud: Joe Burrow and Co.
The Bengals squeaked out a win over the Browns, but the offense sputtered badly. Joe Burrow managed just 8.82 fantasy points, which dragged down his receivers as well. Ja’Marr Chase finished with two catches for 26 yards, while Tee Higgins posted three for 33. Despite the slow start, there is little reason to panic. Burrow has never topped 18.64 fantasy points in Week 1 in his six seasons as a starter. Whether it is first-game jitters or a sluggish offseason, history suggests he will bounce back quickly. Look for a stronger showing against the Jaguars in Week 2.
Stud: Daniel Jones
Week 1 marked the return of “Danny Dimes.” Jones threw for 272 yards and one touchdown on a sharp 75.9 percent completion rate, and he added two rushing scores of his own. The Colts as a whole were unstoppable, scoring on all seven of their offensive possessions for the first time since 1978. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren added to the fireworks by catching seven passes for 76 yards, tying the NFL record for most receptions in a Week 1 game by a rookie tight end. It was a statement performance for both Jones and Indianapolis after finishing in the bottom half of the league in scoring last season.
Dud: Najee Harris
This one ties back to preseason concerns. Harris was flagged as a major risk before the season, and Week 1 showed why. After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Chargers, he was expected to be the lead back. But a Fourth of July accident sidelined him through camp and preseason, opening the door for rookie Omarion Hampton. Harris played only 18 percent of the offensive snaps, managing one carry and one reception for 10 total yards. Hampton, meanwhile, logged an 80 percent snap share, among the highest in the league, and handled 15 carries. His 48 yards were modest, but the role is clear. The sky is the limit for Hampton, and Harris has a steep hill to climb
Stud: Derrick Henry
At 31 years old, Derrick Henry continues to defy time. Coming off one of his best seasons with the Ravens, questions lingered about whether age would finally slow him down. The answer, at least for now, is a resounding no. Henry erupted for 169 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns against Buffalo in a primetime thriller. Of those 169 yards, 104 came after contact, showcasing the same punishing style that has defined his career. His fumble late in the game helped fuel the Bills’ comeback, but it should not overshadow a dominant four-quarter display.
Dud: Kenneth Walker III
Walker’s return from last year’s ankle injury was underwhelming. Facing a stout 49ers defense, he ceded the spotlight to third-year back Zach Charbonnet, who played 58 percent of the snaps compared to Walker’s 40. Walker managed 10 carries for 20 yards, totaling just 5.4 fantasy points. Charbonnet, meanwhile, ran 12 times for 47 yards and a touchdown. The hope was that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak would spark the Seahawks’ run game, but Walker may not be the centerpiece. Panic is premature, but with his injury history and Charbonnet’s steady rise, the situation is worth watching closely.
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