NFL Preseason Week 1 2025 Results: Historic Kicks, Rookie Debuts, and Surprising Ties

Thursday Night Openers Set the Stage (August 7)

The preseason began with three compelling matchups that showcased both veteran depth and emerging talent.

Ravens 24, Colts 16 - Baltimore opened their preseason campaign with a solid victory over Indianapolis, displaying the depth that could prove crucial during the regular season.

Eagles 34, Bengals 27 - Philadelphia’s offensive firepower was on full display, with backup quarterback Tanner McKee stealing the spotlight. McKee completed an impressive 20 of 25 passes for 252 yards while adding a rushing touchdown, firmly establishing himself as a reliable backup option behind Jalen Hurts.

Raiders 23, Seahawks 23 - In a rare preseason tie, Las Vegas and Seattle battled to a deadlock, providing an early indication that both teams possess competitive depth throughout their rosters.

Friday’s Standout Performances (August 8)

Friday night featured three games that highlighted the emergence of rookie talent and established veteran leadership.

Browns 30, Panthers 10 - Cleveland dominated behind rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ impressive debut. Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the poise and accuracy that made him a highly touted prospect.

Lions 17, Falcons 10 - Detroit’s balanced attack proved too much for Atlanta in a defensive battle that saw both teams prioritize fundamental execution.

Patriots 48, Commanders 18 - New England delivered the most dominant performance of Friday night, overwhelming Washington in all three phases of the game and demonstrating the depth that could make them competitive in 2025.

Saturday’s Eight-Game Extravaganza Delivers Drama (August 9)

Saturday’s full slate provided the weekend’s most memorable moments, including historic achievements and emotional storylines.

Historic Field Goal Makes Headlines

Steelers 31, Jaguars 25 - Kicker Cam Little etched his name in NFL history by connecting on a 70-yard field goal, the longest ever recorded in league play (including preseason). The kick highlighted Pittsburgh’s special teams prowess while Travis Hunter continued his unique two-way playing style.

Rookie Quarterbacks Shine

Giants 34, Bills 25 - Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart announced his arrival with authority, completing 12 of 19 passes for approximately 154 yards and a touchdown. The emotional postgame moment between Dart and his mother created one of the weekend’s most heartwarming scenes.

Vikings 20, Texans 10 - JJ McCarthy’s return from injury was measured but positive, as he completed 4 of 7 passes for 30 yards while adding an important 8-yard scramble for a first down.

Other Notable Saturday Results

Rams 31, Cowboys 21 - Los Angeles showcased their offensive depth with strong performances from Stetson Bennett and Blake Corum leading the charge against Dallas.

Buccaneers 29, Titans 7 - Tampa Bay cruised to victory while rookie Cameron Ward provided glimpses of his potential in limited action.

Jets 30, Packers 10 - New York pulled away decisively, with Justin Fields orchestrating a scoring drive that demonstrated his continued development.

Cardinals 20, Chiefs 17 - Arizona managed to edge Kansas City despite a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes, showing their competitive depth.

Broncos 30, 49ers 9 - Denver dominated throughout, with Jarrett Stidham leading an efficient offensive attack that overwhelmed San Francisco.

Sunday’s Surprising Finale (August 10)

The preseason’s opening week concluded with two games that epitomized the unpredictable nature of exhibition football.

Dolphins 24, Bears 24 - Chicago and Miami battled to a rare preseason tie in an entertaining back-and-forth affair. The game featured notable contributions from Ty Bagent, Case Keenum, and rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, each making their mark on different drives.

Chargers 27, Saints 13 - Los Angeles capped the weekend with a convincing victory over New Orleans. Quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 165 yards and a spectacular 54-yard touchdown but also surrendered a pick-six. The Saints struggled with penalties and third-down efficiency throughout the contest.

Week 1 Takeaways and Looking Ahead

Key Storylines to Watch

Rookie Impact - Several first-year players made immediate impressions, with Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart leading the way with polished performances that suggest they could contribute earlier than expected.

Special Teams Excellence - Cam Little’s historic 70-yard field goal highlighted the importance of special teams depth and the potential for game-changing moments throughout the season.

Quarterback Depth - Teams like Philadelphia (Tanner McKee) and Cleveland (Shedeur Sanders) showcased impressive backup options that could prove crucial during the long regular season campaign.

Competitive Balance - Multiple close games and ties suggest that many teams have developed competitive depth that could lead to surprising results once the games count.