NFL Week 2 Energy Rankings 2025: How all 32 groups stack up

The Minnesota Vikings concluded an thrilling opening week to the 2025 NFL season with a comeback win over the Chicago Bears on “Monday Evening Soccer.”

Week 1 started with the Philadelphia Eagles taking down the Dallas Cowboys earlier than the Los Angeles Chargers upset the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil. Sunday was crammed with spectacular wins by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Inexperienced Bay Packers and Buffalo Payments, who erased a 15-point deficit within the last 4 minutes. So, so much has occurred since our Preseason Energy Rankings, and we have to restack all 32 groups forward of Week 2.

Along with our rankings, NFL Nation reporters named a non-QB newcomer — outlined as a rookie or offseason acquisition — who put up the perfect efficiency for his crew. From edge rusher Micah Parsons getting a sack with the Packers to first-round huge receiver Emeka Egbuka lighting it up for the Buccaneers, we picked 32 gamers and coaches who impressed of their debuts. (And once more, no quarterbacks allowed.)

Let’s get proper into it with our No. 1-ranked crew.

Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.

See earlier rankings: Preseason

Bounce to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 1 end result: Beat the Ravens 41-40
Preseason rating: 3

Greatest newcomer efficiency: Ok Matt Prater

Prater, 41, arrived in Buffalo on a red-eye flight Thursday. He kicked with the crew on Friday, then proceeded to hit the 32-yard winner as time expired Sunday. The 19-year veteran is taking part in as a result of Tyler Bass went on injured reserve (left hip/groin), and he made each kick (3-3 in FG makes an attempt and 2-2 in PATs). “The oldest man on the planet, ain’t he? Shoot, I am grateful for him,” left sort out Dion Dawkins joked. “Maintain your outdated ass with the Payments. … I am glad that any person might are available in on Thursday and assist us huge.” — Alaina Getzenberg

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Cowboys 24-20
Preseason rating: 1

Greatest newcomer efficiency: LB Jihaad Campbell

The rookie out of Alabama performed all however 5 snaps on protection. He was credited with a key compelled fumble within the second half that thwarted a promising Cowboys drive. He completed with three tackles and didn’t enable a reception the 2 occasions he was focused within the passing recreation. Campbell’s most memorable play was a cross breakup deep down the seam, the place he stayed stride for stride with tight finish Brevyn Spann-Ford and denied a pinpoint cross from Dak Prescott. The linebacker tandem of Campbell and Zack Baun has the potential to be among the best within the league. — Tim McManus

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Payments 41-40
Preseason rating: 4

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR DeAndre Hopkins

Hopkins is aware of learn how to make an unbelievable first impression. His first catch for the Ravens was a one-handed seize that resulted in a 29-yard landing within the third quarter. It was his fourth one-handed landing catch since 2017, which is tied with Courtland Sutton and Garrett Wilson for many within the NFL over that span. The Ravens have a large receiver who’s dynamic after the catch (Zay Flowers) and one other who can stretch the sphere (Rashod Bateman). However Baltimore wanted a receiver like Hopkins who could make contested catches similar to this. — Jamison Hensley

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Lions 27-13
Preseason rating: 7

Greatest newcomer efficiency: DE Micah Parsons

Who else might it’s? From the Lambeau Discipline crowd going wild throughout his pregame introduction to the response after his fourth-quarter sack, it was all about Parsons on Sunday. And he delivered. In simply 29 snaps, he had three pressures, together with a sack and one other that compelled an interception by security Evan Williams. What’s extra is that Parsons opened issues up for everybody else. Three different defensive linemen recorded sacks as effectively. “That is why he is right here, proper?” Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated. — Rob Demovsky

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Chargers 27-21
Preseason rating: 2

Greatest newcomer efficiency: OT Josh Simmons

The Chiefs obtained a stable efficiency from their first-round decide in his debut. As the brand new blindside protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Simmons did not give up a sack regardless of at occasions battling Khalil Mack, the Chargers’ greatest edge rusher. The most important challenge is that Simmons dedicated two false begin penalties. Shifting ahead, the Chiefs could be clever to make use of him extra usually in working performs, as he confirmed his athleticism in a number of snaps final week. — Nate Taylor

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Giants 21-6
Preseason rating: 6

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Deebo Samuel

Samuel sparked the offense with seven catches for 77 yards and one run for a 19-yard landing. He serves as one other numerous playmaker for the offense, forcing the protection to freeze on faux handoffs to him because it is aware of he is a menace. Receivers Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (knee) didn’t play within the preseason and missed most of camp. So whereas these two gamers shake off any rust (McLaurin had two catches for 27 yards in Week 1), it is essential to have a flexible possibility like Samuel. — John Keim

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Texans 14-9
Preseason rating: 8

Greatest newcomer efficiency: LB Nate Landman

The Rams’ free agent signing supplied a game-changing play late within the fourth quarter. In a one-score recreation, Landman punched the ball out from Texans working again Dare Ogunbowale. Landman was voted a crew captain and wears the inexperienced dot because the crew’s defensive signal-caller. “He is obtained a swag and a toughness that he performs with that resonates together with his teammates, and he closed the sport out in a giant method for us,” coach Sean McVay stated. — Sarah Barshop

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Packers 27-13
Preseason rating: 5

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Isaac TeSlaa

There wasn’t a lot to have fun throughout Detroit’s loss, because the offense failed to attain a landing by way of three quarters. Nevertheless, on his first NFL reception, TeSlaa made a highlight-reel 13-yard landing catch within the last minute. The third-round rookie grew to become the tenth participant in franchise historical past to report a landing catch in his debut. The Hudsonville, Michigan, native has continued to enhance as a playmaker for the reason that begin of coaching camp. — Eric Woodyard

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Chiefs 27-21
Preseason rating: 14

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Keenan Allen

Allen is technically a newcomer. However he spent his first 11 seasons with the Chargers earlier than the crew traded him to the Bears final season following a contract dispute. He completed with seven catches for 68 yards and a landing, which got here on an out route that left him huge open. The rating was the sixtieth of his profession with the Chargers, making him the third participant to succeed in that mark in franchise historical past. — Kris Rhim

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Falcons 23-20
Preseason rating: 13

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Emeka Egbuka

In his NFL debut, the No. 19 decide and Ohio State’s all-time receptions chief caught two landing passes. The latter was the sport winner with just below a minute remaining. It occurred on a day quarterback Baker Mayfield appeared shaky — he was with out the injured Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan — so the deep-ball reference to Egbuka had a chilled impact. The extra Mike Evans is singled out by opposing defenses, the extra alternatives for No. 2. — Jenna Laine

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Titans 20-12
Preseason rating: 11

Greatest newcomer efficiency: S Talanoa Hufanga

When the Broncos signed Hufanga to a three-year, $39 million deal, coach Sean Payton stated he needed “first responders” like him in Denver’s protection. And Hufanga made such a giant impression within the offseason that his teammates elected him as crew captain. In a sea of high quality performances for the Broncos’ protection Sunday, Hufanga had among the best days with a team-high 10 tackles to go along with a compelled fumble. He performed each snap because the Broncos held the Titans to 133 complete yards. — Jeff Legwold

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Browns 17-16
Preseason rating: 9

Greatest newcomer efficiency: TE Noah Fant

Fant’s capabilities as a blocking and receiving tight finish allowed him to be on the sphere for 50% of offensive snaps. That included a key third down on which he was the first goal for Cincinnati’s first landing of the season. Fant is changing Erick All Jr., who introduced a promising dynamic to the offense in 2024 however is at the moment recovering from knee surgical procedure. Fant’s versatility means he’ll proceed to be an integral a part of Cincinnati’s offense. — Ben Child

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Bears 27-24
Preseason rating: 10

Greatest newcomer efficiency: RB Jordan Mason

Mason gave the Vikings precisely what they wanted Monday night time, and what they’ve wanted for a lot of coach Kevin O’Connell’s tenure: a working again who can bulldoze his option to yards. Mason rushed for 68 yards within the Vikings’ win over the Bears, 54 of which got here after halftime throughout the crew’s comeback. O’Connell stated Mason’s arduous working helped open up the passing lanes for quarterback J.J. McCarthy and helped result in three touchdowns within the fourth quarter. Mason is technically the backup to starter Aaron Jones Sr., however he has already made a case for being their main rusher. — Kevin Seifert

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Seahawks 17-13
Preseason rating: 15

Greatest newcomer efficiency: S Marques Sigle

After lacking many of the spring with a core muscle harm, Sigle discovered himself working with the starters in coaching camp due to accidents in entrance of him. However, very like guard Dominick Puni final yr, Sigle was so spectacular that he gained the beginning job for Week 1. Primarily based on his efficiency, he most likely will not give it again anytime quickly. Sigle completed with six tackles, recovered a fumble and was stable in protection. Malik Mustapha must be again in some unspecified time in the future in October after a knee harm, which might give the 49ers a promising younger security tandem to enrich regular veteran Jason Pinnock. — Nick Wagoner

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Jets 34-32
Preseason rating: 16

Greatest newcomer efficiency: RB Kenneth Gainwell

The Steelers’ newcomers did not simply make a splash in Week 1. They cannonballed into crew lore with a landing by Jonnu Smith, 83 yards from DK Metcalf and a game-ending truck-stick sort out by Jalen Ramsey — to not point out Aaron Rodgers’ 4 touchdowns. However Gainwell’s debut was most crucial since his compelled fumble on particular groups arrange the fourth-quarter, go-ahead landing. Though he had solely 19 yards on seven carries, he had three extra snaps than beginning RB Jaylen Warren and was concerned as a cross catcher with three receptions. — Brooke Pryor

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Rams 14-9
Preseason rating: 12

Greatest newcomer efficiency: RB Nick Chubb

Chubb ran effectively in his Texans debut with 60 dashing yards on 13 carries. In contrast with the opposite newcomers, the previous All-Professional working again made a noticeable affect on the sport with two runs over 10 yards and a optimistic EPA on seven rushes, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Because the Texans proceed to mesh inside new coordinator Nick Caley’s offense, having a dependable run recreation will ease the transition for quarterback C.J. Stroud. — DJ Bien-Aime

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Buccaneers 23-20
Preseason rating: 19

Greatest newcomer efficiency: LB Divine Deablo

When the Falcons signed Deablo, previously of the Raiders, it barely registered a blip. However his size and velocity impressed in coaching camp, and he gained a beginning inside linebacker job. Towards the Bucs, the previous third-round decide had a half sack, mixed on six tackles, notched a sort out for a loss and even had a cross breakup in opposition to Mike Evans. New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had a transparent imaginative and prescient for Deablo as a flexible contributor in the course of the sphere, and he has executed up to now. — Marc Raimondi

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Saints 20-13
Preseason rating: 22

Greatest newcomer efficiency: CB Will Johnson

The Cardinals’ second-round decide confirmed why his coaches and teammates spent the offseason raving about his ability, expertise and instincts. Johnson was focused seven occasions and allowed 4 catches for 32 yards. He additionally had an interception negated by a penalty on a distinct defensive participant. After the sport, coach Jonathan Gannon stated Johnson dedicated just one obtrusive mistake all through his debut (not overlaying the correct man on a play). — Josh Weinfuss

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Eagles 24-20
Preseason rating: 18

Greatest newcomer efficiency: DT Kenny Clark

Whereas the remainder of the soccer world was gaga over Parsons’ debut with the Packers, Clark was an efficient a part of a Cowboys run protection that restricted Saquon Barkley to 60 yards. Regardless of solely every week’s value of practices, Clark performed in 41 of 63 snaps and was credited with 5 tackles. When the Cowboys acquired him within the Parsons commerce, the very first thing proprietor Jerry Jones talked about was his potential to assist the run protection. With him on the sphere, the Cowboys allowed 2.8 yards per rush. — Todd Archer

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the 49ers 17-13
Preseason rating: 17

Greatest newcomer efficiency: DE DeMarcus Lawrence

There have been loads of positives with the Seahawks’ protection, and Lawrence’s debut was considered one of them. The ex-Cowboy had six tackles, two tackles for loss and a QB hit, wanting each bit the rugged presence that the Seahawks anticipated him to be once they gave him a three-year, $32.5 million deal in March. Seattle signed Lawrence partly as a result of it wanted to bolster its edge with Uchenna Nwosu coming off knee surgical procedure. With Nwosu not but again, Lawrence performed 52 of 76 defensive snaps. — Brady Henderson

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Patriots 20-13
Preseason rating: 25

Greatest newcomer efficiency: LB Devin White

White got here to Las Vegas on a mission to show he can nonetheless play at a excessive stage. His Raider debut was an encouraging efficiency, as he had a team-high 11 tackles and a strain. The previous Buc was efficient within the run recreation, gathering eight run tackles and a pair of run stuffs. Usually, White is the Raiders’ weakside linebacker. However when Elandon Roberts sprained his elbow, he performed snaps at center linebacker as effectively. — Ryan McFadden

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Panthers 26-10
Preseason rating: 24

Greatest newcomer efficiency: CB Jourdan Lewis

The free agent signee was answerable for two turnovers (an interception and fumble restoration), 5 tackles and a QB hit. The fumble restoration — after linebacker Foyesade Oluokun knocked the ball away from QB Bryce Younger — got here with 48 seconds remaining within the first half. The Jaguars turned it right into a 47-yard area purpose with one second remaining. The interception got here with 48 seconds left within the recreation. Lewis set the tone for a protection that compelled three turnovers after forcing a league-low 9 final season. — Mike DiRocco

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Week 1 end result: Beat the Dolphins 33-8
Preseason rating: 26

Greatest newcomer efficiency: TE Tyler Warren

The rookie, drafted 14th general, had a debut that confirmed all the pieces the Colts had projected. Warren led the crew with seven receptions, even hauling in a deep ball from quarterback Daniel Jones. As anticipated, he was tough to deliver down, with 33 of his 76 yards coming after the catch. Warren additionally lined up at fullback and transformed a primary down on a short-yardage dive play, a component to his recreation he displayed at Penn State. His variety of receptions tied for the third most by a good finish in his debut. — Stephen Holder

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Vikings 27-24
Preseason rating: 21

Greatest newcomer efficiency: CB Nahshon Wright

Taking part in instead of an injured Jaylon Johnson, Wright broke the sport open with a 74-yard pick-six within the third quarter to provide the Bears a brief double-digit lead over the Vikings. It was the longest Bears defensive landing since 2017, and Wright grew to become the primary participant with a pick-six in his first recreation in opposition to his former crew since Ha Ha Clinton-Dix did it in 2019. Wright’s night time wasn’t excellent (he drew a 42-yard defensive cross interference penalty that led to a area purpose), however he stepped up within the absence of a starter and confirmed his worth to the Bears’ secondary. — Courtney Cronin

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Steelers 34-32
Preseason rating: 28

Greatest newcomer efficiency: OT Armand Membou

The No. 7 decide allowed no sacks and one QB strain in his debut, committing zero penalties. It wasn’t a straightforward task, both, as he confronted Steelers edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Membou was bodily and fast within the run recreation. On Braelon Allen’s 8-yard TD run, Membou obtained to the second stage rapidly and made a key block. He was a giant cause the Jets rushed for 182 yards. — Wealthy Cimini

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Colts 33-8
Preseason rating: 20

Greatest newcomer efficiency: CB Rasul Douglas

There weren’t a number of issues that went proper Sunday, however Douglas coming into the sport after an harm to Storm Duck was considered one of them. Douglas made probably the most of his abrupt taking part in time, breaking apart a cross within the first half and permitting simply two catches on 4 targets. He has been on this system for under two weeks, however the Dolphins will want him shifting ahead. Duck is predicted to overlook a number of video games together with his harm. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Raiders 20-13
Preseason rating: 23

Greatest newcomer efficiency: OLB Harold Landry III

Landry, who was voted a crew captain for the primary time since highschool, totaled 2.5 sacks in his Patriots debut. First-year defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who additionally coached him in Tennessee, beforehand stated, “He appears to be like like a man that is obtained one thing show. I’ve all the time liked Harold. I see a extra mature participant that understands now in 12 months 8 what his function is and what he needs to be.” — Mike Reiss

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Broncos 20-12
Preseason rating: 32

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Chimere Dike

Dike was thrust into the returner job after the Titans launched James Proche. The rookie responded by returning a kick 71 yards to the Broncos’ 24-yard line, organising kicker Joey Slye for a area purpose simply earlier than halftime. Dike hit 20.5 mph on the return, which was the highest velocity for a Titans ball service on the day, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. In complete, he had 144 yards on 4 kick returns. — Turron Davenport

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Bengals 17-16
Preseason rating: 30

Greatest newcomer efficiency: TE Harold Fannin Jr.

Fannin, a third-round decide, caught seven passes Sunday — probably the most by a rookie tight finish in Week 1 for the reason that AFL/NFL merger in 1967. He’s technically the Browns’ second tight finish behind David Njoku, however he was a de facto starter since they used 12 personnel (two tight ends) on half of their performs. They have been efficient with it, scoring a landing and registering a forty five.7% success price on 35 such performs. — Daniel Oyefusi

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 26-10
Preseason rating: 27

Greatest newcomer efficiency: WR Tetairoa McMillan

The No. 8 decide made an instantaneous affect, main the crew in targets (9), catches (5) and receiving yards (68). He might have made an even bigger affect had he hauled in a 33-yard landing cross from QB Bryce Younger on fourth-and-5 late within the third quarter. McMillan obtained one hand on the ball however wasn’t capable of haul it in because the defender pulled his arm away. — David Newton

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Commanders 21-6
Preseason rating: 29

Greatest newcomer efficiency: LB Brian Burns

There wasn’t so much to select from on this recreation, however Burns crammed up the stat sheet. He had a pair of sacks, two tackles for a loss and 6 complete tackles. His 9.1% sack proportion was the third highest of any participant in Week 1. And even after he left the sphere at one level to have his ankle taped, he was a significant component. Hardly a shock contemplating the Professional Bowl edge rusher had a very sturdy summer season. — Jordan Raanan

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Week 1 end result: Misplaced to the Cardinals 20-13
Preseason rating: 31

Greatest newcomer efficiency: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

Banks, the No. 9 decide, quietly had a stable debut at left sort out, giving up two pressures and no sacks in 46 pass-blocking snaps, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. He additionally had no penalties in a recreation riddled with them — each different Saints offensive lineman had a penalty. With proper sort out Taliese Fuaga leaving the sport within the second half and guard Trevor Penning unable to play as a consequence of harm, the rookie’s debut was an encouraging signal. — Katherine Terrell