Evaluating Early Trends in the NFL: Real or Just a Mirage?

As the 2025 NFL season progresses, teams are beginning to establish narratives based on their performances. After two weeks, 10 teams remain undefeated at 2-0, while 11 teams are still searching for their first win at 0-2. The reality is that not all 2-0 teams will make it to the playoffs, and conversely, not all 0-2 teams are beyond hope. Each of the 32 NFL teams is either trying to maintain a positive trend or reverse a negative one. ESPN’s team of reporters has examined these early-season trends, assessing their sustainability as the season unfolds.

AFC East Trends

Buffalo Bills: Rushing Game Surprise

The Bills have surprised many by leading the league in rushing attempts. According to Alaina Getzenberg, this trend is real, as offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasizes a strong run game to support quarterback Josh Allen. The offensive line has remained consistent, which bodes well for the running game as the season progresses.

Miami Dolphins: Struggles on the Ground

In contrast, the Dolphins rank 29th in rushing yards per game, a trend deemed real by Marcel Louis-Jacques. Despite offseason efforts to bolster the offensive line and add a power back, injuries have hindered their progress. The team’s struggles in the ground game appear to be a continuation of last season’s issues.

New England Patriots: Penalty Issues

The Patriots are averaging 10.5 accepted penalties per game, a trend that Mike Reiss believes is a mirage. Historically, this team has been disciplined under coach Mike Vrabel, and the current high penalty count is unlikely to persist, particularly with false start penalties.

New York Jets: Defensive Woes

The Jets find themselves ranked 21st in yards allowed and 30th in points allowed, with Rich Cimini stating this trend is a mirage. With a talented defensive roster, the Jets are expected to improve as they adapt to their new hybrid defensive scheme.

AFC North Trends

Baltimore Ravens: Andrews’ Lack of Production

Tight end Mark Andrews has had a surprisingly low output, leading Jamison Hensley to classify this as a real concern. With only two catches for seven yards, Andrews has not been utilized effectively in the Ravens’ offense.

Cincinnati Bengals: Running Game Inefficiency

The Bengals are struggling to run the ball, currently last in the league in yards per rushing attempt, a situation Ben Baby sees as a mirage. With adjustments to the offensive line and quarterback Jake Browning stepping in, there is hope for improved balance in the offense.

Cleveland Browns: Underwhelming Running Game

Despite a focus on the run game, the Browns have only recorded one run of over 10 yards, a trend that Daniel Oyefusi views as a mirage. With rookie running back Quinshon Judkins showing promise, the Browns’ rushing attack is expected to improve.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive Struggles

The Steelers’ defense ranks 29th in both yards and points allowed, a situation deemed real by Brooke Pryor. Despite a high payroll, the defense has struggled significantly, allowing over 30 points in consecutive games.

AFC South Trends

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud’s Pressure Rate

Quarterback C.J. Stroud is facing a high pressure rate, a trend DJ Bien-Aime considers real. The Texans’ offensive line has struggled, which could jeopardize the team’s success against tougher opponents.

Indianapolis Colts: An Explosive Offense

The Colts have emerged as one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, a trend Stephen Holder believes is real. Under quarterback Daniel Jones, the Colts have scored on their first ten drives, showcasing a dynamic offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Rushing Leadership

The Jaguars currently lead the NFL in rushing yards, a trend that Michael DiRocco classifies as mirage-ish. While they have improved, it is unlikely they will maintain the top position throughout the season.

Tennessee Titans: Third-Down Struggles

The Titans are facing the worst average distance on third downs, a trend Turron Davenport sees as real. Early penalties have contributed to this situation, making it difficult for the offense to convert.

AFC West Trends

Denver Broncos: Turnover Margin

The Broncos are tied for 28th in turnover margin, a trend Jeff Legwold considers real. To compete in the AFC, they must improve their ball security and reduce penalties.

Kansas City Chiefs: Mahomes as Leading Rusher

Patrick Mahomes is leading the Chiefs in rushing yards, a situation Nate Taylor sees as mirage-ish. While Mahomes has had to scramble, the team is hopeful this trend will not continue.

Las Vegas Raiders: Defensive Performance

The Raiders have allowed the fifth-fewest points, a trend Ryan McFadden views as real. Their defense has shown improvement, keeping games competitive against strong opponents.

Los Angeles Chargers: Johnston’s Production

Wide receiver Quentin Johnston is leading the Chargers in receiving yards and touchdowns, a trend Kris Rhim considers real. Despite previous inconsistencies, Johnston has become a favorite target for quarterback Justin Herbert.

NFC East Trends

Dallas Cowboys: Rushing Touchdowns

The Cowboys have already scored four rushing touchdowns, a trend Todd Archer believes is real. With a revamped offensive strategy, they are finding success in the red zone.

New York Giants: Rushing Attack Struggles

The Giants are among the bottom five teams in rushing, a situation Jordan Raanan sees as real. Problems with the offensive line have hindered their ability to establish a productive run game.

Philadelphia Eagles: Brown’s Limited Role

Wide receiver A.J. Brown has not been a significant factor, a trend Tim McManus views as a mirage. Given his previous performance, it is expected that he will return to form soon.

Washington Commanders: McLaurin’s Slow Start

Terry McLaurin is on pace for under 700 yards, a trend John Keim believes is a mirage. Despite early struggles, McLaurin’s track record suggests he will bounce back.

NFC North Trends

Chicago Bears: Defensive Collapse

The Bears rank last in points allowed, a trend Courtney Cronin sees as real. This defensive failure is alarming for a team looking to establish a competitive identity.

Detroit Lions: Receiving Touchdowns

The Lions lead the league in receiving touchdowns, a trend Eric Woodyard views as real. With numerous offensive weapons, they are poised to maintain this efficiency.

Green Bay Packers: QB Pressure

The Packers lead the league in quarterback pressures, a trend Rob Demovsky considers real. Their defensive improvements have contributed significantly to their early success.

Minnesota Vikings: Offensive Line Issues

The Vikings’ revamped offensive line is struggling, a situation Kevin Seifert sees as real. Injuries have compounded the challenges faced by the line, affecting quarterback performance.

NFC South Trends

Atlanta Falcons: Strong Pass Rush

The Falcons have an impressive pass rush, a trend Marc Raimondi deems mirage-ish. While their performance has improved, historical data suggests they may not maintain this level.

Carolina Panthers: Legette’s Struggles

Xavier Legette is off to a poor start, a situation David Newton considers real. With a low catch rate, his future role may be in jeopardy.

New Orleans Saints: Sacks Leader

The Saints are tied for second in the league with eight sacks, a trend Katherine Terrell views as a mirage. Their actual pass rush performance does not support sustained success in this area.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hot Start

The Buccaneers are off to a 2-0 start, a trend Jenna Laine sees as real. Despite past midseason lulls, their current play suggests they can maintain momentum if they stay healthy.

NFC West Trends

Arizona Cardinals: Conner’s Slow Start

Running back James Conner is not performing at his usual level, a trend Josh Weinfuss considers a mirage. With a history of strong performances, a breakout is expected.

Los Angeles Rams: Young’s Performance

Byron Young is leading the Rams in sacks, a trend Sarah Barshop views as real. His early success has been a bright spot for the Rams’ defense.

San Francisco 49ers: Red Zone Efficiency

The 49ers are averaging 57.1% in red zone touchdown efficiency, a trend Nick Wagoner sees as a mirage. While they have room for improvement, the return of key players should enhance their scoring opportunities.

Seattle Seahawks: Charbonnet’s Role

Zach Charbonnet is receiving more playing time than Kenneth Walker III, a trend Brady Henderson sees as real. His reliability in pass protection has earned him significant snaps.

Key Facts

– Ten teams are currently 2-0, while 11 teams are 0-2.
– The Buffalo Bills lead the league in rushing attempts.
– The Miami Dolphins rank 29th in rushing yards per game.
– The New England Patriots average 10.5 accepted penalties per game.
– The Chicago Bears’ defense ranks last in points allowed.
– The Indianapolis Colts have one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
– The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started 2-0 for the third consecutive year under coach Todd Bowles.

Source: www.espn.com