The NFL season of 2025 has already thrown more curveballs than a pitcher in the World Series—prepare to be amazed, bemused, and maybe even a little outraged by what's unfolding on the gridiron!
As we hit the one-third mark of the regular season, what once appeared as fleeting glitches have solidified into undeniable patterns. Sure, there's ample opportunity for a turnaround—think back to how the Eagles bounced back from a 2-2 start last year to claim the Lombardi Trophy—but it's high time we acknowledge the genuine shocks shaping this year's campaign. Some are exhilarating, others downright perplexing, but they're here to stay.
And this is the part most people miss: These surprises aren't just stats on a page; they're reshaping how we view teams and players. Let's dive into the six biggest ones, breaking them down for even the newest fans to follow along.
1) Sam Darnold has emerged as one of the league's elite quarterbacks, transforming the Seattle Seahawks' offense into the NFL's most dynamic force. Check out the replay of his stunning 61-yard touchdown throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that burned the Jaguars in a clutch moment—it's a prime example of the precision and power we've seen all season. There was also that pinpoint touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp at the sideline pylon, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. By Week 6, Darnold ranked in the top three for completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, while enduring just seven sacks. His accuracy in ball placement has been spot-on. The Seahawks took a risk by trading Geno Smith to the Raiders and signing Darnold after the Vikings opted for J.J. McCarthy instead. For beginners, this means Seattle bet big on a player who was overlooked elsewhere, and it's paying dividends in explosive plays and team success.
2) The New England Patriots' revival is occurring faster than anyone predicted, with Drake Maye shining brightly as their quarterback. On Sunday, he went 18-of-26 for 261 yards and three touchdowns, including three deep balls of at least 20 air yards while under duress, per Next Gen Stats. At 4-2, they've equaled their win totals from the previous two seasons combined, and there's strong evidence this momentum will persist. Receivers like Stefon Diggs are performing at peak levels, while Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas are making impactful contributions. Their defense is also elite, ranking in the top 10 for points allowed. They stayed steady after a prime-time road win over the Bills, a testament to Coach Mike Vrabel's leadership. It remains to be seen how aggressively they'll pursue trades before the November 4 deadline, especially if star wide receivers become available—imagine adding another weapon to this blossoming offense!
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Maye's rapid ascent sustainable, or is it just a hot streak that could cool off like a New England winter?
3) Baker Mayfield is poised to dominate the MVP conversation, driving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a commanding position. While their NFC South dominance isn't shocking—having claimed the division four years running—Mayfield's performance has been extraordinary, securing a 5-1 record despite missing his top four receivers throughout the season. Sunday's game was a masterclass: Facing third and 14, with the 49ers ready to sack him, Mayfield escaped, scrambled left, pump-faked to evade defenders, took a hit, and lunged for the first down. Two plays later, he zipped a 45-yard touchdown to rookie Tez Johnson. He ended the day 17-of-23 for 256 yards, two scores, and zero picks, with that sequence alone earning MVP highlight reel status. Overall, he's tossed 12 touchdowns against just one interception. For newcomers to football, this highlights how a quarterback's mobility and decision-making can turn a tough situation into a game-changer.
4) The Indianapolis Colts stand out as one of the most well-rounded squads in the league, excelling in every facet of the game. Heading into their Sunday victory over the Cardinals, they boasted a top-three offensive and defensive scoring unit. They dominate on the ground (racking up 150 yards Sunday), through the air (Daniel Jones has eight touchdown passes and only three interceptions), and in protection (Jones has been sacked just five times). They've punted sparingly—only 10 times so far—and avoided turnovers (just six total in six games), winning big and in close contests, like edging the Cardinals led by Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. This versatility suggests their wins are built to last, with multiple paths to victory. As the AFC's sole team with five wins before Monday's Bills-Falcons matchup, they've scored 194 points in six games, the highest for the franchise since the Super Bowl era began in 1969. To put it simply for beginners, the Colts are like a Swiss Army knife—equipped for any challenge.
5) The Philadelphia Eagles' offense is struggling to find its rhythm, as evidenced by their 34-17 Thursday night defeat to the Giants, their second loss in five days. This spotlights ongoing issues in their attack, which relied heavily on the run last season en route to the Super Bowl. Running back Saquon Barkley has managed only 325 rushing yards in six games, with his average yards per carry dropping over two yards to 3.4. Quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn't been as sharp in directing plays, receivers are voicing frustration over their roles, and even team members are calling the offense too predictable. While excuses like an injured offensive line and a new coordinator in Kevin Patullo are valid, the Eagles are expected to overcome such hurdles given their wealth of talent. Players like A.J. Brown flagged problems early on, and though they adapted after last year's bye to become unstoppable, failing to gel now could complicate their title defense. For example, just as a car needs all parts working harmoniously, the Eagles' offense seems out of sync—dangerous for a team aiming high.
6) The Baltimore Ravens are spiraling downward in what feels like a free fall. Full disclosure: I had them pegged to win the Super Bowl pre-season, so their 1-5 record is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Little has gone right, even before Lamar Jackson's hamstring injury sidelined him for a second straight game against the Rams, where they managed just three points. Injuries have decimated their lineup—six of their highest-paid players sat out the Week 5 Houston loss. When Jackson was active, he faced heavy pressure (sacked 3.75 times per game, pressured on 41.2% of dropbacks). Their defense is leaking points at 32.3 per game, up 11 from last year. Derrick Henry, despite 122 rushing yards Sunday, averages just 73 yards per game, down 40 from 2024. Against the Rams, the first half featured a goal-line stand where the Rams stopped two Tush Push attempts with Mark Andrews—why not hand off to Henry? They then lost a yard on fourth down. Tyler Huntley relieved Cooper Rush late, but the Ravens have shown apathy in games like the Houston defeat. With a Week 7 bye, Jackson and others might return to right the ship, but with this many wounds and losses, a deep playoff push seems improbable.
But here's where it gets controversial: Could this collapse be a blessing in disguise, forcing the Ravens to rebuild and emerge stronger, or is it the end of an era for this once-dominant squad? What do you think—agree that Baker Mayfield deserves MVP nods already, or is the Ravens' fall a fluke they'll recover from? Share your hot takes in the comments below!
- NFL Week 6 takeaways: Lessons from Sunday's 12 games
- Key injuries and updates from Week 6 action: Buccaneers' Emeka Egbuka tweaks hamstring; Rams' Puka Nacua battles ankle woes
- Top trade targets approaching Nov. 4 deadline: Trey Hendrickson and Alvin Kamara lead the pack of eight notable names
