The first week of the 2025 NFL regular season provided interesting storylines and drama. There were two underdogs heading into the week that came through with victories. Please note that the Buffalo Bills entered the week as the favourite, and then the line shifted and Baltimore was the 1.5 point favourite, before the Bills came through with a dramatic 41-40 win.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers won Friday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil by a score of 27-21. The Chargers star was Justin Hebert of Eugene, Oregon. Herbert completed 25 of 34 passes for 318 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Two of Herbert’s touchdown passes went to Quentin Johnston of Temple, Texas. The first was five yards and the second was 23 yards. Herbert’s other touchdown pass was 11 yards to Keenan Allen of Greensboro, North Carolina. Heading into the game, the Chiefs were a three point favourite, but the Chiefs looked old, slow and tired.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders were the second team from the AFC West that came through with a week one win. They defeated the New England Patriots 20-13. How the Raiders were the 2.5 point underdog heading into the contest should surprise many. Last season, the Raiders had identical records of four wins and 13 losses. However, the Raiders made the better improvements, headlined by acquiring the underrated Geno Smith of Miramar, Florida at quarterback. This was the one upset I successfully predicted from Week One. Smith was the difference as he completed 24 of 34 passes for 362 passing yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers of Napa, California had five catches for 103 receiving yards.
