Week 1 NFL Chaos: Bengals Grind, Bills Shock Ravens, and Parsons’ Packers Debut
By Trinity Barnette
This was Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season — and honestly, it came with absolute chaos. Between huge comebacks, blown leads, and a little NFL drama, it was one of those weeks that set the tone for the rest of the year.
My Picks:
Bengals – I had Cincinnati locked in.
Bills – Easy pick. It was a home game, and Bills Mafia is different. I’ve seen enough videos of them jumping through tables, setting themselves on fire, and doing straight-up witchcraft to know there was no way they were losing at home.
And honestly? Both picks hit.
Bengals Survive Browns in Season Opener
The Cincinnati Bengals finally broke their streak of slow September starts, escaping Cleveland with a 17-16 win that came down to the final possession. For the first time since 2021, Cincinnati begins the season 1-0, thanks to a resilient defensive performance and just enough from the offense.
The afternoon started in ideal fashion. Cincinnati’s opening drive set the tone with a 12-play, 68-yard march that drained nearly half of the first quarter. Rookie running back Chase Brown capped it off with a five-yard touchdown, the first of his career. Joe Burrow added to the lead in the second quarter, finding tight end Noah Fant in the end zone to give the Bengals a 14-7 advantage at halftime.
Cleveland clawed back in the third quarter behind Joe Flacco, briefly grabbing a 16-14 lead. But the momentum shifted when rookie safety Jordan Battle intercepted Flacco deep in Browns territory. Evan McPherson converted the turnover into a 35-yard field goal, the deciding points of the game.
From there, Cincinnati’s defense closed the door. Rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. racked up eight solo tackles, while D.J. Turner sealed the win with a late interception. Despite being outgained 287-149 in total yardage and struggling to protect Burrow, the Bengals leaned on timely defensive plays to preserve the victory.
It was far from a clean performance, but for Cincinnati, the outcome mattered most. A September win — and a 1-0 record — provides an early boost of confidence for a team aiming to return to AFC contention.
Ravens vs. Bills: Epic Collapse in Buffalo
The Ravens entered Week 1 looking like the AFC’s top contender — and for three quarters, they played the part. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers piled up yards and points, pushing Baltimore to a 40–25 lead late in the third. At one point, the Ravens had cleared historic thresholds (40+ points and 235+ rushing yards) that had never before resulted in a loss (277–0 all-time).
But history was made in Buffalo.
How It Unfolded
Ravens roll early: Jackson accounted for three total TDs (two passing, one rushing), Henry ran for 169 yards and two scores, and Flowers posted 143 yards on 7 catches. Baltimore entered the fourth quarter up 34–19, silencing Buffalo’s crowd and sending some fans home early.
Momentum shifts: Despite two failed Buffalo two-point tries, Baltimore seemed secure until Henry’s costly fumble with 3:10 left. Holding a 40–32 lead, the Ravens were trying to bleed the clock when the ball slipped away.
Bills’ comeback: Josh Allen led a lightning strike drive, pulling Buffalo within two, then marched the offense again in the final minute to set up Matt Prater’s 32-yard game-winner. Buffalo scored 22 points in the fourth quarter alone.
By the Numbers
Josh Allen: 394 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs. His 7th career game with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns — the most in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson: 3 total TDs, dynamic but overshadowed by the collapse.
Historic stat: Teams with 40+ points and 235+ rushing yards had been 277–0 in NFL history before this game. The Ravens made it 277–1.
Takeaway
For Buffalo, it was proof of championship resilience. For Baltimore, it was a devastating reminder that one mistake can erase three quarters of dominance. The Ravens left Week 1 0–1 in a game that looked like a statement win until the final minutes.
Week 1 Shockwaves: Micah Parsons’ Green Bay Debut
Just when you thought Week 1 couldn’t get crazier, Micah Parsons made his Packers debut—something Cowboys fans (and Jerry Jones, especially) are still sick about. After the blockbuster trade that sent him from Dallas to Green Bay, all eyes were on how Parsons would look in his first game.
Even though he was on a snap count because of a lingering back issue, Parsons wasted no time making an impact—logging a sack and constant pressure on the Lions’ offense. Green Bay got exactly what it paid for: a game-wrecking pass rusher who instantly elevates their defense.
Meanwhile, Jerry Jones is probably foaming at the mouth watching from Dallas. Not only did Parsons immediately prove his value, but the Cowboys are left explaining why they shipped off their best player while still claiming they’re chasing a Super Bowl. The Packers didn’t just get Parsons—they got a swagger that Dallas just lost.
Parsons called his Cowboys exit “super toxic” and said his Green Bay debut gave him a sense of relief. Translation: he’s free, he’s thriving, and he’s hunting QBs in green and gold now.
Rodgers Reminds Jets Who He Is
In one of Week 1’s most dramatic storylines, Aaron Rodgers came storming back to MetLife Stadium—this time as the Steelers’ QB—and made it personal. Stellar game: 244 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a 136.7 passer rating in a 34-32 win over his former team .
As he walked off the field, no ego check in sight. He cupped his ear to the crowd, soaking in the boos, then later told reporters bluntly, “I was happy to beat everyone associated with the Jets.” Talk about sending a message .
And yeah, if you need more proof Rodgers isn’t letting that Jets chapter go quietly—he privately ripped the team’s offense as “abysmal” and called it “clueless” in a 25-minute rant to a close friend .
Raw Reflections
Week 1 was already chaotic, and I feel like it set the tone for the entire season.
The Bengals didn’t completely piss me off for once and actually pulled out a gritty win, even if their offense stalled late. I’ll admit it—I’m cautiously optimistic.
The Ravens had the game in their hands and choked in historic fashion. That Henry fumble? Absolutely brutal. The Bills basically pulled off witchcraft in their own stadium, and I called it.
Micah Parsons debuting with the Packers was the nightmare fuel Jerry Jones deserves. He’s probably pacing his yacht right now.
Aaron Rodgers made sure the Jets knew he’s not done talking his shit. Beating them with the Steelers and throwing shade after? Petty and iconic.
If this is only Week 1, we’re in for a wild ride.
