NFL.com analysts provide one bold prediction for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, from fantasy forecasts to team-based takes.
Malik Nabers ties NFL single-game receptions record.
No player has hit 20 receptions in a game since Brandon Marshall set the record (21) back in 2009. That will change on Sunday when Nabers ties Marshall's record against the Commanders. In two meetings with Washington last season, Nabers saw absurd target rates of 69.2 percent and 40.7 percent from Daniel Jones. Now in his Year 2 opener, with Russell Wilson under center, and in a play-from-behind contest against Jayden Daniels, Nabers will turn all that attention into the third 20-catch game in NFL history.
Travis Hunter goes for 100 yards and a TD.
The generational prospect makes his presence felt immediately in Jacksonville with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown against Carolina. While top corners turn their attention to Brian Thomas Jr., Hunter will feast from the slot, which is a role in Liam Coen’s offenses that has provided tremendous value for fantasy football purposes.
Vikings D suffocates Bears offense in Ben Johnson's head-coaching debut.
The Bears underwent a complete overhaul this offseason with the hopes of getting Caleb Williams to play at a high level in Year 2. The biggest moves were hiring head coach Ben Johnson, bulking up the offensive line and drafting a pair of pass-game weapons early (Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III). Their Week 1 opponent, however, made some moves of their own, most notably in the trenches. Williams will have to wait another week for his breakout campaign to ensue, as Brian Flores' defense dominates by holding the Bears to less than 20 points on Monday night, recording three sacks and forcing Williams into two turnovers.
Joe Flacco will be a top-10 fantasy quarterback.
Let’s start the season off with some spice! We know the Bengals offense can score. We know the Bengals defense struggles to prevent scoring. That adds up to the potential for a track meet in Cleveland. The last time Joe Flacco donned brown (orange?), he threw it more than 40 times per game. If this game turns into an up-and-down affair, Flacco could be the surprise of Week 1.
Abdul Carter has BIG debut against Commanders.
I'll stop short of saying the Giants will beat the Commanders. But I believe we'll leave this game raving about Carter as one of the special, young defenders in the league -- already. The third overall pick of this year's draft is going to have a big first game with at least one sack and a turnover forced.
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson combine for double-digit TDs.
Over the last two seasons, Allen (85) and Jackson (74) rank first and second in offensive touchdowns. However, in their five career head-to-head matchups (including playoffs), this quarterback duo has only totaled 15 scores -- a credit to the defenses. On Sunday night, the top two players in last year's MVP voting will put on a show and account for 10 touchdowns in a high-scoring affair.
