Inside the Numbers provides insights into NFL statistics, streaks, and trends on a weekly basis. In Week 1 of the NFL season, passing statistics seemed to harken back to a different era, with the majority of starting quarterbacks failing to reach the common threshold of 200 yards passing in a game. This marked the least productive week for passing since the 2007 season, with teams averaging 188.3 net passing yards per game, the lowest since 2007. This average was down by 28.6% from the Week 1 record set five years ago at 263.8 yards.
Seventeen starting quarterbacks threw for fewer than 200 yards, a feat that occurred only for the second time since 2011. Notably, rookie quarterbacks combined for a mere 415 passing yards in their debuts, with Washington’s Jayden Daniels leading with 184 yards. Accomplished veterans such as Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins also struggled to meet their usual standards in their first games back from injuries.
Despite passing struggles, rushing the ball had a resurgence in Week 1, with teams averaging 121.5 rushing yards per game, marking the best opening week since 2008. A significant portion of the offense, 39.2%, came from rushing plays, the second-highest percentage since the start of the 2012 season.
In an unusual turn of events, the Chicago Bears secured a victory despite rookie QB Caleb Williams’ tough debut with only 93 passing yards, becoming the first No. 1 pick quarterback to win in their first career start since 2002. The Bears overcame a 17-point deficit with no offensive touchdowns, relying on a blocked punt return, an interception return, and field goals to secure a 24-17 win over Tennessee.
The kickoff rule changes led to more returns in Week 1, including a kickoff return touchdown by Arizona’s DeeJay Dallas. Notably, the average starting field position after kicks improved to the 29.5-yard line, a notable increase from the previous season.
The opening week also saw impressive kicking performances, with kickers making a record-setting 21 field goals from at least 50 yards. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell and Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn both made three long field goals, a feat unseen in a season opener before. San Francisco’s Jake Moody and Boswell tied an NFL record by each making six field goals in a season opener.
Furthermore, newcomers Xavier Worthy and Saquon Barkley made dazzling debuts for their respective teams, making significant impacts. Worthy scored on a run and a catch for the Kansas City Chiefs, while Barkley scored three touchdowns in his first game with the Philadelphia Eagles, matching a feat achieved by Terrell Owens in 2004.