Dallas Cowboys must improve their performance in short-yardage situations as they enter the 2025 NFL season. Last year, the Cowboys allowed conversions on a staggering 77.0% of plays with 1 yard or fewer to go, marking the second-worst rate in the entire league. This statistic sets a challenging stage for their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who led the NFL with 57 short-yardage conversions, including a remarkable 34 conversions on quarterback sneaks.
In contrast, the Buffalo Bills have seen a tremendous resurgence in their ground game, particularly in the red zone. After managing only one rushing touchdown in the red zone across the previous two seasons, the dynamic duo of James Cook and Josh Allen combined for an impressive 23 rushing touchdowns in 2024. This red-zone success carried into the playoffs, where the Bills notched three rushing touchdowns against a Baltimore Ravens defense that had previously not allowed more than one rushing touchdown in any game.
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This Week 1, the Dallas Cowboys will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday at 8:20 PM ET. Despite facing struggles last season, quarterback Dak Prescott showcased his strengths in deep passing, achieving a 93.7 deep passing grade, which ranked sixth among NFL quarterbacks. Although his 38.0% completion rate on deep throws came in at 19th, factors like dropped passes contributed to his 50.0% adjusted completion rate, tying for fourth-best.
This season, Prescott gains support from George Pickens, who ranked second in the league with 15 receptions on deep targets, totaling 515 yards. However, the Cowboys face a formidable challenge against a Philadelphia secondary that allowed only a 27.0% completion rate on deep passes last season, the second-best mark in the NFL.
On Friday at 8 PM ET, the Kansas City Chiefs will clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs are known for their run-pass options (RPOs) and screen plays, with a notable 17.0% RPO usage rate in 2024. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the league with 397 RPO pass attempts since 2018, contributing to a total of 2,383 yards after the catch last season.
In another pivotal matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at 1 PM ET. The Buccaneers are feeling the absence of star tackle Tristan Wirfs, who earned a league-best 94.1 PFF pass-blocking grade last season. Atlanta has made significant upgrades to its pass rush, which will be crucial against quarterback Baker Mayfield, who excelled when kept clean, leading the league in touchdown passes with 36.
The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 PM ET, featuring two of the league's most disruptive edge rushers: Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson led all defenders in 2024 with 31.1% of his team's total pressures, while Garrett generated 24.9% of Cleveland’s pressures, underscoring the importance of improved pass protection for both teams.
As the Miami Dolphins visit the Indianapolis Colts, the Colts are looking to enhance their tight end position after ranking 31st in receiving yards from tight ends last season. The addition of rookie tight end Tyler Warren could provide a much-needed boost, especially after he showcased his skills at Penn State last season.
In a critical encounter, the Arizona Cardinals will face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1 PM ET. Trey McBride had a stellar receiving season last year, ranking fifth among tight ends in combined receiving first downs and touchdowns. Meanwhile, Chris Olave continues to be a key player for the Saints, boasting an impressive receiving grade since 2022.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New York Jets, all eyes will be on Justin Fields and his rushing ability. Despite his struggles, Fields leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards on scrambles. The matchup with D.K. Metcalf and Sauce Gardner will be another highlight of the day.
As the NFL season kicks off, teams are gearing up for intense matchups that will test their strengths and weaknesses. From short-yardage situations to explosive deep passing plays, each game presents an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent. Stay tuned for exciting action this Sunday, and don’t forget to subscribe to PFF+ for detailed insights and strategies to enhance your fantasy football experience.
