Top NFL Week 1 Debuts to Watch for the 2025 Season

Football fans are getting excited about several significant debuts that are scheduled for the first week of the 2025 NFL season when the entire schedule is released on May 14.

Following months of coaching changes, trades, draft selections, and free agent signings, teams have added new players to their squads.

NFL analysts point out that many rookies deserve particular attention for their debuts.

J.J. McCarthy Takes Command in Minnesota

Sam Darnold’s departure from the Minnesota Vikings this summer drastically changed the team’s quarterback situation and made room for J.J. McCarthy to take over as the starting quarterback.

Due to a knee injury, the second-year quarterback missed his whole rookie season, but he is now prepared to take over.

McCarthy was praised by head coach Kevin O’Connell after his recuperation. The Vikings’ offense benefits from the youthful signal-caller’s accuracy, mobility, and fast processing abilities.

These qualities are a fantastic fit for O’Connell’s attacking strategy.

The Vikings’ front office spent considerable resources to strengthen the offensive line, which should give McCarthy extra protection as he starts his NFL career.

His supporting cast boasts elite talent, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones all ready to contribute to his success.

Football enthusiasts who follow the best offshore sportsbooks noticed the betting lines shift favorably for Minnesota after news broke about McCarthy’s recovery progress and strong practice performances. The odds reflect growing confidence in the young quarterback’s ability to lead a playoff-caliber team from week one.

Travis Hunter Brings Two-Way Potential to Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars made what many consider the boldest move of the draft when they traded up to select Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner.

Hunter arrives with unprecedented expectations as a two-way player who excelled at both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado.

First-year Jaguars head coach Liam Coen faces the challenge of how to maximize Hunter’s extraordinary talents.

During his college career, Hunter averaged an astonishing 112.3 snaps per game while playing both offense and defense.

This far exceeds the NFL norm, where no player has averaged more than 78 snaps per game in the past decade.

Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone took a substantial risk by trading future draft capital to acquire Hunter, stating the rookie has the potential to change the sport itself.

The most pressing question remains whether Jacksonville will use Hunter primarily on offense while sprinkling in defensive snaps, or attempt to use him extensively on both sides of the ball from the start.

Ben Johnson Leads Chicago Into a New Era

The Chicago Bears landed Ben Johnson, widely considered the top head coaching candidate of the hiring cycle. Johnson takes control of a team with high expectations centered around second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in 2024.

The Bears’ front office worked aggressively to surround Johnson and Williams with talent.

The team rebuilt their interior offensive line and added playmakers in the draft, including Tight End Colston Loveland and Wide Receiver Luther Burden III.

The defensive line also received upgrades through free agency.

Johnson must navigate the ultra-competitive NFC North division with a young quarterback still developing his professional skills.

The Week 1 matchup will provide the first glimpse of how Johnson plans to utilize Williams and whether his offensive system can translate to immediate success in Chicago.

Deebo Samuel Joins Washington’s Championship Push

The Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship game last season behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Seeking to take the next step, Washington traded for versatile weapon Deebo Samuel this offseason.

Samuel joins an offense that features Terry McLaurin, giving Daniels two elite options in the passing game.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury now has the task of integrating Samuel into an already successful unit.

The former 49er brings a unique skill set as both a receiver and runner, which should complement Daniels’ dual-threat abilities.

After playing with several quarterbacks in San Francisco, Samuel now pairs with Daniels, who showed star potential as a rookie.

The combination of Daniels, Samuel, and McLaurin forms one of the most dynamic offensive trios in the league.

Justin Fields Gets Fresh Start with Jets

Justin Fields enters a pivotal career phase as he joins the New York Jets. After falling out of favor in Chicago and then serving as both starter and backup in Pittsburgh last season, Fields signed with New York to compete for the starting job.

Despite posting a 4-2 record as a starter with the Steelers, Fields was benched in favor of Russell Wilson.

The Jets hope Fields can stabilize their quarterback position after years of instability.

The Jets offer Fields a coaching staff that appears to believe in his talents, plus a supporting cast capable of highlighting his strengths as both a passer and runner.

The Week 1 debut will show whether Fields can finally fulfill the potential that made him a first-round selection out of Ohio State.