Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season delivered surprises as teams entered the season’s second half. For example, the New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll after the team lost to the Chicago Bears. Buffalo struggled, suffering a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins and failing to score in the first three quarters. Meanwhile, the Jets, after trading several top defensive players at the deadline, secured their second win over the Cleveland Browns. These shifts set the stage for the key stat that summarizes each team’s performance and, in Week 10, indicates where each team’s fate lies.
Arizona Cardinals – 16.0 Yards per Carry
Earlier this season, the Arizona Cardinals lost James Connor and Trey Benson to injuries, prompting changes in their backfield. With their top two running backs sidelined, the team relied on quality replacements. In Week 10, Emari Demercado took over as the primary ball carrier, rushing four times for 64 yards and averaging 16.0 yards per carry.
Atlanta Falcons – 0% 3rd Down Success Rate
Coming into Week 10, the Atlanta Falcons’ offense was loaded with weapons, including wide receiver Drake London and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Given that arsenal, it seemed inevitable that the Falcons would be successful against the Indianapolis Colts. However, those high expectations made the team’s performance all the more confusing, as Atlanta’s offense failed to convert any of its 3rd-down attempts into a first down. Despite this struggle, the Falcons pushed the Colts into overtime before ultimately losing to Indianapolis.
Baltimore Ravens – 4 Takeaways
The Baltimore Ravens stepped up on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. Baltimore intercepted two passes of Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Additionally, the Ravens forced the Vikings to fumble the ball twice. Those takeaways allowed the Ravens to pick up a big win in Minnesota, and the Ravens attempt to work themselves back into the race for the top spot in the AFC North.
Buffalo Bills – 3 Scoreless Quarters
Concerns surrounding the Buffalo Bills have escalated this season after their loss to the Miami Dolphins. Previous concerns were related to the Bills’ inability to stop the run and maintain an efficient offense against championship contenders. Despite those concerns, it did not seem like the Dolphins posed a threat to Buffalo. However, when the Bills could not score for the first three quarters against Miami, alarms were going off all over for Buffalo. Ultimately, Josh Allen was unable to help the Bills overcome their slow start, which resulted in Buffalo’s third loss of the season.
Carolina Panthers – 3/9 On 3rd Down
Another team that fell short of expectations this week was the Carolina Panthers after they were defeated by the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers had a fast start to the game with a rushing touchdown by Rico Dowdle. But that would be the last time the Panthers scored in their losing effort against the Saints. A significant part of the Panthers’ lack of offensive success was their inconsistency in converting third-down opportunities into first downs, which hindered drive extension. Consequently, those failures allowed the Saints to have more opportunities to run their offense and extend their advantage over the Panthers.
Chicago Bears – 4 Quarterback Sacks
The Chicago Bears picked up a big victory against the New York Giants. For the majority of the 2025 season, the focus has been on the Chicago Bears’ ability to show improvement each week. However, this week the Bears’ defense stepped up in a big way. Consequently, allowing the Bears to outlast the Giants by containing the Giants’ quarterback Jaxson Dart. During the game, the Bears sacked Dart four times. In addition, Dart had to leave the game with concussion symptoms in the second half. Ultimately, Russell Wilson stepped in for Dart, but he was unable to lead the Giants to a comeback against the Bears’ defense.
Cincinnati Bengals – 28.4% 3rd Down Success
The Bengals are the NFL’s most disappointing team in 2025. During the off-season, the Bengals made a commitment to wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This commitment raised Super Bowl expectations for Joe Burrow and the offense. However, early in the season, Burrow suffered a toe injury requiring surgery and was placed on the injured reserve list. As a result of Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning has stepped in to lead the offense, and Cincinnati also traded for Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. The ongoing changes at quarterback have contributed to the Bengals’ inability to put together extended drives, as reflected in their 28.4% third-down conversion rate this season.
Cleveland Browns – Punt Return for a TD
The Cleveland Browns have had a chaotic season so far in 2025, but at times, they played solid football. When the Browns faced the New York Jets, it was expected that they would be able to play well enough to secure another win for the season. However, the Browns ultimately fell short against the Jets, and a significant part of their loss occurred early in the game. That breaking point took place when the Browns allowed the Jets to return a punt 74 yards for a special teams touchdown. That touchdown compromised Cleveland’s efforts to get a win against the Jets.
Dallas Cowboys – 29.2 Points per Game
The Dallas Cowboys have had a disappointing start to the 2025 season, with most of their challenges arising on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, the Cowboys generally played championship football. So far this season, the Cowboys have the 4th-highest scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 29.2 points per game. As long as the Cowboys can continue to produce points at this pace, they will have a chance to make a run for a potential playoff berth in the second half of the season.
Denver Broncos – 1 Blocked Punt
The Denver Broncos pushed their winning streak to eight with a Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the win, their offense struggled. However, the defense and special teams made key plays to help Denver avoid an embarrassing primetime upset. In the third quarter, special teams blocked a Raiders punt, setting up a field goal that ultimately proved decisive, allowing Denver to survive against a hungry Raiders team.
Detroit Lions – 135.9 QBR
The Detroit Lions had an opportunity this week to avenge their playoff loss from last January by defeating the Washington Commanders. Lions quarterback Jared Goff played one of his best games of the year against Washington. Goff passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns against Washington. That outstanding performance, along with not throwing any interceptions, earned Goff an impressive quarterback rating of 135.9 this week.
Green Bay Packers – 3 Fumbles
The Monday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles was an epic defensive struggle. In a game with offensive gridlock, the team making the most mistakes usually loses. The Packers made those mistakes. Their offense lost three fumbles, including one that likely would have resulted in a touchdown being taken off the scoreboard. At the end of the 2nd quarter, with the score tied at 0-0, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love fumbled and ended a scoring chance. Another key fumble happened in the 4th quarter. Josh Jacobs tried to pick up a first down on a 4th and 1 play. He fumbled, and the Eagles recovered, ending the Packers’ drive.
Houston Texans – 26 Unanswered Points
The Houston Texans have battled injuries to key offensive playmakers this season. Their slow offensive start against the Jaguars was unsurprising. In the 4th quarter, backup quarterback Davis Mills found his rhythm, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another. Mills’ performance, plus a defensive touchdown, let Houston score 26 unanswered points in the 4th and clinch a crucial division win.
Indianapolis Colts – 244 Rushing Yards
The Indianapolis Colts faced a tough test in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. After trailing for much of the game, the Colts were able to secure a win against Atlanta in overtime. A big part of the Colts’ winning effort came from running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor ran the ball 32 times for Indianapolis and gained 244 rushing yards along with three rushing touchdowns. Consequently, Taylor ended up being the driving force to allow the Colts to continue their hot start to the 2025 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars – 72 yard Punt Return TD
The Jacksonville Jaguars came up short after taking a significant lead over the Houston Texans. However, before the Texans put together an outstanding fourth-quarter effort to defeat Jacksonville, the Jaguars made some big plays. One of those big plays came from Parker Washington when he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown. That return for a touchdown was Parker’s second of the season, and the third in his NFL career.
Kansas City Chiefs – Top 5 Total Defense
The Kansas City Chiefs have had a slow start to the 2025 season on the offensive side of the ball. Despite those struggles on offense, the Chiefs are maintaining a position in the standings that could allow them to make a run at returning to the playoffs once again. A big part of the Chiefs’ success this season has been due to the outstanding performances put on by their defense. So far this season, the Chiefs are the 5th-best defense in the NFL, according to the Total Yards Allowed statistical category.
Las Vegas Raiders – 6 Quarterback Sacks
The Las Vegas Raiders missed a big opportunity to hand their bitter rival, the Denver Broncos, a division loss. While the Raiders did not pull ahead of the Broncos, they did a great job of keeping the game tight against Las Vegas. Ultimately, a blocked punt cost the Raiders a chance at getting a big upset victory. But another contributing factor to the Raiders’ failure to defeat Denver was their inability to protect quarterback Geno Smith. Smith was sacked six times by the Broncos’ defense, which made it difficult for the Las Vegas offense to get in a rhythm against Denver.
Los Angeles Chargers – 26.8 Yards per Catch
The Los Angeles Chargers picked up a critical victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in primetime. A major contributor to the Chargers’ performance against the Steelers’ intimidating defense was Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey only caught four passes against Pittsburgh, but he was able to use those opportunities to gash the Steelers’ defense. By the end of the game, McConkey had 107 receiving yards and a touchdown, which gave him an impressive average of 26.8 yards per catch.
Los Angeles Rams – 0 Turnovers, 0 Penalties
During the last three games, the Los Angeles Rams have been a shining light of offensive efficiency. This week, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. This marked the third consecutive game with this impressive stat line. Notably, the Rams recorded no interceptions, no fumbles, and no penalties, exemplifying the efficiency with which this offense operates.
Miami Dolphins – 197 Rushing Yards
The Miami Dolphins picked up a huge division win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. Miami attacked the Bills at their weakest point, which is their run defense. De’Von Achane led the way for the Dolphins’ rushing attack, gaining 174 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Achane’s performance was based on the running back’s opportunity to pick up 7.9 yards per carry. While this victory did not save the Dolphins’ season, it did put a spotlight on how susceptible the Buffalo Bills’ defense is to stopping a strong running game.
Minnesota Vikings – 8 False Start Penalties
When the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens met for their Week 10 matchup, both teams were looking to find a way to boost their momentum for a strong finish in the second half of the season. As the home team, the Vikings expected to have a significant advantage over the Ravens with a raucous home crowd making it difficult for the Baltimore offense to communicate. However, that advantage was erased by the Vikings’ offense being called for 8 false start penalties. Those penalties made it difficult for the Vikings to maintain their offensive momentum.
New England Patriots – 147 Rushing Yards
NFL championship teams must effectively run the ball each week. This season, the New England Patriots have returned to the top of the AFC East. A key factor in their resurgence is the attitude of new head coach Mike Vrabel, who prioritizes a strong running game. In Week 10, Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Henderson’s performance secured a major road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New Orleans Saints – 17 Unanswered Points
The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 season with the goal of assembling an offense capable of competing each week. Most weeks, the Saints have failed to produce enough points to consistently secure wins. When the Carolina Panthers jumped to a 7-point lead, it looked like it would be another tough loss for the Saints, but then the Saints found some offense behind the leadership of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough got the ball to playmakers tight end Juwan Johnson and wide receiver Chris Olave for a touchdown apiece. Those touchdowns were part of a 17-point run that the Saints made to defeat the Panthers, which included a field goal by New Orleans kicker Blake Grupe to start the scoring streak.
New York Giants – 22.3 Yards per Catch
The New York Giants and head coach Brian Daboll believed they had found a solution to their recent history of losing football games. New York found hope with the young energy of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie running back Cam Skattebo. Based on the excitement of Dart and Skattebo, it looked like the Giants were about to experience a resurgence this season. However, Skattebo got hurt and was placed on the injured reserve list, and the efforts of Jaxson Dart to lead the Giants’ offense have been slowed by four concussions. The bright spot for the Giants’ offense this week was an 84-yard receiving game by wide receiver Darius Slay. But Slay was unable to put the ball in the end zone, and the Giants’ loss brought the Brian Daboll era to an end for the New York Giants.
New York Jets – 6 Quarterback Sacks
When the New York Jets traded cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, it appeared the Jets were packing it in for the season. However, the Jets denied the rumors that they would be taking on for the remaining portion of the 2025 season. The Jets demonstrated that they still possess a solid defense, recording six quarterback sacks against the Cleveland Browns. Those sacks, in addition to an explosive punt return for a touchdown, helped the Jets pick up their second win of the season by defeating the Cleveland Browns.
Philadelphia Eagles – 10 Points
During the off-season, a rivalry began to build between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles. The foundation of that rivalry was the Green Bay Packers’ request to have the Eagles’ “Tush Push” play banned from football. Green Bay came up short on getting enough votes to ban the play, and the Eagles made the Packers pay on the field during a hard-fought 10-7 win. While scoring 10 points is not typically an accomplishment for the Eagles, this 10-point performance held a deeper significance because it enabled the Eagles to secure a win against their NFC rival. Those 10 points came from a field goal by Eagles kicker Jake Elliott and a 36-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith in the 4th quarter.
Pittsburgh Steelers – 4 Turnovers
The Aaron Rodgers era for the Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a successful start in the 2025 season. However, it appears that the aging quarterback has hit a wall, and the signs of aging are starting to show, much like those on display when Rodgers was quarterback for the New York Jets. This week, the Steelers’ offense turned the ball over four times against the Los Angeles Chargers in a primetime game. Those turnovers included two interceptions and two fumbles. One of those fumbles was by Rodgers in his own end zone, resulting in a safety for the Chargers.
San Francisco 49ers – 5 Quarterback Sacks
The San Francisco 49ers have been hit hard by injuries, especially on offense. Among those sidelined is quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite this, the team has stayed afloat thanks to backup Mac Jones. Although San Francisco lost to the Los Angeles Rams, Jones impressed by completing 33 of 39 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Seattle Seahawks – 5 Quarterback Sacks
The Seattle Seahawks have turned their season around after years of struggle, largely due to a balanced offense and defense. Quarterback Sam Darnold has delivered strong performances, but this week the defense proved decisive. The Seahawks secured a crucial win over the Arizona Cardinals by sacking quarterback Jacoby Brissett five times, keeping the Cardinals’ offense off balance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 3 Touchdown Passes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are another team that has been hit hard by injuries during the first half of the 2025 NFL season. Despite those injuries, the Buccaneers have done enough to maintain their position at the top of the NFC South division. For Tampa Bay, the player who has helped them maintain a high level of play during a time in which several playmakers on the sidelines is quarterback Baker Mayfield. This week, Mayfield completed 28 out of 43 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort against the New England Patriots.
Tennessee Titans – 244.0 Yards per Game
The Tennessee Titans are having a historically bad season on the offensive side of the ball after drafting quarterback Cam Ward during the 2025 NFL Draft. How bad has the Titans’ offense been this season? Tennessee has the 32nd-ranked offense in the NFL, averaging only 244.0 yards per game. It is no surprise that the Titans’ head coach, Brian Callahan, was fired early this season. There are no easy options for the Titans to turn their offense around, but it will likely take a complete rebuilding effort by the next head coach for the Tennessee Titans.
Washington Commanders – 133.3 QBR
The Washington Commanders have struggled to maintain the momentum from their 2024 NFC Championship appearance. Injuries have come early and often for the Commanders this season, particularly impacting the wide receiver, running back, and quarterback positions. These injuries have forced the coaching staff to rely on second-string and backup players to fill key roles. Rather than completely shutting down the Commanders’ offense, the team continues to find playmakers to step in and carry the load. This week, the backup player who stepped up to give the Commanders a chance to compete was quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota completed 16 out of 22 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10.
