The biggest surprises from the 2025 NFL season

As expected, Stefon Diggs has stepped in as New England's No. 1 wideout this season, but their No. 2 option has been somewhat of a surprise. Boutte has built on the growth he showed last season, with 25 catches for 446 yards and five touchdowns through his first 10 games. He's been an excellent deep threat, averaging 17.8 yards per catch.

The Ravens have struggled this season, but not all news in Baltimore has been gloomy. Buchanan has emerged as a key starter after being drafted in the fourth round, accumulating 80 tackles in his first 11 games.

Croskey-Merritt created a buzz in training camp as a seventh-round pick, sparking the Commanders to trade Brian Robinson. He's been somewhat inconsistent, but has posted 566 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in his first 11 games.

Seattle expected Darnold to help the offense after signing him to a lucrative contract this offseason, but he's likely exceeding their expectations. After his breakout season in Minnesota last year, Darnold leads the NFL with 9.3 yards per attempt and is well on his way to another Pro Bowl with 2,785 yards passing and 19 touchdowns through his first 11 starts.

There was major excitement in New York when the team drafted Dart in the first round, but he didn't see his first start until late September. While the Giants have continued to struggle and fired head coach Brian Daboll, Dart has been extremely impressive as a rookie. He's posted a 64.7 QBR with a 62.7% completion rate, 10 passing touchdowns, and seven rushing scores through his first nine games played.

The Falcons were desperate for pass rush help after struggling last year, but likely didn't expect it from Dorlus. The second-year player leads the team with six sacks through Week 12 after appearing in only two games as a rookie.

Dowdle rushed for more than 1,000 yards with the Cowboys last season, but was positioned to be a backup to Chuba Hubbard this season. Dowdle has taken advantage of more opportunities, with over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in his first 12 games.

Egbuka came with plenty of hype and pedigree as a first-round pick and former star at Ohio State, but it looked like he might struggle to get targets as a rookie behind Mike Evans and eventually Chris Godwin. Due to injuries in front of him, Egbuka has emerged as Tampa Bay's top receiver with 48 catches for 749 yards and six scores in his first 11 games.

Not much has gone right for the Titans this season, but Gray has been a bright spot. He's starting for the first time and is among the NFL league leaders with 109 tackles in his first 11 games.

The Colts surprised many when they anointed Jones the starter over Anthony Richardson in training camp, and the former Giant has run with the job. He led the team to an 8-3 start, posting an excellent 65.9 QBR and completing 69.1% of his passes before going down for the season with an Achilles injury.

Jones has made a surprise contribution this season with Brock Purdy sidelined for much of the year, and might have convinced some other NFL teams that he's ready to be a starter again. Starting eight games, Jones went 5-3 with a 64.6 QBR and 2,151 yards passing.

Judkins was uncertain before the season started due to off-field issues, and didn't sign his rookie deal until early September. Despite the late start, he's been the centerpiece of the Browns' offense with 737 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in his first 10 games.

Maye showed flashes in his rookie season and has torn the door off this year. He leads the NFL in passing and completion rate through Week 12, as the Patriots have taken a surprising hold of the AFC East under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Pierce proved to be a great deep threat last season, and he's taken another big step forward this year. He leads the NFL in yards per reception for the second straight year, and is on pace to set career-bests in receptions and yards after starting the year with 29 catches for 611 yards in his first nine games played.

A tough injury to star wideout Malik Nabers has forced Robinson to become the Giants' No. 1 receiver. He's been up to the challenge, with 66 receptions for 794 yards and three touchdowns in his first 12 games.

We knew Smith-Njigba was a great receiver before this season, but he's taken his game to an entirely new level with D.K. Metcalf out of the way. He leads the league with 1,313 yards receiving through 11 games, adding seven touchdowns.

The Steelers have been hesitant to make Warren their bell cow back in his first three seasons, given his lack of size, but he's emerged worthy of the role. He's gained 823 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in his first 10 games, playing ahead of veteran Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson.

There were high hopes for Warren in his rookie campaign, but the Penn State alum has exceeded them already. He's accumulated 55 receptions for 662 yards and three touchdowns in his first 11 games.

Finding consistency was tough for Williams in his first four seasons with Denver, but a change of scenery has done him some good. He has 1,003 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in his 11 games with Dallas.

A journeyman now with his third team, Wright has come from out of nowhere to be a key part of the Bears' defense. He leads the NFL with five interceptions through Week 12 and has added 10 passes defensed.