Three non-playoff NFL teams that took a step forward in Week 1

A wild Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season is officially in the books after some miraculous fourth-quarter comebacks and surprise outcomes.

While some non-playoff teams from 2024 did not look much better, others showed signs of improvement and provided their fan bases with some optimism for what's to come.

It is far from guaranteed that each of these three teams will make the postseason, but they at least took a step forward in Week 1 and showed what they are capable of.

Dallas Cowboys

Although the Cowboys lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-20, in the season opener, they had multiple opportunities to come away victorious had it not been for some costly drops from wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was solid in the pocket and the team combined for 119 rushing yards with a completely revamped backfield. According to Stats Perform, the Cowboys only returned 8.9% of their rushing yards produced from last season's running backs, which is the lowest percentage in the NFL.

While there will likely continue to be some growing pains for the defense following the shocking trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Dallas held its own against the Eagles, only allowing a field goal in the second half. It may have been a loss, but the Cowboys certainly looked like a better team despite the offseason turmoil.

Indianapolis Colts

For the first time since 2013, the Colts won their season opener in a 33-8 blowout of the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Daniel Jones made his team debut and showed the poor job the New York Giants did of failing to build around him.

Jones was sensational, completing 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 272 yards and one TD while posting a 115.9 passer rating. The Colts had 418 yards of offense and played a mistake-free game, proving why they elected to go with Jones over Anthony Richardson Sr. for the starting role.

It is important to keep in mind that the win came against a Dolphins team that seems to be going nowhere and was "embarrassing" on Sunday, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. However, Jones still led Indianapolis to a rare Week 1 win and looked really solid.

Las Vegas Raiders

In the team debut for both head coach Pete Carroll and QB Geno Smith, the Raiders took down the New England Patriots, 20-13, to kick their season off with a victory. Smith was 24-of-34 for 362 yards with one TD and one interception, while tight end Brock Bowers followed up a phenomenal rookie season with five receptions for 103 yards.

Running back Ashton Jeanty also made his NFL debut. While he only averaged two yards per rush, he scored his first TD and showed some glimpses of what he can bring to Las Vegas.

Patriots QB Drake Maye had some breakout performances during his rookie season in 2024, so this was a solid start to the season for the Raiders after so much change during the offseason. In a loaded AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, it will be tough for Las Vegas to keep the momentum rolling, but a Week 1 win is a good start.