NFL Preseason Roundup: Key Takeaways and Highlights from Week 1 (August 7-9, 2025)

The exciting first week of the 2025 NFL preseason has concluded, offering fans a thrilling glimpse into team strategies and player potential as teams prepare for the regular Football season.

While early preseason NFL scores should be analyzed carefully, significant NFL news and compelling narratives emerged from the games played between August 7th and 9th.

This comprehensive preseason roundup highlights standout Football performances and notable NFL trends from key matchups.

Browns Assert Dominance Over Carolina Panthers in Commanding Preseason Victory

The Cleveland Browns secured a dominant 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in their preseason Football matchup on August 8, 2025, demonstrating a formidable offensive display.

Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Huntley spearheaded an efficient passing game, collectively throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns.

Sanders impressed with 14 of 23 completions for 138 yards and two scores, while Huntley added 6 completions for 51 yards and another touchdown.

The Browns' ground game was equally effective, accumulating 125 rushing yards on 32 carries, highlighted by a touchdown from Gage Larvadain. Sal Cannella also contributed with 3 receptions for 32 yards.

Defensively, the Cleveland Browns applied consistent pressure, registering four sacks and an interception by Nik Needham.

In contrast, the Carolina Panthers struggled to establish offensive rhythm.

Quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Jack Plummer, and Bryce Young collectively managed only 238 passing yards and a single touchdown, while their rushing attack was limited to just 40 yards. Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina’s receiving corps with 2 catches for 43 yards.

The Panthers also committed two critical turnovers—one interception (from Dalton) and one lost fumble—contributing significantly to their defeat.

Dustin Hopkins successfully converted his only field goal attempt for the Browns, while Ryan Fitzgerald made one of one for the Panthers. Notably, the Cleveland Browns concluded the game with zero turnovers.

Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks End in Thrilling Preseason Tie

In a tightly contested Football game on August 7th, the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks battled to an exciting 23-23 tie.

Both NFL teams showcased balanced offensive strategies, effectively integrating both passing and rushing attacks.

For the Raiders, quarterbacks Aidan O'Connell and Cam Miller combined for 288 passing yards and two touchdowns.

O'Connell contributed 205 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Miller added 76 yards and another score. Chris Collier led the Raiders' ground game with 42 yards, contributing to their 104-yard team rushing total.

Seattle’s Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe totaled 198 passing yards and one touchdown, supported by a strong rushing performance led by George Holani, who gained 61 yards and a touchdown as part of the Seattle Seahawks' impressive 170 rushing yards.

Defensively, both NFL teams made impactful plays, with Isaiah Pola-Mao intercepting a pass for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Seahawks' defense also secured interceptions from Josh Jobe and Nehemiah Pritchett. Seattle recorded one sack, while the Raiders were unable to pressure the quarterback.

Special teams played a role, with Daniel Carlson of the Raiders converting 3 of 5 field goal attempts. Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks was perfect (1/1), and Michael Dickson delivered a massive 77-yard punt.

The game was marked by strikingly similar total yardage for both teams. The Seahawks coughed up two fumbles, whereas the Raiders maintained secure ball control with zero lost fumbles.

New York Giants and Buffalo Bills Locked in Scoreless Preseason Battle

As the game entered the early stages of the first quarter on August 9, 2025, the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills found themselves in a scoreless deadlock during their preseason Football game at Highmark Stadium.

Giants quarterback Russell Wilson demonstrated early precision, completing both of his two pass attempts for 7 yards.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. secured both receptions for the Giants, gaining 7 yards, and added 4 yards on the ground. Offensive statistics for the Buffalo Bills were not yet available as the game progressed.

On defense, Matt Milano, Joe Andreessen, Cam Lewis, and Christian Benford each tallied two total tackles for the Bills.

What's Next: Key Insights from NFL Preseason Week 1 and Beyond

These initial NFL preseason Football games offer invaluable insights into team dynamics and individual player development.

While the preseason NFL scores shouldn't be overemphasized as indicators of NFL standings, they lay a crucial foundation for evaluating player performance and fine-tuning team strategies as teams rigorously prepare for the rigorous challenges of the upcoming regular NFL season.

Continued analysis will be essential as the preseason unfolds and NFL teams work to finalize their rosters and game plans.