As the NFL enters its fifth week, the first quarter of the regular season draws to a close. There’s plenty of season left, but the quarter mark bears significance because during this window, teams gain a better understanding of their true identity, particularly after limited preseason action.

The first month of the season has delivered some surprises — some in the form of the struggles of projected contenders, some by way of modified approaches by some of the league’s top teams, and some in the form of trends that appear to be sweeping the league.

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Here’s a look at some of the early lessons of the season, followed by some early superlatives.

What we’ve learned

It’s hard to win in this league

Success one year doesn’t at all guarantee continued success the following season. Just ask teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and others that have stumbled out of the gates. Of the 14 playoff teams from last season, six of them (Kansas City, Baltimore, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders) have records of .500 or worse after the first month of the season. Two (Baltimore and Houston) own losing records. The reasons for the struggles vary. Injuries to key players have slowed some teams. For others, uncharacteristic struggles and offseason moves that have yet to pay off are at least partially to blame. It’ll be interesting to see if these early struggles are a foretelling or merely bumps in the road.

Business as usual in Philly and Buffalo

Some elite teams haven’t skipped a beat from 2024 to 2025, however. Just two undefeated teams remain, and those two — the Buffalo Bills and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles — both have the look of legitimate champions. Which has the best chance of remaining unbeaten the longest? Buffalo has the New England Patriots, Falcons, a Week 7 bye and the Carolina Panthers coming up, so a perfect record at the midway point isn’t out of the question. Meanwhile, the Eagles play the Broncos before back-to-back road games at the New York Giants and Vikings before a home game against the Giants and a Week 9 bye. Philadelphia also conceivably could reach the halfway point with a perfect record.

Change of approach for Buffalo?

Speaking of the Bills, coach Sean McDermott seems intent on better supporting Josh Allen this year. His team has placed a stronger emphasis on ensuring balance and thus far leads the NFL in rushing attempts and yards, and not because Allen is doing it all. Sure, he’s still one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks out there. But the Bills have leaned heavily on running back James Cook and he has delivered, ranking second in the NFL in rushing attempts (75) and rushing yards (401).