Jaguars Win Opener, Bengals Lead AFC North After Closest Week 1 Games

The Jacksonville Jaguars started their 2025 NFL season with a strong 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, showcasing improved defense under coordinator Anthony Campanile and effective running by Travis Etienne. Head coach Liam Coen expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation and defensive performance, marking a positive step forward after a 4-13 previous season. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals secured a narrow 17-16 win against the Cleveland Browns, placing them atop the AFC North for the first time since late 2022 and ending a playoff drought of the last two seasons. Despite this good start, the Bengals face vulnerabilities in their secondary and are reportedly interested in signing versatile defensive back Jabrill Peppers, who was recently released by the New England Patriots, to bolster their defense. Peppers' ability to play multiple positions could significantly improve the Bengals' defensive flexibility, complementing recent acquisitions like Mike Pennel and Dalton Risner. Both teams show early promise but have clear areas to address as the season progresses.