1 Reason Every NFL Team Shouldn't Be Overlooked in 2025

All 32 teams have legitimate reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming 2025 NFL season.

Thanks to the parity that the league has established in the salary-cap era, there will be ample opportunity for even the weakest of last year's teams to parlay their offseason maneuvers into regular-season success.

There are plenty of recent examples in which organizations vaulted from the bottom to the top of the standings in the span of a single year and there’s been just as many contenders that have fallen off as quickly.

This parity is what makes training camp a period of such excitement for all NFL fans. It's also a great time to focus on the upside of every team while they each sit at 0-0 ahead of Week 1 and all have hopes of lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

With that in mind, let's highlight one key reason that each team has a shot at the Super Bowl and why they shouldn't be overlooked in 2025.

AFC East

AP Photo/Peter Aiken

Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills: More Weapons for Reigning MVP

Josh Allen carried the Bills to yet another AFC East title last year, earning his first NFL MVP award in the process.

With Allen cashing in with a six-year extension worth $330 million at the start of the offseason, expectations are now sky-high for the quarterback to finally bring this organization back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 32 years.

He will have more weapons to work with this time around, with free-agent additions Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore rounding out a receiving corps that was quite thin in 2024.

Miami Dolphins: Real Culture Change

The Dolphins had the talent to make it back to the playoffs last year, but injuries and a lackluster locker room ultimately derailed a campaign that ended on sour note.

Star edge-rusher Bradley Chubb even admitted Miami’s players “were lying” when they said the culture changed in 2024. There seems to be real change happening this offseason, though, with Chubb revealing they’re "making the effort to go the extra mile" and wideout Tyreek Hill working to mend fences with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the rest of his teammates. 

If this group is truly locked in, they’ll be in the running to field the NFL's top offense for the second time in three seasons. 

New England Patriots: New Regime's Clear Vision

New England cleaned house after a dismal campaign—one that Robert Kraft described as one of the "worst years" of his ownership tenure—and hired Mike Vrabel to bring the Patriot Way back to Foxborough.

The coaching change predated a flurry of personnel changes that all had a clear vision behind them: Put the best possible team around Drake Maye, the rookie quarterback who was one of the Pats' few bright spots in 2024.

With veterans like Stefon Diggs and Morgan Moses joining top draft picks such as Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson, New England's offense should make massive strides in 2025. If the defense can keep pace, this team has a real shot to get back in the playoff mix.

New York Jets: Ownership Looking Inward

After the overhyped Aaron Rodgers era unceremoniously ended this offseason and the Jets were excoriated in the annual NFLPA survey, owner Woody Johnson appears to have spent some time reflecting on his organization’s streak of ineptitude. It seems he has realized he needs to do more to put a winning product on the field.

Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, Johnson said he's "going to have a lot better communication with the players" and offered voluntary buyouts to over half of the team's employees in order to improve the culture.

New York appears to be focused on building from the ground up under new head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey too, agreeing to massive extensions with both Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson this offseason.

This shift could see Gang Green finally snap the league's longest active playoff drought.

AFC North

AP Photo

Jaire Alexander

Baltimore Ravens: Improved Secondary Will Complete Defense

Baltimore been an elite offensive team in recent years, but its defense left something to be desired in 2024—finishing outside the top quarter of the league in both yards and points allowed while having one of the league's most porous pass defense for a long stretch of the campaign.

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr believes the 2025 Ravens will be far better on his side of the ball, pointing out that the squad is "light years ahead" of where it was at this point last year.

With Jaire Alexander joining a secondary that now has five first-round picks within it, the Ravens are far better equipped to handle the elite passers they’ll face this year.

Cincinnati Bengals: Elite Offensive Core Remains Intact

For all the contract drama that has surrounded the Bengals this offseason, the front office deserves credit for finding a way to keep the core of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins together for the foreseeable future.

With all three stars under contract, Cincinnati's league-leading passing attack will keep them in the playoff hunt—even if Trey Hendrickson's holdout drags into the regular season and sets back the defense.

Cleveland Browns: Plethora of Quarterback Options

While Cleveland's quarterback room may be crowded after the organization drafted both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, signed Joe Flacco and traded for Kenny Pickett, the fierce competition among these players isn't a bad thing.

It should instead result in the team boasting its most competent passer since Baker Mayfield departed after the 2021 campaign.

It remains to be seen who will emerge as the QB1 here, but iron sharpens iron during training camp and the Browns are set to finally enter a season with a competent option under center after years of ineptitude.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers Ready to Finish Career on a High Note

Aaron Rodgers may be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame after he retires, but there's no chance he wants what is likely to be his final NFL season to be as disappointing as his tenure with the Jets was.

With injuries and a dysfunctional franchise in the rearview, the signal-caller has a chance to make his swan song an impressive one by joining forces with Mike Tomlin and an underrated Steelers offense.

Pittsburgh managed to make the playoffs in 2025 despite underwhelming QB play, an issue Rodgers can quickly fix. If the 41-year-old turns back the clock just a bit, the Steelers will be a sneaky contender in 2025.

AFC South

AP Photo/Wade Payne

C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans: New Offensive System in Place

Although they came into 2024 with a ton of hype surrounding an offense led by reigning Rookie of Year C.J. Stroud, the Texans slogged through a relatively underwhelming campaign that ended in a divisional-round exit for the second consecutive year.

These similar results led to Houston replacing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik with Nick Caley, a former Rams assistant who should have this offense back on track in 2025.

Expect explosive performances from receivers Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and second-round rookie Jayden Higgins—as well as impressive efforts from the grizzled running back tandem of Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb—in the Sean McVay-like scheme the Texans will deploy.

Indianapolis Colts: Subpar QBs Surrounded by Strong Pass-Catchers

The Colts may have a quarterback conundrum—neither Daniel Jones nor Anthony Richardson managed to distinguish themselves during the opening week of training camp—but this team is brimming with stars on the offensive side of the ball.

Incumbent receivers in Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell will provide plenty of support to whoever ends up starting under center, while first-round rookie Tyler Warren can fill just about every gap and work in a variety of roles in head coach Shane Steichen's creative offense.

With a resurgent Jonathan Taylor anchoring the backfield, Indy can stay afloat even with middling QB play.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen's Promising Track Record

The Jaguars pulled out all the stops to get Liam Coen to accept their head coaching job this offseason, an aggressive maneuver that should pay dividends for the long-suffering franchise.

Coen is coming off an immensely successful campaign with the Buccaneers, one in which quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career-best season while orchestrating one of the NFL's most powerful passing attacks.

If Coen can work that same magic in Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence should return to a Pro Bowl level and get this team back into playoff contention immediately.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward Ready to Show Why He Was Taken No. 1

The Titans’ painful 3-14 rebuilding season had one massive silver lining: It resulted in the No. 1 overall pick and the eventual acquisition of Cam Ward.

The Miami product instantly filled the biggest need on the roster, that of a stable starting QB who can lead this team back to prominence.

With offensive mastermind Brian Callahan calling plays from the sidelines and a veteran-laden receiving corps supporting him, Ward will be able to hit the ground running and make the Titans far more exciting to watch in 2025 than they have been in recent seasons.

AFC West

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Bo Nix

Denver Broncos: Bo Nix's Maturation

The Broncos were one of the surprise stories of the 2024 season, emerging from under the weight of Russell Wilson's contract to make a shocking run to the playoffs.

The catalyst for this turnaround was Bo Nix, the first-round signal-caller who shined in head coach Sean Payton's system. With another full offseason to prepare as Denver's QB1, the Oregon product has bigger goals than just making it back to the Wild Card Round.

Per Aric DiLalla of the team's official website, Nix recently stated he wants "to be the best in the world" and is continuing to grow during his second training camp. Even if he falls short of that goal in 2025, his Broncos shouldn't be overlooked as they seek to build upon their 10-7 record from last season.

Kansas City Chiefs: Return of the Receiving Corps

The Chiefs haven’t been overlooked since the 2019 emergence of Patrick Mahomes coincided with the first of three Lombardi Trophies in six years, but their passing game wasn't as fearsome in 2024 as it had been in seasons past.

Injuries to Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown kept Mahomes from reaching his full potential and may have ultimately cost the team a chance at becoming the first to three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

However, Kansas City's passing game should finish far higher than last year's No. 14 ranking.

Las Vegas Raiders: Win-Now Mode Activated

The Raiders aren't going to waste time in a rebuilding state. By hiring a 73-year-old head coach in Pete Carroll and acquiring a 34-year-old quarterback in Geno Smith, Las Vegas' brass has clearly intimated its plans to contend in 2025.

The Raiders haven't reached the playoffs since 2021, but their marquee offseason pickups—coupled with talented incumbents such as Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers—should have them back in the hunt if all goes to plan.

Los Angeles Chargers: Healthy Justin Herbert Turning Heads

The Chargers' franchise-altering decision to hire Jim Harbaugh as head coach paid off last year when they returned to the playoffs following a 5-12 campaign that marked their worst winning percentage since 2015.

The Bolts managed to go 11-6 despite lingering injuries to quarterback Justin Herbert, who finally seemed healthy down the stretch and dominated with a 71 percent completion rate, 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns over the final four games.

If Herbert can stay near 100 percent for most of 2025, he will impress more than his head coach by earning a second career Pro Bowl nod and taking his team back to the postseason.

NFC East

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys: Boasting Their Best Roster in Years

It's coming up on three full decades since the Cowboys last appeared in the NFC Championship Game. That's an unacceptably long wait for Jerry Jones, who has assembled one of the best rosters the team has had around star quarterback Dak Prescott and desperately needs to see a breakthrough in 2025.

While Dallas still must iron out an extension for Micah Parsons, nearly all the pieces are in place for this team to make a deep run.

If Prescott can't get over the hump this season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see ownership blow things up in the offseason and perhaps even have backup QB Joe Milton III take over the starting job.

New York Giants: Now or Never For Current Regime

The Giants are running out of patience with the head coach/general manager tandem of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. While the pairing was brought back for the 2025 campaign, ownership is expecting to see significant progress after an abysmal 3-14 finish.

This desperation, coupled with some shrewd offseason pickups like Russell Wilson, Paulson Adebo, Jevon Holland and first-round draftee Abdul Carter, may result in Big Blue's second winning season in eight years.

This team may be getting largely overlooked, but there's enough veteran talent and young pieces in place to surprise.

Philadelphia Eagles: Enough Left in the Tank to Repeat

The Eagles went through the same struggles this offseason that many Super Bowl winners experience in the wake of lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

The main concerns surrounding this group's ability to repeat are the poaching of Nick Sirianni's staff—namely offensive coordinator Kellen Moore taking the New Orleans Saints head coaching gig—and the departures of several key free agents.

While Philly's defensive line clearly took a hit with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams leaving, key veterans like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis remain in the defensive trenches.

Once you factor longtime Sirriani staffer Kevin Patullo's promotion to OC, a promising draft class led by Day 1 pick Jihaad Campbell and an extension for superstar running back Saquon Barkley, the Eagles clearly remain the team to beat in 2025 and potentially far beyond.

Washington Commanders: Maximizing Jayden Daniels' Rookie Contract Window

In wake of a thrilling run to the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders have taken full advantage of the Super Bowl window that unexpectedly cracked open.

Washington's brass spent the offseason loading up on veterans, capitalizing on the cap space provided by emerging star Jayden Daniels' affordable rookie contract.

With Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil joining the fray and Kliff Kingsbury remaining as offensive coordinator, the Commanders should only be more dangerous than they were in 2024 when they finished 12-5.

NFC North

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Ben Johnson

Chicago Bears: Massive Offensive Overhaul

The Bears are ready to exit their lengthy rebuilding period and put themselves back on the map in 2025.

With Ben Johnson—arguably the most hyped first-time head coach in decades—taking the reins of a roster that was extensively overhauled this offseason, the pieces are finally in place for resurgent campaign in Chicago.

While 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams may have had a rocky start to his career, he will bounce back in Year 2 behind a revamped offensive line with new weapons like first-round tight end Colston Loveland at his disposal.

Detroit Lions: Chance to Finally Get Healthy

The Lions lost a war of attrition last season, steadily seeing their Super Bowl dreams dissipate each time a key player landed on the IR.

That injury-ravaged campaign is in the past, though, and Detroit can now look forward to a year that will hopefully be far healthier and more fruitful than last.

The return of Aidan Hutchinson—who was leading the league in sacks prior to his leg injury—will be a massive boon for one of the league's top defensive units, while the offense should only benefit from rookie additions such as center Tate Ratledge and wideout Isaac TeSlaa.

If Detroit's top talent can stay on the field this year, this squad is certain to be a Super Bowl contender.

Green Bay Packers: Furthering the Youth Movement

The Packers embraced a youth movement to great success in 2024, taking the league's youngest roster to the playoffs.

Despite playing in a stacked NFC North, Green Bay managed to go 11-6 and has hopes of building on that Wild Card Round appearance thanks to even more incoming young talent.

First-round pick Matthew Golden rounds out a deep receiving corps that has lacked a true star, with third-rounder Savion Williams also expected to play a role for this unit in Year 1.

If the defense proves it can overcome the departure of standout cornerback Jaire Alexander, the Packers have every reason to believe they can make the postseason for a third consecutive year.

Minnesota Vikings: Transitioning to a Franchise Quarterback

The Vikings have posted a respectable 34-17 record under head coach Kevin O'Connell, accomplishing this feat despite five different players (none of whom were Day 1 or 2 picks by the organization) starting under center.

J.J. McCarthy, the first signal-caller to be taken in Round 1 since Christian Ponder in 2011, should bring some much-needed stability to this team now he's gearing up to make his first career start.

Although McCarthy missed all of Year 1 after suffering a meniscus tear, the Michigan product gained valuable experience learning the system and preparing for this moment.

With the young QB already showing out in camp, Minnesota appears to have a quarterback worth building around for the long haul and shouldn't be taken lightly.

NFC South

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons: Finally Put All the Pieces Together

The Falcons spent years assembling what should be one of the NFL's top offensive units, but long lacked the quarterback capable of unlocking the vast talents this roster possesses.

With early first-round picks at every key skill position, Atlanta finally has all the pieces in place to exit what has become an extensive rebuild.

If Michael Penix Jr.'s short stint as the starter last year was any indication, the Falcons will be in great hands and should see players like Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson have career years while the team returns to the playoffs after a seven-year drought.

Carolina Panthers: Opportunity for Rapid Development

The Panthers have a roster chock-full of talented prospects who have yet to reach their ceiling in the NFL. The team hasn’t been able to harness its upside in previous seasons, but this could be the year it finally comes together in Carolina.

With 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young making strides following a brutal start to his NFL career and now augmented by a pair of elite up-and-coming pass-catchers in Xavier Legette and rookie Tetairoa McMillan, this offense could be sneaky good in 2025.

The defense saw a slew of changes during the offseason as well, with several key veterans such as Tershawn Wharton and Tre'von Moehrig set to anchor the unit.

If the youthful supporting cast can develop quickly, the Panthers could finish above .500 for the first time since 2017.

New Orleans Saints: New Coaching Staff Can Maximize Limited Roster

The Saints were dealt a devastating blow when it was revealed incumbent starting signal-caller Derek Carr was choosing to retire rather than return for the 2025 season.

That decision left New Orleans with a concerningly thin quarterbacks room and a seemingly insurmountable challenge for new head coach Kellen Moore to overcome in his first season.

While Moore has his work cut out in Year 1, the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator helped win a Super Bowl with a run-first scheme and dominance in the offensive trenches.

An aging Alvin Kamara may not be of the same caliber as prime Saquon Barkley, but New Orleans can leverage the back's unique talents while working in backups Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal to take the pressure off second-round QB Tyler Shough.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Leaning on League's Deepest Receiving Corps

The Buccaneers may have lost Coen this offseason, but there's no reason to think this squad will fall off too hard without its former offensive coordinator.

In fact, Tampa Bay's offense could be even better in 2025 thanks to the first-round pickup of Emeka Egbuka, a star-in-the-making who will help the team transition away from a reliance on perennial Pro Bowler Mike Evans to generate the bulk of passing yardage.

With Chris Godwin returning from a season-ending injury and Jalen McMillan—who filled in for Godwin admirably as a third-round rookie last year—set to continue growing his game, Mayfield has ample weaponry to continue as one of the league's most prolific passers.

NFC West

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Jonathan Gannon

Arizona Cardinals: Massive Defensive Additions Have Moved the Needle

Jonathan Gannon has been steadily building a potential contender over the last two seasons and that effort could pay off in the desert in 2025.

The Cardinals clearly have faith in their Kyler Murray-led offense—evidenced by just one pick, a sixth-rounder at that, being used on that side of the ball this year—and spent the offseason loading up on defensive assets.

With Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Josh Sweat joining a unit that now also features first-round edge-rusher Walter Nolen III and second-round corner Will Johnson, Arizona is poised to have one of the NFL's most improved defenses, one that could lead this team back into contention.

Los Angeles Rams: Ready to Wrap Up Matt Stafford Era with Another Title

After the Rams opened the Matt Stafford era with a Super Bowl victory, the team is now hoping to bring it to a close with another.

Although retirement has loomed over the quarterback in recent years, Los Angeles' brass managed to bring him back on a reasonable extension this offseason with the goal of making at least one more championship push.

On the heels of giving the Eagles their biggest challenge during their Super Bowl run last year, the Rams signed Davante Adams and Coleman Shelton to add even more veteran experience to their aging roster.

While they aren't set up for a smooth transition away from this era, L.A. is all-in on 2025 and looks capable of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in the last half-decade.

San Francisco 49ers: Quiet Offseason Is Exactly What Team Needed

The San Francisco 49ers haven't been overlooked often in the Kyle Shanahan era, but expectations are lower than usual right now following a quiet offseason that came on the heels of a disappointing campaign.

Although a slew of big-name players exited in the spring, general manager John Lynch revealed the organization intentionally wanted to "throttle back" on spending this year and instead focus on developing the litany of draft picks it has made in recent seasons.

With 11 incoming rookies joining a 2024 class of eight, the team has plenty of in-house options to replace veterans who left in the free-agent exodus.

These players may not be known entities yet, but with Shanahan at the wheel and quarterback Brock Purdy locked into a long-term deal, it's only a matter of time before they start breaking out as superstars.

Seattle Seahawks: Revamped Offense Led By Rejuvenated Sam Darnold

After years of middling results under the offensive triumvirate of Geno Smith, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks opted to blow it up this offseason and start fresh.

With the latter two dealt and former released, Seattle will have a new look in 2025. Sam Darnold, fresh off a resurgent campaign with the Vikings, was the team's prized addition in free agency and could lead this organization into a fruitful new era.

He's surrounded by strong pass-catchers such as Jaxson Smith-Njigba and fellow free-agent pickup Cooper Kupp while being supported by a plucky defense, but the offensive line will likely determine whether this squad can truly contend.

Charles Cross is a stalwart left tackle, but the rest of the unit needs to raise its game to get Seattle back into the playoff mix.