One Question Every NFL Team Must Answer During the 2025 Preseason

Are you ready for some football?

Granted, it won’t necessarily be good football, especially Thursday's Hall of Fame game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions. If any of the starters for either team play, it will be briefly.

In fact, that has become more and more a theme in the preseason, especially since it went from four games to three for most teams. You might get a quarter out of the starters in Week 2, but quite a few veteran players will spend the preseason watching second- and third-stringers try to make an NFL roster.

However, the preseason isn't just about the games. Teams are practicing regularly, sorting out position battles and trying to fortify weaknesses on the roster.

It's an important time of year for every team, and they all face questions as the calendar turns to August.

And the franchises that find satisfactory answers to those questions are more likely to still be in the hunt for a playoff spot in December instead of making plans for a holiday as soon as Week 18 is done.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Alex Gallardo

Kyler Murray

Can Kyler Murray and the Arizona Passing Game Get Untracked?

The Arizona Cardinals were decidedly mediocre last year where the passing game was concerned: 18th in passing yards per game (214.1) and 20th in passing touchdowns.

Not exactly what the Redbirds were hoping for from a $230 million quarterback, a top-five overall pick at wide receiver and a star tight end.

Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing told reporters that he believes Murray is becoming more comfortable as the team's offensive leader.

"I think he's just getting more and more comfortable in that role," he said. "Certainly, as a young player, it's hard. You're in the room with guys that are older than you and have been through a lot of football, and now he's kind of transitioning. He's probably one of the older guys in the offensive room and the team in general."

That hasn’t carried over to the practice field, where Arizona's passing game has been hit-or-miss in camp.

Murray hasn't taken a preseason snap since the 2021 season, but with the 27-year-old entering a make-or-break season and the QB declaring himself recovered from his 2022 ACL tear, it might not be a bad idea to let the others get some game reps before the season.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Jalon Walker

Have the Falcons Fixed Their Woeful Pass Rush?

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons tallied just 31 sacks—the fewest in the NFC. It marked the second time in three years that they ranked 31st in the NFL in that category.

To say Atlanta went hard at the pass rush in the offseason is an understatement. In addition to signing veteran edge-rusher Leonard Floyd, the team used its first pick on Georgia’s Jalon Walker and shipped its 2026 first-rounder to Los Angeles to select Tennessee's James Pearce Jr.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he has been impressed by the team's new-look pass rush in training camp:

"It was a part of our draft. We wanted to add a little edge to our football team. We wanted to add a little edge to our rush. Part of us becoming the team that we want to be and actually doing some of these things that we want to do is acquiring players with some natural edge. That is definitely a part of it. Definitely a part of what we want. Definitely a part of who we are."

Morris isn't going to release the hounds in exhibition games and show every blitz package in the playbook, but the Falcons need to show they can get some push up front to be taken seriously in the NFC South.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Malaki Starks

Have the Ravens Shored Up Their Secondary?

Last year, the Baltimore Ravens won 12 games and the AFC North. But as good as they were in so many areas a season ago, the pass defense struggled and finished 26th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.

The Ravens went hard at that pass defense in the offseason in both free agency and the draft, whether it was adding veteran cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie or using their first draft pick on Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr acknowledged that the team didn't play up to expectations last year, but he has seen marked improvement from the unit in 2025:

"We didn't like what we did last year, especially the first half of the season, and we made a vow that we wouldn't do that again. So, we know that's just words. We have to put action behind it. But so far, it's throughout the spring and this first week of training camp, the action's been real good, so I'm happy with the group."

You likely won’t see much of the likes of Alexander in the preseason. But simply demonstrating some ability to slow opposing passing offenses down should make the Ravens much more optimistic about their chances of a deep playoff run.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Khalil Shakir

What Will Buffalo's Pecking Order at Wide Receiver Look Like?

The Buffalo Bills are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with a talented and balanced roster.

They don't have many weaknesses on either side of the ball. But with that said, they aren't without potential weaknesses this year, either, including a wide receiver corps that isn't exactly terrifying.

In fact, Bill Barnwell of ESPN ranked Buffalo’s skill-position players fifth-worst in the NFL:

"While general manager Brandon Beane might disagree, this is likely the least imposing group of receivers in the NFL on paper. Khalil Shakir continues to improve and averaged an impressive 2.4 yards per route run last season, but virtually every other Buffalo pass catcher failed to take a leap forward. Dalton Kincaid failed to top 55 receiving yards in a game. Second-round pick Keon Coleman averaged 19.2 yards per catch, but he wasn't able to command a consistent role in the lineup and had just three catches on 46 routes in the postseason. Free agent addition Curtis Samuel was often anonymous, and while Mack Hollins exceeded expectations, he has been replaced by former Chargers wideout Joshua Palmer."

Josh Allen has shown the ability to do more with less in the past, and Palmer has reportedly impressed in camp. But someone needs to step up opposite Shakir if the Bills are going to achieve their ultimate goal.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Bryce Young

Can Bryce Young Build on His Stretch-Run Success from 2024?

Last year must have felt like three seasons for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

The first part was bad. After two abysmal starts to open the year, he was benched in favor of Andy Dalton. It would be Week 8 before Young started again.

As the season wore on, though, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick started showing flashes of the talent the Panthers coveted two years ago.

While addressing reporters at the outset of camp, Young said he's eager to show last year’s second-half success was only the beginning.

"I'm super confident," he said. "Again, that comes from just this building, being able to rely on my teammates, coaching staff, who're around me; that's really what I get my confidence from, and I'm grateful to be a part of the organization."

In Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers added a first-round receiver for the second straight season. Young has a far better supporting cast than in either of his first two seasons.

However, last year's success also ramps up the pressure to build on it in 2025. Given the new faces around him this year, Carolina head coach Dave Canales would be wise to let Young get some reps in the preseason and build rapport with McMillan and Hunter Renfrow.

Because the 2025 season will either make Young or break him.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Caleb Williams

Is Caleb Williams Ready for a Year 2 Leap Forward?

Yes, another quarterback. When you draft a guy first overall and his first season is uneven, he becomes a team's biggest question, especially if he's a signal-caller.

You can't say the Bears haven't taken steps to put Caleb Williams in position to succeed in his second season. Chicago hired offensive guru Ben Johnson as head coach, bolstered the offensive line and added more passing-game weapons in wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland.

Johnson has been impressed by Williams' growth since he arrived in the Windy City:

"I probably just see growth. He is so much more comfortable right now. Even yesterday—the walk-through—in terms of moving around. We go from gun, to under [center], to the tight ends are moving, the receivers are moving. We're adding more every day. I told him this on the player day off: his process is really clean right now. I'm talking about how he's preparing. I'm really pleased with it. He's doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing, and we're starting to see the dividends being paid from it."

That growth now needs to translate into long drives, touchdowns and wins.

If it doesn't, it won't take long for the grumbles to start.

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Stew Milne

How Will Trey Hendrickson's Holdout Affect the Bengals Defense?

The 2025 season could have the makings of another lost year for quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals—one that could have been avoided.

Cincinnati has as much offensive firepower as any in the NFL, but it was undone by a porous defense in 2024, and we may well be headed for a repeat of that...all because the team won't write a check.

The Bengals at least got 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart signed this week, and after holding out all summer, Trey Hendrickson returned to camp Wednesday. But the rookie is way behind after missing OTAs, and the defensive end is an unhappy 30-year-old who will need time to get into game shape.

By reporting now, Hendrickson appears to have that time, and maybe this gesture will jump-start negotiations and he will get his raise, Stewart will be a quick study and all will be sunshine and puppies in the Queen City.

Or, Cincinnati’s pass rush could be lackluster, a secondary that isn't loaded with difference-makers could be exposed and the Bengals will find themselves right back where they were a year ago: Able to score points in bunches but unable to stop opponents from doing the same.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Joe Flacco

Who Will be the Browns' Starting Quarterback?

The Cleveland Browns have questions like the Sahara Desert has sand, but one looms above them all like a haboob: Who is going to be their Week 1 starter under center in 2025?

Will it be Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old who led Cleveland's surprise postseason run two years ago? Kenny Pickett, the former first-round pick who flamed out in Pittsburgh before backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia last year? Third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel? Fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders?

Pickett told reporters from camp that he was just trying to take advantage of the practice reps he received:

"It's really, like I said, a day at a time. You don't know what you're going to get that day. You're just showing up and prepared to, I mean, I think every guy here is prepared to go play the entire practice. That's kind how I look at it. You don't know what you're going to get, so whatever schedule for that day, I want to make sure that I know everything inside and out, so whatever reps I do get, I can take advantage of it."

Of course, Pickett pulled his hamstring a couple of days later, only further muddying a situation that was already peak Cleveland. If that injury lingers, the rookies will likely receive the majority of the preseason reps—and gain an opportunity to unseat Flacco, who is the favorite as things stand.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Javonte Williams

How Will the Dallas Ground Game Shake Out?

Not much went right for the Dallas Cowboys last year, but the team got a surprise 1,000-yard rusher in Rico Dowdle.

Dallas responded to that by making zero effort to re-sign the 27-year-old, instead bringing in a pair of disappointing veterans and a Day 3 rookie.

Javonte Williams showed real promise as a rookie in Denver, but after tearing up his knee, he hasn't averaged more than 3.7 yards per carry either of the past two years. Miles Sanders topped 1,200 rushing yards with 11 scores on the ground for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 but was atrocious the past two years with the Carolina Panthers. Jaydon Blue is explosive but undersized.

Per Jeffrey Chadiha of NFL.com, it's vital the Cowboys find a measure of offensive balance in 2025:

"There's a good chance that Dallas' passing attack—with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb paired at wide receiver—can force opponents to lighten the box for more effective rushing opportunities, but it would be better if the runners were to become true difference-makers. The 'Boys must be creative here because new head coach Brian Schottenheimer likes a balanced offense. A dependable running attack would help immensely."

The leader of that running attack likely won't be determined until well into the preseason.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Bo Nix

Are Bo Nix and the Broncos Ready for Increased Expectations?

Last year, the Denver Broncos were a sneaky surprise. Buoyed by one of the league's best defenses and the play of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, they won 10 games and made the playoffs.

While speaking to reporters, Nix said he has long since moved on to getting better as a player in Year 2:

"I just want to continue to show these guys that I'm willing to work, and find every which way we can to find wins and find every which way for me to get better. I know I have a lot of growth left, a lot to be done, but these guys are going to help me get there. We're just out here just kind of sharpening each other, going best-on-best and just finding ways to make each other better. It's fun."

We’ll see how long that fun lasts. The Broncos were aggressive in the offseason, adding veteran talent in free agency and re-upping their own players such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

Now, the Broncos aren’t just expected to win or make the playoffs. They are expected to take a run at ending the Chiefs' dominance in the AFC West.

Any perceived flaws in the preseason are going to be magnified as a result.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Kelvin Sheppard

What Will the Lions Look Like with Two New Coordinators?

The Lions are an exception on this list. The biggest question facing them isn't so much about the players on the field as the coaches on the sideline.

After all, this is a team coming off the best regular season in franchise history. The offense is loaded. The defense will get star edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson back. But with Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) and Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) taking head-coaching jobs elsewhere in the offseason, the Lions have new offensive and defensive coordinators in John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard.

Former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden told reporters at training camp that Morton should be able to pick up right where Johnson left off:

"He is a hard-working guy. For all the Detroit fans, what you don't see is the work ethic that you're getting. This guy is nuts. People thought I was nuts. This guy is freaking nuts, man. He loves it, he's a creative guy, he's a great competitor, and I can't wait to see the Lions open up the season."

It’s Sheppard who likely faces the taller task—the Lions struggled against the pass a year ago, allowing the third-most yards through the air in the league. But if either unit struggles in the preseason, there's going to be hand-wringing from a fanbase that can taste the franchise's first Super Bowl.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Jayden Reed

Who Will Emerge from Green Bay's Crowded Wide Receiver Room?

It has been over two decades since the Green Bay Packers spent a Round 1 pick on a wide receiver, but they finally broke that streak in 2025 by taking Matthew Golden 23rd overall.

The Texas product joins a wide receiver corps loaded with talent, potential and questions. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and he injured Christian Watson have all shown game-breaking ability. But none has shown he can consistently be a go-to pass-catcher.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters that the team didn't add Golden because they believe he can do what the others haven't to this point. It was simply a matter of taking the best player on their board:

"Versatility is always great. With the way Matt (LaFleur) and his staff are able to be creative and use these guys, that gives me a lot of flexibility with what I'm looking at too. They do such a good job of scheming some of these guys up, and using them to their best ability. It does make it easier for me. So, we don't feel like we have to do this, or we have to do that, Matt and his staff will find a way to make these guys productive and fit them into what they're trying to do. The guys on our offensive staff are pretty fired up right now."

Given Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love's injury history, he's unlikely to play much in the preseason. But every practice rep and game target these young receivers get matters.

Because the Week 1 lineup could look much different than the training camp depth chart.

Houston Texans

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Cam Robinson

Can Houston's New-Look Offensive Line Keep C.J. Stroud Upright?

Last year, only two NFL teams allowed more sacks than the 54 the Houston Texans surrendered. Now, that isn't entirely the fault of the offensive line, but that unit was viewed as an offseason priority for the team.

So, of course, the Texans traded two of their starters up front, including Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Per ESPN's D.J. Bien-Aime, Houston's new-look line struggled in the early days of training camp:

"The Pro Bowl pass-rush duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter wrecked the offensive line on a few pass plays. The starting interior defensive line also prevented explosive run plays. Again, it's only Day 3 of camp and the players haven't been in pads, so there's no reason to be alarmed."

To be fair, the line’s play improved in subsequent practices, and as new faces acclimate and position battles are resolved, things could improve even more.

But Ben Rolfe of PFSN ranked Houston’s line dead-last in the league, and for a team with postseason aspirations and a quarterback in C.J. Stroud who isn't known for his scrambling ability, having five matadors on the field in front of him could become a problem quickly.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Anthony Richardson

Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson at Quarterback?

There's little doubt there's no bigger question for an NFL team than "Who is your starting quarterback?" Those that don't know need to find out pretty quickly.

And the Indianapolis Colts don't know.

After Anthony Richardson struggled with injuries (again) and completed just 47 percent of his passes in 2024, the Colts signed Daniel Jones to compete for the starting gig. Richardson sat out OTAs with a sore shoulder, allowing Jones to build an early lead.

However, since camp opened, it has been Richardson who has played "better," although neither has played especially well.

The third-year pro told reporters he’s trying to put past struggles behind him and show he can lead this offense—not worry about outplaying Jones:

"Honestly, I can't really answer that, because it’s not really up to me to decide whether there is any separation. The only thing I can focus on is if I’m doing everything in my power to be right. I just got to make sure I’m doing my part, so they do decide ‘OK this is the guy.'"

Given Richardson's injury woes, playing him in games that don't count is risky. But Colts head coach Shane Steichen may have little choice unless his mind is already made up.

And in any event, given how the pair have looked in camp, it may not matter who wins the competition.

Either way, the Colts lose.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Trevor Lawrence

Can New Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen Save Trevor Lawrence?

New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has developed something of a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. As the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he coaxed career-best play out of Baker Mayfield.

Now, Coen needs to do the same with another former No. 1 overall pick because if the Jaguars are going to turn things around, Trevor Lawrence has to play much better.

Lawrence’s fourth season was a mess—seven missed games, just two wins as a starter and only 11 touchdown passes. But the Jags' $275 million man said Coen's offense is a breath of fresh air:

"I have a ton of confidence in what we're doing, and that feels really good. From a scheme perspective, I’ve never been in a system like this. I’ve seen it work with other teams and players, and you can plug and play all these different types of quarterbacks and receivers, and they’ve all had success. That makes me excited for the group we have."

There is uncertainty in the Jaguars' backfield. And fans and pundits alike are going to lose it when Travis Hunter plays offense and defense (for one series) in the preseason.

But without substantially improved play from Lawrence, none of that will matter once games start to count.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Josh Simmons

Have the Chiefs Truly Fixed Their Offensive Line?

If you watched the Chiefs get mudstomped in Super Bowl LIX by the Philadelphia Eagles, there was no doubt what the team's No. 1 priority in the offseason was.

After Patrick Mahomes was battered in that game, the Chiefs had to do something about the offensive line.

Kansas City was aggressive in that regard. It signed its best holdover (guard Trey Smith) to a big extension, added tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency. And used the final pick of Round 1 on tackle Josh Simmons, who was recovering from a torn patellar tendon.

Simmons' recovery has been faster than expected—so much so that he has practiced fully in camp as the starting left tackle.

While addressing the media, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said the Chiefs may have lucked into a special talent with the Ohio State product:

"It’s special. I like his ‘mental’ right now--where he’s at mentally. We all see what goes on out here in practice, but then we take it to walkthroughs inside. He’s so laser-focused and understanding from (offensive line) coach (Andy) Heck on maybe there’s a mistake or a mental (error) where his assignment (isn’t in) the right spot, so we repeat it and go through it. He cannot have enough of those. Physically, he’s super talented. It’s the mental side and it’s the communication part with the left guard and the rest of the O-line, but I really like where he’s at. He’s a true pro right now, and this is just the beginning."

It hasn't stopped the Chiefs from winning, but their vertical passing game has been neutered the past couple of years, partly because Mahomes' protection couldn't hold up long enough for the play to develop.

If he has time to attack defenses vertically again in 2025, we could see a return to Mahomes circa 2022.

That should terrify the rest of the AFC.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Darien Porter

Can a Young Las Vegas Secondary Perform Well?

There has been no shortage of storylines in Las Vegas this offseason.

The arrival of head coach Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. The trade that brought quarterback Geno Smith to Sin City. The selection of Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the draft. The surprising release of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

The Raiders' young secondary hasn't garnered much attention, but it could play a significant role in the team's success (or lack thereof). It could also be a unit that is in flux well into the regular season.

Carroll believes the defensive backfield could be a true asset this season. In fact, while talking to the media he went so far as to compare them to The Legion of Boom he coached in Seattle.

"I'm fired up about the secondary,” he said. “We're really athletic, fast and big. My guys are going to be pissed at me (Legion of Boom)."

Enthusiasm has never been a problem for Carroll, but that may be pushing it. The likes of cornerbacks Darien Porter (a rookie), Eric Stokes and Darnay Holmes and safeties Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao have talent. But they are also young and relatively unproven.

There's also not a lot of depth on the back end for the Raiders, so a player or two stepping up in preseason games would be welcome.

Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Quentin Johnston

Who Will be the No. 2 Wide Receiver for the Chargers?

On paper, the Los Angeles Chargers have all the ingredients for a potent offense.

An excellent quarterback in Justin Herbert. Depth and talent in the backfield with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. A stout offensive line. An ascending star at wide receiver in second-year pro Ladd McConkey.

But McConkey needs a running mate, and the Chargers haven't had great success identifying talent at the position in recent years.

Quentin Johnston was a first-round pick by the Bolts in 2023, but he has been a major disappointment over his first two seasons.

However, Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters recently that Johnson appears much more comfortable in his second season in his scheme.

"He's in the right split, the right route, the right depth. Just really showing that he's owning the system now. Last year was really a game of catchup," Roman said. "Justin (Herbert) is going to him a lot and Q is answering the call."

Frankly, at this point it doesn't matter if it's Johnston or the rookie second-rounder who steps up on the boundary. The Chargers just need someone to do it, if only to draw coverage away from McConkey.

With a reliable No. 2 wideout, Herbert can truly take full advantage of the offense.

And the AFC West could be a meat-grinder in 2025.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Omar Speights

Who Will Start at Inside Linebacker for the Rams?

Provided Matthew Stafford's sore back isn't an issue that lingers into the season, the Los Angeles Rams really don't face a ton of questions in 2025.

Offensive firepower, an excellent and young defensive front and an underrated secondary. The Rams won a playoff game last year for a reason.

But if they had one prevailing issue defensively last year, it was against the run, especially late in the season. And that was in no small part due to a group of inside linebackers that wasn't great.

One of those linebackers is still around in second-year pro Omar Speights. But there are new faces in town this season as well. Troy Reeder was brought back. Fourth-year pro Nate Landman, who had 110 total tackles for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, was signed in free agency. And the team used a Day 3 pick in the 2025 draft on rookie Chris Paul Jr.

In camp, it has been Landman and Speights running with the first team. The former has impressed so much that he has taken green-dot defensive play-calling duties from safety Quentin Lake.

Landman has an injury history (he has missed time in all three pro seasons), but if he's going to be relaying signals in a new scheme, it makes sense to get the 26-year-old some live reps in the preseason.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Tyreek Hill

Can the Dolphins Rekindle Their Vertical Passing Attack?

This will be easier said than done in the preseason, given Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's history of concussions, putting him out there in August lies somewhere between risky and ridiculous.

But the Dolphins have to figure out a way to get the vertical passing attack going again—because when it vanished last year, so did their chances of making the playoffs.

It wasn’t just Tagovailoa getting hurt again, either. His yards per attempt dropped by over a yard last year relative to 2023. Two years ago, the Dolphins led the league in passing yards and averaged 8.3 yards per attempt. Last year, they fell to 15th in passing and averaged 1.5 fewer yards per attempt.

Maybe it's a matter of wide receiver Tyreek Hill getting older—his 11.8 yards per catch last year was the third-lowest total of his career. More likely it’s a schematic problem, as Jaylen Waddle’s numbers dropped way off in 2024 as well.

Whatever the reason, after trading the main beneficiary of Miami’s inability to hurt opposing defenses over the top last year (tight end Jonnu Smith) to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel needs to get his offensive guru on and find a way to make teams pay for just sitting both safeties deep against the Dolphins.

If he doesn't, it's going to be another long season on South Beach.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Byron Murphy Jr.

Have the Vikings Fixed Their Atrocious Pass Defense?

No, it's not J.J. McCarthy. With the weapons he has in the Twin Cities and Kevin O'Connell coaching him up, Minnesota's second-year quarterback will be just fine.

The pass defense for the Vikings could be another matter.

It's not that the Vikings don't have talent on defense. With the addition of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, Minnesota has arguably the best front four in the league. The loss of safety Camryn Bynum stings, but the Vikes still have Josh Metellus and the venerable Harrison Smith at safety.

Yet, the Vikings were 28th in the league against the pass last year, because outside Byron Murphy Jr., the team cornerbacks struggled mightily.

Murphy is back with the team in 2025. So is second-year pro Mekhi Blackmon, who missed his rookie year with an ACL tear. The Vikings also brought over Isaiah Rodgers from the Super Bowl champion Eagles to give a boost on the back end and took a flier on former first-round pick Jeff Okudah.

Frankly, it's a secondary group that doesn't appear markedly better than last year's attempt to roll out aging veterans like Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin.

And if the Vikes have a bottom-five pass defense again in 2025, the pressure will be high on McCarthy and the offense to match opponents score for score.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Will Campbell

What Will the Interior of the Patriots' Offensive Line Look Like?

There may not be a team in the NFL that has undergone more drastic changes in 2025 than the New England Patriots—on both sides of the ball.

That includes along the offensive line. There are a pair of new starting tackles in veteran Morgan Moses and rookie first-rounder Will Campbell. The right guard spot appears settled as well, with Michael Onwenu is entrenched as the starter.

The starters at center and left guard remain uncertain, though. But Moses told reporters that he’s confident the Pats will settle on a front five who will do a far better job than last year’s turnstile of a unit:

“We’re not going to dwell on the past. It’s a new year. We’ve got an unbelievable talented room. We’re growing every day. Football is won in the trenches. When it’s 4th-and-one-, and two-minute drills, you count on the offensive line and D-line to go out there and eat. We look forward to the battle. It’s our job to keep our star quarterback upright, and we’re going to do those things.”

Rookie third-rounder Jared Wilson has impressed in camp, so much so that he’s viewed by some as the front-runner to start at one of the spots. Free-agent addition Garrett Bradbury is the favorite to win the center job, but former first-rounder Cole Strange and Ben Brown (who started 10 games last year) could make this a competition that lasts well into the preseason.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Tyler Shough

Who Will Open the Season as Starting Quarterback?

Let’s be honest, whoever opens the regular season as the starting quarterback will have his work cut out for him.

Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler have shown little to indicate they are capable of being a quality NFL starter. Tyler Shough turns 26 in September and has one collegiate season with over 2,000 passing yards.

Whoever it is will be playing on a team that isn’t choked with talent. It’s going to be an uphill climb.

All three quarterbacks have worked with the first-team offense, and first-year head coach Kellen Moore acknowledged to reporters that this competition may not be resolved for some time.

"Obviously we'll make the adjustments once we get out of that first preseason game and go from there," he said. "Anytime the decision becomes clear, we'll make the decision, we'll just roll and that can happen whenever. [If] it goes all the way to the end, it goes all the way to the end. If it doesn't, it doesn't.”

At some point, it’s going to be Shough. We have seen enough of Haener and Rattler to know they aren’t a long-term solution.

Whether that’s the season opener will be determined in the preseason.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Can Jaxson Dart Play His Way Into the Starting Job in New York?

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has been clear that Russell Wilson will open the season as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants.

It’s understandable. Daboll’s seat is as hot as any coach in the league, and while Wilson may not be the player he once was, he’s an experienced NFL starter.

However, the Giants also traded back into Round 1 to take Jaxson Dart as their future under center, and he told reporters he’s doing everything in his power to make Daboll’s decision a difficult one.

"The game is starting to slow down a little bit the more that I get comfortable with the plays and the system. Just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that I get. Trying to study late as much as I can. It’s definitely very humbling to be in a room with (Russell Wilson), Jameis (Winston), and Tommy (DeVito), guys who are just extremely smart, but at the same time I’m learning every second. So just trying to take in each opportunity and get better from it."

To get past both Wilson and Winston (who has 87 NFL starts of his own) would take a stellar preseason. But if Dart starts carving up defenses, even in preseason games, the clamoring will follow for the future to be now.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Allen Lazard

Who Else is Going to Catch Passes Besides Garrett Wilson for the Jets?

There’s no doubt the No. 1 wide receiver for the Jets is Garrett Wilson, and the fourth-year pro has the $130 million contract to show for it.

And while addressing the media, Wilson said he expects the New York offense to come out of the gate swinging:

"Ideally, we are rolling by Week 1. We've got to find a way to be playing good football and executing by Week 1. The beautiful thing about that is we've still got five to six weeks to figure that out and make that happen. But yeah, that's the goal. If we go into it trying to give ourselves that leeway in Week 1, then all of sudden it might be Week 8. Week 1 is the deadline. We have to be rolling."

However, that could be easier said than done—because outside Wilson, New York’s pass-catchers are…yeah.

Allen Lazard has never had 800 yards in a season and caught just 37 passes last year. Josh Reynolds is 30 and has never hit 650 yards. Malachi Corley. Tyler Johnson. Xavier Gipson. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor.

The Greatest Show on Turf it ain’t. But unless someone steps up in the preseason, Wilson is going to be bracketed all game every game.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Nolan Smith Jr.

Will Philly’s Defensive Line be Able to Pick Up Where Last Year’s Unit Left Off?

When last we saw the Philadelphia Eagles, they were pounding the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. But staying on top is even harder than getting there, and the unit that paved the way to that championship (the defensive line) looks much different this year.

Defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge-rusher Josh Sweat (who had 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl) are gone. Now, the team is counting on a combination of young players like edge-rusher Nolan Smith Jr. and defensive tackle Jalen Carter and free-agent additions such as edge-rushers Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche to pick up the slack.

Per PFF’s Dalton Wasserman, Smith’s third season is a pivotal one:

“Smith’s make-or-break candidacy isn’t an indictment of his NFL resumé as much as it is an indication of the Eagles’ need for him to be a star. The team lost veteran edge defenders Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, making Smith a sure-fire starter for the first time in his career. He began to take on an expanded role late last season, recording a terrific 78.9 PFF overall grade across his final seven games. If that continues over the duration of the 2025 season, Philadelphia's defensive line will once again be an elite unit.”

There isn’t a general manager in the league better at reloading than Howie Roseman. But there’s still tremendous pressure on the Eagles’ retooled defensive line to be every bit as terrifying as the old one.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Robert Woods

Do the Steelers Have a Viable No. 2 Wide Receiver?

There is no shortage of questions about how good these Pittsburgh Steelers really are. Whether they are contenders or pretenders. Many of those questions won't be answered until the regular season, so don't hold your breath expecting to see much of Aaron Rodgers in the preseason.

However, there is a question that we could get an answer to in August: Outside DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith (who are also newcomers to the Steel City), is there another pass-catcher on the team who could make a real dent in 2025?

Veteran Robert Woods (also in his first year in Pittsburgh—noticing a theme yet?) told reporters he believes the Steelers receivers are better than many think:

"You see guys who are wanting to fight for each other and play for each other, and guys are finishing down the field blocking. We're going to be physical in our room. We're going to be grimy. We're going to be fighting to the end of the whistle. Playing with -- and without -- the football, I think, is the biggest thing in our room."

But Woods is a 32-year-old who hasn't been a factor as a receiver since his heyday with the Rams. Calvin Austin's career high in receiving yards is 548. Roman Wilson is known more as a special teamer than an offensive threat.

And Rodgers (a quarterback notorious for preferring wideouts he has history with) has none with any of them.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jason Behnken

Nick Bosa

Can the 49ers Survive a Wild Offseason?

During OTAs, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that coming off a 6-11 season, he expected his team to show up to training camp in 2025 ready to get after it.

"I talked about how the season ended the year before and how when I felt them all come back, I felt guys weren't ready to come back," he said. "But I told them how I won't really understand it this year. Not that that was right or wrong, but I couldn't comprehend it. We're off five weeks earlier."

However, the team that showed up to camp this year is far different than the one that was defending NFC champion a year ago.

We could spend several paragraphs rattling off the personnel changes in San Francisco this year on both sides of the ball. The defense was particularly hit hard, with the likes of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga now all playing elsewhere.

There are major questions at defensive tackle. On the offensive line. At wide receiver—especially with Juan Jennings banged up, Brandon Aiyuk working his way back from an ACL tear and Deebo Samuel gone.

Core players like quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and edge-rusher Nick Bosa are still in Santa Clara, but there isn't a team in the league that lost more talent this offseason than the Niners.

And given the annually high expectations in San Francisco, Shanahan has his work cut out for him.

Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Grey Zabel

Is Seattle's Offensive Line Really THAT Bad?

There has been plenty written about the Seahawks offensive line this offseason—and most of it has not been complimentary.

Zoltan Buday of Pro Football Focus ranked the Seahawks' offensive front 30th in the NFL, ahead of just the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans:

"There is not much to suggest that the Seahawks won't again field a bottom-tier offensive line. Seattle used its first-round pick on Grey Zabel, who is projected to start at left guard. However, a rookie who played at the FCS level last season is unlikely to provide a significant upgrade to a unit that allowed the second-highest pressure rate in 2024 (34.5%)."

That pressure rate should mortify Seattle fans. The Seahawks brought in Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith at quarterback this year, and all you have to do is look at his performance against the Rams in last year's playoffs (a game in which he was dropped nine times) to see what happens when he faces steady pressure.

Give Darnold a clean pocket and time to work his reads, and he can pick a defense apart. But collapse the pocket and get in his face, and he starts "seeing ghosts."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Benjamin Morrison

Is Tampa's Dismal Pass Defense From 2024 Better?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South again in 2024, but it was more in spite of their pass defense than because of it. Only three teams allowed more yards through the air a year ago than the 243.9 the Bucs surrendered per game.

That secondary is even younger in 2025. The Buccaneers used a pair of Day 2 picks in the 2025 draft on cornerbacks, selecting Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison in Round 2 and Kansas State's Jacob Parrish in Round 3. Both could be called upon to play significant roles as rookies.

Morrison, who was considered one of the nation's top prospects at his position a year ago before a hip injury cut his season short, has already earned some first-team reps.

However, John Kosko of PFF sees room for improvement in the Tampa secondary this year:

"After struggling in 2024, the Buccaneers addressed their secondary by selecting cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft. They also added one of the league’s most physical cornerbacks, Kindle Vildor, in free agency. If Jamel Dean continues to play at a consistently high level and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. bounces back, Tampa Bay’s secondary should show improvement in 2025."

Kosko also ranked the Tampa secondary outside the top 20 though, and that could be a major problem for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

Is Titans Quarterback Cam Ward Ready for the NFL?

If there was ever going to be a quarterback competition in Tennessee, it's over now.

After Will Levis suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, rookie Cam Ward became the Titans starter—whether he's ready or not.

Ward has had something of a rough go of it in training camp, struggling with turnovers and tipped passes. But this year's No. 1 overall pick told reporters he's not making any drastic changes to how he throws the football because of a few bumpy practice sessions:

"I actually think it’s not even a learning point. I’ve been throwing sidearm since I was 6 years old. I had tipped balls when I was in high school. I had tipped balls when I was in college. I have tipped balls here in practice and I’m going to have tipped balls during the season. I’m not really worried about that, it’s about how you bounce back the next play."

It underscores that while Ward may be an immensely talented young player, the jump from college to the NFL is a big one. There are going to be bumps in the road.

And if a lot of those bumps come in the preseason (if he's going to start from the jump, Ward can likely use all the game reps he can get), some deep breaths may need to be taken in Nashville.

Because the alternatives are Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle.

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Terry McLaurin

Could the Terry McLaurin Contract Drama Derail Washington's Season?

After their surprise run to the NFC Championship Game last season, the Commanders have made it clear with an aggressive offseason that they are all-in for 2025.

But there's one major unresolved issue: a new contract for wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

And while the 29-year-old has ended his holdout and reported to camp, Adam Schefter of ESPN told The Pat McAfee Show that the two sides are nowhere near agreeing to a deal:

"It's up to the two sides to find a way to bridge their differences. But I would say that D.K. Metcalf was in the same draft class as Terry McLaurin. He got about 33 million dollars a year. I wouldn't think Terry wants to take less than that, and I think he wants considerably more than that. Now, what it comes in at, we'll wind up seeing. Washington... They're not there right now. They love and value Terry McLaurin, but they love and value him at a different price. These two sides right now seem apart on a deal. They don't seem close today, and I don't know how they're going to get that resolved and figured out."

McLaurin may be present at camp, but he isn't practicing; he's on the PUP list with an ankle issue. Whether you believe he is worth that much cash at almost 30 years old, his importance to the Washington offense this year is indisputable.

The longer this drags on, the worse it is for the Commanders' Super Bowl aspirations, especially if his injury drags on with it.