Every NFL Offense's Best- and Worst-Case Scenario in 2026

The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX due in large part to a truly tremendous defense. However, they wouldn't have gotten to the big game if they hadn't been able to win a couple of high-scoring matchups along the way.

The Seahawks serve as a great recent example of how defense wins championships, but offenses put teams in position to win. Without a capable offense and a steady quarterback, a great defense can only do so much—just ask the Cleveland Browns.

This is precisely why teams often target offensive head coaches, draft offensive skill players highly, and go to astronomical lengths to find starting-caliber quarterbacks. Unfortunately, though, not even the best-laid plans and heaviest investments can guarantee success.

With this in mind, let's explore the best and worst outcomes each NFL offense might see in 2026, based on past performances, roster makeup, player potential, franchise trajectory, coaching history, and any relevant team-specific factors.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Jacoby Brissett

2025 Rank: 19th

Best-Case Scenario: Cardinals Find QB Stability, Fully Unlock Skill Players

The Arizona Cardinals' offense showed glimpses in 2025 but was largely underwhelming overall. However, new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is inheriting an impressive skill group led by Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.

McBride is already one of the best at his position, and both Harrison and Love have legitimate superstar potential. For Hackett to unlock the true potential of his group, however, he'll need to get consistently good quarterback play from Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Carson Beck, or some combination of the three.

With dependable QB play, Arizona's offense has top-10 potential.

Worst-Case Scenario: Nothing Clicks, and Love Underwhelms

Arizona ranked just 24th in yards per carry last season, and while injuries certainly played a part in that, an inconsistent passing attack and middling offensive line did too.

If the Cardinals hope to be better on the ground this year—and expectations for Love are extraordinarily high—they'll need to address last year's weaknesses while finding more overall offensive cohesion.

Otherwise, the Cardinals could have the sort of disappointing offensive campaign the Las Vegas Raiders suffered through a year ago, and Love could have an underwhelming rookie season that mirrors Ashton Jeanty's.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Rank: 14th

Best-Case Scenario: Atlanta Finds a Long-Term Starter at Quarterback

Led by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, The Atlanta Falcons have a skill group that rivals Arizona's. They showed more consistency than Arizona did last season, too, specifically, down the stretch with Kirk Cousins at quarterback.

The problem was that Kirk Cousins, who is now in Las Vegas, wasn't a long-term answer for Atlanta. The Falcons are hoping that this year's QB competition between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa will yield one—though, according to the team, the competition won't begin until Penix (torn ACL) is healthy.

"Really, there is no competition until we can actually evaluate them equally," quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said, per Daniel Flick of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If the Falcons have dependable QB play entering the season, they should be playoff contenders this year and for the foreseeable future.

Worst-Case Scenario: Atlanta Finds More Questions Than Answers at Quarterback

Penix and Tagovailoa, who flamed out with the Miami Dolphins, are both looking for redemption. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that either one finds it this season. If both prove to be below-average starters, Atlanta could struggle to be relevant in the NFC South.

New head coach Kevin Stefanski managed to take the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs twice during his six-year tenure with the franchise. When he lacked reliable quarterback play, however, his offenses were among the most frustrating in the league.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Lamar Jackson

2025 Rank: 16th

Best-Case Scenario: Coaching Changes Pay Dividends

In 2025, the Baltimore Ravens' 24th-ranked defense put a lot of pressure on a quarterback who simply wasn't physically capable of carrying the team as he had in previous years.

Lamar Jackson dealt with hamstring and back issues in 2025, but he's proven that, when healthy, he can be an MVP-caliber quarterback.

The Ravens made sweeping changes to their coaching staff following their 2025 disappointment. Ideally, new head coach Jesse Minter will help improve Baltimore's defense, while new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will help unlock the offense's potential.

Doyle was part of the Chicago Bears staff that helped to unlock Caleb Williams last season. If he can give Baltimore a more dynamic offense, while the defense allows it to have balance, Jackson should again be an MVP candidate.

Worst-Case Scenario: Age Hits the Ground Game Hard

Here's where we point out that a serious quarterback injury would be the worst-case scenario for any team that has an entrenched starter. It's fair to wonder, though, how much Jackson's health played a role in last season's decline as a scrambler.

Jackson averaged a career-low 5.2 rushing attempts per game and has seen a decline in rushes per game in three straight seasons.

The reality is that even the best dual-threat quarterbacks tend to rely on their legs less later in their careers. Jackson is still only 29 years old, but he may be past his prime as a running quarterback.

Running back Derrick Henry, meanwhile, is 32, and while he hasn't hit the proverbial cliff yet, Father Time eventually catches up to all ball-carriers. If Jackson and Henry both decline as runners in 2026, the offense may be even worse than the average unit it was last year.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

D.J. Moore

2025 Rank: 4th

Best-Case Scenario: Buffalo Again Has a Reliable No. 1 Receiver

Like Jackson, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is an MVP-caliber signal-caller when playing at his best. The problem last season was that Allen frequently had to play hero ball in the passing game.

With no true No. 1 receiver and an overall lack of reliable targets, Allen regularly had to buy time in the pocket while his pass-catchers strained to separate, and he frequently needed to take risks in order to generate big plays. This led to 13 regular-season turnovers and a series of mistakes that cost Buffalo in the divisional round.

Ideally, Buffalo's trade for D.J. Moore will give Allen the No. 1 target he has lacked since Stefon Diggs was traded two years ago—with rookie  Skyler Bell adding some much-needed depth. If so, Allen should make fewer mistakes, and the offense should be more efficient than it was in 2025.

Even slight improvements could be enough to give Buffalo a Super Bowl-caliber offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: Moore's Regression is Real

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that Moore will give Buffalo a true No. 1 receiver. He filled that role multiple times with the Carolina Panthers, and he topped 1,300 receiving yards as Chicago's top option in 2023. However, his production has decreased in each of the past two seasons.

Moore had 966 receiving yards in 2024 and just 682 yards in 2025.

Now, it's worth noting that quarterback Caleb Williams dealt with his fair share of rookie struggles in 2024. It's also worth noting that fellow pass-catchers Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland cut into Moore's target share in 2025.

However, Moore is now 29 years old and has reached 1,000 yards just once in his last four seasons. If his regression over the past two seasons wasn't a product of his environment, Buffalo's receiver situation may not be any better than it was a year ago.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Bryce Young

2025 Rank: 27th

Best-Case Scenario: Bryce Young Takes Another Positive Step

The Carolina Panthers used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft on quarterback Bryce Young, and for more than a year, the selection looked like a bust. Young was extremely disappointing in his rookie campaign and was benched early in Year 2.

However, something clicked once Young got back in the lineup in late 2024. He took another positive step in 2025 and helped Carolina win the NFC South.

While Young is beginning to look and play like a legitimate franchise quarterback, he isn't there just yet. He posted an 87.8 last season while leading a passing attack that ranked just 27th in net yards per attempt. Ideally, both Young and the passing offense will be more potent in 2026.

Young's continued development will be the biggest piece of the equation, but he'll need pass-catchers like Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Ja'Tavion Sanders, John Metchie III, and Chris Brazzell II to show growth, too.

With a few positive steps, Carolina can field a passing offense that is average or better. That should be enough to give the Panthers a realistic shot at repeating as division champs.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Running Game Falls Apart

While the Panthers' running game wasn't consistently great in 2025—it ranked 19th in yards and yards per carry—it played a huge role in several of Carolina's victories.

The ground game churned behind a surprisingly effective Rico Dowdle, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry while leading the team in rushing yards. Unfortunately, Dowdle departed in free agency.

The Panthers still have Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, and Jonathon Brooks, and they added AJ Dillon. The hope is that Hubbard and Brooks, a 2024 second-round pick, can be a high-end duo. However, Brooks has spent the last two years rehabbing from a torn ACL, so he remains an unknown.

If the Panthers can't adequately replace Dowdle, if Hubbard (calf) misses more time due to injury, or if Carolina's backfield simply underwhelms, the offense will have a hard time being even close to average overall.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson

2025 Rank: 6th

Best-Case Scenario: Year 2 With Ben Johnson Delivers Another Jump

The Bears experienced a tremendous leap offensively this past season, due in no small part to the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator produced a scheme that highlighted the roster's strengths and significantly aided the development of quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams posted a 90.1 quarterback rating and led six fourth-quarter comebacks during the regular season while leading an offense that fell just outside of the top five.

Chicago lost offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and traded wide receiver D.J. Moore. However, it still has Johnson and talented young skill players like Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland.

If Williams and the rest of the offense can take another positive step in their second season under Johnson, Chicago should easily field a top-five offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: Issues Along the Offensive Line Resurface

It must be noted that Williams and Co. benefited greatly from a 2025 revamping of the offensive line. The quarterback was sacked just 24 times after being sacked 68 times as a rookie. The ground game ranked third in yards per carry after ranking 27th the previous season.

There's no guarantee that Chicago's line will replicate its 2025 level of play. Center Drew Dalman retired after just one season with the Bears, while left tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured Patellar tendon during the playoffs.

The Bears have taken steps to reload the line once again, signing Jedrick Wills Jr. and Garrett Bradbury while drafting Logan Jones in Round 2. Ideally, these additions will help ensure that there are no major issues along the line.

If there are issues along the line and the unit performs more like it did in 2024 than in 2025, however, Williams and the offense overall could regress.

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Joe Burrow

2025 Rank: 17th

Best-Case Scenario: The Bengals Successfully Protect Joe Burrow

It feels like every year, Joe Burrow's health is the Cincinnati Bengals' single biggest X-factor. The Bengals have made two playoff appearances and have logged three winning records in Burrow's three healthy seasons. They have 19 wins and no postseason appearances in the three years in which he's missed significant time.

Cincinnati didn't make the playoffs with a healthy Burrow in 2024, but it did rank ninth in total offense and sixth in scoring.

A lackluster offensive line has been a big part of the problem for Burrow over the years, though the line did show promise in 2025. Burrow has been sacked 213 times in 77 regular-season games, an average of 2.76 times per game. However, he was sacked just 2.13 times per game this past season.

If the Bengals line can build off of last season, and Cincinnati's new-look defense can take some pressure off of the offense, Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown should lead one of the league's most prolific offenses once again.

Worst-Case Scenario: Cincinnati's O-Line Doesn't Hold

The Bengals aggressively addressed their defense in order to compete in 2026. However, they did nothing to address their O-line, outside of drafting Connor Lew and  Brian Parker II in Rounds 4 and 6, respectively.

Cincinnati is expected to field the same starting five it had late in 2025, which should provide some much-needed offensive stability. If, however, the line regresses to where it was in 2024, when Burrow was sacked 48 times, the Bengals may have serious problems.

The Bengals offense may have too much talent to be a truly below-average unit, but if Burrow can't stay upright and on the field, they probably can't be a playoff contender, either.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Shedeur Sanders

2025 Rank: 30th

Best-Case Scenario: Shedeur Sanders Takes the QB Job and Runs With It

The Cleveland Browns replaced head coach Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken this offseason, hoping that a coaching change can finally deliver a starting-caliber quarterback.

While Monken's system may better fit Cleveland's QBs, we don't know who the Week 1 starter will be.

The battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is still too close to call.

"It would feel different if I didn't feel like their progression hadn't gotten to this point where I think they both can start and play winning football," Monken said, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi.

With a rebuilt offensive line and new pass-catchers in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, the Browns could have an average or better offense if they can get competent quarterback play. In a best-case scenario, they'll get it from Sanders.

The Colorado product is just one year into his rookie contract, while Watson is entering the final year of his deal and, to this point, has been a total bust in Cleveland.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Quarterback Carousel Continues Spinning

Watson and Sanders are the top two candidates for the starting QB job, but the Browns also have 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green. A worst-case scenario would involve all four of them seeing playing time while Cleveland again searches for some stability at quarterback.

The Browns have had a revolving door at quarterback over the past few seasons, both because of injuries and due to poor play. If it happens again this season, it could be a total disaster.

If Monken can't deliver a steady starter, he could be one-and-done as head coach. While Cleveland can eye the talented 2027 quarterback class, it will have a hard time evaluating players like Concepcion and Boston if the QB situation is a mess again.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Jerome Miron, File

George Pickens

2025 Rank: 2nd

Best-Case Scenario: The Offense Avoids Injuries and Gets Help From the Defense

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys were mostly healthy on the offensive side of the ball. They also got big contributions from offseason additions Javonte Williams and George Pickens. The result was an offense that ranked second overall and seventh in scoring.

After re-signing Williams and giving Pickens the franchise tag, the Cowboys are bringing back an offense that is largely unchanged. If key contributors like Pickens, Williams, Dak Prescott, Jake Ferguson, and CeeDee Lamb can stay healthy in 2026, Dallas should again field a top-five offense.

If the Cowboys can also improve a defense that ranked 30th overall last season, the offense won't face the added pressure of having to carry the load in every single game. That could lead to an offense that is more balanced, more efficient, and even more potent than the one we saw in 2025.

Worst-Case Scenario: Pickens, Williams Prove to be One-Year Wonders

It's hard to envision the Cowboys offense regressing much, barring injuries, of course. However, Dallas will have plenty riding on the ability of Pickens and Williams to replicate their 2025 success.

Pickens proved to be the sort of big-play perimeter receiver who made it practically impossible for opposing defense to commit fully to stopping Lamb. Of course, it's fair to wonder if he can keep playing at an elite level following his up-and-down stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It doesn't help that Pickens is set to play on the franchise tag, skipped OTAs, and may or may not report to mandatory minicamp.

"I believe the Cowboys still don't know if George Pickens will show up for mandatory minicamp next week," Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News posted on X.

Williams, meanwhile, is coming off the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career, and the Cowboys don't have much proven depth behind him. If he and Pickens both regress, Dallas' offense could be closer to average than elite.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Bart Young

Bo Nix

2025 Rank: 10th

Best-Case Scenario: Jaylen Waddle Helps Bo Nix Take the Next Step

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix helped his team reach the playoffs as a rookie in 2024. This past season, he helped Denver emerge as one of the top contenders in the AFC, at least, until he suffered a fractured ankle in the divisional round.

While there are plenty of reasons to believe Nix is the Broncos' long-term answer at quarterback, it's worth noting he didn't make the sort of Year 2 leap that young quarterbacks often do. In fact, he regressed in areas like completion percentage, yards per attempt, and quarterback rating last season.

This season, though, Nix will have something he didn't have in either of his first two seasons: a big-play No. 1 receiver.

The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle just before April's draft. If the speedy playmaker can be a consistent top target for Nix, we may see the third-year signal-caller finally take another step in his development.

Worst-Case Scenario: Nix's Ankle Injury Proves More Problematic Than Expected

ESPN's Jeff Legwold reported in April that Nix had a second procedure on his surgically repaired right ankle. That's obviously not ideal, though the Broncos don't expect his ankle to be a significant issue in 2026.

According to Zac Stevens of DNVR, head coach Sean Payton expects Nix to be "completely clean mobility wise" this season.

Of course, if Nix's ankle does limit his ability to buy time in the pocket and pick up yards with his legs, Denver's top-10 offense may take a step backward. The Broncos relied on the less-mobile Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship Game, and the result was very underwhelming.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Jared Goff

2025 Rank: 5th

Best-Case Scenario: OC Change Restores the Potency to Offense

The Detroit Lions failed to make the playoffs in 2025 after back-to-back postseason campaigns. An underwhelming defense and a drop in offensive efficacy were the main culprits.

While the offense was statistically good overall, it simply wasn't as efficient, consistently explosive, or as reliable in clutch situations as it was under former coordinator Ben Johnson. As a result, Detroit fired offensive coordinator John Morton and replaced him with Drew Petzing.

Petzing's three-year stint was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator left plenty to be desired, but the Lions clearly trust him to make positive changes. Ideally, he'll revert the offense to what it was in 2024, when the Lions ranked second in yards, ranked first in scoring, and won an NFC-best 15 games.

Worst-Case Scenario: O-Line Shuffling Leads to Issues

The Lions probably have too much talent to be merely average offensively, but they'll need dependable offensive line play to be great. They didn't always have that in 2025, which led to Jared Goff taking a career-high 38 sacks.

Detroit's line is undergoing some changes this offseason, following the departure of left tackle Taylor Decker. The Lions are moving Penei Sewell from right to left tackle, and they're also trying to find some stability at center.

This offseason, the Lions signed center Cade Mays and drafted tackle Blake Miller to help fill the voids. Ideally, the new-look unit will be notably better than it was a year ago.

If the shuffling leads to worse line play, though, it could be a challenge to keep Goff upright and to consistently spark a ground game that will no longer involve David Montgomery.

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Jordan Love

2025 Rank: 15th

Best-Case Scenario: Jordan Love Finally Cements Elite Status

Two years ago, the Green Bay Packers decided to pay Jordan Love like one of the league's elite quarterbacks. Though he's been quite good in the two seasons since, Love has yet to establish himself in the top tier.

In fact, Love is still searching for his first Pro Bowl nod.

Ideally, things will change in 2026. Love will stay healthy, get Tucker Kraft (torn ACL) back in the lineup, get a big second-year jump from receiver Matthew Golden, and consistently perform like one of the league's four or five best signal-callers.

Love was close to great last season, posting a career-best (as a starter) 101.2 QB rating. If he can build on that and be great, Green Bay should have a top-10 offense and a team capable of making a postseason run.

Worst-Case Scenario: Golden Doesn't Develop and New-Look O-Line Falls Flat

Love is going to face some challenges this season due to some personnel movement. Green Bay parted with offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker, along with receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.

Standout lineman Zach Tom is also coming back from a partially torn patellar tendon. Tom, Jenkins, and Walker were starters when healthy in 2025, while Wicks was a potent deep threat, and Doubs was the team's leading receiver.

If Golden doesn't develop into a true starting-caliber receiver and the reshuffled offensive line isn't at least above average, Green Bay could take a step backward offensively.

Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

C.J. Stroud

2025 Rank: 18th

Best-Case Scenario: C.J. Stroud Returns to Rookie Form

The Houston Texans had several offensive issues in 2025. Their offensive line was merely average, and they failed to field a consistent running game. However, the biggest problem was that quarterback C.J. Stroud played inconsistently for the second straight season.

While Stroud was rarely flat-out bad last season, he had some alarming stretches of poor ball placement and even worse decision-making—he threw a whopping five interceptions in two playoff games.

Following an electric Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2023, Stroud has played more like a middling quarterback in each of the last two seasons. Injuries have impacted his supporting cast, but Houston can't possibly be as sure about giving Stroud a long-term extension as it would have been a couple of years ago.

In a best-case scenario, Stroud will get the support he needs to return to the Pro Bowl form he had in 2023. That would help the Texans complement their top-ranked defense with the sort of offense that could spark a Super Bowl run. It would also give the Texans the confidence to commit to Stroud beyond his rookie contract.

Worst-Case Scenario: The O-Line and Backfield Makeovers Aren't Enough

The Texans did take steps to address their ground game and offensive line this offseason. They traded for running back David Montgomery, they signed linemen Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, and they drafted lineman Keylan Rutledge in Round 1.

Hopefully, the new additions will bring balance to the offense while dramatically improving Stroud's protection. If that doesn't happen, though, Stroud may again face the pressure of having to carry the offense with a good-not-great supporting cast.

This would make it very difficult for Stroud to get back to where he was in 2023 and even tougher for the Texans to field an offense that is much better than average.

Indianapolis Colts

AP PhotoPhelan M. Ebenhack

Daniel Jones

2025 Rank: 9th

Best-Case Scenario: Daniel Jones Quickly Regains His Early 2024 Form

The Indianapolis Colts have a strong collection of skill players, especially after adding tight end Tyler Warren to the mix last season. Their issue, pretty much since the retirement of Andrew Luck, has been the lack of a quarterback who can make the most of that group.

For over half the season, Daniel Jones was the quarterback that Indy needed. The 2019 first-round pick played like a Pro Bowler while leading the Colts to an 8-2 start. Unfortunately, his play declined as he battled a fractured fibula, and he eventually suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

Jones was back on the field for OTAs, and, ideally, he'll be back under center by Week 1. In a best-case scenario, he'll also play at the level he did over the first 10 weeks of last season, a stretch in which Indy averaged 32.8 points per game.

Worst-Case Scenario: Jones' 2024 Run Proves to be a Fluke

If Jones isn't ready to start by Week 1 or isn't quite healthy enough to replicate his 2024 success, it won't be the end of the world for Indianapolis. A worst-case scenario would involve Jones being mostly healthy but showing that his early 2024 performance was a mirage.

The Colts clearly believe that Jones can be their long-term answer. The signed him to a two-year extension this offseason, which all but confirms they're turning the page on 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson. However, it's impossible to ignore how things played out for Jones with the New York Giants.

Jones led New York to a playoff berth and a playoff win in 2022, garnering an extension the following offseason. Unfortunately, he battled injuries—including a torn ACL in 2023—and inconsistent play over the next two seasons, leading to his release in 2024.

If history repeats itself, Indy's offense won't be playoff-caliber, and the Colts are likely to be back in the quarterback market in 2027—quite possibly with a new head coach and general manager.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Brian Thomas Jr.

2025 Rank: 11th

Best-Case Scenario: WRs Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter Both Rebound

The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the AFC's biggest surprises in 2025, due in large part to the resurgent play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While Lawrence had arguably the best campaign of his pro career under new head coach Liam Coen, though, wideout Brian Thomas Jr. regressed in a big way.

Thomas was a rookie Pro Bowler who topped 1,200 receiving yards in 2024. He tallied just 707 yards this past season, though, and he wasn't the only receiver to underwhelm.

The Jags traded up to draft receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter second overall last April but saw him provide just 298 yards before suffering a season-ending LCL tear.

Hunter may only be a part-time receiver this season. However, if he can become a big-play threat while Thomas returns to Pro Bowl form, Lawrence and the Jaguars could take another positive step in 2026.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Offense Misses Travis Etienne Jr. Too Much

While Lawrence, Coen, and the Jacksonville passing attack got most of the attention in 2025, it would be foolish to discount the contributions of running back Travis Etienne Jr. The Clemson product racked up 1,017 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns.

Etienne also departed for the New Orleans Saints in free agency.

Jacksonville didn't invest much into replacing Etienne, only adding Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Ameer Abdullah. Instead, it seems content to bet on 2025 fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten.

Tuten showed some promise as a rookie, but if he and the rest of Jacksonville's new-look backfield can't replicate what Etienne accomplished last season, a one-dimensional offense could cause Lawrence to regress.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Patrick Mahomes

2025 Rank: 20th

Best-Case Scenario: Kenneth Walker Steadies the Ground Game with Patrick Mahomes at 100 Percent

The once-vaunted Kansas City Chiefs offense had two big problems in 2025, even before Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear. They lacked reliable pass-catchers who could generate big plays, and they struggled to field a functional ground game.

Ideally, the offseason addition of reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III will take care of the second problem. While Kansas City's receiving corps is still questionable, the Chiefs will need Mahomes to be healthy and at 100 percent for most of the season to significantly rebound in the passing game.

Fortunately, Mahomes is recovering well and was even a participant at OTAs.

If Walker can deliver a top-tier rushing attack and Mahomes can, well, be Mahomes, Kansas City should return to having an above-average offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Receiving Corps Isn't Functional

Even if Mahomes is healthy, that won't be enough to guarantee a potent passing attack. Kansas City's receiving corps wasn't nearly good enough in 2025, and the Chiefs have done nothing to address it, aside from drafting Cyrus Allen in the sixth round.

Top receiver Rashee Rice, meanwhile, is recovering from knee surgery and had his rehab interrupted when he was ordered to serve a 30-day jail sentence for violating his probation. The depth behind Rice at receiver is shaky—Xavier Worthy is the only other returning wideout who topped 500 yards last season—and star tight end Travis Kelce (36) isn't getting any younger.

In a worst-case scenario, Mahomes is healthy enough to make Kansas City playoff-relevant, but the Chiefs simply lack the skill players to be an actual postseason threat.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Fernando Mendoza

2025 Rank: 32nd

Best-Case Scenario: Klint Kubiak, New QBs Bring Efficiency to the Offense

The Las Vegas Raiders tried to bring offensive stability in 2025 by hiring an experienced head coach in Pete Carroll and acquiring a veteran quarterback in Geno Smith.

Unfortunately, Carroll and his staff couldn't right the ship, and Smith delivered a major turnover problem.

It didn't help that offensive line coach Brennan Carroll oversaw arguably the worst unit in the NFL.

Las Vegas is starting over this season with head coach Klint Kubiak, who is fresh off a Super Bowl win as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator. It added journeyman quarterback Kirk Cousins before drafting Fernando Mendoza first overall.

The Raiders also reloaded their O-line with Spencer Burford and Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.

If all goes according to plan, the Raiders won't turn to Mendoza before he's fully ready. However, they'll still get steady quarterback play while utilizing an offense that maximizes players like Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker, and Ashton Jeanty.

Regardless of which quarterback sees the bulk of the starts in 2026, this is shaping up to be an offense with top-10 potential.

Worst-Case Scenario: Mendoza Sees the Field Before He's Ready

Mendoza, the reigning Heisman winner and national champion, has the tools and intangibles to be an elite quarterback. However, he also faces a steep learning curve in Kubiak's offense.

"Kubiak's offense is gonna be a lot of under center work, and so, as one team source told me, 'It's like learning dance steps,' and that's what he's been going through over the last few months," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter (h/t Bleacher Report's Adam Wells).

In a worst-case scenario, the Raiders would be forced to start Mendoza well before he's ready to take the reins. That obviously isn't part of Las Vegas' plan, but an injury to Cousins or flat-out bad play could put Mendoza on the field sooner than expected.

That could be a huge problem for the Raiders, especially if their offensive-line makeover isn't successful. We saw how ineffective Las Vegas' group can be last season, and we've seen plenty of promising young quarterbacks have their development stunted by bad situations in the past.

Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Justin Herbert

2025 Rank: 12th

Best-Case Scenario: Mike McDaniel Fully Unlocks Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert has been one of the league's best young quarterbacks since entering the NFL in 2020. However, the two-time Pro Bowler has a real opportunity for growth under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel this season.

McDaniel is one of the NFL's more creative offensive minds, and he's expected to add some punch to Los Angeles' passing game. His plan will likely incorporate improved play design and, for Herbert, a faster delivery.

"He wants the ball out early. We feel like that is going to help us get the ball out quicker," Herbert said, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.

Ideally, McDaniel will help the Chargers pair a stout defense and physical running game with an All-Pro version of Herbert. If he can do that, L.A. will be a serious playoff threat.

Worst-Case Scenario: Injuries Again Impact the Backfield and O-Line

Herbert managed to carry the Chargers to the playoffs in 2025, but it was a slog. The entire offense was hampered by injuries, specifically in the backfield and along the offensive line.

Running backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton both suffered significant injuries. Standout tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater were both lost for the season. Add in some questionable play along the interior offensive line, and it's surprising that L.A. was even able to produce a top-15 offense.

A repeat of last year's issues would be disastrous for the Chargers. Los Angeles addressed its offensive interior by signing Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange before drafting Jake Slaughter. However, if injuries make it difficult to protect Herbert and/or maintain offensive balance, getting back to the playoffs will again be an uphill battle.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Matthew Stafford

2025 Rank: 1st

Best-Case Scenario: Everyone Maintains the Status Quo

The Los Angeles Rams had the league's best offense last season, along with the regular-season MVP in Matthew Stafford. L.A. didn't make any major changes to that side of the ball this offseason, which is totally understandable.

As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The Rams proved last year that they can field a balanced offensive attack and the most potent offense in the league. After adding defensive standouts Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie, and Myles Garrett to the equation, a repeat offensive performance could have Los Angeles Super Bowl-bound.

Worst-Case Scenario: Age Catches Up to Stafford, Adams

The Rams build their roster to compete in 2026 while also keeping one eye on the future. They used a first-round pick on quarterback Ty Simpson, and they considered a trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Brown deal "crumbled when the Rams couldn't work out a corresponding trade of Adams to another team."

Adams is back as L.A.'s No. 2 receiver opposite Puka Nacua, but he's also 33 years old. Stafford is the reigning MVP and just signed a one-year extension, but he also turned 38 in February. Both played at an extremely high level in 2025, but the drafted cliff can come for any aging player without much notice.

Aaron Rodgers won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021 before going 8-9 with a 91.1 QB rating in 2022.

If Stafford and Adams experience a substantial drop-off in 2026, the Rams are still likely to be playoff contenders, but they might not be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Malik Willis

2025 Rank: 26th

Best-Case Scenario: Malik Willis Proves to be the Real Deal

The Miami Dolphins blew up their roster this offseason, along with their front office. The list of departures includes 2020 first-round pick and former starting signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa.

New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and new head coach Jeff Hafley—both of whom come from Green Bay—are bringing in a familiar face at quarterback. They signed former Packers backup Malik Willis to a three-year deal in free agency.

There are reasons to believe in Willis, despite his limited resume. The 27-year-old has made just six career starts, but his three starts in Green Bay were eye-opening. Over the past two years, he has posted a QB rating of 134.6 while also flashing as a legitimate dual-threat.

The Dolphins don't have many offensive building blocks currently on the roster. If Willis proves to be a high-level full-time starter, though, they'll be able to win a few games while building plenty of hope for the future.

Worst-Case Scenario: Willis is Just Good Enough to Leave Miami Without a Draft Pick

Miami's plan, it would seem, is to audition Willis in 2026 while keeping one eye on the talented 2027 quarterback class. However, the Dolphins don't have much in the way of a proven offensive supporting cast, outside of running back De'Von Achane.

Even if Willis plays well, the Dolphins' offensive ceiling is likely average at best. If Willis doesn't play well, the offense will be bad, but the Dolphins will likely secure a high draft pick.

A worst-case scenario would involve Willis struggling in a full-time starting role but playing just well enough to leave Miami without a top-five selection in 2027. That could leave the Dolphins without an answer at quarterback and without a realistic shot at drafting a top prospect like Darian Mensah or CJ Carr next April.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray

2025 Rank: 28th

Best-Case Scenario: Kyler Murray Returns to Pro Bowl Form (or Pushes J.J. McCarthy to Be Great)

The Minnesota Vikings offense has a great coach in Kevin O'Connell and some of the best pass-catchers in the game. The unit has the potential to be one of the very best in the league, as evidenced by its 2024 run with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Unfortunately, Minnesota lacked reliable quarterback play after Darnold departed last season. 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy dealt with injuries and inconsistency, giving the Vikings no answers about whether he can be a viable NFL starter.

So, Minnesota turned to another former first-round pick in Kyler Murray, who is only on a one-year deal but who may already be closing in on winning the quarterback competition.

"You can only have a genuine competition if there is actual uncertainty about who the best quarterback on the roster is," ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote in May. "With the caveat that this was one day in May, with no pads and some drills performed at half speed, it is only fair to point out that the gap between the two quarterbacks was not close."

If Murray can return to the Pro Bowl form he showed early in his Cardinals career—or push McCarthy to play up to his draft status—the Vikings should feature the explosive offense they had with Darnold two years ago.

Worst-Case Scenario: It Turns Out that Minnesota Doesn't Have a Quarterback

Of course, there's a reason why the Cardinals were willing to part with Murray this offseason. He hasn't been a Pro Bowler since 2021, and he was largely outplayed by journeyman Jacoby Brissett this past season.

A worst-case scenario would involve the Vikings discovering that Murray's best years are behind him and that McCarthy can't be more than what he was in 2025. That might leave Minnesota just short of the postseason and just good enough to miss out on a top 2027 quarterback prospect.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

A.J. Brown

2025 Rank: 3rd

Best-Case Scenario: A.J. Brown Helps Drake Maye Take the Next Step

The New England Patriots watched their offense and Drake Maye make a big positive leap in 2025. Between a supporting cast that was much improved over its 2024 incarnation and the arrival of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye had the pieces needed to succeed.

The North Carolina product went from being a rookie Pro Bowl alternate to the MVP runner-up while leading New England all the way to Super Bowl LX.

There's a very real chance that Maye can take another positive step in 2025, especially after New England traded for wideout A.J. Brown.

If Brown proves to be an upgrade over last year's No. 1 receiver, Stefon Diggs, Maye just might emerge as the MVP favorite.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Offensive Line is a Problem

While Maye did lead New England to the Super Bowl, he and the Patriots didn't perform particularly well during it. The offensive line couldn't hold up against a ferocious Seattle Seahawks pass rush, and Maye spent the entire game under pressure.

In fact, Maye spent most of the playoffs under pressure, which led to a drastically different level of play than we saw in the regular season. He was sacked 21 times in four games, committed eight turnovers, and posted a passer rating of 82.2.

New England added Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie first-round pick Caleb Lomu to its O-line group this offseason. If the line isn't any better than it was during last year's postseason run, however, Maye and the Patriots will be unlikely to replicate last year's regular-season success.

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

Travis Etienne Jr.

2025 Rank: 23rd

Best-Case Scenario: Travis Etienne Jr., Jordyn Tyson Allow Kellen Moore to Open Up the Offense

The Saints offense showed a lot of promise down the stretch last season, even after trading away Rashid Shaheed. Then-rookie quarterback Tyler Shough quickly rounded into form as a reliable starter, and the Saints went on to win four of their final five games.

New Orleans should have a chance to compete for the NFC South title this season, especially if new additions like Travis Etienne Jr. and rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson help coach Kellen Moore open up the offense.

Shough showed plenty as a dual-threat signal-caller last season. However, he didn't have many reliable skill players behind Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson, which limited the offense.

Moore oversaw a Super Bowl offense with the Philadelphia Eagles two years ago. While the Saints probably won't be Super Bowl-ready this season, they could have a top-10 offense if Etienne and Tyson successfully round out the offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: Shough Doesn't Improve in Year 2

Shough flashed a high ceiling during his nine rookie starts, and New Orleans expects him to continue growing in Year 2.

"I don't know how to quantify leaps," Moore said, per Matthew Paras of NOLA.com, "but I know he's got a great opportunity to continue to build."

Of course, it's worth noting that Shough entered the NFL as an older prospect and will turn 27 in September. It's reasonable to expect Year 2 growth. However, if Shough is already approaching his NFL ceiling, the Saints' offense may top out as a merely average unit.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jaxson Dart

2025 Rank: 13th

Best-Case Scenario: John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy Protect and Develop Jaxson Dart

As a rookie, Jaxson Dart flashed high-end NFL potential. The talented dual-threat managed to add some juice to the New York Giants offense, even after Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo went down with season-ending injuries.

Unfortunately, Dart also exhibited a reckless play style that led to one diagnosed concussion and several trips to the medical tent.

Ideally, new head coach John Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will help protect Dart from himself while developing him into a more consistent signal-caller. If they can, he may take the sort of Year 2 leap that Drake Maye experienced a year ago, leading New York to a top-10 offense.

Worst-Case Scenario: A Lack of Receiver Talent Stunts Dart's Development

Unfortunately, Dart may not have Nabers to start the 2026 season.

"We'll see. He's trending in the right direction," general manager Joe Schoen said, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "Again, these things take time, so it's not instant. Every patient is different."

The Giants also lost Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, though they have added the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, Odell Beckham Jr., and rookie third-round pick Malachi Fields.

The hope is that Nabers returns to preinjury form early in the year and that New York's additions yields a functional receiving corps. If those things don't happen, though, Dart could struggle to build on his rookie campaign.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

Omar Cooper Jr.

2025 Rank: 29th

Best-Case Scenario: Several Long-Term Building Blocks Emerge

With all due respect to Geno Smith and rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, the New York Jets' quarterback of the future probably won't be drafted until 2027.

Next year's class is expected to be deep at the position, and New York already owns three first-round selections.

In a best-case scenario, the Jets get enough from the quarterback position to identify potential long-term support pieces for their next young quarterback.

New York knows it has good players in Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Olu Fashanu, and Armand Membou. It doesn't yet know if players like Dylan Parham, Mason Taylor, Adonai Mitchell, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper Jr. can be foundational pieces, too.

The Jets' offensive ceiling is probably average at best, but if New York sees enough from its roster to feel good about dropping a rookie QB into the mix next season, it'll be a success.

Worst-Case Scenario: Smith, Klubnik and Co. Leave Jets Without Accurate Gauge of Their Offensive Cast

In a worst-case scenario, the Jets get even less quarterback stability out of Smith, Klubnik, Brady Cook, and/or Bailey Zappe than what they had from Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Cook last season.

New York ranked dead-last in both passing yards and net yards per attempt.

If the Jets' passing game is truly dreadful once again, they'll have a difficult time accurately gauging what they have in their less-proven players, especially pass-catchers like Sadiq and Cooper.

Of course, another disastrous passing offense could led New York right to a top draft choice and a prospect like Dante Moore or Arch Manning in 2027, so the term "worst case" is a bit relative. However, the Jets should hope to enter next offseason without an offensive roster littered with question marks.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Jalen Hurts

2025 Rank: 24th

Best-Case Scenario: New-Look Offense Finds an Early Passing Rhythm

During their 2024 run to the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles had arguably the most complete team in football. While they still had the league's fifth-ranked scoring defense in 2025, though, their offense—and, specifically, the passing attack—continued to regress.

"The passing operation has fallen into deep ruts over the past several seasons, forcing the most expensive offensive roster in football to become overly reliant on the success of Saquon Barkley and the ground game," ESPN's Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler explained in April. "It has been an ongoing source of angst for some internally."

Philly took some big steps to overhaul its offense this offseason. It replaced coordinator Kevin Patullo with Sean Mannion, and it added receivers Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Makai Lemon before trading A.J. Brown.

If the changes lead to better chemistry in the passing game, the Eagles offense should be back to where it was a few years ago, and Philly should be back in the Super Bowl mix.

Worst-Case Scenario: Mannion Isn't Ready to be an OC

If the Eagles hope to get back into the Super Bowl conversation, they'll need to get more out of Jalen Hurts and the passing game, plain and simple. Even with a new-look receiver room, that's unlikely to happen if Mannion can't tailor the offense to his team's strengths.

Unfortunately, Mannion doesn't have a proven track record as a play designer or play caller. In fact, he doesn't have much experience as a coach at all.

Mannion, who was on Seattle's practice squad in 2023, spent just two seasons as a Packers coach before taking the Philly job. He was an assistant in 2024 and the quarterbacks coach in 2025. Now, he's in charge of an offense in desperate need of direction.

If it turns out that Mannion is in over his head, the offense won't be any better than it was in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Aaron Rodgers

2025 Rank: 25th

Best-Case Scenario: Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy Recapture Green Bay Glory

The Pittsburgh Steelers are running it back with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but they have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. The good news is that Rodgers and McCarthy have a shared history that involved plenty of on-field success.

As the Packers' coach-QB tandem, Rodgers and McCarthy won the Super Bowl following the 2010 season. McCarthy also oversaw a pair of Rodgers' MVP runs (2011, 2014).

If McCarthy and Rodgers can turn back the clock a bit—possibly with the help of offseason additions like Rico Dowdle and Michael Pittman Jr.—Pittsburgh should have an above-average offense capable of making some noise in the playoffs.

Worst-Case Scenario: Rodgers Loses the Battle With Father Time

Rodgers was a pretty steady starter for the Steelers in 2025, though he spent the year working with a pretty modest supporting cast. While the Steelers added a few pieces to their offense during the spring, they don't have a unit capable of carrying the quarterback.

This shouldn't be an issue if Rodgers is as dependable as he was a year ago. Of course, there's no guarantee that the 42-year-old will be the same quarterback he was in 2025.

Rodgers isn't the same dynamic signal-caller he was just a few years ago, and if age leads more regression in 2026, the Steelers will be in trouble. If he can't get it done with an average supporting cast, Pittsburgh may turn to Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or even rookie Drew Allar.

And it's hard to envision Pittsburgh being a serious playoff threat with any of its three understudies seeing significant snaps.

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

De'Zhaun Stribling

2025 Rank: 7th

Best-Case Scenario: New-Look Receiving Corps Makes a Significant Impact

The San Francisco 49ers managed to field the fifth-ranked passing offense in 2025, despite losing quarterback Brock Purdy for half the season due to injury and despite having few reliable wide receivers.

Running back Christian McCaffrey led the 49ers in receiving last season, while Jauan Jennings was the only wideout to reach 600 yards.

This offseason, the 49ers added Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and rookie second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling. In a best-case scenario, they, along with third-year receiver Ricky Pearsall, will give San Francisco the sort of top-tier receiving corps it lacked a season ago.

This, in turn, would allow San Francisco to generate big plays in the passing game more frequently while taking some pressure off of McCaffrey, who averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in 2025. That would give the 49ers the sort of offense capable of going toe-to-toe with teams like the Rams and Seahawks in the postseason.

Worst-Case Scenario: Age Catches Up with Several of San Francisco's Biggest Stars

The 49ers should hope that they can make a series run this season because the window is closing on many of their top stars. McCaffrey, Evans, tight end George Kittle, and left tackle Trent Williams are all 30 or older.

Kittle is working his way back from a torn Achilles. Williams, who will turn 38 in July, recently admitted that when his contract expires after the 2028 season, he'll probably call it a career, too.

In a worst-case scenario, McCaffrey, Kittle, Evans, and Williams all show significant signs of decline during the same campaign, leaving San Francisco with a middling offense and thoughts of hitting the reset button.

Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Jadarian Price

2025 Rank: 8th

Best-Case Scenario: Rashid Shaheed, Jadarian Price Add Balance to the Offense

The Seahawks had a very good offense in 2025, even if the team often led with its top-ranked scoring defense.

Sam Darnold proved to be mostly steady behind center, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba established himself as arguably the best receiver in the game. Seattle also had a solid, if unspectacular, ground game led by Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

While Walker departed in free agency, Seattle replaced him with first-round rookie Jadarian Price. Ideally, he'll help boost a rushing attack that ranked just 25th in yards per carry last season.

Meanwhile, it would be great to see 2025 trade acquisition Rashid Shaheed develop into a dangerous No. 2 receiver opposite Smith-Njigba—who was the only pass-catcher to reach 600 receiving yards in 2025.

If Price and Shahid can add some much-needed balance to Seattle's offense, the Seahawks may fly their way right back into another Super Bowl.

Worst-Case Scenario: Seattle Can't Field a Functional Ground Game

Walker is now a Chief, and the Seahawks don't know if or when they'll have Charbonnet back on the field this season. He suffered a torn ACL in December, underwent surgery in February, and could miss significant time during his recovery.

Price, meanwhile, is a promising rookie but was not a starter at Notre Dame. If he proves to be an inefficient NFL starter, and Charbonnet isn't in the lineup or at 100 percent, Seattle's offense could be dangerously one-dimensional.

The Seahawks also have Emanuel Wilson and George Holani in the running back room, but neither has been a high-volume back as a pro.

If Seattle's ground game takes a significant step backward in 2026, the Seahawks could stumble. While Darnold was a Pro Bowl quarterback last season, he also led the NFL with 20 turnovers and could be even more mistake-prone if consistently asked to carry the offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Baker Mayfield

2025 Rank: 21st

Best-Case Scenario: A Healthy Offense Returns to 2024 Form

A year after having the league's third-ranked offense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a below-average unit in 2025. The departure of coordinator Liam Coen may have played a role in the regression, but injuries certainly did.

Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirds, and Cody Mauch were just some of the notable offensive contributors who missed time. Quarterback Baker Mayfield started all 17 games but battled injuries down the stretch.

"I'm telling you, Baker was going through a lot," linebacker Lavonte David told The Arena podcast (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra). "Baker had a lot of injuries that you didn't expect a quarterback to play through."

While Evans departed in free agency, most of Tampa's offense is returning. If it returns healthy and stays healthy, it could again be the elite offense it was two years ago.

Worst-Case Scenario: Things Stall Under OC Zac Robinson

The Buccaneers fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after just one season, replacing him with former Falcons OC Zac Robinson. There are things to like about Robinson, including his experience—albeit brief—with Mayfield as the Rams quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator.

However, there are also reasons for concern. Atlanta had a loaded skill group this past season but ranked just 14th in total offense.

While the Bucs have some very good offensive players, they don't boast a truly elite talent like Bijan Robinson or Drake London. And while Mayfield has been steadier for Tampa than what Atlanta had in Michael Penix Jr. early last season, he was a very volatile signal-caller early in his career.

If Robinson can't get more out of Tampa's offense than Grizzard did, the Bucs are likely to get another losing season and a lot of questions about the futures of Mayfield and/or head coach Todd Bowles.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

2025 Rank: 31st

Best-Case Scenario: Cam Ward Plays Up to His Potential

The Tennessee Titans used the first overall pick in the 2025 draft on Miami quarterback Cam Ward. As a rookie he showed flashes of the top-tier ceiling he carried into the predraft process.

"The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is what the NFL is looking for in potential franchise QBs," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions."

Unfortunately, Ward also suffered from inconsistent play, a bad offensive line, and an underwhelming skill group. Ideally, he'll benefit from additions like coordinator Brian Daboll, receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, and rookie first-round pick Carnell Tate enough to consistently play like the franchise quarterback he was drafted to be.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Offensive Line Remains a Problem

Ward was sacked an alarming 55 times as a rookie, tied for the most in the NFL. Part of the problem was his inability to quickly find open receivers and get rid of the ball on his first or second read. Part of the problem was that Tennessee's offensive line simply wasn't very good.

The O-line is an area that the Titans didn't significantly alter this offseason. They brought in Cordell Volson and Austin Schlottmann, but they didn't invest a lot of resources into overhauling the offensive line.

Adding offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's system and adding some new pass-catchers might be enough to alleviate some of the pressure that the O-line faces in pass protection. If it isn't, the Titans could have a real problem.

If the offensive line is again a liability, the Titans will have a hard time fielding an offense that is even average. They'll have an even harder time developing Ward into the quarterback he can be.

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Jayden Daniels

2025 Rank: 22nd

Best-Case Scenario: Jayden Daniels Returns to Rookie Form

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took the NFL by storm as a rookie in 2024. The Offensive Rookie of the Year showcased his ability to consistently play at a high level, perform in clutch situations, and serve as an active leader of Washington's offense.

As a result, Daniels helped the Commanders make a run all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

Unfortunately, Daniels wasn't nearly as effective in Year 2. Injuries (knee, hamstring, elbow) played a big part in that. A lack of dependable skill players not named Terry McLaurin did, too—and injuries limited McLaurin to 10 games.

If Daniels can stay healthy and get a boost from offseason additions like Rachaad White, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and Antonio Williams, he should provide Pro Bowl quarterback play and help Washington field one of the league's most dynamic offenses.

Worst-Case Scenario: The Offensive Changes Flop

Daniels is one of the most dynamic young dual-threat signal-callers in the NFL, but even he'll need help to be at his best. Commanders fans have reasons for optimism, but there's no guarantee that the offense will be as effective as it was two years ago.

Washington made several notable changes this offseason. Most notably, it fired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and replaced him with assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. The new-look offense is expected to be more of a pro-style scheme than what Kingsbury ran.

"I really like our offense a lot," right guard Sam Cosmi said, per ESPN's John Keim. "It's very beneficial, especially in the run game."

If the new pieces and the new system don't lead to early and consistent chemistry, we may see Washington's offense hover several tiers below the high-end ceiling we saw in 2024.