Sameer's NFL 2025 Preview

Looking at the biggest off-season change for each NFL team + a BOLD prediction for each; and his Super Bowl LX and awards predictions

At last, after seven long months… The NFL is back! For this edition of Sameer’s Sports Snippets, I will be showcasing my playoff teams and award predictions, then delve into the most impactful off-season addition(s) for every (and I mean every) NFL team, along with a BOLD prediction for all 32 teams.

Note: Even though this post is going live on Saturday, after the Thursday and Friday night week one games, the entire post was made without those games in mind. That includes the playoff predictions and BOLD takes.

Let’s begin:

NFL Playoff Predictions:

NFC

1. Buccaneers (NFC South champ)

2. Packers (NFC North champ)

3. Commanders (NFC East champ)

4. Rams (NFC West champ)

5. Lions (Wild Card #1)

6. Eagles (Wild Card #2)

7. Panthers (Wild Card #3)

NFC Wild Card:

Packers over Panthers

Commanders over Eagles

Lions over Rams

NFC Divisional Round

Buccaneers over Lions

Commanders over Buccaneers

NFC Championship Game

Commanders over Buccaneers

AFC

1. Broncos (AFC West champs)

2. Ravens (AFC North champs)

3. Bills (AFC East champs)

4. Jaguars (AFC South champs)

5. Chiefs (Wild Card #1)

6. Steelers (Wild Card #2)

7. Raiders (Wild Card #3)

AFC Wild Card

Ravens over Raiders

Steelers over Bills

Chiefs over Jaguars

AFC Divisional Round

Broncos over Steelers

Ravens over Chiefs

AFC Championship Game

Broncos over Ravens

Super Bowl: Broncos over Commanders (rematch of Super Bowl XXII (1988)

NFL Awards

MVP: QB Jayden Daniels (Commanders)

Offensive Player of the Year: WR Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

Defensive Player of the Year: DE T.J. Watt (Steelers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Cam Ward (Titans)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: DE Abdul Carter (Giants)

Coach of the Year: Liam Cohen (Jaguars)

Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (49ers)

NFC East

Eagles: Defense lost several players in the off-season

After winning their second Super Bowl over the past decade, the Philadelphia Eagles had to strip salary (and players) from their roster, mainly from the defensive side. Gone are defensive linemen Brandon Graham (retired), Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Bryce Huff (49ers) and Milton Williams (Patriots), along with the entire cornerback depth: James Bradberry (free agent); Avonte Maddox (Lions); Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings); and Darius Slay (Steelers), as well as safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The best defense in yards allowed last season (and second-best in points allowed) has taken a massive hit this off-season.

The entire run-dominant Eagles’ offense, however, remains intact, and the team also signed former Packers’ bulldozing RB A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal for depth at the position.

BOLD: Lose in wild card round

Commanders: Revamped their offensive line with a major trade and with their top draft pick

No NFL team improved their offensive line more than the Washington Commanders. For years, the D.C. team has had a rotating carousel of left tackles. They finally found a franchise blindside blocker, in 31-year old Laremy Tunsil. All the Commanders had to do was swap draft picks with the Houston Texans to acquire the former 2016 first round selection.

Speaking of first round picks, the Commanders used their pick in this past year’s draft to take tackle Josh Conerly of Oregon. The up-and-coming left tackle will be the opening day right tackle for quarterback Jayden Daniels and Co., and has a bright future ahead of him.

Last year’s opening day offensive linemen were LT Brandon Coleman (rookie); LG Nick Allegretti (5th year; 1st with the Commanders); C Tyler Biadasz (5th year; 1st with the Commanders); RG Sam Cosmi (3rd year); and RT Andrew Wylie (6th year; 2nd with the Commanders).

Starting on Sunday against the Giants in the home opener, the offensive linemen this season is: LT Laremy Tunsil; LG Coleman; C Biadasz; RG Allegretti; and RT Conerly. Cosmi is recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season, and Wylie becomes a great depth lineman for the organization.

Jayden Daniels was sacked 47 times as a rookie last season (an average of 2.7 per game); that should drop with a better offensive line this season.

BOLD: Advance to the Super Bowl

Giants: Daniel Jones, Tommy Devito & Drew Lock OUT; Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston IN

Speaking of carousels, the New York football Giants had their own quarterback carousel this off-season. The team got rid of all three QBs from a year ago, including their 2019 first round pick in Daniel Jones, who started 69 games over the past six seasons with the franchise.

To replace their 28-year old starter, the G-Men signed 36-year old Russell Wilson (formerly of the Seahawks, Broncos and Steelers) to a one-year, $10.5 million deal as their bridge QB. The future quarterback waiting in the wings is 2025 first round pick Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss, who threw for over 4,200 yards and had 29 TDs to only 6 picks as a senior last year.

Backing those two QBs is longtime, 11-year veteran Jameis Winson, who is now on his fourth NFL team (Buccaneers, Saints and Browns).

Fans will be screaming for Dart to start, especially if the Giants get off to a cold start in September-October.

BOLD: Russell Wilson plays the entire season AND leads the league in passing yards

Cowboys: Micah Parsons shockingly dealt right before start of regular season

The big offseason storyline regarding the Dallas Cowboys was how the team was going to handle linebacker Micah Parsons, one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Parsons, who is only 26 years old and was heading into the last year of his rookie contract, wanted an extension with the Cowboys. However, owner Jerry Jones and Parsons (along with his agent, David Mulugheta) never saw eye-to-eye. The linebacker, who racked up souble-digit sacks in every seasons for Dallas, then requested to be traded. Unlike other players who also wanted to be dealt this season and signed extensions (Terry McLaurin, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson), Jerry Jones had enough of Parsons and traded him to the Green Bay Packers for two second round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons then signed a four-year, $186 million deal with the Packers ($136 million guaranteed)! Woof.

BOLD: Dak Prescott gets benched for 2nd-year pro Joe Milton midseason

NFC North

Lions: Lost multiple coaches, but defense returns at full strength

The biggest changes that happened to the NFC North champions occurred not with the roster, but with the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who pulled several gimmick/trick plays with an explosive Detroit offense, departed for the rival North team as the Bears’ new head coach. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also was elevated to head coach - of the New York Jets. The assistant wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El (yes, the former Washington WR) and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett (the former Ohio State QB) both followed Johnson as those positional coaches for the Bears.

Looking at the Lions’ roster - the biggest change is the health of the defensive players. Last season, the defense was injury ravaged like no other, sending 18 to the season-ending injured reserve list, including 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Aidan Hutchinson and standout linebacker Alex Anzalone. Now, every one of those players is now healthy and look to capture their second straight NFC North crown.

BOLD: Aiden Hutchinson leads NFL in sacks

Vikings: Release Sam Darnold; the keys to drive the Vikings' offense given to second year QB J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings had a difficult decision to make this off-season: have QB Sam Darnold continue as bridge quarterback, or bench Darnold for 2024 first round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed all of the 2024 season with a torn meniscus suffered in the 2024 preseason.

The Vikings took option three, which was releasing Sam Darnold and giving full reigns to a second-year QB who never took an NFL snap. Minnesota tried to persue former Giants’ QB Daniel Jones (who signed with the Colts), but instead recently signed journeyman QB Carson Wentz to backup McCarthy. The organization, on the same day they signed Wentz, traded their original backup, Sam Howell, to the Eagles last month. Wentz becomes the QB3 behind both McCarthy and unproven Max Brosmer, who the coaching staff loves in Minnesota.

BOLD: Vikings do NOT make the playoffs

Packers: Add premier weapons on both sides of the ball (Golden and Parsons)

As mentioned earlier, the Green Bay Packers got a gem of a lifetime in trading for linebacker Micah Parsons just over a week ago - their franchise cornerstone on defense for a team that was 11-6 a year ago and made the playoffs as a wild card.

On offense, the Packers drafted WR Matthew Golden in the first round - a 5-foot, 11-inch speedster (ran a 4.29 40-yard dash) from the University of Texas. Green Bay believes in this Longhorn product so much that he has passed mainstay wide receivers Domeo Doubs and Jayden Reed on the depth chart for fifth-year quarterback Jordan Love.

BOLD: Parsons only plays half a season due to a painful back injury

Bears: Completely revamp offense

The Chicago Bears had a season from hell, following the devastating Washington Commanders Hail Mary that happened in Week 8. The team promptly dropped their next nine straight games and ultimately fired head coach Matt Eberflus.

In comes former Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The front office took action as well, revamping the offense with second-year QB Caleb Williams. Veteran WR Keenan Allen (Chargers) left, and second-year wideout Rome Odunze was elevated to WR2.

The Bears ranked last in sacks given up (68 in total), so what did they do? Sign three solid veteran starters in RG Jonah Jackson from the Rams; LG Joe Thuney from the Chiefs; and C Drew Dalman from the Falcons. The trio replaces LG Braxton Jones (who is a true LT), C Coleman Shelton (Rams) and RG Matt Pryor (Eagles).

BOLD: Offensive line goes from worst in the NFL to best (least sacks allowed)

NFC South

Buccaneers: Ohio State WR Emeka Ebuka falls to Tampa Bay in 2025 Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the reigning NFC South champions for the fourth straight season, did not make any drastic moves to their roster, compared to most of the NFC. However, their best move was drafting Ohio State standout wide receiver Emeka Ebuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ebuka had 1,011 yards receiving and 10 TDs for the Buckeyes a year ago, and slots perfectly as the WR2. He will be replacing Chris Godwin, who is still recovering from a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 7 last year. Jalen McMillan, who was supposed to challenge Ebuka at WR2, had a neck injury after a catch made in the preseason last month, putting him on the injured list (out for a minimum of four games). Ebuka fits in nicely as a decoy to longtime Buccaneer Mike Evans and for eighth-year QB Baker Mayfield, who had a career-high 4,500 passing yards and 41 TDs last season.

BOLD: Cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr. has career-high 5+ interceptions (his season-high is 3 interceptions in 2023)

Falcons: Bolster defensive line

The Atlanta Falcons did not make many off-season additions, but the second-worst defense in sacks (only 31, compared to the Broncos’ season-high 63 sacks as a team) added younger defensive lineman through free agency and the Draft.

The Falcons signed ex-Bear and ex-Ram Leonard Floyd to a one-year deal; signed former Charger Morgan Fox to a two-year deal; then spent their two 1st round draft picks on Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. The Georgia product won the Butkus award for the nation’s top linebacker, leading the Bulldogs with 10.5 tackles for a loss and a team-high 6.5 sacks. The Volunteer led the team with 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss in nine starts.

BOLD: Tight end Kyle Pitts has top-5 TE production for the 1st time since rookie season in 2021 (68 catches on 110 targets; 1,026 receiving yards and 1 TD)

Panthers: Added big-bodied WR Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 Draft

The best move the 5-12 Carolina Panthers made was drafting Arizona Wildcat wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the 8th overall selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. “Tet” led all of college football with 2,721 yards, 112 first downs and 42 catches of 20-plus yards over the past two seasons. Standing at 6-foot, 4-inches (the same height as Mike Evans, Keenan Allen and Davante Adams), McMillan has the size to make big-play, jump-ball type catches. He gives the Panthers their best weapon through the air since the Steve Smith and Greg Olson days, and allows the offense to flow smoother with third-year quarterback Bryce Young under center alongside running back Chuba Hubbard.

BOLD: Make playoffs as Wild Card

Saints: Derek Carr retired; a lot of unknowns at QB remain

The New Orleans Saints are a mess. The Bayou team finished tied for last in the NFC South (with the Panthers), but their QB situation still is in flummox with the season opener just a day away. 11-year pro QB Derek Carr retired in the off-season due to career-ending injuries. That left the Saints with second year quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener alongside rookie Tyler Shough. The latter was, quite frankly, overdrafted as the Saints’ second round pick, with QBs like Jalen Milroe (Alabama; drafted by the Seahawks), Quinn Ewers (Texas; drafted by the Dolphins) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado; drafted by the Browns) still on the board.

The Saints named Rattler as their starter week one-onwards, as of Aug. 26. However, Rattler was 0-6 as a starter last season, throwing 4 TDs to 5 interceptions and sacked 22 times (almost four sacks per game). There is almost a unanimous agreement that the Saints will be fighting for the no. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft next April.

BOLD: Alvin Kamara finally has first 1,000-yard rushing season in his ninth year in the league

NFC West

Rams: Out goes Cooper Kupp; in comes Davante Adams

The NFC West champions, the Los Angeles Rams, did not make that many roster-churning decisions this past off-season; but the one that shocked the Rams’ faithful the most was that free agent Cooper Kupp, who spent his whole eight-year career in Los Angeles, departed for the rival Seahawks on a three-year, $45 million deal. He only had 710 receiving yards in 11 starts last season, which is the worst production in 10-plus starts in a season in his career. But the big negative regarding Kupp was that he could not stay healthy - only his one All-Pro First Team and AP Offensive Player of the Year season in 2021 was when he started all 17 games (and started more than 15 games) in a single season.

As a replacement option for their veteran WR2 alongside young standout Puka Nacua, the Rams signed longtime Packers’ receiver Davante Adams to a two-year, $44 million deal on Mar. 9, during the start of the free agency period and the start of the 2025 off-season.

BOLD: Have THREE 10+ sack defensive linemen (last season, the Rams had three players with 7.5 sacks or more: LB Byron Young (7.5 sacks); DE Kobie Turner (8 sacks); and DE Braden Fiske (8.5))

Seahawks: New weapons for veteran QB Sam Darnold

The Seattle Seahawks, who finished with a 10-7 record, tied with the Rams but lost the divisional crown and a playoff opportunity last season due to tiebreakers, have a new set of targets for newly-signed starting QB Sam Darnold. The Seahawks signed the ex-Viking to a three-year, $100.5 million deal ($55 million guaranteed). Mainstay receivers Tyler Lockett (Titans) and DK Metcalf (traded to Steelers) left, elevating third-year WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the no. 1 receiver role. JSN had a breakout sophomore season in 2024, with 100 catches for 1,130 yards and 6 TDs. Cooper Kupp joins JSN, alongside journeyman Marquez Valdes-Scantling as the deep threat for Darnold and Co. MVS signed a cheap one-year deal with the Seahawks.

BOLD: Darnold is sacked a career-worst 50 times (was sacked 46 times in Minnesota last season)

Cardinals: Bolster defense in the off-season

There is a ton of potential with this young Arizona Cardinals’ franchise that finished 8-9 a season ago. The front office made improvements across the defensive line this past off-season. The Cardinals’ big splash was signing ex-Eagle DE Josh Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million deal (he had 6-plus sacks for four straight seasons, incl. a season-best 11 sacks in 2022). They also added 39-year old DE Calais Campbell to a one-year deal - Campbell returns to the same team that drafted him way back in 2008. Other additions include ex-Brown and Viking DE Dalvin Tomlinson and LBs Akeem Davis-Gaither (ex-Bengal) and Mykal Walker (ex-Falcon/Steeler/Commander).

The Cardinals also used their first five picks all on defensive players. Their first round pick, DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) was a first-team AP All-American, finishing 2024 with a team-high 14 tackles for a loss. Their second round pick, CB Will Johnson (Michigan), was a 5-star high school recruit who set a school record with 3 interceptions returned for TDs, and was named to the AP All-American third team. Nolen is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the year due to a calf injury in July; however, Johnson is the second starting cornerback, alongside Max Melton.

BOLD: Arizona finishes with a top-10 defensive unit

49ers: Lost 13 players on defense

Unlike many NFL teams, who look to take the next step forwards, the San Francisco 49ers (NFC West-worst 6-11 last season) took several steps backwards. The Niners lost 13 players on just the defensive side alone, most notably DL Javon Hargrave (Vikings); LB Dre Greenlaw (Broncos); CB Charvarius Ward (Colts), and safeties Tashaun Gibson (FA) and Talanoa Hufanga (Broncos). San Francisco did trade for DE Bryce Huff from the Eagles, along with five defenders with the first five picks in the 2025 Draft, getting much younger on that side of the ball in the process.

Red flags are littered everywhere for this Bay Area team, with the organization losing wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Commanders and current wideouts Brandon Ayiuk and Jauan Jennings battling through last season’s injuries to begin ths 2025 season. Oh yeah - oft-injured Christian McCaffrey is again starting week 1 with a new injury (calf) and is questionable against the rival Seahawks.

BOLD: Running back Christian McCaffrey plays a full season for the first time since 2019 (3rd season in league)

AFC East

Bills: Added more weapons for reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen

Oh, Bills. The bridesmade and not the bride. The 13-4 Buffalo Bills reached the AFC Conference Championship for the second time in the past five years (and the AFC Divisional Round for the fifth straight postseason), but just cannot get over that Kansas City hump that always blocks their way.

Buffalo did not made any outside additions, but the few that they will incorporate to their team will have a role with the Bills this season. The Bills signed ex-Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million deal and ex-Panthers LB Shaq Thompson and ex-Raven and former Bill CB Tre’Davious White to one-year deals as well.

Offensively, two new wide receivers enter the fold in ex-Jet and ex-Brown Elijah Moore and former Charger Josh Palmer. Moore accrued over 1,100 yards and 3 TDs with the Browns the past two seasons combined, while Palmer has had at least 580 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons. Both should be complementary targets alongside WR Khalil Shakir, who signed a four-year extension this off-season.

BOLD: New acquisition, defensive end Joey Bosa, will accrue 10+ sacks this season

Dolphins: Injuries wreck havoc before season starts

The 8-9 middling Miami Dolphins made some acquisitions over the off-season (like bringing back safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Steelers), but the larger story is that they are walking wounded to start the season.

Newly-signed RB Alexander Mattison was placed on IR back on Aug. 11 w/ a neck injury. Offensive tackle joined him on the IR just three days later with an undisclosed injury. The Dolphins’ eighth-year kicker Jason Sanders will miss the first four games with a hip injury, along with offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg. CB Cam Smith was placed on the Non-Football Injury List (NFI-R) with an undisclosed off-season injury, and fellow CB Artie Burns tore his ACL back in late July. Backup running back Jaylen Wright and recently un-retired TE Darren Waller are both out for Sunday’s game against the Colts with hip and knee injuries.

Note that the oft-concussed QB Tu’a Tagovailoa was not mentioned, nor speedy WR Tyreek Hill (who did not record his fifth consecutive 1,200 yard receiving season due to a significant ligament injury in his left wrist, despite starting all 17 games last season). Hill will also be playing through an oblique and calf strain injuries on Sunday.

BOLD: Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II, and not week 1 starter De’Von Achane, will be the Dolphins’ season-long leading rusher this year

Jets: New coaching staff, but same old Jets

The departed for the 5-12 New York Jets include a ton of veterans, from QB Aaron Rodgers and his sidekick, WR Devante Adams, to offensive linemen Morgan Moses (Patriots) and Wes Schweitzer (Patriots) and defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw (Commanders), Soloman Thomas (Cowboys) and safety Chuck Clark (Steelers).

In for the offense, specifically, comes ex-Bear QB Justin Fields, WR Josh Reynolds and WR Tyler Johnson.

However, the turnover among nearly the entire coaching staff is the biggest makeover for the Jets, under new head coach Aaron Glenn. Among the notable names, here are the old faces in New York:

• Offensive Coordinator. Tanner Engstrand (Detroit Lions)

• Defensive Coordinator, Steve Wilks (San Francisco 49ers)

• Defensive Backs, Chris Harris (Tennessee Titans)

• Linebackers, Aaron Curry (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Those are just four of 11 new coaches now a part of the AFC East. Let’s see how, specifically on offense, they can turn around a bottom-10 unit from a year ago.

BOLD: The ‘other’ New York City-based team in New Jersey will finish with a bottom-three record in the NFL

Patriots: Improved league’s worst wide receiver corps, with additions of Diggs, Hollins, Williams and Chism

The 4-13 New England Patriots were the laughingstock of the AFC East with the NFL’s worst passing offense (a league-worst 2,995 passing yards and only 18 passing TDs - second-worst, only behind the Giants). One of the best remedies is to rectify the wide receiver position - and New England did that in a big way.

During the start of free agency, they pounced on ex-Bills and ex-Texans WR Stefon Diggs and signed him to a three-year, $69 million deal, despite him recovering from a season-ending ACL injury back in Week 8 of last season. The Pats also nabbed another former Bill in special team star and big-bodied deep threat Mack Hollins to a two-year, $8.4 million contract. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots spent a third round pick on Washington State wideout Kyle Williams, who should also help revamp this receiving corps with QB Drake Maye entereing his sophomore season with the franchise.

That does not even mention how New England also improved their rushing attack - one that ranked dead-last with 30 fumbles - by drafting speedy tailback TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State with their second round pick.

BOLD: Newly-signed wideout Stefon Diggs will have 1,200 receiving yards and 10+ TDs (last reached these numbers with the Bills on 2022)

AFC North

Ravens: Veteran cornerback signings provide depth and experience for Super Bowl-contentender

The 12-4 Baltimore Ravens, who won the AFC North title two years running, are once again Super Bowl contenders with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.

This off-season, the change that makes one positional unit from great to superior is the revamped secondary. Back in the spring, the Ravens signed former Cowboy CB Chidobe Awuzie to a one-year deal. In mid-June, Baltimore swooped in and reached an agreement with former Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, also on a one-year deal. And, in the 2025 Draft, the Ravens selected safety Malaki Starks of Georgia with their first round pick. Starks was one of the best safeties available in the draft.

Those trio of defensive backs join 2023 first team All Pro safety Kyle Hamilton alongside CB Nate Wiggins and nickel corner Marlon Humphrey, making the unit a potential top-3 one collectively across the league.

BOLD: Projected 2025 division winner loses in the Wild Card round

Steelers: Overhauled offense with 41-year old Aaron Rodgers at the helm

Isn’t the proverbial phrase, “Out with the old, and in with the new?” Do not say that about the 10-7 Pittsburgh Steelers, who did quite the opposite at the QB position this past off-season. The Steelers, like the Giants, saw all three of their QBs depart: Kyle Allen (Lions); Justin Fields (Jets); and Russell Wilson (Giants).

Entering the Steel City is 41-year old Aaron Rodgers, who still has a few year(s) under his belt. Backing him up is Mason Rudolph, who returns to Pittsburgh after a one-year stint (and five starts) with the Titans last season.

The Steelers gave Rodgers new toys to play with, too. WR D.K. Metcalf was traded from Seattle to become the no. 1 receiver. WR Scotty Miller comes from Tampa Bay to be the de facto slot receiver. TE Jonnu Smith landed in Pittsburgh in a blockbuster three-team trade from Miami. The Steelers also drafted Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to backup incumbent RB Jaylen Warren.

All of these skill players should give no reason why Rodgers cannot excel in the black and gold this season. That, paired with one of the best defenses in the NFL, makes the Steelers a dark horse team to not only make the playoffs, but also make a deep postseason run.

BOLD: A rejuvenated Rodgers takes Steelers to AFC Divisional Round game

Bengals: A conservative free agency period, along with departure of underperforming veterans

The Cincinnati Bengals, who finished third in the AFC North last season with a 9-8 record, behaved notoriously cheap during the off-season, which is nothing out of the ordinary.

The Bengals only signed four players away from other teams, with the only notable name of RB Samaje Perine - the same running back who was with Cincinnati from 2020-2022.

The Bengals did retain both starting WRs in top-10 overall player in Ja’Marr Chase (four years, $161 million) and Tee Higgins (four years, $115 million), but did very little to improve a bottom-five defense across several defensive categories. The front office finally budged with highly-prized defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who got a $14 million raise for one more season with the Bengals, on Aug. 25. That was after months of Hendrickson distancing himself from the team over the summer, as he was looking for a new contract with a longer stay in Cincy.

This is a very top-heavy roster with sixth-year QB Joe Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Hendrickson - a “stars and scrubs”-type roster that will only go as far based on how a defense with a new defensive coordinator takes them.

BOLD: A new defensive coordinator (Al Golden) vaults one of the worst defenses in 2024 to outside the bottom-10

Browns: The drafting of Shadeur Sanders was the biggest news (from a casual fan’s standpoint), but is QB3 on opening day roster

Of course, the big headline regarding the 3-14 Browns from a year ago was the drafting of highly-touted QB Shadeur Sanders with their fifth round pick in the 2025 Draft in late August.

Sanders, casual fans thought, could fight his way through the rookie mini-camp, offseason training activities, trainingt camp and the preseason for the starting gig. However, he was anything but. One of three sons of hall of famer Deion Sanders, Shadeur displayed his worst habits on the field, drifting out of the QB pocket endlessly instead of trusting his offensive linemen and throwing the football away - bad traits that continued from his years at Colorado.

If Shadeur went by any other last name, most people around the league would have him off the roster on cutdown day a week ago; but because of his father’s pedigree, Shadeur is on the opening day roster as the QB3, behind rookie Dillon Gabriel (QB2) and “I cannot believe he is still in the league and thriving,” Joe Flacco.

BOLD: Dillon Gabriel, and not Sanders, will start more games for the Browns this season

AFC South

Texans: Turned over nearly entire starting offensive line

The 10-7 Houston Texans won their division for the second consecutive year - however, the front office made wholesale changes at one unit: offensive line.

The Texans, despite making the playoffs, revamped the 2024 offensive line that gave up the third-most sacks (54) and whose offense committed the sixth-most penalties.

First off, Houston promoted assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich to the main offensive line coach, after sacking Chris Strausser back in January.

The Texans then subtracted LT Laremy Tunsil (traded to the Commanders); LG Kenyon Green (Eagles); OG Kendrick Green (Bills) and RG Shaq Mason (retired).

In replacement comes 2025 2nd round pick, LT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota); LG Laken Tomlinson (ex-Lion/49er/Jet/Seahawk); C Jake Andrews (ex-Patriot); RG Ed Ingram (trade from Vikings); and RT Tytus Howard. Howard is the only mainstay offensive lineman in this huge makeover.

With the monumental offensive line changes, and that RB Joe Mixon has no timetable to return from an off-season foot/ankle injury, expect quite a bit of turmoil (and a new AFC South champion).

BOLD: Rookie 2025 2nd round pick WR Jayden Higgins will be the better wide receiver with the last name of Higgins (the other is Bengals WR Tee Higgins).

Colts: The battle for starting QB, between Daniel Jones and incumbent Anthony Richardson

For yet the 11th straight season, the Indianapolis Colts will have a new quarterback starting Week 1. That is 14 different starting QBs not named Andrew Luck during that stretch.

The Colts, who finished second in the AFC South with an 8-9 record, lost Joe Flacco to the Browns midseason, then signed former New York Giant Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal in March.

Jones was fighting third-year QB Anthony Richardson for the starting Colts gig, which was the most noteworthy on the field story this off-season for the Colts.

BOLD: Running back Jonathan Taylor finishes with sub-1,000 rushing yards for the third time in the last four years (but not due to injury)

Jaguars: A revamped coaching staff and GM with rare two-way rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter

The 4-13 Jaguars took the correct approach to change the team’s fortunes for the foreseeable future. The front office was turned upside down and inside out, with general manager Trent Baalke dismissed. In comes 34-year old general manager James Gladstone (yes, the new Jaguars GM is around my age!), with Jaguars Hall of Fame lineman Tony Boselli as the new executive vice president of football operations.

The first major change for Gladstone - grabbing Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator Liam Coen to be the new Jaguars head coach. Coen was among 18 new coaches and assistant coaches hired under Gladstone.

Then, in late April, came the signature major splash for Gladstone. Jacksonville traded their original no. 5 overall pick, plus next year’s first round pick, along with a second and fourth round pick in this year’s draft to pick wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter out of the University of Colorado. Yes, the Jaguars received two day 3 picks (a 4th and a 6th round pick), but Jacksonville got their player who can play on both sides of the ball - a rarity at the NFL level.

After a grueling last four months for Hunter, he will be the no. 2 WR, next to WR Brian Thomas, and the backup cornerback behind starter Jarrian Jones.

The Jaguars have not had double-digit wins since reaching the AFC Championship game with a 10-6 record in the 2017 playoffs - that could change as early as this season.

BOLD: Jacksonville reaches the playoffs for the first time since 2022

Titans: Drafted QB Cameron Ward no. 1 overall with a new receiving corps, alongside veteran Calvin Ridley

The Tennesee Titans, who finished a league-worst 3-14, good for the top selection in April’s 2025 NFL Draft, replaced their GM this offseason.

The Titans fired Ran Carthon and hired Mike Borgonzi for the new general manager position, and did the same with the three assistant GM spots as well.

With Borgonzi at the helm and new GM assistants to work with, the Titans did overhaul their offensive line, like the Houston Texans - I mentioned the specific changes in my training camp preview.

However, the bottom-10 pass offense from a year ago got enhancements at the most important position (QB) as well as the skill positions - particularly, wide receiver.

Last year’s opening day featured the likes of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Dolphins), Tyler Boyd (FA) and Calvin Ridley.

This season, the Titans will have veterans Tyler Lockett (ex-Seahawk) and Van Jefferson (ex-Ram) with Ridley, and rookie wideouts Chimere Dike (Florida) and Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) as well. Ayomanor has impressed the coaches so much that he is the WR2 with Ridley and Lockett as WR1 and WR3.

BOLD: The most underappreciated no. 1 overall draft selection in recent memory, Ward passes for over 2,500 yards and throws 25 TDs (to just 7 interceptions) to win Offensive Rookie of the Year

AFC West

Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice misses first 1/3 of season (suspension), while TE Travis Kelce got hitched

As I said in a previous post, the no. 1 wide receiver for the Super Bowl runners-up in Rashee Rice was potentially going to be suspended multiple games. Rice ended up with a six-game suspension for his actions back in 2024.

The other news was that longtime starting tight end Travis Kelce officially is engaged with megastar singer Taylor Swift, in an Instagram announcement made last week.

The first indicates that speedy second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy becomes the no. 1 receiver while Rice is riding the proverbial pine.

The second indicates that Kelce may make this season his last, given that his older brother, former Eagle center Jason Kelce, retired in 2024, and both co-host their own nationally-known podcast, New Heights, and Kelce may want dabble in other ventures, post-football.

As for on the field, the 15-1 Chiefs from a year ago most-likely will fall back to Earth after reaching the Super Bowl five of the past six seasons.

BOLD: Kansas City loses in the AFC Divisional Round (has previously reached Super Bowl five of the last six years)

Chargers: Younger offensive weapons provide boost to Herbert

Maybe this is the season for sixth-year quarterback Justin Herbert to break out.

The Los Angeles Chargers saw oft-injured former Baltimore RBs J.K. Dobbins (Broncos) and Gus Edwards (FA) depart, and replaced the duo with ex-Steeler Najee Harris and first round pick Omarion Hampton (UNC).

The organization signed ex-Jet TE Tyler Conklin, then drafted WRs Tre Harris (Ole Miss) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith with their 2nd and 5th round picks.

The trio of newcomers join rising star WR Ladd McConkey and deep threat Quentin Johnston.

Even longtime Charger wideout Keenan Allen returned back to the franchise, signing a one-year, $8.5 million deal with Los Angeles after spending his lone season with the Bears.

There’s no reason why, with all of these tools at Herbert’s disposal, the Chargers’ offense shouldn’t rise from 20th in total offensive yards to potentially top-10.

BOLD: Los Angeles’s second team finishes as a top-10 offensive unit (both in total points and offensive yards gained)

Broncos: Defensive signings place Denver as an almost-unanimous top-5 defensive unit

The Denver Broncos, who finished third in the AFC West last season (10-7), are a popular pick to leapfrog the Chiefs and win their first AFC West title since 2015 (their Super Bowl-winning team with Peyton Manning).

The Broncos have a second-year rising superstar QB Bo Nix, and like the Chargers, also revamped their skill positions. Denver replaced plodding RB Javonte Williams (Cowboys) with J.K. Dobbins and drafted RB R.J. Harvey (UCF) with their second round pick. Two months earlier during the early free agency period, they signed TE Evan Engram, giving Nix a blanket tight end and the Broncos a dynamic pass catching TE they have not seen in more than a decade.

However, the defensive side is the one worth watching. That unit was havily drafted high in millions of fantasy football leagues, and with reason. The Broncos added ex-Niners LB Dre Greenlaw to partner with Alex Singleton and rising star Nik Bonitto. Denver also nabbed another Niner in S Talanoa Hufanga, who announcers praised week-in and week-out. The Broncos’ secondary now has him and Brandon Jones at free safety, and the top cornerback in the NFL in Pat Surtain II creating a top-3 defensive back unit across the league.

BOLD: Nix throws for over 4,000 yards, with 35+ TDs and only 10 interceptions, putting better overall numbers than the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels

Raiders: Pete Carroll returns from a one-year NFL haitus to become head coach

Lastly, to conclude my deep NFL 2025 preview, is the Las Vegas Raiders. The 4-13 team was able to persuade a 73-year old Pete Carroll to come out of NFL retirement and away from his one year as a University of Southern California professor to become the organization’s 23rd head coach.

The Raiders replaced their conundrum at QB (Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder) with 34-year old Geno Smith at quarterback. They drafted Heisman Trophy runner-up RB Ashton Jeanty no. 6 overall, along with wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Tennessee) in the fourth round - the latter has become the no. 2 WR with mainstay Jacobi Meyers. Oh yeah - they also have the premier pass-catching tight end in Brock Bowers, who was targeted a whopping 153 times (caught 112 of those passes) for 1,194 yards and 5 TDs last season.

BOLD: Raiders reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021