The NFL common season kicks off in simply two days when the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles tackle the Dallas Cowboys. It should mark the beginning of a journey to crown one crew the Nationwide Soccer League Champions for the 2025-26 season.
Within the American Soccer Convention, the crew to beat is as soon as once more the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, who want to return to the Tremendous Bowl for a fourth straight yr. Then once more, they’ll should outlast and battle stacked squads just like the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Payments, and extra!
With that in thoughts, let’s learn how every crew will carry out of their respective division.
North
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens as soon as once more seem like the category of the AFC North, and that can proceed to be the case so long as Lamar Jackson is their quarterback. It doesn’t matter who’s lining up behind Lamar or who he’s throwing to; his means to make electrifying performs on the bottom and thru the air is without doubt one of the essential the reason why he’s already a two-time MVP earlier than the age of 29.
Even when operating again Derrick Henry regresses, he’s nonetheless good for 1,000 speeding yards and ten touchdowns. And with the addition of extensive receiver DeAndre Hopkins in addition to the emergence of Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers – who’s coming off a Professional Bowl season – this offense is as soon as once more poised to be one of many NFL’s finest.
Baltimore had some issues on the defensive aspect of the ball heading into the low season, however they seemingly remedied these points by way of free company and the draft. They retained Kyle Van Noy and added one of the best cross rusher in faculty final season by drafting Mike Inexperienced. I additionally love the additions of Malaki Starks and Jaire Alexander to a secondary that already had a Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate in Kyle Hamilton.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback has been a difficulty for the Steelers ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Since Massive Ben left the league, the Steelers are actually on their sixth completely different beginning quarterback. In contrast to the opposite guys, although, Aaron Rodgers is one of the best QB to begin for the Black and Gold, even a 41-year-old model of the four-time MVP.
The Steelers will once more have a top-notch protection. T.J. Watt is a constant Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate. They shored up the secondary by including Jalen Ramsey. I additionally suppose rookie Derrick Harmon will probably be a direct distinction maker every time he takes the sphere, however within the meantime, Cameron Heyward generally is a dependable defender to supply cross rush assist reverse of T.J. Watt.
The offense will decide if this crew makes the postseason and really finally ends up successful a recreation. With Rodgers underneath middle, the Steelers will nearly definitely end with a greater passing assault than they did final yr, once they had been twenty seventh within the league in yards per recreation. Even when he performed for the dysfunctional Jets, they had been sixteenth in passing. With Professional Bowl-caliber cross catchers like DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh ought to have a greater scoring offense than it did final yr.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are principally the identical crew they had been final yr. They’ve a stellar offensive assault led by arguably one of the best quarterback within the NFL. Nevertheless, their deficiency remains to be on the defensive aspect of the ball.
There may be an out of doors probability that the protection might be barely higher this yr, however it appears unlikely. Cincy will nonetheless want defensive finish Trey Hendrickson to file a ridiculous quantity of sacks, which received’t be any simpler since he missed a majority of coaching camp and is one other yr older. Whereas there may be potential for rookie cross rusher Shemar Stewart to ultimately develop into a stud, don’t count on him to have a big impact in his first season. He’s nonetheless very uncooked, as confirmed by the 4.5 sacks he had in three years at Texas A&M. With only some new gamers within the secondary, this protection is about as much as battle throughout the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
With anticipated defensive shortcomings, the Bengals’ offense may need to place up historic numbers as a way to be aggressive and really make it again to the playoffs for the primary time for the reason that 2023 AFC Championship Sport. If wholesome, there’s a reputable probability that quarterback Joe Burrow units a brand new single-season file for passing yards. If he can do this and operating again Chase Brown can construct on a promising 2024-25, then the Bengals will attain the postseason.
4. Cleveland Browns
This is without doubt one of the best picks to make for the 2025-26 season. The Cleveland Browns will probably be horrible this yr. They’re one in all three groups most definitely to complete with the worst file within the NFL.
Joe Flacco is the beginning quarterback… for now. However with two rookies ready within the wings, followers may have Flacco on a brief leash. If he places up back-to-back stinkers or the Browns get off to a very sluggish begin (which is able to doubtless occur), then Cleveland may have a tough time not bringing in one in all their rookies to be the brand new starter. In the event you’re a Browns fan, it is best to simply hope that your younger offensive and defensive gamers present promise or perhaps even some enchancment.
The protection is definitely one of many extra respectable items within the NFL. Myles Garrett is at all times within the dialog to be the Defensive Participant of the 12 months. His presence will assist Mason Graham (the fifth-overall choose within the 2025 NFL Draft) have an impactful rookie season. Plus, cornerback Denzel Ward remains to be a Professional Bowler, whereas rookie center linebacker Carson Schwesinger will emerge as a distinction maker on that aspect of the ball. Sadly, none of it will cancel out the ineptitude of the offense, which is why they’ll undoubtedly end final within the division, barring another crew struggling a catastrophic harm at a premium place.
East
1. Buffalo Payments
The Buffalo Payments have received the AFC East for 5 straight seasons. With Josh Allen coming off an MVP efficiency and many of the identical starters coming back from final yr, the Payments will as soon as once more end as one of the best crew within the division.
Josh Allen is the guts and soul of this crew. He has been capable of make issues occur with weaker offensive weapons than many of the different elite quarterbacks within the NFL. He may need to do this once more this yr. They misplaced extensive receivers Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, who made up 17.1% of the crew’s 2024 receiving yards and accounted for seven of the Payments’ 30 receiving touchdowns. Fortunately, they nonetheless have James Prepare dinner, who was tied for second in scrimmage touchdowns final season. It’s unclear if this offense will probably be ok to make it to the Tremendous Bowl, however it ought to a minimum of win them the AFC East.
There are a number of issues on the defensive aspect of the ball. The Payments misplaced two of their finest cornerbacks from final yr. Although Joey Bosa remains to be an elite cross rusher, his harm points will probably be one thing to be careful for. It’s additionally worrisome that two of their free agent defensive lineman will miss the primary a part of the season attributable to suspension. Regardless, their key contributors (Ed Oliver, Christian Benford, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and so forth.) are all nonetheless enjoying in Buffalo, and that lays the inspiration for a protection that will probably be ok to win the division.
2. New England Patriots
The Pats are positioned to take an enormous step ahead this yr. They discovered their franchise quarterback final yr and spent the low season surrounding him with the expertise that’s wanted to be aggressive on this league. Think about new head coach Mike Vrabel, and the Pats must be a tricky outing for any crew within the NFL.
This offense is nearly solely completely different than the one that they had final yr, outdoors of perhaps the quarterback place. Rhamondre Stevenson remains to be an efficient operating again, however rookie TreVeyon Henderson will make him sweat and possibly take away some snaps from him. Plus, there’s now a bona fide number-one receiver in Stefon Diggs, who can nonetheless be a Professional Bowler when wholesome. With two new beginning tackles, the offensive line can even be a lot better, which is able to assist in Drake Maye’s development.
The Pats’ protection wasn’t horrible final season, however it additionally wasn’t good. Count on that to vary underneath a defensive-minded coach like Vrabel. New England invested a ton of capital into that aspect of the ball, signing prized free brokers like Harold Landry III and Milton Williams, who will assist enhance a cross rush that was useless final in sacks final yr. The Patriots may have a a lot better protection this yr.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets might simply as simply end in fourth place within the AFC East, however they are going to find yourself with a greater file than the Dolphins when the season involves an finish. Although it’s a main concern, the Jets’ solely worries should do with the quarterback place. Elsewhere all through the roster, they’re set, particularly with a no-nonsense head coach like Aaron Glenn main the cost.
The Jets’ offensive line is anchored by three first-round picks: Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Armand Membou. A powerful offensive line usually elevates the play of the remainder of the offense. It permits the quarterback to carry out higher, the operating backs to run simpler, and the extensive receivers to get themselves open. Justin Fields will most likely proceed to battle to progress as a passer, however he may have a greater exhibiting than he did in Pittsburgh, the place he went 4-2 in six video games. Contemplating Gang Inexperienced has higher weapons than Pittsburgh, Fields ought to have the ability to orchestrate some wins and maintain the Jets aggressive into late-November.
In the meantime, the protection is chock-full of expertise. Quinnen Williams is without doubt one of the three finest inside defenders within the NFL, whereas former first-round picks Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson II will proceed to take steps ahead underneath a defensive strategist like Aaron Glenn. Within the backend, I predict rookie Azareye’h Thomas will develop into an eventual starter who can play reverse former All-Professional Sauce Gardner.
4. Miami Dolphins
Contemplating the violent nature of American soccer, accidents are nearly assured to occur. And sadly for the Miami Dolphins, they can’t afford to endure any extra accidents. In the event that they should cope with any extra damage gamers, then the season might go downhill shortly.
Outdoors of the 2023-24 marketing campaign, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has by no means recorded greater than 13 begins in a single season. Past their injury-prone quarterback, operating again De’Von Achane has been combating a calf situation, which is worrisome for a man who depends on velocity and shiftiness to be efficient. Wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle even have some harm issues. If any one in all these guys suffers a big harm and is compelled to overlook a number of video games, it might fully derail Miami’s season.
The Dolphins’ protection has already been damage by accidents. Three cornerbacks have been positioned on the injured reserve, that means they won’t play in any respect this season. That’s lower than splendid for a crew whose energy final yr was defending the cross. I’m additionally not offered on their first-round choose, Kenneth Grant, who isn’t even listed as one of the team’s two starting defensive tackles, in accordance with ESPN. The Dolphins are certain to endure accidents this yr, and it’ll result in the worst file of the Mike McDaniel period.
South
1. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are clearly one of the best crew within the AFC South. They’ve one of the best quarterback, one of the best head coach, and one of the best protection among the many 4 groups in that division. That could be a surefire recipe for achievement in one of many NFL’s worst divisions final season.
Below head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have persistently been an elite defensive crew, thanks partly to the sting speeding duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. With these two manning the perimeters and the additions of Sheldon Rankins and Derek Barnett, it will as soon as once more be probably the greatest defensive traces within the NFL. When he’s wholesome, C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a marked enchancment on the security spot over free agent departures Eric Murray and Brandon Hill. On high of that, Jimmie Ward will probably be a difference-maker every time he returns to the sphere.
There are some apparent weak factors on the offensive aspect of the ball. We don’t know when operating again Joe Mixon will probably be able to play. Plus, the Texans will nonetheless be with out their number-two extensive receiver, Tank Dell, as he continues to battle again from that devastating knee harm. Nevertheless, they’ve a budding celebrity quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a deadly number-one extensive receiver with Nico Collins. So long as the offensive line doesn’t surrender 50+ sacks like they did final yr, this crew will probably be tremendous.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans had been so unhealthy final season as a result of their beginning quarterback choices had been abysmal. With Cam Ward now set to be the long-term starter, this squad might simply double their win complete. Hell, making the playoffs isn’t out of the query.
The Titans had been twenty ninth in crew quarterback ranking whereas permitting the fifth-most sacks within the league final season. That received’t be the case this yr, although. Cam Ward will probably be an amazing enchancment over Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, who mixed for 22 landing passes and 25 turnovers. He will probably be extra cautious with the soccer, which is able to permit the offense to seek out extra success. Think about an improved offensive line with vets like JC Latham and Peter Skoronski working with new additions Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr., and you’ve got an offense that would truly make it easier to win video games relatively than outright lose them for you want final season.
This crew nonetheless has some work to do on the defensive aspect of the ball outdoors of Professional Bowler Jeffery Simmons. Two of Tennessee’s high 4 sack-recorders are now not with the crew, in order that they’ll most likely battle to get after the quarterback after ending thirtieth in sacks final season. L’Jarius Sneed’s restoration from a season-ending quad harm can even be one thing to control.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The hope is {that a} new teaching workers will inject some life into this franchise. Since that comeback win over the Chargers within the 2023 playoffs, the Jags are 13-22 with the eighth-worst level differential within the NFL. Sadly for Jacksonville followers, it will as soon as once more be a troublesome yr for the Jaguars.
This is perhaps it for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Although he’s nonetheless underneath contract till 2031, it seems like the previous number-one general choose is in a “show it” yr. He’s now on his fourth head coach, who’s coming in as an offensive guru anticipated to get probably the most out of TLaw, like he did with Baker Mayfield. He additionally has reputable offensive weapons in Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Tim Patrick. If Trevor Lawrence can’t make something occur with this group, then the Jaguars’ future is perhaps screwed.
Jacksonville was good on the first and second ranges on the defensive aspect. Its largest drawback was within the secondary, the place they allowed probably the most passing yards per recreation within the NFL final season. Travis Hunter must be a distinction maker on the surface, together with newcomers Jourdan Lewis, Caleb Rensaw, and Eric Murray. The protection will not be good, however it received’t be the worst within the NFL relating to defending the cross.
4. Indianapolis Colts
There isn’t a lot to say about this crew. It is a quarterback-driven league, and the Colts have the worst quarterback room within the NFL. It’s so unhealthy that Daniel Jones received the beginning job, and he has averaged a turnover per recreation for the reason that begin of the 2023 season! Opposing groups will count on the Colts to wish to run the ball, so they are going to load up the field nearly each play and make it not possible for operating again Jonathan Taylor to get something going.
This squad’s solely saving grace is perhaps the protection, which was one of many league’s worst final yr. Their secondary will probably be higher with the acquisitions of Cam Bynum, Mekhi Blackmon, Xavien Howard, and Charvarius Ward. Their cross rush, although, might nonetheless use some work, even with the addition of JT Tuimoloau, who might’ve simply been a first-round choose.
West
1. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Till confirmed in any other case, that is nonetheless the Chiefs’ division. This season will mark Kansas Metropolis’s tenth straight divisional crown.
Patrick Mahomes may need taken a step again statistically, however he’s nonetheless the NFL’s most confirmed winner on the quarterback place. The lack of Rashee Rice early final season actually hindered the Chiefs’ offense. Regardless of his six-game suspension, his availability later within the yr will probably be very important. It additionally looks like the Chiefs improved the left deal with spot by drafting Josh Simmons. Add in a completely wholesome Isiah Pacheco, and this offense will probably be probably the greatest within the AFC.
The protection might see some regression with the departures of Justin Reid, Cam Jones, and Joshua Uche, however it can nonetheless be one of many higher items within the NFL. Chris Jones is one of the best inside defensive lineman within the NFL, whereas guys like George Karlaftis, Leo Chenal, Chamarri Conner, and Trent McDuffie all confirmed noticeable enchancment final yr. KC will as soon as once more be the category of the AFC West with one of the best teaching workers and quarterback within the division.
2. Denver Broncos
Quarterback Bo Nix is one other yr older and one other yr wiser, which is saying loads contemplating he threw the second-most landing passes ever in a participant’s rookie season. With a stacked protection and Sean Payton guiding Nix’s development, there’s an opportunity the Broncos might dethrone the Chiefs.
Denver’s lack of offensive weapons was the largest concern heading into the low season. So, the Broncos added an elite tight finish in Evan Engram whereas enhancing the operating again room by bringing in J.Okay. Dobbins and utilizing a second-round choose on RJ Harvey. Additionally they used a third-round draft choose on Pat Bryant, who might simply emerge as a number-two or number-three wideout on this offense.
The protection will as soon as once more be the driving power behind the Broncos’ general success. Final yr may need been an outlier, contemplating they completed with 9 extra sacks than the following closest crew. However even when we scale back their output by ten sacks, they’d nonetheless have the second-best cross rush within the NFL. With the additions of Dre Greenlaw and first-round choose Jahdae Barron, Denver is certain to have an elite protection.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
This Raiders crew will look very completely different from the one we noticed final yr. They made marked enhancements with their head coach, quarterback, and operating again. Additionally they added a brand new starting-caliber guard, extensive receiver, linebacker, and security. The Raiders are going for all of it to be aggressive proper now, and it seems like it can repay.
Geno Smith will present consistency on the quarterback spot, which is a welcome change since Vegas has began 5 completely different QBs for the reason that starting of the 2023-24 season. Additionally they have a operating again, who will simply surpass the team-high 420 speeding yards that Alexander Mattison recorded final yr. With arguably one of the best tight finish within the NFL, a bona fide starter in Jakobi Meyers, and a third-round choose like Jack Bech, this offense will certainly end higher than twenty ninth relating to scoring.
The protection definitely has some holes, however they’ve crucial factor within the NFL: an elite edge rusher. So long as Maxx Crosby is on the sphere, this crew has a shot to make some good issues occur on the defensive aspect of the ball. Think about a future Corridor of Fame coach in Pete Carroll, and the Raiders’ protection is certain to be higher than twenty sixth within the NFL.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
I don’t suppose that the Los Angeles Chargers will probably be a foul crew. I simply suppose they are going to have the worst file within the AFC West, which is perhaps probably the most aggressive division in soccer this season.
A number of starters from final yr’s top-ranked scoring protection are now not with the crew, together with Joey Bosa, Poona Ford, Kristian Fulton, Eli Apple, Asante Samuel Jr., Shaq Quarterman, and Marcus Maye. This unit is certain to take a step again, particularly with Joey Bosa now not within the combine and three cornerbacks on the injured reserve. Don’t count on the Chargers to complete within the high ten in sacks this yr.
The offense remains to be in good fingers underneath head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert. The issue is that they didn’t do sufficient to handle their obvious want for a dependable number-two extensive receiver. They had been so depleted on the wideout spot that they needed to signal 33-year-old Keenan Allen. It’s additionally extremely regarding that they’ve to enter this season with out their finest offensive lineman (Rashawn Slater), who was misplaced for the yr with a torn patellar tendon. The Chargers will nonetheless have a successful file, however they would be the worst crew in a extremely aggressive AFC West.
