Miami Dolphins (AFC East)
The Miami Dolphins have pretty much hit the reset button: new General Manager (Jon-Eric Sullivan), new Head Coach (Jeff Hafley), new play-callers on both sides of the ball, the roster has also been completely revamped – and appears severely understaffed in some position groups when it comes to quality. It is a rebuild. Malik Willis was brought over from Green Bay by Sullivan and Hafley and will lead the Dolphins as starting quarterback this year, but he has no significant support besides De'Von Achane. It will be a tough season for Miami.
Arizona Cardinals (NFC West)
I don't have high expectations for the Cardinals this season. Mike LaFleur, brother of Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, is the new head coach, but in his first head coaching job, he'll immediately have to contend with the toughest possible division. Jacoby Brissett is a below-average starting QB; while he has some exciting skill-position players around him, at the end of the day, I think the Cardinals simply lack the quality to compete with their much better division rivals (Seahawks, Rams, 49ers).
Las Vegas Raiders (AFC West)
With Fernando Mendoza (1st-overall pick), the Raiders drafted the quarterback of the future this year. However, veteran QB Kirk Cousins will steer the ship at the start of the season – the question is for how long. Klint Kubiak, last season's offensive coordinator for Super Bowl champions Seattle, is the new head coach and will decide when Mendoza gets his chance. Of course, playoffs are not to be expected in season one with this constellation – even if the Raiders have a roster this year that seems at least better positioned than last season.
New York Jets (AFC East)
Aaron Glenn is likely entering a "make or break" season as head coach. If this season also goes south, he'll probably have to look for a new job – the Jets' performance in his only season in office last year was too dismal. They brought in veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who gets his second chance in New York after being drafted by the Jets in 2013 – but his past season in Las Vegas was anything but good. He probably won't be tearing up any trees. The defense has a few good names, but will it be enough to make the necessary developmental leap? I'm rather pessimistic.
Cleveland Browns (AFC North)
Giving Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback job is hard to understand. Shedeur Sanders might not be a megatalent, but at least he still has some developmental potential. Especially with this new, young skill-position group and the newly assembled O-line, I would have liked to see Sanders in action – but who knows, he'll probably get the opportunity eventually during the season. However, the better unit for the Browns should be the defense, which is very well-staffed even without Myles Garrett. The only question remains how the coaches will perform in year one. Todd Monken is also starting as the new head coach in Cleveland.
Atlanta Falcons (NFC South)
It's telling that the Falcons are the only team so far that hasn't managed to name a starting quarterback. The options aren't exactly rosy either, with injury-prone Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Players like Bijan Robinson and Drake London are the Falcons' workhorses, who have a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski; otherwise, not much new has been added – rather, things have fallen apart. Right tackle Kaleb McGary has retired, Jalon Walker is out for the entire season with an injury, and first-round pick James Pierce has been suspended for eight games. Confidence has probably been higher in Atlanta before.
Tennessee Titans (AFC South)
Cam Ward, the first pick of the 2025 draft, showed some good flashes last season. The conditions are good that perhaps even the next developmental step is possible this year: Robert Saleh is the new head coach (and defensive play-caller) in Tennessee and has brought former Giants HC Brian Daboll as the new offensive coordinator – experience from which Ward should benefit. The receiver room has also been promisingly upgraded, including top-4 pick Carnell Tate. The defense should certainly be expected to take a step forward with the signing of Saleh. If the development goes in the direction I envision, I wouldn't even rule out a playoff push.
Carolina Panthers (NFC South)
The Panthers reached the playoffs last season – something they can be proud of. Especially since it was the first time in ten years. However, they achieved this in the NFL's weak division and with a losing record. Hopes for the next developmental step are also dampened due to numerous injuries. The offensive line, in particular, has taken a lot of hits and enters the new season significantly weakened by injuries. If the quarterback cannot be adequately protected, that is usually not good for the prospects of the entire team.
New Orleans Saints (NFC South)
The Saints ended last season with a positive feeling – but do they have enough to take the next developmental step? Quarterback Tyler Shough first needs to show how he performs over an entire season. The fact that first-round pick Jordyn Tyson is starting the season on IR is not beneficial. On the defensive side, the Saints must cope with Bryan Bresee's premature season-ending injury. Do I rule out the possibility of the Saints continuing their trend and reaching the playoffs in the weak NFC South? No. But I don't expect it either.
New York Giants (NFC East)
The Giants' most notable new addition this year is their head coach: Jon Harbaugh, for years the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, has joined the Giants. That alone makes one think a bit more positively about the New York Giants. However, turning around the "culture" overnight is no easy task. The roster, in any case, is stacked with many exciting talents, such as Abdul Carter, Arvell Reese, Cam Skattebo, or quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose risky head-first playing style carries "boom or bust" potential. The playoffs probably come too early this year, but the project is certainly exciting.
Washington Commanders (NFC East)
If you believe Jayden Daniels stays healthy, then a lot is certainly possible for the Commanders this season. But it's a question mark. The quarterback missed more than half of the regular season last year due to injury. The starting position isn't ideal this year either, after left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps and will be out for an extended period. It will also be interesting to see how Dan Quinn's defense performs, which allowed the most yards in the entire league last season. The potential is there, but I have my doubts whether the Commanders can exploit it.
Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North)
In Pittsburgh, an era ended with the departure of Head Coach Mike Tomlin – and with him, the certainty that the Steelers wouldn't have a losing record also vanished. While they brought in a new head coach, Mike McCarthy, who is similarly experienced, the cards are completely reshuffled. The reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers is an interesting story, but big things cannot be expected from Rodgers in his final season. Fundamentally, the roster should be good enough to compete for the playoffs again – but we'll see.
Indianapolis Colts (AFC South)
The Colts made a really good impression for much of last season and were fully in the playoff hunt – at least until quarterback Daniel Jones suffered such a serious injury. However, questions about whether Jones can consistently deliver his good performances over an entire season persisted throughout last season and will continue to be a constant companion this year. While major reinforcements were absent, the good O-line around Bernhard Raimann and the running game should continue to be the Colts' big advantage. The playoffs are certainly not impossible this year, but the division hasn't gotten any easier.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South)
Two franchise legends, Mike Evans and Lavonte David, have left the Buccaneers, and Baker Mayfield's contract situation remains unresolved; nevertheless, the vibes in Tampa are quite positive. Mayfield enters the season fully motivated, with the intention of proving to the Bucs that he more than deserves a new contract. He has a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson (the 11th of his NFL career). Great hopes are placed especially on the improved defense, where rookie Rueben Bain Jr. is supposed to solve the "edge rusher" problem. If this succeeds, winning the NFC South should at least be on the cards.
Cincinnati Bengals (AFC North)
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense has been terrible in recent years. Efforts to solve this problem were definitely made: star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was worth a first-round pick to the Bengals. In addition, the defense was bolstered with a few other interesting names. The Bengals' showpiece, of course, remains the offense centered around Joe Burrow, who would benefit from a bit more relief from the running game and the O-line. If Cincinnati manages to show more balance and keep Burrow upright, little should stand in the way of a playoff return.
Minnesota Vikings (NFC North)
The Vikings have a new quarterback in Kyler Murray – definitely an upgrade compared to J.J. McCarthy. And we've known for a while that Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's system is quite quarterback-friendly. So, I expect a leap forward for the Vikings. With Justin Jefferson, they still have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, and with Brian Flores, one of the best defensive play-callers – it wouldn't surprise me if Minnesota is seriously in the mix for the NFC North title again this year.
Dallas Cowboys (NFC East)
Last season, the Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the NFL, but also one of the worst defenses. While the offense has largely remained the same compared to the previous season, efforts have been made to breathe new life into the defense. Christian Parker is the new defensive coordinator. Additionally, there are several reinforcements like Rashan Gary or first-round pick Caleb Downs. The defense should be at least average this year. But that might just be enough to bring the Cowboys back to the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC South)
The Jaguars were one of the surprises last season: with the hiring of Liam Coen as head coach, a lot went right in Jacksonville. Both sides of the ball showed significant improvement. While not much was sharpened on the roster, that might not even be necessary – things didn't look bad last season. I expect the Jaguars to be in the thick of the playoff race again this year.
Houston Texans (AFC South)
The Texans' defense is fantastic. It was fantastic last year, and I expect it to be fantastic this season too. The big question mark remains the offense. One has to face reality: C.J. Stroud hasn't shown much since his rookie season. He wouldn't be the first quarterback to fail despite a promising career start. However, this year could offer a chance for a turnaround: the offensive line has finally been properly upgraded, and David Montgomery should provide a stable running game. If Houston can get its offense even halfway in shape, this team could become truly dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West)
The Chiefs faltered last year. But was it an anomaly, or the beginning of a prolonged crisis? Patrick Mahomes also got injured towards the end of last season – here too, the question will be whether he can immediately return to his peak performance. There haven't been any big moves on the offensive side. Kenneth Walker as the new running back is an upgrade, but the O-line and receiver room haven't necessarily improved. On the other hand, the secondary is on new footing. That could go well, but it's not a guarantee.
Green Bay Packers (NFC North)
The Packers will have to start the season without their best player: Micah Parsons. The edge rusher will be out for Green Bay until at least October. Last season showed that with Parsons, the Packers are among the extended circle of Super Bowl contenders – and without him, they are probably a class worse. Jonathan Gannon is the new defensive coordinator – it will be up to him to keep the ship steady even without Parsons. The same, of course, applies to Jordan Love, who, however, must manage without running back Josh Jacobs – for how long? Who knows. Crucial will be how unscathed Green Bay gets through the first phase of the season. If they succeed, they could become truly dangerous in the second half of the regular season.
Detroit Lions (NFC North)
Not only did the Chiefs miss the playoffs last season, but so did the Lions. However, I believe that the overall framework of the Lions is on a somewhat more stable footing. I have complete faith in Head Coach Dan Campbell and his "culture" that Detroit will play a big role again this season. The offense built around quarterback Jared Goff will display explosive football, I'm quite sure of that. And the defense will be at least solid. I see the NFC North itself as the biggest uncertainty, which once again seems hardly predictable.
Chicago Bears (NFC North)
Chicago sensationally reached the NFC Championship Game last season. On their way there, the Bears won many games that were on a knife's edge towards the end of the fourth quarter. While this proves, on the one hand, that quarterback Caleb Williams is a winner and possesses the "clutch" gene, it also shows that many of these games could easily have gone the other way. And especially in a tight division like the NFC North, one or two wins make an enormous difference. All I want from Ben Johnson's Bears is for them to prove to me that the season wasn't a one-hit wonder.
Los Angeles Chargers (AFC West)
Is this the year Justin Herbert finally wins a playoff game? Maybe. With former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel brought on board as the new offensive coordinator, he appears to have two healthy offensive tackles (What?!) available this season. With Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, L.A. definitely has one of the best duos in the league. The health of the O-line was one of the Chargers' main issues last season. Unfortunately, center Tyler Biadasz has already had to withdraw, but if they manage to get through the season relatively injury-free, it could be a good year for Herbert and co.
San Francisco 49ers (NFC West)
The 49ers seem to be getting fit in time for the season start. George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and new acquisition Mike Evans should all be available for Week 1. These would be important updates for the Niners, who have repeatedly been set back by key player injuries in recent years. And even then, they performed – like last season. While Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh is gone, he has been replaced by Raheem Morris, another capable play-caller. I believe San Francisco has the individual players and coaches to contend for first place in the NFC West – but the competition is notoriously tough.
Buffalo Bills (AFC East)
Success in Buffalo hinges on Josh Allen. Regarding the O-line and James Cook's running game, Allen already received a lot of support last season – now he's also been given a new number one receiver in DJ Moore, who should elevate the entire offense even further. The question mark is the defense. Joe Brady was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach, but that also means Sean McDermott is gone. In his place, Jim Leonhard is now responsible for the defense, which was one of the league's worst run defenses last year. A clear improvement will be needed if they want to take the longed-for step towards the Super Bowl.
Baltimore Ravens (AFC North)
After John Harbaugh's 18-year tenure came to an end this year, Jesse Minter was introduced as the new head coach in Baltimore. The former Chargers defensive coordinator has the task of getting the defense, which wasn't always solid last season, back in shape, and has also gained a new star player in Trey Hendrickson. If the Ravens want to make it back to a Super Bowl, it will only be on the shoulders of Lamar Jackson. The QB star has a few new offensive linemen in front of him – if healthy, little should stand in the way of a successful Ravens season.
New England Patriots (AFC East)
The Patriots were the sensation of last season. Their run was only stopped in the Super Bowl. Mike Vrabel sculpted a roster, which at first glance wasn't really expected to be a contender, into one. And even though they lost some important players this year, I am convinced that the new "culture" under Vrabel is stable enough for New England to maintain a top level. And anyway: Perhaps the offense is even stronger than last season. Not only has the O-line been upgraded, but with A.J. Brown, Drake Maye finally has a true elite receiver as a target.
Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East)
From the team that now has A.J. Brown to the one that let him go. Yes, the Eagles lost their best receiver – and strangely enough, it might even be a good thing. With Brown, the drama he consistently brought to the media has also departed. The roster should be good enough to compensate for his departure – Philadelphia is stacked with stars on both the offensive and defensive sides. A great responsibility will fall on Sean Mannion, the new offensive coordinator. Because if one position failed last season, it was his predecessor.
Denver Broncos (AFC West)
It might not always have been pretty to watch what the Broncos' offense showed last season – yet I am convinced that they would have made it to the Super Bowl if Bo Nix hadn't gotten injured before the AFC Championship Game. And who knows what would have been possible in the Super Bowl? The Broncos' defense was and will continue to be one of the league's best this year – even if John Franklin-Myers and Jonathan Cooper depart. Much will depend on how the offense performs – and this unit has a new "weapon" in its arsenal with Jaylen Waddle, as well as one of the best O-lines in the league.
Seattle Seahawks (NFC West)
The Seahawks are the reigning Super Bowl champions, yet they were overtaken by a division rival before the start of the season (at least on paper – my paper) – more on that shortly. However, there isn't much cause for concern in Seattle. Yes, they lost offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, but by and large, Seattle has managed to bring almost all key players into the new season. One can therefore expect a dominant defense once again. Whether they succeed in winning the division again will largely depend on whether Sam Darnold can maintain – or perhaps even exceed – his level from last season.
Los Angeles Rams (NFC West)
No other team was more aggressive this offseason than the Los Angeles Rams. The team that for much of last season already looked like the best team in the NFL and boasts Matthew Stafford, the reigning league MVP, has significantly bulked up on the other side of the ball once again: They traded for Myles Garrett, arguably the best defender in the entire NFL. Even before that, they gave up a first-round pick to acquire top cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City. And to top it all off, Aaron Donald, arguably the best defensive tackle in NFL history, was brought out of retirement. An accumulation of superstars does not necessarily lead to Super Bowl titles – however, no one in Los Angeles can talk their way out of the favorite role anymore.
