As the 2025 NFL season approaches, several teams are ready to defy expectations and make significant strides. Here’s a look at five teams that could surprise everyone this year:
5. Dallas Cowboys
Look, I get it. You’re tired of hearing that “this will finally be the year the Cowboys take that next step forward” or “this is our year.” But with the offseason they had, it’s hard to not expect them to improve. The Dallas Cowboys are undergoing significant changes under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus who I really like. Quarterback Dak Prescott now has a formidable receiving duo (potentially the best WR duo) in CeeDee Lamb and newly acquired George Pickens. With an already good defense and a better offense, the Cowboys could make some serious noise.
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals showed improvement in 2024 with a healthy Kyler Murray at the helm . Murray’s full season of play brought stability and optimism to the franchise. The addition of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, one of the most anticipated draft picks since Larry Fitzgerald, adds a potent weapon to the offense. His rookie year was a bit lackluster, but I expect him to take a huge step forward in Year 2. With a bolstered defense, including the signing of pass rusher Josh Sweat, Arizona is on the upswing and could surprise many this season.
3. New York Jets
After parting ways with Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have turned to Justin Fields as their starting quarterback. Fields brings dual-threat capabilities and a fresh dynamic to the offense and watching him play alongside former Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson will be fun. With a new coaching staff led by head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets are embracing a new direction. But whether or not this team will shock people comes down to Justin Fields. He has all the potential in the world… But potential is a dangerous word.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are nearly a completely different team from a year ago. New head coach Pete Carroll’s winning pedigree and defensive expertise are expected to revitalize the team. The acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, adds experience and stability to the offense. With promising talents like running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, who set the NFL rookie receptions record in 2024, the Raiders are looking to make significant strides this season.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Despite a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024 and a wave of departures in free agency, the San Francisco 49ers are quietly positioned for a major bounce-back in 2025. They were hit hard in the offseason, losing several core contributors, most notably All-Pro linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who suffered a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead also departed, taking his veteran presence and interior pass rush elsewhere. On top of that, rotational playmakers like Jauan Jennings, Oren Burks, and others signed with new teams, leaving the roster looking thinner than it has in years. But even with those losses, this team is far from finished. But most importantly, the 49ers were gifted the easiest strength of schedule in the entire league. Their 17 opponents in 2025 combined for a .415 win percentage last season, giving San Francisco a much smoother path back to relevance. When you pair that with a good offensive core, a championship-caliber culture, and a front office that knows how to find value, you get a team that’s flying under the radar.
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