Every offseason, narratives form around a handful of NFL teams; some are crowned contenders before taking a snap, while others get buried by low expectations. But every year, a few of those overlooked teams prove the doubters and Vegas wrong. Whether it’s due to new coaching, roster upgrades, or just bad luck the year before, these squads are better than most realize.
Below, I break down the most underrated teams heading into the 2025 season. For each team, I’ll look at the coaching staff, offense, and defense, followed by my win-loss prediction and why I believe they’ll outperform Vegas’s expectations.
Green Bay Packers (Over/Under: 9.5 Wins)
Coaching Staff
Matt LaFleur remains one of the NFL’s best play-callers, consistently creating mismatches and maximizing young talent. Defensively, Jeff Hafley was great in his first year as coordinator. Despite a roster that lacked blue-chip stars, he crafted a unit that played with speed, discipline, and intelligence. With another year of continuity, this defense could take a real step forward.
Offense
Jordan Love’s arm is up there with any other QB in the league, paired with elite playmaking ability and sneaky athleticism. While his decision-making still has room to grow, he’s made clear progress every year and flashed truly special throws when healthy. He avoids sacks, which is rare for a young QB, and if he begins using his legs more, his ceiling only rises. Even with injuries last year, he looked like a top-10 QB when healthy, and he’s firmly in that tier entering 2025.
The Packers’ O-line doesn’t feature stars but is good across the board with good depth. In the passing game, the WR room is built on explosiveness and versatility. They ranked third in explosive pass plays last season. Dontayvion Wicks can line up anywhere and is solid against both man and zone, though he struggled with drops and contested catches in 2024. Jayden Reed is a slot weapon who can stretch the field and win tough catches, but he had too many uncharacteristic drops last season. Christian Watson remains a vertical nightmare and dangerous after the catch, though he still struggles to separate and win contested balls; are you starting to notice a theme with this room? First-round rookie Matthew Golden is the piece that ties it all together. He’s a true flanker with speed, toughness, and elite contested-catch ability, which is something this group lacked. Tucker Kraft is a very good TE, and Luke Musgrave is an excellent 2. The run game is top five with Laufer’s play design and Josh Jacobs, who still ranks among the best backs in football.
This is an offense full of young weapons and is primed for a breakout season. This is another year of roster and coaching continuity. I expect them to become a top-five unit, and if they aren’t top 5 this year, they’ll be knocking on the door.
Defense
Green Bay deploys a 4-3 base that has quietly become one of the most reliable front sevens in the league; they were 5th in pressure rate last year. Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary bring power and explosiveness on the edge, while Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt hold down the middle. Clark is healthy again, and Wyatt steps into a bigger role with breakout potential.
At linebacker, Edgerrin Cooper is a freak athlete with great lateral movement, run-stopping ability, and blitzing chops. He’s still raw in coverage, but the traits are there. Isaiah McDuffie is a steady, reliable partner who plays controlled, letting Cooper attack freely.
The secondary is one of the league’s most underrated. Losing Jaire Alexander won’t sting as much as many think, as he barely played last year, and the unit still held strong. Carrington, Valentine, and Keisean Nixon offer versatility on the outside, while Nate Hobbs locks down the slot. Xavier McKinney, coming off a Pro Bowl year with 8 picks, pairs with Evan Williams, a rising young safety who looked excellent before getting hurt.
There are no real weak links anywhere on this defence. This unit may not have superstar names, but it’s fundamentally sound, fast, and growing together.
Record Prediction: 12–5
This Packers team is one of the most underrated heading into 2025. They have a top-tier play-caller in Matt LaFleur, a rising star at quarterback, and an offense packed with young, dynamic weapons. Defensively, Jeff Hafley has molded a disciplined, aggressive group that plays fast and smart without needing headline talent. With another year of growth and continuity on both sides of the ball, I expect Green Bay to make serious noise this season. They’re my pick to win the NFC North.
Las Vegas Raiders (Over/Under: 6.5 Wins)
Coaching Staff
The Raiders brought in an experienced, Super Bowl-winning head coach in Pete Carroll, who is expected to revitalize their horrible running game. Chip Kelly’s addition as offensive coordinator is one of my favourite hires this year. Coming off a stellar college season, winning the National Championship with Ohio State, Kelly ran a pro-style offense that emphasized the run. Defensively, Patrick Graham remains the DC; he is a very good coach, but has been hampered by a lack of talent. With healthier personnel, he could unlock this unit’s true potential.
Offense
No team improved more on offense this offseason than the Raiders, and it’s not close. Geno Smith is a top-10 QB who kept the Seahawks’ offense afloat last year despite playing behind the league’s worst offensive line. He consistently raised the floor with elite accuracy, anticipation, downfield touch, and now finally has a supporting cast.
The offensive line should be serviceable. My prediction is they will be around the 20th-best unit, which is a huge upgrade for Geno. Kolton Miller is still holding down left tackle, strong against power rushers and solid in the run game, though speed off the edge gives him trouble. Dylan Parham steps in at left guard, with Jackson Powers-Johnson shifting to center. This move should help the run game immensely. Alex Cappa brings stability at right guard, while Thayer Munford and DJ Glaze will be fighting for the start at right tackle.
The receiving corps is anchored by Brock Bowers, who just had a legendary rookie year and might already be the best tight end in football. He’s explosive, dominant after the catch, versatile, and simply uncoverable. Michael Mayer is one of the top TE2s in the league, with strong blocking and underrated route running. Jakobi Meyers is more of a WR2, but with Bowers on this team, he basically is; he has good hands, good routes, especially vs zone, but he lacks speed and separation. Rookie Jack Bech was a great second-round pickup and is expected to be the WR2 by the end of the year; he’s big, polished, and brings toughness. Tre Tucker will start there early, but his small frame and raw routes make him likely to slide down. Fourth-rounder Thornton adds size and speed but is still a project. Stretching the field may be a concern, but they will still be a solid group.
The biggest change will come on the ground. Last year’s rushing attack was the worst in the NFL, with Mattison posting the lowest EPA of any back. That should change with Jenaty, a generational talent with burst, balance, and vision, and someone who could be a top-5 RB very soon. With Chip Kelly calling the plays and more depth on the line, this offense finally looks like it has an identity.
Defense
The defense was ravaged by injuries last year, especially on the defensive line, but expectations are high for improvement with health. This front, when healthy, is one of the best in the NFL. Maxx Crosby is a bona fide top-3 edge rusher with unmatched motor and prowess against both run and pass. Christian Wilkins, though returning from injury, remains an athletic force inside, excelling at pass rush and run defense, but can really struggle vs double teams in the run game. Adam Butler is a stout run defender who also brings interior pressure. Malcom Koonce, recovering from an Achilles injury, is a technically sound edge rusher and strong run defender. Tyree Wilson brings high upside in his third year, good against the run, but inconsistent rushing the passer. Overall, every player on the defensive line is at the very least good, and is anchored by superstar Maxx Crosby.
The linebacking corps is a budget group ranked 32nd in salary, but I still think it’s a solid room. Jermain Pratt is a disciplined, run-stopping weakside LB, while MLB Elandon Roberts is a physical, high-IQ player nearing 31, with some risk of decline. Rookie Tommy Eichenberg is smart and run-focused but stiff athletically and vulnerable in coverage. Devin Loyd provides athletic depth but lacks football IQ.
The secondary features Jeremy Chinn, a versatile run stopper but average in coverage, alongside safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who excels vs run but is limited in coverage. CB1 Bennet is average all-around; Eric Stokes is good vs the run but below average in coverage. Rookie Darien Porter, a big, athletic, ball-hawking corner, has a chance to become the starting outside CB by the end of the year.
This defense projects as one of the best run-stopping units in the league, and with better health, the Raiders should be playoff contenders late in the year.
Record Prediction: 8-9
This Raiders team is flying under the radar, but they’ve quietly built one of the most improved rosters in the league. They upgraded at quarterback, added a true difference-maker in the backfield, and completely reshaped their run game with Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. This is a good defense that was just banged up last year. With a dramatically improved run game and real star power on both sides of the ball, I think this team can push for a playoff spot. I’m smashing the over on this team; they are one of the most underrated teams heading into 2025.
Denver Broncos (Over/Under: 9.5)
Coaching Staff
Sean Payton has firmly reestablished himself as a top-10 coach. His offensive structure is elite, built around screen-heavy concepts and creative spacing. Vance Joseph, meanwhile, is one of the best defensive coordinators in the league. His turnaround after the 70-20 Miami disaster was nothing short of amazing; I expect him to start getting a second shot at HC positions in the coming years.
Offense
Bo Nix started the year rough but finished strong, showing good arm talent, accuracy all over the field, and the ability to operate outside the pocket (led the league in yards outside the pocket). Many people seem to believe he is a checkdown merchant, but he’s simply just operating in a scheme that emphasizes quick throws. His biggest issue is handling pressure, but he rarely faces it due to both Payton’s scheme and an elite offensive line.
The Broncos have a top-five offensive line. Every starter is above average in both pass and run blocking, with standouts like Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz anchoring the group. The line led the league in run block win rate, yet the rushing attack was underwhelming. That should change with the additions of JK Dobbins (explosive when healthy), second-rounder RJ Harvey (dynamic pass catcher with breakaway speed), and power back Audric Estime. Plus addition by subtraction with Javonte Williams.
The receiving corps is quietly versatile. Marvin Mims is the gadget/screen/deep threat guy, though he struggles versus man coverage. Courtland Sutton had a career year, using his size to dominate on intermediate and deep routes. Devon Vele is a steady power slot, and rookie Thomas Bryant has the physicality and hands to be a Michael Thomas-lite. This will be a top-15 offense.
Defense
Denver led the league in sacks last year thanks to a well-constructed and talented front. Zach Allen led all DTs in pressures, JFM is excellent vs the run and the pass, and DJ Jones, plus Malcolm Roach, give the Broncos elite run-stopping inside depth. This run-stopping ability allows the edges to pin their ears back and get after the QB. Nik Bonitto nearly took home DPOY honors. He’s very agile, has elite bend, and is good in coverage when asked to do so. Jonathan Cooper is another speedy edge and is overall a solid No. 2
The Broncos’ linebackers are led by Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw. Singleton is a high-motor tackler with great instincts but lacks coverage. Greenlaw was a steal for the contract they got him on; he will bring speed, physicality, and playoff experience to this room.
The secondary is anchored by Pat Surtain II, who allowed just 0.6 yards per coverage snap, which is the lowest in the NGS era. He did that while playing man 40% of the time, which is just outrageous. Ja’Quan McMillan is a good, scrappy nickel. He was the most targeted back in the NFL, which sounds bad, but that’s what happens when you have PS2 on your team. Riley Moss was great to start the year, but came back slowly after the injury. After a full offseason of rest, I expect him to get right back to the top of his game.
To my surprise, the Broncos drafted Jahdae Baron in the 1st, and I’ve slowly fallen in love with the pick; the Broncos can deploy him anywhere in this secondary, and he will be a positive impact. The Broncos’ safeties feature Andre Hufanga and Brandon Jones. Hufanga is a rangy, physical hitter known for his aggressive play near the line of scrimmage, while Jones excels in coverage and run support, making them a strong, versatile duo in the secondary.
Record Prediction: 12-5
This Broncos team checks every box you want in a contender: they have elite coaching, a strong offensive line, playmakers on both sides of the ball, and real depth. Bo Nix fits this system perfectly and has the tools to succeed with Payton tailoring the scheme to his strengths. Defensively, they boast one of the best pass-rushing groups in football, and their secondary is built to suffocate teams in man coverage. Add in the additions of Greenlaw, Hufanga, and Baron to an already top 3 unit, and it’s hard to find any true weaknesses. This is one of the most complete rosters in the league, and one of the most underrated. They’re my pick to win the AFC West.
Chicago Bears (Over/Under: 8.5)
Coaching Staff
The Bears nailed their offseason coaching hires, headlined by new HC Ben Johnson, who has been a top 5 offensive play-caller over the last two seasons. While no new head coach is a guaranteed hit, Johnson fits the mold of successful play-callers turned HCs and should bring much-needed structure to Chicago. On the defensive side, the addition of Dennis Allen as DC is an underrated move. He wasn’t a great head coach, but his track record as a defensive coordinator is elite.
Offense
Caleb Williams had an up-and-down rookie year, which is expected out of a rookie QB. He flashed serious potential despite a horrible infrastructure: a bottom-tier offensive line that led the league in unblocked sacks, a dysfunctional coaching staff (both HC and OC were fired midseason), and horrible player deployment. Still, Caleb showcased excellent pocket movement and high-end playmaking outside the pocket. His processing needs improvement, but he showed enough signs to suggest growth is coming.
The offensive line will be much improved. Chicago added Joe Thuney (elite pass protector), Jonah Jackson (strong run blocker), and Drew Dalman (great run blocker and solid in pass pro). Plus, Johnson’s scheme will take some weight off this O-line’s shoulders.
The receiving corps is one of the best in the league: Rome Odunze will be a true 1A in time with elite ball skills and physicality, DJ Moore thrives underneath with great YAC ability, and rookie Luther Burden brings zone-beating and YAC explosiveness out of the slot. Add in strong TEs like Loveland and Kmet, and this unit has serious upside.
The only weak link is RB D’Andre Swift, one of the best athletes at the position, but he lacks vision and consistently tries to bounce outside rather than getting north to south.
Defense
Dennis Allen inherits a unit that showed flashes before the coaching shakeup last year. The cornerback room is elite: Jaylon Johnson was targeted rarely and allowed a passer rating of just 33.3 in 2023, third-lowest since 2006. Tyrique Stevenson is physical, excels in press, and finished second among DBs in solo tackles. Kyler Gordon is a fluid nickel who defends the run well and offers versatility to move outside if needed.
The defensive front is the biggest concern. Gervon Dexter has raw tools but needs to put them all together. Andrew Billings is solid against the run and pass. Adding Grady Jarrett and second-rounder Shemar Stewart helps the rotation. At edge, Montez Sweat is a star player, and the Bears hope Dayo Odeyingbo can grow into a reliable No. 2.
The linebackers are fine: TJ Edwards is steady and fundamentally sound, while Tremaine Edmunds is good in coverage but poor versus the run and hasn’t lived up to his contract.
The defense is a well-rounded group with talent all around. Last year, they ranked 7th in pressure rate and 10th in sack percentage. With Dennis Allen, they can get back to being a top-10 unit.
Record Prediction: 10-7
This Bears team is being overlooked simply because of Caleb Williams’s rookie season, but the context behind his struggles matters. With real protection, elite weapons, and Ben Johnson calling plays, this offense should take a massive leap. Defensively, they have an elite secondary and a pass rush that quietly produced last year—and now gets a boost under Dennis Allen’s leadership. The infrastructure is in place, the roster is loaded, and the coaching has drastically improved. Don’t be surprised if Chicago makes a serious playoff push.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Over/Under: 7.5 Wins)
Coaching Staff
The Jaguars’ biggest offseason splash was hiring Liam Cohen as their head coach after being a top 5 OC last year with the Bucs. Cohen’s offense featured an elite running game with creative passing schemes. Even if he struggles at the head coaching position, all he needs to be is the 15th-best playcaller for this offense to be massively improved, due to how bad Shane Waldron was last year. With Cohen at the helm, and talents like Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, and Brian Thomas Jr, the Jaguars’ ceiling is very high.
Offense
Jacksonville boasts one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL. Rookie Travis Hunter was one of the best WR prospects I’ve seen. In College, he was elite vs man and zone, had insane hands, and was amazing after the catch. BJT is already a borderline top 10 WR, combining size, speed, contested catch ability, and great YAC. Don’t forget the numbers he put up last year were mainly with Mac Jones as his QB. Dyami Brown adds depth and fits well in the screen game as a reliable WR3.
I still fully believe in Trevor Lawrence; he’s had a rough start to his career, but the talent is unbelievable. He has never had a good infrastructure around him, and if this infrastructure is what I think it is, he’s a dark horse MVP candidate. This year’s upgraded coaching and receiving weapons could unlock his full potential.
The interior offensive line has been revamped with Patrick McCarey and Robert Hainsey, providing decent but unproven talent. Patrick Mekari performed well last year when thrust into a starting role in Baltimore. The tackles—Ezra Cleveland, Walker Little, and Antoine Harrison are solid, but all have question marks. Overall, the line is serviceable, especially with Cohen’s ability to boost linemen’s effectiveness.
Defense
The Jaguars’ edge rush duo of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen ranks among the league’s best. Allen is a true 1A edge. He led the NFL in pass rush win rate last year using his great bend and power. Walker complements him as a great run defender and solid pass rusher; he is one of the best athletes in the league, but needs to improve his technical skills. Interior defensive line additions Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton provide solid pressure and run defense, though Armstead has injury concerns.
Foyesade Oluokun is strong in coverage and a solid tackler, but he struggles against the run and rarely blows up plays. Devin Lloyd starts next to him and brings great pass-rush ability, strong run defense, and was the league’s most reliable tackler last year, leading the NFL in missed tackle rate. His coverage is limited but serviceable.
At cornerback, Tyson Campbell anchors the outside, good in zone and man with instincts, but injury risks loom. Jordan Lewis plays nickel, strong in coverage but weak against the run, which is a big concern for that position. Hunter was a very good CB prospect. I don’t know how much he is going to play on defence, but with how much capital they gave up to get him, I’m assuming it will be a good amount. His fluid hips, athleticism, and 50/50 ball skills make him a versatile defender, though I think his size limits top 5 potential. The secondary is rounded out by safety Antonio Johnson, a strong run defender but poor in coverage, and Eric Murray, who is serviceable.
Record Prediction: 9-8
The Jaguars feel like a breakout team waiting to happen. With Liam Cohen bringing a much-needed offensive overhaul and Trevor Lawrence finally getting real weapons and support, this offense has top-10 upside. The defense has blue-chip talent at premium positions and enough depth to stay competitive. The Jaguars play in a winnable division, and I expect them to be fighting for first place during the majority of the season, especially with this improved coaching and talent.
Los Angeles Rams (Over/Under: 9.5)
Coaching Staff
Sean McVay remains one of the top 3 coaches in the league and is a top 2 offensive play-caller. He implements and calls a great scheme all around. Chris Shula returns for his second year as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. A longtime assistant under McVay, he runs a multiple-front scheme rooted in Vic Fangio’s principles: two-high shells, light boxes, and disguise. This defense far exceeded expectations last season, and Chris Shula played a major role in that success.
Offense
Matthew Stafford is still a top-10 QB with elite arm strength, creative arm angles, and the ability to read defenses at a high level. He handled pressure well last year and stayed upright thanks to a solid O-line.
Puka Nacua is a true 1A: he led the NFL in first downs and targets per route run. He excels against zone, is strong after the catch, and is nearly impossible to bring down on first contact. His only weakness is deep speed, but he’s rarely asked to run those routes. The Rams added Davante Adams, finally giving them a true X receiver, and the upgrade from Kupp is massive. Adams is still good vs press and opens up the entire field for Puka. Tutu Atwell stretches defenses vertically, giving this WR trio elite balance.
The run game was underwhelming last year despite a high-performing O-line. Kyren Williams is solid but lacks home-run speed. Rookie Jarquez Hunter was drafted to add that explosive element and could be a game-changer in a limited role. Overall, this is a positive O-line, and I expect a top-five passing offense and a borderline top 5 running game.
Defense
Up front, the Rams are elite and led the league in QB hurries last year. Kobie Turner is a versatile disruptor, and Braden Fiske brings elite pass-rushing ability from the 3-tech. Poona Ford and Bobby Brown shore up the run defense. On the edge, Jared Verse is already one of the most powerful young pass rushers in the league, and Byron Young adds speed and bend. This is a top-3 defensive front.
The secondary is a concern. Darius Williams is a solid CB1, but he is 32 years old. Cobie Durant is versatile but below average as a full-time outside corner. When he plays inside, Akhello Witherspoon rotates in and is very up-and-down. I do like the Safety room: Kamren Kitchens flashed ball skills as a rookie, and Kam Curl is a physical enforcer with good instincts and coverage ability. The secondary does have a chance to be solid if that pass rush is as good as I’m saying.
Record Prediction: 12-5
People are sleeping on the Rams because of questions in the secondary, but this team has one of the best infrastructures in football. Sean McVay leads a top 5 offense with elite weapons and a QB who still plays at a high level. The front seven is dominant and has the chance to be the best in the league—and that kind of pass rush can cover for DB concerns. With high-end coaching on both sides of the ball and a stacked roster, this team has legit Super Bowl upside.
Dallas Cowboys (Over/Under: 7.5 Wins)
Coaching Staff
Brian Schottenheimer’s hiring as the HC came as a bit of a surprise to me, but it’s very hard to predict how good an HC someone will be, so I have him as a neutral for this team heading into the year. Matt Eberflus as the defensive coordinator is a major plus. Before he got fired, the Bears were a top 10 defence last season. I expect him to greatly improve Dallas’s weak run defense.
Offense
Dak Prescott remains a top 10 quarterback, one of the best pocket passers in the league with a strong arm, good decision-making, and great ability to push the ball downfield. He is possibly the best processor in the league. The way he gets through his reads is teaching tape for the younger generation. People seem to forget he was in the 2023 MVP conversation.
CeeDee Lamb is a true 1A. He is twitchy, an elite route runner, has great hands, and is excellent after the catch. He dominates man, zone, and press coverage. George Pickens will be the X receiver. He is one of the league’s best deep threats with incredible body control and contested catch ability, though his consistency and effort are inconsistent to say the least. KaVontae Turpin adds pure speed as a WR3, stretching the field and opening lanes underneath for Lamb. This room is built to perfection.
The Cowboys have heavily invested in this offensive line, forming a physically imposing and athletic unit. First-round pick Tyler Smith is a top-tier run blocker with good pass protection skills, but struggles against power rushers. Tyler Booker was drafted 12th this year. Many people called it a reach, but I believe it helps set an identity for this team; Booker looks to contribute immediately as a versatile guard. Cooper Beebe, drafted in the 3rd round last year, had a very solid rookie season. Robert Jones adds veteran presence and solid run blocking. Terrance Steele is a strong pass protector, but he can falter against power rushers.
This is maybe the worst RB room in the league and the only weakness of this offense. Jayden Blue was drafted in the 5th round this year. He is a smaller but dynamic receiving option. Javonte Williams will be RB1 and I’m fully out on him; he was never the same after his big injury, and was downright bad last year.
This offensive line and receiving group project a top-10 offense overall.
Defense
Injuries hampered Dallas’s defense last year, but standout linebacker Micah Parsons remains a top 3 defender in the league. He is highly versatile, excelling against the run, pass rush, and coverage. He frequently draws double teams, which provides one-on-one for the guys on this front.
Opposite of Michah, there’s a battle between Nealand, Ezeraku, and Dante Fowler. Ezeraku, their second-round rookie, is an undersized but highly technical rusher who’s very polished. Fowler is strong against the run and very effective getting after the quarterback. Inside, Osa Odighizuwa has quietly become one of the better interior pass rushers in the league and holds up well in run defense. Mazi Smith, meanwhile, has been a letdown to say the least. He has struggled both against the run and as a pass rusher.
Linebacker is a weak spot for this defense with Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn. Murray Jr. struggles with instincts and run defense, and Jack Sanborn was solid in Chicago but is unproven. Secondary players Diggs and Bland are both returning from injuries, with Bland offering reliability and playmaking ability. Elam is solid in man coverage but less so in zone. Hooker at free safety provides run support and ball skills, but is average in coverage. Wilson, the strong safety, is a good blitzer and run defender, but also lacks coverage skills.
This defense will need to rely on making big plays, and it’s doable with the personnel they have.
Record Prediction: 9-8
The Cowboys may not be viewed as contenders, but this team is far better than people think. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a young physical offensive line form one of the NFL’s most complete offensive cores. The addition of Matt Eberflus should raise the floor of this defense, especially against the run. If they stay healthy and Parsons keeps being Parsons, this team has legitimate playoff potential in a tough division.
Minnesota Vikings (Over/Under: 7.5 Wins)
Coaching Staff
Kevin O’Connell is quietly one of the more creative offensive minds in football. His motion-heavy system sets up layered route concepts, leveraging the versatility of his playmakers. Brian Flores, meanwhile, built a hyper-aggressive defense that led the NFL in blitz rate and ranks among the most well-coached in the league. This is a staff that maximizes its talent.
Offense
J.J. McCarthy will finally get his shot as the starter after losing his rookie season to injury. While he came into the league with limited passing reps, in college, he was a smart decision-maker, operated well in a pro-style system, and showed the athletic traits and arm talent you want. With arguably a top 3 supporting cast around him, he doesn’t need to be a star; he just needs to be competent for this offense to thrive.
Justin Jefferson is still the best deep threat and all-around WR in the game. His hand-eye coordination, contested catch ability, and precise footwork make him virtually unguardable. He impacts defenses even when the ball doesn’t come his way. Jordan Addison has developed into a reliable WR2, sharpening his man-beating skills and adding physicality at the top of routes. Jalen Nailor is an ideal WR3, using speed to stretch the field and clear space underneath.
The offensive line is revamped and balanced. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill remain one of the best tackle duos in football. Inside, veteran Ryan Kelly adds stability at center, and Will Fries steps in at right guard with intelligence and grit. Rookie Donovan Jackson (LG) brings elite run-blocking and plug-and-play readiness from Ohio State. Altogether, this line turns a former weakness into a true strength, giving McCarthy the structure he needs.
Defense
The Vikings boast a top-three defensive line in the NFL, and Brian Flores knows how to weaponize it. After leading the league in all blitz categories last year, the team doubled down in the offseason by shoring up the interior.
On the edge, Jonathan Greenard is an elite pass rusher, Andrew Van Ginkel is one of the league’s best coverage defenders at the position, and second-year Dallas Turner looks poised to make a leap. Inside, the addition of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave completely changes the tone. Paired with Harrison Phillips, this group now has strength, quickness, and depth—the missing piece from last season.
In the secondary, Byron Murphy leads a solid but unspectacular CB room. He’s a versatile ball hawk. Isaiah Rodgers is a steady hand, and if Makhi Blackmon can return to form post-ACL, this group should be above average. Safety is more concerning: Harrison Smith is aging, and Josh Metellus lacks range or coverage ability, though he’s useful near the box.
Record Prediction: 11-6
The Vikings are one of the most complete and well-coached teams in football, and yet they continue to fly under the radar. With elite talent at key positions, a scheme that maximizes its players, they have all the ingredients to be a double-digit win team, even if McCarthy doesn’t light the world on fire. This roster is built to win now.
Honorable Mentions
Tennessee Titans: I think this is a very underrated roster with good players layered all over. I also do like Cam Ward, but it’s tough to predict rookie QB success, and that’s the reason I left them off this list.
New England Patriots: I believe this defense will have a bounce-back year with Vrabel at the helm. I love the McDaniels hire; he has always been a good OC, and Drake Maye is awesome. I expect this to be the most improved team, but Vegas also agrees with me, and that’s why I left them off the list.
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