The 2025 NFL season is almost here and every team enters training camp with optimism, but also at least one burning question that could define their season. Whether it’s a team on the brink of a Super Bowl run or a rebuilding squad hoping to find its next cornerstone, these uncertainties are where hope meets reality. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the biggest question for all 32 NFL teams in alphabetical order heading into the year.
Arizona Cardinals
Can Arizona’s offense catch up to its revamped defense?
The Cardinals went all-in on fixing a porous defense this offseason, adding impact veterans like Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Calais Campbell after a rough 2024 campaign. But here’s the thing, the offense was nearly just as bad. Now, with a fully healthy Kyler Murray and a revamped receiving corps, the spotlight shifts to whether this group can finally generate enough firepower to match the defense’s potential. Arizona’s success (or lack thereof) hinges on whether Murray and the offense can rise to the occasion.
Atlanta Falcons
How much can Michael Penix Jr. grow in his first full season as the starter?
The Falcons spent a first-round pick on Penix in 2024, hoping he’d become their long-term answer at quarterback. After appearing in just three games as a rookie, he flashed impressive arm strength and mobility, but now comes the real test: consistency over a full season. Head coach Raheem Morris says Penix is hungry for reps and has “improved in all facets” during spring practices. That’s encouraging, but development in June doesn’t guarantee wins in the fall.
Baltimore Ravens
Can the Ravens finally break through and win it all?
Year after year, Baltimore fields one of the most complete rosters in the NFL: an MVP quarterback, superstar running back, elite defense, explosive weapons, and a top-tier coaching staff. But despite consistently being in the mix, the Ravens haven’t reached the Super Bowl since 2012. The window is wide open, but it won’t stay that way forever. And with each playoff shortcoming, the pressure builds. This team is built to win now, and anything short of a Super Bowl appearance in 2025 will feel like another missed opportunity.
Buffalo Bills
Who will step up to fill the void left by key veteran departures?
The Bills are entering a new era, whether they like it or not. Gone are major contributors like Stefon Diggs, Jordan Poyer, and Rasul Douglas. And now Buffalo must rely on a new wave of playmakers to keep their championship window open. Offensively, the pressure’s on players like 2nd year player Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer to fill the WR1-2 roles. On defense, unproven names like Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin will need to lock down the secondary. If those replacements rise to the moment, Buffalo can stay near the top of the AFC. But if the holes left behind prove too big to fill, the Bills may find themselves taking a step back.
Carolina Panthers
Can Bryce Young take the leap and become the guy in Year 3?
Bryce Young’s rookie season didn’t go as planned. The former No. 1 overall pick struggled behind a shaky line and inconsistent scheme, but once Dave Canales took over, things started to shift. Over the final stretch of the season, Young looked more poised, confident, and accurate. Now, the question is: was that real progress or just a flash? And after selecting Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft, all the pressure now falls on Young. His development is the make-or-break factor for Carolina’s future.
Chicago Bears
Can Caleb Williams make the leap and prove he’s the franchise quarterback?
The Bears drafted Caleb Williams No. 1 overall to change the direction of the franchise, but Year 1 was rough. He was sacked a league leading 68 times, played behind a shaky line, and struggled to find rhythm in an inconsistent offense. Now, he enters Year 2 with a new head coach, a new system, and a lot more help. This year, the excuses are gone. The protection is better. The weapons are there. If Williams takes the next step, the Bears could finally field a competent offense, and maybe even push for a Wild Card spot. But if he struggles again, it’ll raise tough questions about whether Chicago got it right at quarterback. In 2025, the entire direction of the franchise hinges on Caleb’s growth.
Cincinnati Bengals
What’s the Bengals’ backup plan if their edge rush takes a hit?
Cincinnati’s pass rush could be in serious trouble. Star rusher Trey Hendrickson and rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart are both facing contract disputes, leaving the Bengals in limbo at one of the most important positions on the field. As Bleacher Report notes, “the Bengals need a plan.” Without a reliable pass rush, even an elite QB like Joe Burrow can’t win shootouts every week, especially in a loaded division like the AFC North. Whether it’s getting these deals done or identifying a breakout pass rusher, Cincinnati’s 2025 playoff hopes may depend on solving this issue fast.
Cleveland Browns
Who will take control of the quarterback position, and the future of the franchise?
back after a late-career resurgence. Kenny Pickett was brought in from Philly. And rookies Dillon Gabriel (3rd round) and Shedeur Sanders (5th round) are waiting in the wings, each with upside but no NFL experience. The Browns’ 2025 season rests on finding competence, and maybe even a spark, at the most important position in the game. Are any of these guys the long-term answer?
Dallas Cowboys
Can Dak Prescott stay healthy and return to elite form?
Dak Prescott was playing some of the best football of his career in 2023, throwing for a personal-best 4,449 yards and leading the Cowboys to a division title. But everything changed after a late-season hamstring tear, which sent Dallas’ offense into a tailspin at the worst possible time. The Cowboys are a different team when Prescott is under center. With potentially the best receiving duo in the league of Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens, if Dak returns to full strength and plays at his 2023 level, Dallas is absolutely in the Super Bowl conversation. Simply put, the Cowboys’ 2025 season will rise or fall with the health and consistency of their quarterback.
Denver Broncos
Can Bo Nix take the next step and become a true franchise quarterback?
The Broncos may have finally found their answer at quarterback. After years of instability (including the failed Russell Wilson experiment) Bo Nix stepped in as a rookie and impressed. Denver has built its future around Nix. Now, with the training wheels off, the big question is whether he can elevate from promising to proven in Year 2. If so, he could take this Broncos team from good to a legit Super Bowl contender.
Detroit Lions
Can the Lions maintain their success under new coordinators?
These past few seasons, the Lions have officially gone from underdog to contender. But now comes the true test of staying power: doing it without the coordinators who helped get them there (OC Ben Johsnon is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears and DC Aaron Glenn is now the head coach of the New York Jets). New OC John Morton and DC Kelvin Sheppard are familiar faces, but unproven in these roles. If either unit stumbles under new leadership, or if scheme changes disrupt the team’s chemistry, Detroit could lose the edge that made them so dangerous. But if the transition is seamless, the Lions have every reason to believe they’re still in the Super Bowl hunt.
Green Bay Packers
Who will emerge as Jordan Love’s go-to wide receiver?
Jordan Love silenced the doubters in 2024, proving he’s not just the future in Green Bay, he’s the present too. But with a young and crowded receiver room, the Packers still lack a clear-cut WR1 heading into 2025. The Packers have an exciting arsenal of young pass-catchers with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and new first round rookie Matthew Golden, but none have fully separated themselves as the guy. The offensive line is sturdy. Aaron Jones is back. And Love looks ready to lead. Now, the focus shifts to who steps up as the focal point of the passing attack. If one of these young receivers takes that leap, the Packers could field one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFC. If not, the lack of a true WR1 could hold them back when it matters most, especially in tight playoff matchups.
Houston Texans
Will C.J. Stroud survive behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines?
After trading away franchise cornerstone Laremy Tunsil and rock-solid guard Shaq Mason, the Texans’ line went from shaky to downright concerning in a single offseason. This isn’t just the worst line on paper, it may be putting one of the league’s brightest young QBs in serious danger. Stroud’s stellar rookie season was followed by a sophomore slump heavily influenced by relentless pressure and inadequate protection. Unless multiple linemen significantly outperform expectations, Stroud will again face a gauntlet every week. Houston’s hopes for 2025 (and Stroud’s long-term health) hinge on this group proving it can hold the line. Without major improvement, the Texans risk watching their franchise quarterback become a sitting duck rather than the explosive leader they envisioned.
Indianapolis Colts
Who will be the Colts’ quarterback?
The Colts enter the offseason with a wide-open quarterback competition, and no clear favorite to start Week 1. Anthony Richardson, the young, high-upside, 2023 first round pick with a cannon arm has shown flashes, but struggled with injuries and consistency. Meanwhile, veteran Daniel Jones was brought in during free agency as a potential steady presence, but it’s still unclear if he’ll win the job outright. NFL.com names finding a reliable quarterback as Indianapolis’ “top priority.” If Richardson can stay healthy and harness his potential, the Colts could have a franchise cornerstone. But if not, Jones may provide a safer, more experienced option to keep the team competitive. Ultimately, the Colts’ 2025 trajectory hinges on this pivotal (and still unresolved) quarterback decision.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Who will be Jacksonville’s lead running back?
Behind Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars face uncertainty at running back after a disappointing 2024. Both Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby struggled to make consistent impact; Etienne’s effectiveness faltered after contact, while Bigsby’s ball security raised concerns. While the Jaguars’ offense is heavily pass-focused, lacking a reliable running game risks becoming one-dimensional and easier for defenses to defend. If Etienne, Bigsby, or a newcomer can emerge as a productive force, it would open up the offense and ease pressure on Lawrence. Without that balance, defenses will key in on the passing game, limiting Jacksonville’s ceiling. Finding a dependable lead back could be the key to turning the Jaguars from a one-man show into a true offensive threat.
Kansas City Chiefs
Is the support around Patrick Mahomes enough?
Patrick Mahomes remains the NFL’s best quarterback, but in 2024, the Chiefs’ offense was very good, not historically dominant. Despite his brilliance, the supporting cast showed cracks that held the team back from reaching another elite offensive level. According to PFF, Kansas City ranked just 17th in pass protection and 15th in both receiving and rushing grades. Those weaknesses limited Mahomes’ production and forced him into tough situations more often than usual. If the line provides solid protection and the weapons step up, Mahomes can still light up the scoreboard. But if the supporting cast fails to improve, even the league’s best QB may struggle to escape relentless pressure.
Las Vegas Raiders
Does the receiving corps have enough talent to support new quarterback Geno Smith?
The Raiders made some serious changes this offseason trading a third round pick for Geno Smith and then drafting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall. However, the receiving room remains a major problem. Jakobi Meyers stands out as the only proven wideout, leaving questions about whether the rest of the group can step up. The team is counting on tight end Brock Bowers and rookie additions to provide playmaking punch. If young receivers like Dont’e Thornton and second round rookie Jack Bech struggle to consistently get open alongside Meyers, the passing game could be rough to watch.
Los Angeles Chargers
Can Justin Herbert and the offense take that next step?
In his first season as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jim Harbaugh led the team to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 5-12 finish. Harbaugh has expressed a bold vision for Herbert’s future, stating, “I woke up the other day and said, ‘I got to get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. Must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame.'” Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Chargers are focused on refining their offensive strategies and bolstering their roster to capitalize on Herbert’s potential. With Harbaugh’s leadership and Herbert’s talent, the team aims to build on their successful regular-season performance and make a deeper playoff run.
Los Angeles Rams
Can 37-year-old Matthew Stafford stay healthy and perform at a high level?
The Rams have invested heavily in their offense most notably signing star wide receiver Davante Adams making it clear Stafford remains their offensive cornerstone for now. At 37, Stafford’s health and performance will ultimately determine how far this talented offense can go. If he can stay on the field and recapture the form that helped him win a Super Bowl, the Rams will be a formidable contender. But another injury or decline could force the team to rely on Garoppolo or another option, likely resulting in offensive struggles and a setback for L.A.’s playoff hopes.
Miami Dolphins
Will Miami’s offense regain its explosiveness?
The Dolphins dominated the league in big plays from 2022 through 2023, but in 2024 they plummeted to last place in plays of 25+ yards. If Miami wants to compete this season, their offense needs to regain its explosive edge, especially with a weaker defense now. If Tua and Tyreek can stay healthy, I see no reason why Miami can’t get back to lighting up the scoreboard like their top-3 explosive-play days in 2022. But if for some they don’t, this team could have a brutal year.
Minnesota Vikings
Is J.J. McCarthy ready to lead?
The Vikings expected J.J. McCarthy, their first-round QB pick in 2024, to start last season before a torn meniscus in his right knee ended his rookie year prematurely. In his absence, Sam Darnold stepped in and performed well, but Minnesota chose not to re-sign Darnold, opting instead to bet their future on J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota finished 14-3 in 2024 and has serious Super Bowl ambitions, but all that depends on McCarthy’s readiness. With a star receiver in Justin Jefferson and a solid supporting cast, McCarthy’s development is the biggest unknown. If he manages the offense effectively and stays healthy, Minnesota will be a serious threat. But if he struggles to overcome rookie growing pains or the effects of his injury, the team could falter.
New England Patriots
Will QB Drake Maye take a big step forward?
The Patriots spent more money than any other team in free agency, bringing in O-line help, Stefon Diggs, and pieces practically everywhere else. The key now is whether Maye can translate his solid rookie momentum into consistent, game-day production. If he does and maintains the high level he briefly flashed, New England could emerge with a top-10 offense. Ultimately, Maye’s development will determine if New England takes a step forward or remains stuck in rebuilding mode for another year or two.
New Orleans Saints
Who will be the Saints’ quarterback?
Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement in May due to a torn labrum leaves a QB battle between Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. The Saints still have talent on offense, with Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara giving them real firepower. But none of that matters without stability under center. How bad will the Saints be? Most likely pretty bad. And will they be drafting a QB at the top of the board in 2026? Probably.
New York Giants
When will rookie QB Jaxson Dart take over?
The Giants signed Russell Wilson to be their short-term starter, but everyone knows the future belongs to late first-round pick Jaxson Dart. After moving on from Daniel Jones, New York is hoping Dart can develop quickly and eventually become the franchise quarterback they’ve been chasing for years. With a revamped receiving corps, a strong offensive line, and a deep backfield, New York has the infrastructure to support a young quarterback. If Dart proves ready sooner than expected, the Giants might accelerate their rebuild. But if he’s not, or if Wilson plays just well enough to hold the job, head coach Brian Daboll’s job is at serious risk.
New York Jets
Is Justin Fields actually good?
The Jets ended the Aaron Rodgers experiment and pivoted quickly by signing Justin Fields, giving the former first-round pick a fresh start and one last real chance to prove himself as an NFL starter. Fields has flashed elite athleticism and playmaking ability in Chicago and Pittsburgh, but he’s also struggled with consistency, accuracy, and decision-making. The Jets are betting that with better protection, a stronger supporting cast, and a defense that can actually get stops, Fields can finally reach his potential. But that’s a big “if.” If he delivers, the Jets might finally have the quarterback they’ve been searching for since… well, forever. If he doesn’t, they’re right back to square one.
Philadelphia Eagles
Will the defense hold up after key offseason losses?
The Eagles just rode a dominant defense and balanced offense to a Super Bowl title, but maintaining that level won’t be easy. Several key defensive starters walked in free agency, leaving major questions across the unit. Now, with several holes to fill (especially at safety and in the secondary) the pressure is on to reload without missing a beat. If the new-look defense steps up and gels quickly, Philly will remain the team to beat in the NFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Is Aaron Rodgers washed?
The Steelers made a bold move by signing Aaron Rodgers after his short-lived, injury-riddled stint with the Jets. Now 41 and coming off a torn Achilles, the future Hall of Famer is being counted on to lift Pittsburgh’s offense, and possibly save his career. Rodgers hasn’t played meaningful football since early 2023, and even before the injury, his numbers were trending downward. Still, the Steelers are banking on his experience, leadership, and arm talent to stabilize a quarterback room that’s been in flux for years. The team has weapons like DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and a solid run game, but it all hinges on whether Rodgers can still command a huddle and make winning plays.
San Francisco 49ers
Can the 49ers bounce back from a disastrous 2024?
Just one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers collapsed to 6-11 in 2024, derailed by a wave of injuries and a stunning drop-off in defensive consistency. San Francisco’s defense, once feared, regressed heavily last season. Rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams will be expected to produce right away across from Nick Bosa, while the entire unit looks to reestablish the physical, swarming style that defined the 49ers at their peak. Offensively, the team faces new challenges. Deebo Samuel is gone, Brandon Aiyuk is gone, and Christian McCaffrey’s health has never been a guarantee. That puts added pressure on Brock Purdy, who recently signed a five-year, $265 million extension. If the stars stay healthy and the defense returns to form, the Niners are too talented not to contend (especially with having the easiest strength of schedule). But if injuries pile up again or the defense can’t recover its edge, 2025 could mark the end of their recent era of dominance.
Seattle Seahawks
Is Sam Darnold the answer?
After years of quarterback uncertainty, Seattle is turning to Sam Darnold as their presumed starter heading into 2025. Once a promising first-round pick, Darnold’s career has been a rollercoaster, but after a bounce back season with the Vikings the Seahawks believe he could be the answer. However, his inconsistent play and injury history have left many questions unanswered. Seattle’s playoff hopes hinge on whether Darnold can deliver steady, efficient quarterback play and avoid turnovers. If everything goes wrong, Seattle could find themselves turning to rookie QB Jalen Milroe. But if things work out? The Seahawks could quickly return to contention in the competitive NFC West.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Is this the best offense in the league?
With Baker Mayfield at quarterback and a roster stacked with playmakers, Tampa Bay boasts one of the most dynamic offenses in football heading into 2025. The real question: can this unit live up to the hype and dominate consistently? The Buccaneers have invested heavily in offensive weapons, adding rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka alongside established stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Running back Bucky Irving also had a promising rookie season, and will provide support in the run game. If the defense holds up and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin avoid injuries, Tampa Bay could be a serious Super Bowl contender.
Tennessee Titans
Will rookie QB Cam Ward improve as the team expects?
After a disappointing 3-win season in 2024, the Titans have hit the reset button on offense, betting big on their No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward to lead the turnaround. Tennessee has also overhauled its offensive line and skill positions, adding key upgrades like Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler to give Ward better protection and weapons. Tennessee’s defense ranked 25th in EPA last year, meaning Ward will likely need to carry a heavy offensive load. The coaching staff expects him to take more risks with improved pass protection, but with that comes the challenge of managing turnovers and making smarter decisions under pressure. Sports Illustrated projects Ward for 3,849 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2025, high numbers that might be hard to live up to. But if he can reach those numbers and grow into a reliable leader who limits mistakes and consistently makes plays, the Titans have a very bright future.
Washington Commanders
Can Washington’s defense finally improve?
While the offense looks significantly improved with Jayden Daniels leading the way alongside dynamic playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin, the defense was a glaring weakness in 2024, finishing near the bottom in nearly every key metric. For a team expecting to put up points, the defense must at least reach average competency to translate that firepower into wins. If the defense continues to struggle, Washington will be forced into high-scoring shootouts, where even a talented offense may not be enough. But if they improve, we may just be witnessing the start of a dynasty in Washington.
