What are the important factors to consider and predictions for the 2025 NFL season?

I’ve compiled a list of 100 things you should know about the 2025 NFL season, which is officially 100 days away.

They fall into different categories, such as key returners from IR, salary cap considerations, jersey number analytics, bold predictions, improved teams, and important names to know. You can choose to read them all at once or, if you’d prefer, read just one each day until kickoff in September, using this as an Advent calendar. 4. (I will notify the proper authorities if any of you do that. ).

Starting with 10 obscure names, here are my 100 picks for 100 days leading up to the 2025 NFL season.

Navigate to a section.

Know-the-key names | Features of the schedule.

Jobs to watch that are interesting | intrusive thoughts.

Top-improved teams | Bottom-improved teams.

Daring forecasts | Returning from IR | Reflections on the time.

Notable financial items | Stat numbers.

Jersey numbers | Lastly, some observations.

Ten names to be familiar with.

In the 2025 season, they will be very significant. Speak with them right now to stay ahead of the curve.

Green Bay Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper.

By the end of the previous season, Cooper had gone from being a sub-package player to a 100% snap starter. I doubt there were five more influential linebackers in football history after December. Cooper is a dependable space tackler and very active against the run. He can provide reliable coverage because of his size and athleticism. Cooper received one vote for All-Pro last season, and I’m willing to bet that he receives ten votes in 2025.

Jenkins, C. Elgton, Green Bay Packers.

One of the league’s most awesome players is Jenkins. Out of the five offensive line positions, he has played at least 300 snaps at both tackle spots, left guard, and center in six seasons. Absurd consistency is another reason why the movie has been good everywhere. Josh Myers left for the Jets in free agency, so he is anticipated to take Josh Myers’ place at center in 2025. His last significant experience there was in 2020. Given that he has two years left on his contract and that he wants his pay to reflect his versatility, Jenkins and the Packers are currently embroiled in a contract dispute. I concur with him. What a talented athlete.

Nick Caley is the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator.

The idea of later branches being taken from coaching trees always makes me uneasy. The fourth, fifth, and sixth choices were most likely at the back of the line for a reason, but the first few Sean McVay assistants most likely have the goods. Before joining the Rams, Caley was an offensive coach for the Patriots for a long time, so he isn’t exactly a continuing chip off the block. Caley spent the last two years in the McVay incubator.

Houston’s offense was the most hindered by coaching mistakes last season. Look for the Texans to live up to their 2024 preseason hype if Caley is even league average as a playcaller in his first season.

Philadelphia Eagles CB Kelee Ringo.

The current Super Bowl champions addressed their defense’s pressing needs through the draft after free agent departures left it exposed. However, they didn’t select a cornerback until Round 5, which allowed Ringo, a 2023 fourth-round pick, to start next to rookie sensation Quinyon Mitchell. Although Ringo is only 23 years old this summer, which is the same age as some rookies, he has played fewer than 400 defensive snaps in his two seasons as a professional. And he’s got great athletic qualities. The defense of the Eagles appears to be quickly and suitably retooled for another postseason run if Ringo is prepared for his moment.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator is Al Golden.

How about a league-average defense like the Bengals had the previous season? It’s more than just a playoff squad. In any playoff setting, that team could have defeated the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, or any other AFC contender. The Bengals’ defensive depth chart still poses a significant obstacle to their rise to league average, but departing coach Lou Anarumo oversaw a system that was notorious for its intricacy and requirement for excellent communication—two things that many young defenders in Cincinnati found difficult to understand.

“I’m not betting on a big leap in the Bengals’ defense, but it is in the cards.” Did Golden, who spent three years working with young players at Notre Dame, simplify the roles of early draft picks like Dax Hill or Myles Murphy to give them a quick boost?

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos running back.

Anyone who plays fantasy sports is already aware of what I’m going to say, but let’s catch everyone else up. Harvey was selected in the second round by the Broncos, who have a fantastic offensive line and a coach who has always been willing to use the running back in the passing game. The 24-year-old showed some skill in the passing game and is likely pro-ready for the starting backfield position because he carried a heavy load at UCF. Harvey is the first in line to make the leap that the Broncos need from all of their non-Courtland Sutton playmakers.

Baltimore Ravens CB Nate Wiggins.

The previous season, Wiggins started as a rookie opposite veteran Brandon Stephens and was ostensibly the Ravens’ CB2. His CB1 status, however, was functional. At the scrimmage line, Wiggins was fiercely competitive and physically tough, playing his best ball against his best opponents (Malik Nabers, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase). Although he wasn’t flawless, rookie corners are rarely. He will be regarded as one of the league’s top starting corners if he plays more consistently. And because of its dangerously thin outside corner depth behind Wiggins, the team is counting on that improvement. He must be the one.

The Tampa Bay Bucs’ offensive coordinator is Josh Grizzard.

This offseason, the Buccaneers have accomplished a unique and fantastic feat: they are expected to bring back all 11 of their 2024 offensive starters. The headset is the only item that has changed. After Liam Coen left to become head coach of the Jaguars, Grizzard was promoted from coordinator of passing games to coordinator of offensive games.

In the NFL coaching ranks, Grizzard has risen quickly. Prior to joining the Bucs last season, he spent just two years as a wide receivers coach in Miami and was hired as an offensive quality control coach by the Dolphins in 2017. Given that Grizzard is only 34 years old and has worked with Coen and Mike McDaniel, it’s reasonable to harbour “next big thing” suspicions about him. The Bucs should have a top-10 offense once more if he can maintain the momentum from the previous campaign.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ Daiyan Henley, LB.

In 2024, the Chargers were looking to replace Kenneth Murray Jr. as their starting linebacker. signed a free agent contract with the Titans. It was anticipated that rookie Junior Colson would fill it. After all, he was the Michigan man who went to the major leagues with his defensive coordinator (Jesse Minter) and coach (Jim Harbaugh). Rather, it was Henley, the 2023 third-round pick who plays much larger than his 230-pound, 6-foot-1 frame would imply.

Henley’s instincts, speed, and tackling skills allow him to influence the game from sideline to sideline, something that many linebackers want to do but few are able to do. Although he deserved more, he received 18 All-Pro votes in 2024.

Banks, Deonte, New York Giants, CB.

Cornerback is a challenging position. Banks appeared to be a rising star in 2023 as a rookie. After reading the Wiggins article above, simply change the names. However, Banks lost 50-50 balls, took needless chances, and made a lot of mistakes during his sophomore campaign. The Giants acquired a new CB1 in free agency (Paulson Adebo), upgraded their slot corner (Dru Phillips), and added a starting safety (Jevon Holland). Therefore, Banks’ return to 2023 form could push the Giants’ secondary to the top ten. And if you start calculating a defense with a top-10 secondary and a top-10 pass rush.

There are nine intriguing scheduling features.

Because we always discuss that in May.

At 8 p.m. in Week 1, the Chiefs travel to Brazil to play the Chargers. M. ET, available only on YouTube. You get to tell your parents (1) why the game is on Friday night, (2) why it’s in Brazil, and (3) how to locate it on yet another streaming service that just came out. Well done!

Stefon Diggs, a new Patriots receiver, makes his first appearance at Orchard Park since leaving the Bills prior to the 2024 season in Week 5.

In Week 10, the Eagles and Packers play each other. Tush pushers are fighting against the men who attempted to outlaw the practice. Never before have I been more anticipating a fourth-and-one.

In Week 2, Ben Johnson’s Bears take on his former Lions. I’ll wager $100 that the Bears will score a trick play at this very moment.

Week 3 will see another strong Bears game against the Cowboys. The new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys is Matt Eberflus, a former head coach of Chicago. When retaliation is on the table, expelled coaches frequently do well.

In Week 7 in Nashville, Mike Vrabel, the new Patriots coach, will have his first opportunity to take on the Titans. From 2018 until 2023, Vrabel led the Titans as their head coach.

When the Seahawks play his former team in Week 2, new Steelers receiver DK Metcalf gets an early meeting with them. Despite having obvious financial issues with Seattle, Metcalf received a sizable contract from the Steelers in an offseason trade. It seems like a good opportunity to prove to the older men why he was so valuable.

Even though this game isn’t exactly vengeful, it’s still revenge. In Week 12, the 49ers and Panthers square off, and Christian McCaffrey faces his former team for the first time. We’ll have to wait and see if McCaffrey truly harbors any animosity toward the Panthers.

A note from Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco in our full schedule preview made me realize this: The Jaguars and Texans haven’t played since the Azeez Al-Shaair hit that ended Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season and sparked a brawl that cleared the bench. They’ll play in Week 3, then. First drive tone-setting and pregame antics are to be expected.

Eleven jobs contain question marks.

A few of them are available for purchase. On hot seats are others.

Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Dolphins.

I have two strong beliefs. First off, McDaniel’s offensive strategy, which he developed around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, is among the best in the league. Secondly, in cold weather and on the road—that is, playoff football—his offense wanes against genuinely outstanding defenses. After trading for Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins’ defense may have a very inexperienced and unreliable secondary, so they need a strong season to contend with the postseason. If not, McDaniel will have gone four seasons without a postseason triumph, which is difficult to defend.

quarterback Bryce Young of the Panthers.

What a comeback for Young, who less than nine months after being benched during the 2024 season is now Carolina’s undisputed starter. Although Young’s condition significantly improved after his benching, the hay isn’t yet in the barn. Beginning in Week 5, Young ranked 31st in terms of off-target rate but fourth in terms of completion percentage over expectation (NFL Next Gen Stats). This indicates that he was making explosive but unsustainable deep downfield throws with high leverage to his receivers. However, his confidence is high, and he has earned the right to continue improving.

Texans wide receiver 2.

The Texans had a clear target hierarchy going into the previous season: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs, and Dalton Schultz. As we begin this season, it is far from obvious. Both WR2 and WR3 spots are up for grabs due to Dell’s serious knee injury and Diggs joining the Patriots, while Collins and Schultz remain.

The Texans selected Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, two rookies from Iowa State, for the two open battles. Christian Kirk and they will vie for an unexpectedly substantial number of targets. If Houston wants to punish teams that double-cover Collins, they must either sign one of those rookies or witness Kirk’s impressive comeback from injury.

GM Chris Ballard of the Colts.

Ballard has led the Colts to eight consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance and six consecutive seasons without a playoff victory. Over the previous few offseasons, they have invested a lot of money in the passing attack. The Colts used their early picks to select WR Josh Downs (third round), WR Alec Pierce (second round), WR Adonai Mitchell (second round), and TE Tyler Warren (first round) in addition to selecting quarterback Anthony Richardson. Michael Pittman Jr. was given an extension. Daniel Jones was signed by they.

This time next year is ripe for a serious overhaul at all important positions, including quarterback, head coach, and even general manager, if the Colts are unable to develop a passing offense this season.

quarterback for the Colts.

An actual open camp battle at quarterback is uncommon, but it’s happening here in Indianapolis. In addition to being the new kid on the block, Daniel Jones benefits from the camp battle format, which pits him against the air without live tackling or pass rush. However, Jones would be a stopgap, and Anthony Richardson still has the potential to be the franchise’s future. Don’t forget to enable notifications for Stephen Holder, the Colts reporter. This is going to be extremely exciting!

quarterback for the Saints.

I doubt this battle is real, unlike the one involving the Colts. However, after Derek Carr retires, second-year pro Spencer Rattler will compete against Tyler Shough, a 2025 draft pick, for the starting quarterback position, according to new coach Kellen Moore.

The tea leaves told me this: The Saints were pleased to have Carr lead them for another season, but after learning of his throwing shoulder injury, they began to suspect that he was retiring and gave priority to selecting a quarterback early, with Shough at number one. 40. Rattler was drafted before this coaching staff existed, and they wouldn’t have valued Shough as much if they had been serious about him as a developmental starter.

Left tackle for the Chiefs.

I can’t recall the last time the Chiefs had a legitimately good left tackle. Orlando Brown Jr. might have been the person. He’s more about league average in the 2022 season, though. However, considering how the position has hindered the offense over the last two seasons, Kansas City would do anything for a mediocre left shoulder.

Josh Simmons’ draft selection and Jaylon Moore’s signing represent the Chiefs’ two high-risk but high-reward gambles. Simmons is recovering from a serious knee injury sustained at Ohio State, and Moore did not start for San Francisco. In any case, the Chiefs are likely to receive the functional play they so sorely need, though this is not a given.

Bengals’ right guard.

Continuing with our discussion of AFC contenders and important offensive line positions, the Bengals are using either incumbent Cody Ford or free agent addition Lucas Patrick to replace Alex Cappa, who was released as a cap casualty. Dylan Fairchild, a rookie third-round pick, has the opportunity to secure the spot because neither is an exciting option. Last season, guard play was a major problem for this team, and poor pass protection feels even more worrisome given Joe Burrow’s injury history.

The quarterback for the Steelers.

Actually, don’t watch this job. Regardless of the outcome, it will be too excruciating to witness. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph against Skylar Thompson in the hopes that Aaron Rodgers will show up? I could never.

Kevin Stefanski is the Browns’ head coach.

Although I’m not sure what Stefanski’s goals are for this season, the team finished 3-14 the previous season, so I wouldn’t be shocked if they had another three-win campaign. I can state this with absolute certainty: If and when the Browns clean house, Stefanski looks like a great veteran offensive coordinator retread option. Over the last two seasons, he has overcome significant offensive injuries and made the most of the Browns’ quarterback carousel.

Cowboys bolting back.

The Cowboys’ committee strategy, which included Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, last season apparently left them feeling dissatisfied. However, they will be starting camp with a committee that includes rookie fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue, Miles Sanders, and Javonte Williams for reasons I don’t understand. This year, the Cowboys won’t be penalized for not having a reliable back!

Fourteen intrusive thoughts.

I believe I think these things, but I’m not sure how to put them into words just yet. Do not pass judgment on me.

Minnesota and Denver are the two teams that could be predicted to have the best defense and offensive line in 2025. Thus, before I even know anything about their respective young quarterbacks, Minnesota and Denver are listed as “Super Bowl dark horses” on my “What sort of contender are you?” scale.

The following is a list of my beliefs.

Throughout his NFL career, Justin Fields has played with no better receiver than Garrett Wilson.

In the entire league, Wilson’s quality difference from his WR2 is the largest.

Wilson’s play has primarily been on hard mode, which includes contested balls, downfield routes, and extensive media attention. getting him easier targets will be the top priority for new coordinator Tanner Engstrand.

Wilson will likely lead the league in receiving yards in 2025, which is why I have a persistent suspicion.

Clark is curious about how Glenn leaves his mark on the Jets.

Ryan Clark is interested in seeing if Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn can establish themselves with the Jets.

The Eagles, Lions, 49ers, Commanders, Packers, Rams, Vikings, and Buccaneers are the teams that ESPN BET believes have the best chance of attending the Super Bowl.

All teams except the Eagles are inferior to the Buccaneers, in my opinion. Not any lower than that, but perhaps tied with the Rams and Lions.

The Dolphins’ starting secondary in the event that they trade Jalen Ramsey will be Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu at safety, Storm Duck and Cam Smith at outside corner, and Kader Kohou in the nickel. I regret to inform you that they are a strong contender for the league’s “worst position group.”.

Brian Flores’ Vikings defensive coordinator is once again the NFL’s best non-quarterback competitive advantage. If it weren’t for his lawsuit against the league, he would be a clear and obvious head coach candidate and without a doubt one of the top 32 (if not 20) football coaches.

I have trouble putting this into words. Yes, it is always a good idea to write that sentence right before releasing anything. Jayden Daniels had a season as a rookie quarterback that was exceptionally productive. The supporters of the Commanders and the team’s leadership should be encouraged and confident about the position’s future. Still, Drake Maye’s performance on that awful Patriots offense last season has impressed me just as much, if not more.

He was statistically insignificant. But level of difficulty? Maye was participating in an entirely different sport. I’ll put it this way and hope that D.C does. ignores my opinion: Patriots supporters ought to be as optimistic and upbeat about their quarterbacking future as Commanders supporters are at the moment.

For example, Michael Penix Jr. struggles a lot? The Atlanta quarterback only made three starts and, although he had some shining moments, he also had a lot of bad ones. What if Penix has a slow start and Kirk Cousins is still on the team? What if the Falcons, who haven’t qualified for the playoffs in eight seasons (fun!), surprised everyone by making a very bold investment in quarterback number two and then pressing him into action much sooner than anticipated—only to find out later that quarterback wasn’t prepared?

Suddenly, every egg is in that Penix basket.

I’m sorry, Falcons supporters, but that is a one-sided situation. J, I believe… J. . The Vikings would still win 12 games even if McCarthy finished as the 24th-best quarterback in the league the following season. That is the distinction between a roster that is thoughtfully constructed and one that is not.

We don’t talk about the Texans the way we talk about the Ravens or the Bills, despite the fact that they have consecutive AFC divisional rounds. It’s incorrect, in my opinion. Although the Texans defense can be criticized for its aggressive style (see all of the games against Lamar Jackson), it has mostly performed well against elite opponents and in crucial postseason situations over the last two seasons. Last season, the Texans’ offense fell short, but with a new coaching staff, there is a chance for an instant turnaround.

The Texans have the sixth-best chances of winning the AFC, according to ESPN BET. It simply doesn’t reflect the reality of those three teams over the last few seasons that they are trailing the Chargers and Bengals. Houston will go to me.

The Bills’ inexplicable decision to sign Khalil Shakir to a four-year contract worth only $13–25 million annually was, in my opinion, the best offseason move of all time. Money for Darnell Mooney? I still find it hard to believe. 2025 will mark Shakir’s first season with 1,000 yards.

The Broncos could have done more with their skill position group. A well-coached, deep Bills defense was simply not threatened enough by their offense when they faced Buffalo in the wild-card round. A veteran tight end and two rookies, Pat Bryant, RJ Harvey, and Evan Engram, have since been added. I can see this offense starting against Buffalo once more and experiencing a similar emotion.

I wonder what this team’s trade deadline will look like.

Despite being an off-ball linebacker, Frankie Luvu is currently the Commanders’ best pass rusher, which is a little strange. Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Jacob Martin, and Deatrich Wise Jr. are the real defensive ends. I do. For a presumed Super Bowl contender, I don’t like that.

I don’t think I’m strong enough to put up with Browns quarterback battle updates for the entire offseason. hype from Shedeur Sanders while he’s throwing to and against fourth-string players. Kenny Pickett in 2025 with the first squad. I’m not capable of it. I lack sufficient strength.

The league office will receive a complaint from me if the new kickoff doesn’t result in a spectacular trick play touchdown. Each of us has had two offseasons and a full season to examine it. Please have someone dial up a reverse.

the top three teams in terms of improvement.

Whoa, they improved!

in 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders (4–13).

The Raiders were the only team to make greater progress at the two most crucial positions. Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell are several levels below Geno Smith, which should result in above-average quarterback play each week. Antonio Pierce, a head coach who had trouble managing the locker room and in-game situations, is far inferior to Pete Carroll. Just those adjustments ought to significantly improve the Raiders’ floor, and the addition of Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, two possible offensive stars, raises the bar.

As long as the Raiders can withstand the defensive departures, I predict that they will finish around.500 this season.

Chicago Bears (5–12 in 2024).

We’re still revealing more aspects of Chicago’s coaching incompetence five months after the 2024 regular season concluded. Although Caleb Williams’ rookie season was filled with unsettling footage, it’s simple to blame the bad coaching for his downward spiral. The Bears should be much more effective in 2025 with Dennis Allen leading the defense and Ben Johnson available. If they succeed, their significant offensive offseason additions could set a very high ceiling.

Foxworth: With the Bears, Caleb Williams is in a crucial position.

According to Domonique Foxworth, Caleb Williams needs to perform well now that his efforts to elude the Bears have been exposed.

In 2024, the New England Patriots finished 4–13.

I’m excited about the Patriots’ offseason just as much as I am about Drake Maye’s rookie performance and long-term prospects. They are relying on a youthful offense that might be more successful in 2026 than 2025. However, they are ready for a significant defensive improvement after making numerous free agent acquisitions.

In my opinion, Maye can carry the offense to a respectable level by himself, and a top-tier secondary led by Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III can win a few games just by playing coverage.

three teams that haven’t improved.

Yes, they did worsen.

2024 Philadelphia Eagles (14-3).

Although saying that the Super Bowl champion will have a hangover isn’t very novel, the Eagles lost a lot of talented players. Defensive backs C and defensive linemen Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Milton Williams actually eliminated 4,114 defensive snaps from 2024. The J. Johnson, Gardner, Darius Slay Jr. and Rodgers, Isaiah. Young players are undoubtedly in the wings, but as they clear the air, I anticipate a difficult beginning. The Eagles start with the Cowboys, Chiefs, Rams, Bucs and Broncos — five potential playoff teams. Squirrels could take over.

Seattle Seahawks in 2024 (10-7).

We don’t need to recap the entirety of the Seahawks’ offseason because it was extensively covered. However, you are devalued in my opinion when Geno Smith, Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf depart the building for Cooper Kupp, Sam Darnold, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Even if rookie Grey Zabel has a strong season, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the offensive line. The defense did a fantastic job under coach Mike Macdonald last season, and he needs to do it again this year.

2024 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7).

In exchange for DK Metcalf and Robert Woods, the Steelers traded George Pickens and Van Jefferson, which doesn’t feel all that much better. Kaleb Johnson was substituted for Najee Harris, which is also unsatisfactory. When Dan Moore Jr. left. also has a big offensive presence at left tackle. Not to mention the minor issue of the quarterback position.

This team is obviously worse than in 2024, and even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers, I don’t think the offense is any better than it was the previous season. As is always the case with a team led by Mike Tomlin, however, a drop in team strength might not actually translate into a drop in wins.

Unless they turn out to be accurate, these ten audacious predictions are not worth aggregating.

Please refrain from attempting to screenshot these. It will blow up your computer, tablet, or phone.

By Week 5, Terrance Ferguson, a rookie tight end for the Rams, will replace Tyler Higbee as the starting quarterback and finish the season as the second-best target in the league. A. . ahead of Davante Adams and behind Puka Nacua. 821 yards, 63 catches, and six touchdowns.

There will be no playoffs for the Packers. The possession of a dominant receiver and a pass rush are, in my opinion, two of the most important non-negotiables for playoff teams. Despite selecting Matthew Golden in the first round, the Packers still may not have the second and most certainly do not have the first. Last season, their turnover differential was plus-12, good for third place in the NFL, but that’s not usually a sticky number. In addition, I am extremely suspicious of the plus-24 Bills. ).

Defensive Rookie of the Year will go to Mykel Williams. He has a fantastic pass-rush profile for early success if the 49ers unleash him as a pass rusher in a manner that Georgia never did and if his left ankle is healthy. Additionally, he hardly ever sees double teams against Nick Bosa. A 10-plus-sack season is well within the cards. In the event that he does not win this award, Carson Schwesinger of the Browns will. ().

Offensive Rookie of the Year will go to Omarion Hampton. I think he will quickly out-touch Najee Harris, and I think the Chargers want to go back to a more run-heavy approach after turning pass-heavy out of necessity late last season. He will also outproduce Ashton Jeanty, another first-round player. A season with 1,200 rushing yards is what I predict.

McAfee to the Chargers general manager: Omarion Hampton was a player we couldn’t let go of.

General manager Joe Hortiz of the Chargers discusses the choice to select Omarion Hampton in the first round with Pat McAfee.

Come October, there will be the first mass surge of supporters hoping to tank for the Arch Manning selection. 5. The Browns begin at 0–5. (Their early-season schedule is brutal. Manning just defeated the Florida Gators in October. 4 in a dazzling four-touchdown performance. Perhaps “Planning for Manning” or “The March to Arch” will serve as the rallying cry. “.

Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

By this time next year, we will all call Brock Bowers the best tight end in football, and nobody will flinch even a little bit.

The Panthers will go 9-8. I’m not even sure I actually believe this, as I have my Bryce Young doubts. But what I like so much about the Panthers is what’s around Young. Dave Canales has the goods and appears to be a future Coach of the Year. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has the goods and appears to be a future head coach. Many recent additions — Robert Hunt, Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan, Tre’von Moehrig, Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen, etc. — are players I have liked above consensus, too.

I’m confident the arrow is pointed up in Carolina. If there’s anything real in Young’s resurgence, the Panthers should be fighting for a wild-card spot.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has 82 career starts without a playoff win, which feels like a lot but is only tied for 29th out of all quarterbacks since 1950. Chargers QB Justin Herbert is just behind him with 79.

One of the two will get their first postseason win this season. Maybe both. (OK, probably just one. ).

The Geno Smith career resurrection came in 2022. The Baker Mayfield career resurrection came in 2023. The Sam Darnold career resurrection came in 2024. Now the Justin Fields career resurrection will come in 2025. Watch him hit 3,000 passing yards, 900 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns.

16 players returning from injured reserve.

It’s easy to forget how many players missed a bunch of games last season. These are the key returners expected to play big roles in 2025.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs.

Rice was playing well last season, but you might not remember just how well he was playing before a right knee injury put him on IR. In three games, Rice had 24 catches for 288 yards and two scores. That’s a 17-game pace of 136 catches for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns. Rice would have been the season leader in receptions and second only to Ja’Marr Chase in receiving yards had he stayed healthy and on pace.

Rice won’t take the same volume, given the way Xavier Worthy emerged as an underneath target, but he has the size and ball-winning ability the Chiefs sorely lacked down the stretch.

Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Detroit Lions.

Perhaps the highest-profile injury of 2024 was Hutchinson’s season-ending broken leg in Week 6, as he joined what would become an avalanche of Detroit defensive injuries. Hutchinson was a Defensive Player of the Year front-runner when he went down, with league-leading figures in sacks (6.5), QB hits (14) and pressures (25). Detroit invested heavily in the defensive tackle position this offseason, but edge rusher remains a thin group besides Hutchinson. His return to full health is critical to Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Derrick Barnes, LB, Detroit Lions.

Aidan Hutchinson is the bigger name, but Barnes has been important to the Lions’ defense for years and was rewarded with a three-year extension even as he returns from a knee injury. Barnes is an old-school linebacker who can play on- and off-ball, and with ex-linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard now the defensive coordinator, I’d expect to see Barnes featured. He’s a big part of the run defense and helps free up Hutchinson to rush off the weak side.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers.

The four games in which McCaffrey played last season were concerning. NFL Next Gen Stats had his maximum speeds in those four games at 16.4, 16.7, 16.1 and 17.4 mph. For context, that 17.4 mph mark would have been his fifth worst in a game during the 2023 season, when he was the MVP of the 49ers’ Super Bowl-bound offense. He clearly looked less springy in 2024 than he did in 2023; in fact, he looked like a player who had a cool 417 touches in the previous season.

It’s hard for running backs’ bodies to endure the level of use McCaffrey endured in 2023, but not impossible. We’ll know quickly if his body has bounced back for 2025 after missing time for Achilles and knee injuries in 2024.

Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, Tennessee Titans.

Cushenberry signed one of the biggest contracts among centers last offseason when he joined the Titans in free agency. He was delivering, too, before a torn Achilles ended his season in Week 9. If he can return to full strength for Week 1, that is an enormous deal as the Titans onboard rookie Cam Ward. Nothing steadies a young passer quite like a veteran presence at center.

Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, WRs, New Orleans Saints.

The Saints’ offense started so hot and fell so hard in large part because of the injuries to Olave and Shaheed. Shaheed is expected to be all the way back after knee surgery in October. Olave suffered the fourth concussion of his NFL career and missed the Saints’ final eight games of the season. If New Orleans has any hope of a functional 2025 offense, it needs Olave to stay safe and healthy and Shaheed to return to full speed.

Alex Singleton, LB, Denver Broncos.

Singleton tore his left ACL in Week 3, which could have been a debilitating injury for the Broncos’ defense, but they rallied well with big performances from Cody Barton and Justin Strnad. The Broncos let Barton walk in free agency and signed Dre Greenlaw to replace him, but Singleton is expected to start over Strnad if he’s back to form in training camp. The Broncos’ defense, which was one of the best in football last season, can somehow still take another step forward with offseason acquisitions and the return of Singleton.

SirVocea Dennis, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

When Dennis was healthy last season, he was fighting K. J. Britt for the starting linebacker spot opposite Lavonte David — and he was winning that competition. Dennis particularly impressed in coverage over the middle of the field, and after his Week 4 shoulder injury, the Buccaneers started getting hammered in the intermediate middle by opposing quarterbacks.

Tampa Bay passed entirely on the linebacker position in the 2025 draft and let Britt go in free agency. With only Anthony Walker Jr. as depth, the Buccaneers have clearly placed their faith in Dennis to play the majority of the snaps opposite David. Tampa Bay’s pass defense was the limiting factor in its postseason push last season, and Dennis should provide a boost there.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers.

Aiyuk broke out in 2023 with 1,342 receiving yards as the primary target for Brock Purdy on a Super Bowl run. Then 2024 was supposed to be the encore, as the 49ers took another crack at a championship, but Aiyuk had only 374 yards on 25 catches through the first seven games. There were some near-misses and rust to start the season, but Aiyuk still looked like a great separator on film .. before a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7. With Deebo Samuel Sr. gone to the Commanders, Aiyuk desperately needs to return to form as a dominant WR1 after last year’s face-plant of a season.

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys.

Things weren’t particularly rosy for the 3-4 Cowboys before Prescott went down with a hamstring avulsion (don’t ask me, I don’t know) in Week 9, and a coaching change was made accordingly. Prescott was squarely in the MVP race for much of the 2023 season, so the ceiling for high-caliber play is still there — and the acquisition of George Pickens gives the Cowboys a legitimate duo at wide receiver. Should Prescott return to his 2023 form, at least the Cowboys’ passing attack will be something fearsome. Who exactly ends up running the football, I still don’t fully understand.

Why Stephen A. still isn’t feeling good about Cowboys’ chances in NFC East.

Stephen A. Smith explains why the George Pickens trade doesn’t move the Cowboys up in the NFC East.

Troy Fautanu, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fautanu played just one game as a rookie before a dislocated kneecap knocked him out for the rest of his debut campaign. It’s always tough for rookies who miss their first year to keep up with the developmental curve, but the Steelers need him to stay on track. He is the only answer at right tackle, as Broderick Jones has to move over to left tackle following Dan Moore Jr. ‘s departure in free agency. For what it’s worth, I just watched that one start back on tape (Week 2 against the Broncos). Not bad!

Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami Dolphins.

Miami’s defensive front — and in particular, its pass rush — was a force to be reckoned with down the stretch last season. First-round pick Chop Robinson immediately hit, with a higher pressure rate (17.2 percent) than eventual Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. His quick first step will look great opposite technician and sack artist Phillips, who missed all but three games of the season with a torn ACL. It remains to be seen how quickly Phillips can return to form, but with Robinson, Phillips and Bradley Chubb all on the field on late downs, the Dolphins could have one of the most disruptive fronts in football.

Andrew Thomas, OT, New York Giants.

Thomas, whom I consider one of the better left tackles in the game and still an ascending player, had Lisfranc surgery and missed every game after Week 6. There wasn’t much going on with the Giants’ season anyway, but if they have any hope of developing rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, ensuring a sealed blind side is a nonnegotiable. Lisfranc injuries can be nasty, lingering things, so Thomas’ health and form are something to keep an eye on.

Jermaine Johnson, Edge, New York Jets.

A 2022 first-rounder, Johnson took a big step forward in 2023 with 7.5 sacks, 36 pressures and 16 QB hits. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles in Week 2 stopped us from seeing what another leap would have looked like in 2024, and now a new defensive coaching staff has taken the reins in New York. Johnson has the size that new coach Aaron Glenn covets in his edge defenders and should be in line for a starting gig. But can he return to 2023 form off a major injury and in a new system?

Dax Hill, DB, Cincinnati Bengals.

Very interesting one here. The Bengals picked up Hill’s fifth-year option off his ACL injury — $12.7 million, all guaranteed — without clarity on how Hill will be used in new defensive coordinator Al Golden’s defense. Hill has started the majority of his career at safety but wasn’t great there. It appeared he could have transitioned well to corner in 2024, but he played only five games and was still working through the warts. There’s smoke now that he might be the new nickelback since Mike Hilton remains unsigned.

Where exactly Hill plays and what the Bengals get out of him there are big question marks for a defense in need of splashy players.

One overtime-related take that I had to bring up but didn’t really fit in the other categories.

It’s not even really a take. Just a musing.

New overtime rules! All regular-season overtime games will now follow the postseason rules of the past few seasons, meaning each offense is guaranteed a possession. An offensive touchdown on the opening drive no longer ends the overtime period. If the game remains tied after each team has a drive, then sudden death begins — but the overtime period is only 10 minutes long.

There’s some serious overtime game theory for the winner of the coin toss now. The team with the latter possession will have a lot of information that will dictate fourth-down decisions. Do they need a touchdown to win? Or even to extend the game? A smart second-possession team will go for 2-point tries and fourth-down attempts to try and prevent a third possession from ever happening. So the second possession feels more valuable.

But remember, the first-possession team is the third-possession team, and the third possession is when sudden death begins. So having the ball first (and subsequently third) is also nice. See the confusion?

The new regular-season overtime is complex and not completely solved, which means that by Week 4, we will have enormous internet arguments in stark black and white about something that is largely gray.

Four key financial items.

It’s all about the money, money, money. Remember that song?

Since Brock Purdy signed his five-year, $265 million extension, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything the 49ers lost in anticipation of this massive contract. Look at the free agent exodus of the past few seasons: Mike McGlinchey, Chase Young, Arik Armstead, Aaron Banks, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Jaylon Moore, Javon Hargrave and Deebo Samuel Sr. That’s a lot of talent out of the building, but not without good reason. Age, diminished play and injury were all factors. Still, it’s the inescapable bloodletting of a team at the end of a Super Bowl window. Is it all really worth it?

Then I remember that this was always the plan. When the 49ers drafted Trey Lance with the third overall pick in 2021, they expected a quarterback to start getting expensive around the 2025, maybe 2026 season. Purdy is stylistically different from what the 49ers hoped to get with Lance. He’s more of an extension of Kyle Shanahan’s existing philosophy, whereas Lance was meant to be a revolution. But the cap sheets look similar; Purdy’s financial arc is about what the 49ers expected with Lance.

I am not ringing any alarm bells, but I find it interesting that T. J. Watt is in the final year of his deal with pretty much no smoke about an upcoming extension. I find this doubly interesting when you consider that he is 31 and coming off his worst season as a pro. And I find it triply interesting that Watt has never won a playoff game with the Steelers, who may be approaching a massive organizational overhaul if coach Mike Tomlin cannot figure out the quarterback position. Just a thought!

The Lions are currently third in the league in 2025 cap space and 28th in 2026 cap space, per Roster Management System. This is a result of the timing on the extensions for Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell and Alim McNeill. Those four players hit the cap for $66.7 million this year but $159.7 million next year.

Rolling over that 2025 cap space into 2026 will provide some relief, but not enough. An inevitable reset of some size is coming to the Lions next offseason. A few big contracts for older starters will be on the chopping block — LT Taylor Decker, C Frank Ragnow and RG Graham Glasgow are all candidates for restructuring or release. This is a huge season for coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, who built a perennial contender masterfully but don’t yet have a Super Bowl appearance to show for it. After this year, the margins get way, way tighter.

Why the Lions’ NFC North winning streak may be in jeopardy.

Dan Graziano points out the Lions play seven outdoor games this season – a big jump from just three last year – which could pose a challenge.

Fifteen players have a cap hit of at least $30 million this season. Unsurprisingly, 12 of the 15 are quarterbacks — including the likes of Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, Geno Smith and Deshaun Watson but excluding Patrick Mahomes. The remaining three are Maxx Crosby, T. J. Watt and — I’ll give you 1,000 guesses — Taylor Moton. Consider that two seasons ago, there were three players with $30 million-plus cap hits. That’s a 5x increase in just two seasons!

You want to get really wild with it? The biggest cap hit of the 2023 season for an active player belonged to Mahomes at $37.1 million. That leapt to $49.1 million in 2024 (Kyler Murray) and $50.5 million in 2025 (Dak Prescott). The next jump is coming in 2026, when Watson hits the cap for $80.7 million. And even if Watson is cut, as expected, Mahomes is right there at $78.2 million.

We have never had a player hit the cap for $55 million in a single season. Next year, we are projected to have eight. Cap’s going up!

Six key numbers, stat edition.

It’s like Next Ben Stats, just in the middle of the offseason.

943 yards.

Puka Nacua holds the record for most receiving yards in a rookie season with 1,486. Yet Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson holds the record for most receiving yards through two seasons of a player’s career (3,016), three seasons (4,825), four seasons (5,899) and five seasons (7,432). An absurd testament to early-career success and availability.

For context, Jefferson is 261 yards above second place in Year 2, 662 above in Year 3, 387 above in Year 4 (despite missing seven games) and 648 above in Year 5. To catch him in the Year 5 numbers, Ja’Marr Chase needs a cool 2,008-yard season.

Jefferson is already seventh on the list for receiving yards through six seasons, and he has played only five seasons. He’ll take the top spot with a mere 943 yards, which would take just 10 games on his career average of 96.5 receiving yards per game (the best number in NFL history, so take your “17-game season” complaints and shove ’em).

1.

That’s how many times a 30-plus-year-old running back has rushed for at least 1,900 yards in an NFL season. It was .. well, it was last year, when Derrick Henry rushed for 1,921 yards on only 325 carries at 30 years old (5.9 yards per attempt is by far the best single-season mark of his career). Henry looked like the Henry of old after his final two seasons in Tennessee tailed off statistically, and now he’s on a new extension with a year under his belt in Baltimore’s system.

The record for the most rushing yards in an age-31 season belongs to Curtis Martin, who tallied 1,697 in 2004. As long as Henry keeps strapping them on, we can expect him to challenge the age milestones.

87 percent.

That was the Commanders’ fourth-down conversion rate last season. Read that again, because it’s easy to wash over and fail to comprehend: 87 percent conversion rate. They went 20 for 23 on fourth down.

It’s almost certainly the best fourth-down season in history. Two teams since 2000 have better conversion rates (2016 Cowboys and 2018 Chargers), but with far fewer attempts (nine and 10, respectively). By total EPA added (44.3), this was the most impactful fourth-down season this century. In fact, 23.7 percent of the Commanders’ total points came on drives that included a successful fourth-down conversion, which is the fifth-highest number of the century.

These are significant numbers for the 2025 season because they scream regression. While it’s reasonable to expect the Commanders to continue going for it on fourth down and converting at a decent rate (an excellent rushing quarterback is a big part of that), turning just five conversions into failures would have a huge impact on their win column. I can honestly say I am excited for the 2025 season because I want to see how Washington performs on fourth down. (I know, I’m a sicko!).

12.

That’s how many times Bucs receiver Mike Evans will have produced a 1,000-yard receiving season if he does it again this year. Remember, it took an extra effort in Week 18 to get him to his 11th straight season, the most to ever start a career. Jerry Rice also had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons from 1986 to 1996, though he didn’t have 1,000 yards in Year 1 like Evans did in 2014.

(Rice accumulated 14 total 1,000-yard seasons over his career, which is the record. Check back for my “100 things to watch in the 2028 NFL season” in a few years for an update on Evans’ pace versus the all-time great. ).

3.

That’s how many receivers could go over 1,000 career receptions this season. DeAndre Hopkins (984), Keenan Allen (974) and Davante Adams (957) are within striking range. It seems almost inevitable that Hopkins, currently the WR3 in Baltimore, will get there — he needs to average less than one catch per game — and Adams will certainly shag at least 44 balls if he stays healthy as the Rams’ WR2. Allen is still a free agent, but he should get 27 catches if and when he signs with a team.

Only 15 players have over 1,000 career receptions, with Travis Kelce (2024) the most recent qualifier at 1,004. Before Kelce, we had not seen a player clear the mark since Steve Smith Sr. did it in 2016. It’s been a minute!

3.

That’s how many players have strung together three straight seasons of 1,000 rushing yards — Derrick Henry (duh), Najee Harris and Tony Pollard. Pollard did it in hilarious fashion with 1,007, 1,005 and 1,079 yards, but I was impressed by his performance as the 1A back in Tennessee. The Titans’ offensive line may take another leap forward, with Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler joining in free agency and Lloyd Cushenberry III coming off IR. Cam Ward is the exciting name, but the running game might be the story of the Titans’ offense, especially early in the season.

10 key numbers, jersey edition.

A very precise science .

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is switching from 26 to 0, which I don’t like. Wearing 0 is always cool, obviously. But don’t fix what ain’t broke! You were taking the league by storm in 26! I guess you don’t want to fight Saquon Barkley for 26 dominance. But still, this is tempting fate.

Lions WR Jameson Williams is switching from 9 to 1. This is fine, because 9 was a fast number, but 1 is also a fast number, so Williams will remain fast. Imagine if he was wearing 22 or something.

On that note, Packers rookie WR Matthew Golden is wearing .. 22, which is appalling. He wore 2 at Texas.

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore is going from 23, the number he has worn for eight years in the NFL, to 2, the number he wore in college. Scientists remain uncertain if this will return Lattimore to his collegiate athleticism.

Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd is switching from 33 to 0. This is one of the best improvements in jersey change history, and scientists are confident it will lead to a boost in Lloyd’s play.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall has changed his jersey number from 14 to 1, his college number. Those are good vibes. The last 49er to wear No. 1 was Deebo Samuel Sr. , the career 49er who was just traded to the Commanders. Those are spooky vibes. Jury’s still out on this one.

Saints QB Spencer Rattler is now wearing 2, which gives him a leg up in the Saints QB competition against rookie Tyler Shough, who is wearing 6 (an inferior quarterbacking number). Were Rattler still wearing 18, he’d have less of a lead.

Will Tyler Shough be ready to play right away for Saints?

Jason McCourty analyzes the strengths of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and if he’ll be ready to play right away with Derek Carr nursing a shoulder injury.

Falcons first-round rookie pass rusher Jalon Walker is wearing 11, and other Falcons first-round rookie pass rusher James Pearce Jr. is wearing 27. This will perplex and disorient your parents on game day. We have lost the old ways.

Seahawks LB Uchenna Nwosu gave up his number 10 to wide receiver Cooper Kupp in exchange for a donation to his foundation. Nwosu is now wearing 7, which is a high-value number. A lot of positions might want it in future jersey negotiations. I like where Nwosu’s head’s at here.

Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter, after trying to pry two retired numbers from Giants legends in 11 (Phil Simms) and 56 (Lawrence Taylor), landed on 51. That’s a sick edge rusher number and should have been the plan in the first place. Stop unretiring numbers!

Three more things (so I can get to 100).

Finish the mission.

We started last season with plenty of fearmongering about the onset of two-high coverages and the decline of the explosive pass. Maybe we’ll do it again this September; maybe we’ll do something else. The issue is simply the abridged NFL offseason, which includes diminished practice time and declining preseason participation. September football is sloppy football, and that won’t stop anytime soon. Keep your takes holstered until October.

Everyone is too afraid, so I’ll be the guy to say it: The Chiefs were 11-0 in one-score games last season, and they’re not going to pull that off again. (Right?) The defensive depth chart is pretty rough as well. They’re going to be worse in 2025. (Right?!). will set an NFL record with 12 games of at least 100 receiving yards. He had four last season, and three came in the final four weeks.