The Tennessee Titans entered the 2025 offseason with optimism after drafting franchise quarterback Cam Ward. However, linebacker remains a glaring weakness. The team failed to address the position in the draft, leaving free-agent signing Cody Barton as a potential starter alongside an unproven Cedric Gray. With the Titans ranking poorly against the run in 2024, this weakness is particularly concerning. Their struggles to contain running backs, allowing seven receiving touchdowns to the position last season, highlight the urgency for an effective linebacker duo. The team’s defensive success in 2025 will depend on addressing this issue and improving coverage and run-stopping capabilities at linebacker.
Projected 2025 Record: 5.2-11.8
The Pittsburgh Steelers face significant uncertainty heading into 2025, with a very low playoff probability largely hinging on whether they sign Aaron Rodgers. Without Rodgers, and with Mason Rudolph likely starting, the offense could be one of the league’s worst, potentially worse than last year’s 24th-ranked unit. However, the addition of DK Metcalf alongside George Pickens bolsters the receiving corps, making Rodgers a logical fit to help elevate the offense. Defensively, the Steelers—ranked 12th last season—can no longer carry the team alone, though Derrick Harmon offers hope as a future cornerstone. If Rodgers joins, the offense could improve to league average, boosting Pittsburgh’s playoff chances into the low 20% range under Mike Tomlin’s steady leadership.
Projected 2025 Record: 9.8-7.2
The Cincinnati Bengals will travel the fewest miles of any NFL team this season and are projected to win their division 29.4% of the time, making them one of only two teams (alongside the Ravens) with a realistic shot. Their playoff probability stands at a solid 69.4%, ranking ninth in the league. Despite finishing 2024 with a 9-8 record, the Bengals had a strong +38 point differential, suggesting better luck in close games could have improved their standing. Cincinnati’s defense struggled, ranking 28th in PFSN’s metrics, and they made limited offseason additions, with Trey Hendrickson’s contract status still uncertain. First-round pick Shemar Stewart has elite physical traits but limited production. Offensively, retaining Tee Higgins alongside Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase solidifies a potent core. The Bengals also added potential starter Dylan Fairchild on the line, but defensive improvement will be crucial for their 2025 success.
Projected 2025 Record: 8.7-8.3
The Minnesota Vikings face uncertainty in 2025, with just a 34.0% playoff projection—the 18th highest in the league—meaning early-season answers are crucial. The offense is well-positioned to support rookie QB J.J. McCarthy after the team opted not to retain Sam Darnold, instead investing in key offensive line additions like Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, plus running back Jordan Mason. They also addressed left guard by drafting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson in Round 1. If McCarthy matches Darnold’s 2024 performance, the Vikings should improve on their 13th-place Offense+ finish. Defensively, questions loom despite a strong third-place finish last year. Key defensive backs Camryn Bynum, Stephon Gilmore, and Shaquill Griffin have left or remain unsigned, and limited draft capital means new additions mostly provide depth with little immediate impact.
Projected 2025 Record: 9.3-7.7
The Arizona Cardinals enter 2025 with a solid chance to win their division (19.3%) and an even stronger shot at a wild card playoff berth (43.6%). Their offseason signing of Josh Sweat signals a clear intent to boost a defense that ranked a disappointing 27th in Defense+ last year. The Cardinals doubled down on defense in the draft, selecting six defensive players including highly regarded prospects Walter Nolen and Will Johnson, both expected to contribute early if healthy. Offensively, Arizona quietly ranked fifth in Offense+, with Kyler Murray placing 16th among quarterbacks. The development of Marvin Harrison Jr. could elevate the offense further. With the 49ers regressing, Arizona has a prime opportunity to secure their first division title since 2015 and build on a strong start after addressing late-season struggles through smart drafting.
Projected 2025 Record: 9.8-7.2
The Los Angeles Chargers have a 63.4% chance of making the playoffs, a 34.9% chance to reach the divisional round, and a 2.5% shot at winning the Super Bowl—making them the last team with over a 2% title probability. Known as a defense-first team in 2024, they ranked fourth on defense but only 17th on offense. With Jesse Minter returning as defensive coordinator, the defense should remain strong despite losing Poona Ford and Joey Bosa. Offensively, questions remain if Justin Herbert can return to his 2021 form. The run game struggled last year, ranking 31st in yards per carry, but additions like Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton should improve ground production. New pass-catching weapons—Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Oronde Gadsden II—also enhance Herbert’s receiving corps, offering a more balanced attack for 2025.
Projected 2025 Record: 8.6-8.4
The Ben Johnson Era kicks off in Chicago facing a tough schedule and a challenging division, yet the Bears are still favored over the Vikings to make the playoffs in 2025, though their chances of winning a playoff game remain slim. After a disappointing 2024 marked by a franchise-record 10-game losing streak, Chicago took bold offseason steps to rebuild. They invested heavily in their offensive line, adding three new starters including Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and bolstered the defense with Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. The draft added promising talents like Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner to improve the trenches. Johnson, coming off three straight elite offenses in Detroit, also gained dynamic playmakers like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. With these changes, Caleb Williams has an enhanced opportunity to fulfill his top-pick potential.
Projected 2025 Record: 10.6-6.4
Washington was one of the winners of the NFL schedule release, benefiting from a favorable November slate that includes no true road games aside from an overseas matchup in Berlin. The Commanders will play in front of a national audience often this season, thanks to the growing buzz around Jayden Daniels. After a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, Washington is embracing its contender status, capitalizing on Daniels’ rookie contract to add major pieces like Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel Sr. Their sixth-ranked offense from last season could take another step forward in 2025. Defensively, the team made mostly modest moves, aside from a pricey deal for Javon Kinlaw. Second-round pick Trey Amos could contribute early, and Dan Quinn’s defensive pedigree provides reason for optimism.
Projected 2025 Record: 7.2-9.8
The Las Vegas Raiders have a slim 14.1% chance to make the playoffs, with little hope of winning their tough division. Their offseason showed a clear push to compete now, trading for and extending veteran QB Geno Smith and hiring Pete Carroll as head coach. The high draft pick of Ashton Jeanty signals belief they’re close to contention. While the offense is more promising than 2024’s 29th-ranked unit, the defense remains a concern, especially in the secondary after losing key players like Tre’von Moehrig and Nate Hobbs. Rookie Darien Porter may start early, but the pass defense looks vulnerable. After going winless in division play last year, the Raiders face a steep climb in one of the NFL’s hardest divisions.
Projected 2025 Record: 7.5-9.5
The New England Patriots have an 18.6% chance to make the playoffs, helped by one of the easiest schedules in the league. They led free agency spending with $227.6 million guaranteed, focusing mostly on shoring up a defense that ranked 30th last year. Key additions like Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry III, and Robert Spillane should vastly improve the unit. The Patriots then targeted offense in the draft, picking four players at different positions to support rookie QB Drake Maye, including potential starters Will Campbell and Jared Wilson on the offensive line. After two rough seasons (8-26 combined), New England looks set for a solid step forward under Mike Vrabel, though postseason contention remains a longer-term goal.
