Coach Mike Vrabel has a commanding style and a competitive defense.
Coach Mike Vrabel has a commanding style and a competitive defense.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
This time of the year can be particularly slow for the NFL, with most teams on hiatus until training camp later this month.
Earlier this past week, the Dolphins swung two trades: one with the Steelers that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the other with the Giants, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to New York in exchange for previously retired tight end Darren Waller.
The league has stayed fairly quiet otherwise.
Let’s spice things up with some way-too-early bold predictions for the upcoming season . . .
The Patriots will win nine games to finish above .500.
The Patriots are positioned to break their three-season skid of registering a losing record. Talk of a changing culture under a new coach can ring hollow, especially after how last season went. But the Patriots have multiple reasons to believe 2025 will be more successful.
They have an experienced coaching staff, led by the commanding Mike Vrabel. Even if the offense takes a little time to find its groove, their defense anchored by a formidable front and lockdown cornerback duo — should keep them competitive. They also have the second easiest schedule in the league. This team’s ceiling is contingent on the improvements across the offensive line and the leap Drake Maye takes in Year 2.
The 49ers will bounce back to win the NFC West.
The only team with an easier schedule than the Patriots is the Niners. Injuries ravaged San Francisco last season, and the risk is still there for some key players (i.e. soon-to-be 37-year-old left tackle Trent Williams and 29-year-old running back Christian McCaffrey).
When healthy, though, the offense has enough talent to contend. Plus, Kyle Shanahan remains one of the league’s preeminent offensive play callers. On the other side of the ball, the Niners took defensive players with their first five picks in the draft to build around franchise cornerstones Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The unit also will benefit from the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Daniel Jones will start more games for the Colts than Anthony Richardson.
The Colts gave Jones a one-year, $14 million contract to challenge Richardson for the starting quarterback job. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, hasn’t been able to stay healthy, undergoing season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder his rookie year. He’s also struggled with accuracy, even when healthy, completing just 50 percent of his passes, as well as leadership, asking out of a game in Week 8 because of fatigue.
The door certainly seems to be open for Jones, who began building rapport with his offensive weapons this spring because Richardson was sidelined again after reporting soreness and pain in his surgically repaired shoulder.
Rams wideout Puka Nacua will lead the league in receiving.
Nacua broke out as a rookie for 1,486 yards, which ranked fourth in the NFL. Last season, he logged 990 yards because a knee injury sidelined him for five weeks but still averaged 90 yards per game — ranking third behind Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Although Nacua’s health is a major factor given his physical playing style, his target share, target volume, and ability to gain yards after the catch put him in line for an extremely productive season within Sean McVay’s offense. The release of Cooper Kupp should increase Nacua’s role, even with the arrival of Davante Adams.
Mike Tomlin’s streak of 18 consecutive non-losing seasons finally comes to an end.
At 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers is the oldest active starting quarterback in the NFL. Winning at that age at that position is uncommon. Brett Favre and Drew Brees each had some level of success, but Tom Brady really was the only exception.
The Steelers took a flier on Rodgers in hopes he can buck historical precedent. Pittsburgh’s stout defense should keep the team within striking distance in most games, as it has in seasons past, but it’s hard to have confidence in an offense with a quarterback that will turn 42 in December, a young offensive line, and a weak receiving corps behind DK Metcalf.
Atlanta will make the playoffs.
Since 1990, at least four teams have advanced to the postseason after missing it the previous season. Cincinnati is a sensible pick in the AFC because of its high-powered offense featuring Joe Burrow, Chase, and Tee Higgins. The same goes for San Francisco in the NFC because of the reasons mentioned above.
A sneaky possibility is Atlanta. The divisional race in the NFC South has been a close one in recent years, so the Falcons are hopeful that improving quarterback play will push them over the edge. Also working in Atlanta’s favor is stability across the offensive line, productive players in running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London supporting quarterback Michael Penix, and a competent offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson.
Caleb Williams becomes Chicago’s first 4,000-yard passer.
No quarterback in Bears history has eclipsed 4,000 passing yards in a season. Chicago’s staffing changes, namely hiring Ben Johnson as coach, should create a more functional working environment for 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams. The team also prioritized bolstering its offensive line after surrendering a league-high 68 sacks last season and added a pair of pass catchers (Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland) with its first two picks in the draft. The infrastructure surrounding Williams appears to be an upgrade.
The NFC North figures to be the league’s toughest division, so the changes may not translate to double-digit wins or a playoff berth, but Johnson is poised to get the most out of Williams.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, at 41, won't be the difference for the Steelers.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, at 41, won't be the difference for the Steelers.Justin Berl/Getty
Building blocks?
Browns new stadium facing complications
Yet another team has received crucial news in its efforts to build a new stadium — but not without some potential complications.
On Monday, Ohio’s governor, Mike DeWine, approved a two-year, $60 billion budget that sets aside $600 million in unclaimed funds for a new Cleveland Browns stadium. DeWine initially proposed doubling taxes on sports betting to help pay for the project, but the legislature opted to allocate a portion of $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who had requested financial assistance from the state, issued a statement expressing their excitement. Haslam Sports Group plans to build a domed stadium and entertainment complex in Brook Park, a suburb about 15 miles south of Cleveland, when their current lease expires at the end of the 2028 season.
“The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant supporting events throughout the year,” read a statement from the Haslams.
“This premier facility will anchor a major lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development projects ever and something our community will be proud of and can enjoy for years to come. We appreciate the support of State leaders and their belief in this transformative project.”
DeWine’s decision, however, hasn’t sat well with everybody, as two attorneys and former Ohio lawmakers are preparing to file a class-action lawsuit once the stadium funding plan is signed into law. They claim the state has seized the money unconstitutionally without due process.
“These are funds held in trust; this is not state property,” said former state Representative Jeff Crossman. “These funds belong to all those hard-working Ohioans across the state with forgotten savings accounts, uncashed checks, overpaid utility bills. They’re not abandoned.
“The government cannot take private property based on speculative claims of economic benefit alone,” added former Ohio attorney general Marc Dann. “If this plan collapses in court and delays stadium funding, it’s not going to be our fault. It’s going to be the legislature’s fault, who forced this through knowing full well that it was unconstitutional.”
The Browns are just the latest team to join the list of franchises working through stadium dealings. The Chiefs recently requested an extension from the state of Kansas on its stadium financing package, as they weigh whether to move forward with a renovation of Arrowhead Stadium or relocate. The Commanders, meanwhile, are facing concerns over their deal to build a stadium at the old RFK site.
The lease for Huntington Bank Field, home of the Browns, expires after the 2028 season.
The lease for Huntington Bank Field, home of the Browns, expires after the 2028 season.Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press
On schedule
Best matchups of Week 1
With two months until the NFL kickoff game on Sept. 4, here’s a rapid-fire power ranking of the top 10 Week 1 matchups worth watching . . .
1. Ravens at Bills, Sunday, Sept. 7, 8:20 p.m. (NBC): This juicy matchup is slated for prime time for a reason. On the heels of their dramatic divisional round game, Baltimore and Buffalo are expected to sit atop the AFC in hopes of contending for a Super Bowl.
2. Vikings at Bears, Monday, Sept. 8, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN): After missing his entire rookie season, J.J. McCarthy is set to return to his home state to make his NFL debut against a revamped divisional rival. Another great choice for prime time.
3. Steelers at Jets, Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. (CBS): The NFL couldn’t have asked for a better season opener for Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers faces his former team, one that probably doesn’t have any warm feelings for him.
4. Lions at Packers, Sunday, Sept. 7, 4:25 p.m. (CBS): The NFC North has two divisional matchups scheduled for Week 1, and for good reason. Judging by the last time when these teams met — Detroit’s Jake Bates hit a game-winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter — this one should be competitive.
5. Raiders at Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. (CBS): Both teams are expected to make major leaps behind new coaching staffs, so they’ll get an early litmus test on their progress. Josh McDaniels also makes his return to the NFL against the organization that fired him in 2023, less than two seasons into his six-year contract.
6. Chiefs at Chargers, Friday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. (YouTube): The Chargers have lost seven straight games to the Chiefs, by an average of 5 points. Kansas City has won nine straight AFC West titles, so Week 1 is a chance to make a statement for Los Angeles. Also, considering last year’s game in Brazil, with multiple players losing their footing on the field, the league is probably hoping for a better playing surface this time around.
7. Texans at Rams, Sunday, Sept. 7, 4:25 p.m. (CBS): Nick Caley is set to make his debut as an offensive coordinator, with hopes of revitalizing C.J. Stroud and Houston’s passing attack. Caley, whom the Patriots tried to hire as their OC in 2024, spent the past two seasons learning from the head coach that will be on the opposing sideline (Sean McVay).
8. Bengals at Browns, Sunday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m. (Fox): The Bengals are 1-11 in the first two weeks of the season during Zac Taylor’s coaching career. Starting slow is a defining aspect of his tenure. Even though Cleveland is projected to earn a top draft pick next year, the question is can Cincinnati actually open the season with a win?
9. Titans at Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 7, 4:05 p.m. (Fox): Cam Ward is probably the most under-hyped quarterback taken with the No. 1 overall pick in recent years. Expectations are low in Tennessee, so we’ll see if Ward can bring any buzz.
10. Cowboys at Eagles, Thursday, Sept. 4, 8:20 p.m. (NBC): Defending Super Bowl champions are 13–5 in the annual kickoff game. An NFC Championship rematch would have been more compelling, but this game should be entertaining enough with a divisional rivalry, the return of Dak Prescott, and the coaching debut of Brian Schottenheimer.
Josh Allen got the better of Lamar Jackson in the AFC Divisional round last season.
Josh Allen got the better of Lamar Jackson in the AFC Divisional round last season.Greg Fiume/Getty
Extra points
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hilloutraced Josephus Lyles, younger brother of US Olympic medalist Noah Lyles, in a preliminary round of the 100-meter dash at the ATX Sprint Classic in Austin, Texas, last weekend. Hill finished with a time of 10.10 seconds, .15 seconds faster than Lyles. Hill and the elder Lyles were scheduled to race head to head, after the two engaged in some public trash talk over who was faster. They had begun planning the event, set to take place two weeks ago in Times Square, but Lyles said they had to call it off because of “personal reasons” . . . Randy Moss is expected to return to his role on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” this fall. The 48-year-old Moss had to step away last December after getting diagnosed with cancer . . . Saints owner Gayle Benson hosted Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman and his wife Reagan on her boat in the Boston Harbor. The connection is unclear, though Bregman did play college baseball at LSU . . . The NFL started its release of the league’s top 100 players, as voted by the players. The initial group, announced Monday, consisted of outside linebacker Josh Sweat at No. 95, linebacker Lavonte David at No. 96, wide receiver Drake London at No. 97, running back Aaron Jones at No. 98, defensive lineman Leonard Williams at No. 99, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey at No. 100. The next pair, announced Thursday, were tight end Sam LaPorta at No. 94 and center Creed Humphrey at No. 93, followed by safety Jessie Bates at No. 92 and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at No. 91, announced Friday. The chances a Patriot is included seems slim to none . . . A small handful of NFL stars visited Europe last week for Paris men’s fashion week. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs walked in a show for designer Willy Chavarria, while Ja’Marr Chase, linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and cornerback Denzel Ward also made appearances . . . After getting married, enjoying his honeymoon, and stopping by Wimbledon, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is returning to New England next weekend to host three football camps — one on July 10 in Londonderry, N.H., and two on July 11 in Foxborough and Auburn.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.