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There is a new Super Bowl contender after a blockbuster trade, along with a host of rookie quarterbacks looking to make their mark and some others facing prove-it seasons.
Here, foxsports.com.au puts all 32 teams into tiers.
Week 1
First there are the Super Bowl contenders and then the teams who are almost there but have one glaring flaw we just can’t look past yet.
Just below them are the playoff teams who could be thereabouts in the post-season but won’t last much longer.
Beyond them are the teams who may have playoff ambitions but have more pressing issues to deal with, like is their quarterback actually good or will their coach even last the season?
Then there is the team that is tanking and the other one that should be, along with three franchises who should be preaching patience entering 2026.
SUPER BOWL CONTENDERS
Baltimore Ravens
Is this the year the Ravens finally put it all together in the biggest moments of the year? Last playoffs it was a maddening drop from Mark Andrews and uncharacteristic turnovers from Lamar Jackson that brought it all undone. Those sort of issues are easily fixed and not the kind to spark major changes. So, the Ravens are largely running it back with the same key players. The rushing offence should still be among the best in the league, with defences forced to contend with not only the threat of Jackson taking off but a rampaging Derrick Henry. That, in turn, constantly puts their receivers in advantageous match-ups and the same core returns with added size in DeAndre Hopkins as a red-zone threat. All the pieces, once again, are there. Jackson is coming off another MVP-calibre season. They’ll make the playoffs and likely go all the way to the AFC Championship Game. But handling the pressure of performing in those critical moments will determine if the Ravens go all the way in 2025.
Can the Ravens go all the way this time? (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Can the Ravens go all the way this time? (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Buffalo Bills
They will once again be favourites to win the AFC East and that will remain the case as long as Josh Allen is quarterback. But as long as Patrick Mahomes is quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs it may not matter. It is hard to say whether this will be the year the Bills finally get past their AFC heavyweight rivals. They’ve largely run it back, which seems like the right idea considering how close they came against the Chiefs last year. The only major concern is at safety, with the Bills betting on a young player like Cole Bishop stepping up to make sure it isn’t a glaring weakness that becomes an easy target for opposition offences.
The Bills will once again be in contention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
The Bills will once again be in contention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)Source: AP
Green Bay Packers
When the first draft of this story was completed, Micah Parsons was still locked in a contract standoff with the Dallas Cowboys. Now that he’s a Green Bay Packer? Well, the Packers don’t make this move if they aren’t all-in on a Super Bowl – although Parsons is still only 26 years old so it is both a slam-dunk move for the short and long-term success of the franchise. But this move immediately elevates the Packers from dark horse Super Bowl champions to right in the middle of the conversation. If Jordan Love stays healthy, this is a team that could absolutely top the ultra-competitive NFC North. They don’t have a clear alpha receiver yet, but this group is young and deep, with the addition of former Texas speedster Matthew Golden adding a much-needed vertical threat to the passing game. The Packers really leaned on the run game last year with Love injured, but a return to a more balanced offence will help. The only real question is at cornerback, where Green Bay may be vulnerable against some of the top receivers in the league.
Former Dallas Cowboy Micah Parsons speaks to the media during a press conference after being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Jayden Mack/Getty Images/AFP
Former Dallas Cowboy Micah Parsons speaks to the media during a press conference after being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Jayden Mack/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of the Chiefs, they too will always be in the Super Bowl hunt as long as they have No.15. In all fairness though, it was the defence that carried them to another shot at the Lombardi Trophy last year as the offence stagnated. That, of course, wasn’t on Mahomes. It was on a porous offensive line, with the deficiencies at both tackle spots and left guard exposed on the biggest stage against the Eagles. It sparked a Mahomes meltdown like the NFL world had never seen before but the addition of first-round rookie Josh Simmons, who was widely seen as a top-10 talent if not for the injury concerns, should help address the offensive line woes. A looming suspension for Rashee Rice will leave the Chiefs without their top target but with Xavier Worthy coming on late in the year and Travis Kelce trying to wind the clock back one more time, there should be enough weapons for a quarterback like Mahomes to keep the offence on track.
Can the Chiefs get back to the Super Bowl? (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Can the Chiefs get back to the Super Bowl? (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)Source: AP
Philadelphia Eagles
Can they go back-to-back? There aren’t too many reasons to think they can’t when looking at the roster. There have been some losses on the defensive side of the ball, with cornerback Darius Slay, edge rusher Josh Sweat and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson all gone. But on offence, all the key pieces are still there. Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley plus that elite offensive line. Depth is a question mark on the line while the other starting spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell is also a concern. But as a whole, this is as talented a team as the rest of the top contenders and if the motivation is there, there isn’t much stopping them.
The Eagles are looking to go back-to-back. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP
The Eagles are looking to go back-to-back. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Washington Commanders
Last year was a fairytale season. But the Commanders can’t expect to simply turn up and have a similar run to the NFC Championship Game. The fact they’ve added to the offensive line by trading for Laremy Tunsil suggests they know that full well. The decision to trade away Brian Robinson Jr. for a sixth-round pick was a peculiar one considering the rest of the running back room isn’t exactly stacked with proven talent outside of Austin Ekeler, who is now 30 years old and battled concussions last year. But if rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt can live up to the hype it may not matter. On the other side of the ball, the rush defence will need to improve while the secondary should be better with Marshon Lattimore healthy and rookie corner Trey Amos turning heads. Really, it all rests on the shoulders of second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. Expectations will be high. Defensive coordinators will have more tape. The schedule is much tougher. If Daniels can handle all that and Terry McLaurin can get back up to speed after a contract holdout, the Commanders should be able to stave off the natural regression you can expect after a year like the one they just had.
The Commanders were a surprise packet last season. (AP Photo/Josh McSwain, File)
The Commanders were a surprise packet last season. (AP Photo/Josh McSwain, File)Source: AP
WE CAN’T QUITE GET THERE… YET
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals just wish there was some alternate universe where there is no such thing as defence. I’m not sure exactly how that’d work, but I think you get the point, because this offence is up there with the best in the league. Joe Burrow looks to finally have gotten over a few injury-plagued years while Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have claimed the hotly-contested crown for the best receiver duo in the NFL. Chase Brown, meanwhile, added an explosive element to the run game. The offensive line is still an issue though, even if Burrow overcame poor play last year, while the defence – at least based on preseason football – again looks set to leak big plays through the air and on the ground. Unless the Bengals fix that up, it doesn’t matter who is throwing the ball.
The Bengals will be relying on the arm of Joe Burrow. Greg Fiume/Getty Images/AFP
The Bengals will be relying on the arm of Joe Burrow. Greg Fiume/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Denver Broncos
There isn’t a clear number two option at receiver, but outside of that all the ingredients seem to be there for the Broncos to build on an impressive first season with Bo Nix at quarterback. The defence should be elite once again. Nix may have had his sceptics throughout the draft process but he is a smart quarterback who took care of the ball and developed as the season went along and he gained the trust of head coach Sean Payton. Speaking of Payton, he is a brilliant play-caller who can make the most of an intriguing group of young pass catchers beyond veteran Courtland Sutton. The additions of rookie RJ Harvey and the experienced J.K. Dobbins give the Broncos a dynamic one-two punch in the running back room and behind a strong offensive line, there should be plenty of holes. Nix learned a tough lesson in the wild card loss to Buffalo and whether he is the kind of talent who can elevate his game in the biggest moments remains the biggest question mark for Denver ahead of 2025.
Can Bo Nix back it up? (AP Photo/Ella Hall)
Can Bo Nix back it up? (AP Photo/Ella Hall)Source: AP
Detroit Lions
The offensive coordinator is gone and the defensive coordinator. The passing game coordinator too. Add in the assistant quarterbacks coach, and the tight ends coach as well. The wide receivers coach? He’s out the door too. What about the defensive line coach? Yep, gone as well. Add in the retirement of starting centre Frank Ragnow and the Lions have lost some serious talent this offseason. The infrastructure is still there for this to be a playoff team but battling for a Super Bowl? If they haven’t got there the past two years, what reason is there to think it happens now? Maybe Dan Campbell was right to admit after that devastating loss to the 49ers in the 2024 NFC Title game that this “may have been our only shot” to reach the Super Bowl. It is a brutal lesson to learn.
There have been lots of changes in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
There have been lots of changes in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)Source: AP
Los Angeles Rams
If the defence can continue to exceed expectations, the Rams could be Super Bowl contenders. But this is a fragile team that could fall apart with one or two injuries and it doesn’t help that two of their most important players are already dealing with health concerns. No Matthew Stafford or no Alaric Jackson would be a death knell for L.A.’s season. They need their starting quarterback and left tackle on the field to make the most of having one of the NFL’s best receiver duos in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The run game will remain sound as long as the threat of a Stafford bomb is there, but take it away and you take away any explosives from this offence. The pass protection is only other major concern but considering how close the Rams were to taking down eventual Super Bowl winners Philadelphia, they have to be close to contending themselves this season.
The Rams’ success hinges on Matthew Stafford’s health. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Rams’ success hinges on Matthew Stafford’s health. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Minnesota Vikings
It all depends on their rookie quarterback. Technically it’s J.J. McCarthy’s second year in the NFL, but he spent all of his first season on the sideline after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus. There aren’t many question marks elsewhere. The offensive line has been beefed up. The run game too. Typically, Kevin O’Connell offences have been among the most pass-centric in the league but the Vikings look a much more balanced unit on that side of the ball this season. That should be a recipe for success for McCarthy, who came from a run-heavy offence at Michigan. There won’t be too much on his plate right away. Jordan Addison’s suspension leaves them thin at receiver early in the season, but Justin Jefferson is more than used to being doubled at this point. The defence, with Brian Flores calling the shots, remains one of the best in the league. Again, it’s all on McCarthy and it’s all there for him too.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. (AP Photo/John Amis)Source: AP
San Francisco 49ers
The same big names are in place. Brock Purdy at quarterback. George Kittle at tight end. Trent Williams spearheading the offensive line. Christian McCaffrey the engine of the run game and Nick Bosa and Fred Williams the defensive stars. But outside of that are a bunch of fresh faces and some familiar ones with plenty to prove. The wide receiver room looks very different, at least at the top, with Deebo Samuel out and Brandon Aiyuk on the recovery trail with Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings the top options. The depth at cornerback is a bit shaky, as is the case at safety and the defence as a whole is a question mark. But the offence, with McCaffrey fully healthy, should keep the 49ers firmly in the playoff hunt. Purdy proved himself worthy of a big extension in the summer after his best year in the NFL last season despite the injury disruption around him. It may not have shown in the numbers but Purdy passed the eye test with flying colours, doing more with less and showing he is definitely far from Mr Irrelevant.
CMC is back. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
CMC is back. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PLAYOFFS… BUT NOT MUCH MORE
Arizona Cardinals
The definition of a team that looks to have hit a wall unless they can find an extra dimension to their offence in 2025. Kyler Murray is a good enough quarterback to win you games in the regular season, but either the injuries, conservative play-calling or a combination of both seem to have taken away the rushing upside that made him one of the most electric players at the position. It has also capped the ceiling of an Arizona offence that stalled multiple times last season. Murray’s struggles to read the middle of the field are well publicised at this point and not something he is going to suddenly improve on given his physical limitations but unless he adds an extra element to his game or Marvin Harrison Jr. delivers closer to what was expected in his rookie year, the Cardinals look a playoff pretender at best and another failed season could lead to genuine conversations about Murray’s future.
Kyler Murray in action for the Cardinals. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Kyler Murray in action for the Cardinals. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones said they traded Micah Parsons to help stop the run. That’s all well and good. The run defence was a major concern. But what about the rest of the roster? The pass rush now takes a big hit. The running back room is an uninspiring as they come. Bombs up to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens I guess? As long as Dak Prescott stays healthy again it’s probably a recipe for success, or at least some fun shootout games. This still doesn’t feel like a serious contender, but the Cowboys are supposed to be the biggest brand in the NFL and that should mean playoffs at minimum. They have the two first-round picks at their disposal and Jones didn’t rule out trading them for an upgrade. Maybe they could turn those picks into Parsons? You would’ve seen all the Family Guy mystery box memes by now. They sum this all up.
Houston Texans
Last year, the Texans entered the season as the trendy pick for a Super Bowl wildcard. How wrong that prediction ended up being. Now, we can’t make the mistake of going too far in the opposite direction. Just because C.J. Stroud took a step backwards in his second year doesn’t mean he isn’t a good quarterback. Development isn’t linear, especially when you are playing behind the Houston offensive line and without any semblance of a consistent run game. It doesn’t help either when your offensive coordinator continually calls ineffective early run plays, putting you in third-and-long drive after drive. A new voice in Stroud’s ear, some fresh faces in the pass-catching room and a slightly revamped offensive line should see the Texans at least revert back to playoff contention, although the injury to Joe Mixon still leaves a major question over just how balanced this offence can be. The Texans may have to live and die on Stroud’s arm in 2025.
What happened last season? (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
What happened last season? (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders
Making the playoffs would be quite the feat considering the division they are in. But there is just too much talent on both sides of the ball and too much of an upgrade at quarterback to discount the Raiders under new head coach Pete Carroll. Geno Smith tried to make the best of a terrible situation in Seattle, where he was playing behind a bad offensive line and inconsistent run game. The Raiders, like the Seahawks, were a candidate to try get younger at quarterback this season but instead they clearly view Smith, even at 34 years old, as enough of a difference-maker to give a two-year, $85.5 million extension with $66.5 million guaranteed to. If the Raiders offensive line is able to hold up and give Smith a clean pocket, he is still one of the more accurate quarterbacks in the league and particularly effective on deep passes. The addition of superstar rookie running back Ashton Jeanty should also elevate what was an anaemic rushing attack last year. Add in Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby as the veteran presence to shore up a new-look defence and the ingredients are there for the Raiders to make some noise, even in the tricky AFC West.
Geno Smith is in new colours. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Geno Smith is in new colours. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Los Angeles Chargers
Last year’s postseason was an unmitigated disaster for Justin Herbert, who threw a league-low three interceptions during the regular season only to have four in a 32-12 wild card loss to the Texans. But at that point the Chargers had a non-existent run game and put too much on Herbert’s plate, especially with the offensive line starting to fall apart around him. Now, well the Rashawn Slater injury means the offensive line won’t be 100 per cent healthy again but the run game should be much-improved with first-round pick Omarion Hampton leading the way. Keenan Allen is also back in town, offering a welcome second option in the passing game after rookie Ladd McConkey was leaned on heavily in his first season in the league. This should be a more balanced offence in 2025, but on the other side of the ball the run defence will need to improve for the Chargers to be a serious threat of making noise in the playoffs.
The Chargers have a new lead running back. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
The Chargers have a new lead running back. Harry How/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Pittsburgh Steelers
Considering the last few years of the Aaron Rodgers experience, making the playoffs would be a win for the Steelers. But you have to remember this is an organisation where playoffs football is the expectation, even if they haven’t done much with it under Mike Tomlin. In fact, they haven’t won a playoff game in eight years now. So this seems like the right place to put the Steelers. They have the offensive line and run game, even with the questions over rookie Kaleb Johnson, to keep the offence on track and ease the pressure on Rodgers to sling it. Although Rodgers always gets his way, so it’ll be interesting if the Steelers become more pass-heavy as the year goes on even with their lack of weapons in the passing game. The defence, of course, remains a strength too even if it is getting on in age.
Aaron Rodgers in new colours. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Aaron Rodgers in new colours. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)Source: AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It has been two-straight years with Baker Mayfield that the Bucs have at least made the wild card playoffs, winning against the Eagles in 2023 and then losing to the Commanders last year. This season, however, injuries to right tackle Tristan Wirfs and receiver duo Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan could see Tampa Bay make a slow start. Working in their favour is the fact the NFC South remains a very winnable division, with quarterback questions for the Saints and potentially Panthers while the Falcons have their own injury concerns. But losing offensive coordinator Liam Coen could also bring this offence back to the pack and even the slightest regression could be enough to see Tampa Bay miss out on the wild card game entirely considering the state of the defence.
The Buccaneers have been hit by injuries already. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers have been hit by injuries already. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MOST LIKELY TO HAVE THEIR COACH FIRED MID-SEASON
Indianapolis Colts
You know the situation is dire when you are counting on Daniel Jones to be your saviour. But that is how desperate Shane Steichen is under to keep his job and even if Jones is able to keep the ship afloat and lead the Colts to a winning record and potentially a wildcard berth, is that really going to be enough to convince the new ownership that this is the right direction for the franchise? Another season of middling results with a quarterback whose arm strength is quickly waning and lacks the mobility that was one of his greatest strengths before the torn ACL? Anthony Richardson looks to be a failed pick at fourth overall, but it’s not like they gave him much of a chance to prove otherwise given he was always a developmental prospect coming out of Florida. If things go south with Jones, which they very well could, the Colts may have a new quarterback and coach midway through the season.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen watches during the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen watches during the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)Source: AP
Miami Dolphins
Yet somehow, despite all the scepticism in Indianapolis it is Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel who is the current betting favourite to be the first coach sacked. How quickly things have changed. Once highly regarded as one of the league’s best offensive minds, McDaniel was exposed last season by an NFL that figured him out. A decimated offensive line and concussion concerns for Tua Tagovailoa didn’t help, but the way the offence fell off a cliff without their starting quarterback was a damning indictment on McDaniel’s ability to adapt under pressure and if he can’t produce results early in the season, his fourth year in Miami may end up being his last.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is under pressure. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is under pressure. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Source: AP
New York Giants
Ownership said they were “confident” in coach Brian Daboll despite the Giants posting a 3-14 record which was tied for the worst in the league. But with veteran Russell Wilson offering the most consistent quarterback play the Giants have seen in a number of years and a defensive line that ranks among the best in the NFL, despite their tricky schedule to open the year there will be pressure on Daboll to get wins on the board. Otherwise, he could turn to rookie Jaxson Dart in the hope it buys him time should the first-rounder show enough promise. But by then it may already be too late.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches from the sidelines. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches from the sidelines. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)Source: AP
IS OUR QUARTERBACK ACTUALLY ANY GOOD?
Carolina Panthers
Everything hinges on Bryce Young. The front office paid for an elite offensive line. They used their top pick in the draft on a genuine alpha receiver in Tetairoa McMillan. They improved the defensive line too. The schedule is also quite juicy to start the year, with the Panthers a chance of winning every single game until Week 8 against Buffalo. Of course they won’t win, but it will give them a good indication if Young is in fact the answer. If what they saw late last season against some of the softer pass defences is a sign of what is to come or instead just a brief glimpse of what Young could be. The focus for the Panthers isn’t on making the playoffs. It’s all about evaluating Young ahead of a 2026 draft class that is loaded at the quarterback position.
Bryce Young has more weapons in the passing game. David Jensen/Getty Images/AFP
Bryce Young has more weapons in the passing game. David Jensen/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Chicago Bears
On paper, this Bears team should be pushing for a playoff berth. But they play in one of the hardest divisions in football and it may take some time for the offence to adjust under new coach Ben Johnson. But like Young, all the pieces are there for Caleb Williams to succeed in what will be his second season in the NFL. The Bears added another two pass-catching weapons in the draft, bolstered the offensive line and still have one of the best defensive units in the league. Even if Williams face plants, it’s not as if the Bears will move on from him given it is so early in his career. But another disappointing season could nudge him closer towards becoming another one of the former No.1 picks turned cautionary tales.
Caleb Williams is under pressure to produce. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP
Caleb Williams is under pressure to produce. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Jacksonville Jaguars
Another former first overall pick under plenty of pressure. There were legitimate reasons for the slow start to Trevor Lawrence’s career. Urban Meyer. Doug Pederson. Injuries. But at some point all the excuses start to sound like just that – excuses – and after this season Lawrence won’t have any left. He has a dynamic wide receiver duo in Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter. He has a new coach in Liam Coen who will finally give this offence easy buttons to press and ease the pressure on Lawrence, who had the shortest time to throw last season and yet was still attempting the most difficult of passes. The offensive line is a concern but Coen is the kind of play caller who can overcome deficiencies like that. Unlike the Panthers and more like the Bears, given patience is wearing thin with Lawrence there is still some level of urgency here to deliver results on the field but missing the playoffs wouldn’t be a failure if the Jaguars come out of this season knowing Lawrence is worth all the money they paid him last summer.
Can Trevor Lawrence live up to the hype? Rich Storry/Getty Images/AFP
Can Trevor Lawrence live up to the hype? Rich Storry/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
New York Jets
Zach Wilson didn’t work out. Aaron Rodgers was a disaster. So why not throw $40 million, including 30 million guaranteed, at Justin Fields? Well, maybe the Steelers or Bears could help in answering that question. The Jets are the latest team to take a shot on Fields, enamored by the potential of what he could be instead of focusing on what he has been since entering the NFL: an indecisive and inaccurate quarterback who despite the alluring athletic traits is a turnover or drive-killing sack waiting to happen. The run game should give the Jets a reasonable floor on offence but this looks like it could be another season of the defence constantly bailing them out only for quick three-and-outs or interceptions that bring them right back onto the field again. Oh, and another year of everyone wishcasting Garrett Wilson onto any other team. Unfortunately, he’s locked in at New York for another four years.
Justin Fields in new colours. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Justin Fields in new colours. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Seattle Seahawks
Unlike Fields, after years of looking like a lost cause in the NFL Sam Darnold finally was able to put it all together last season. But that was in the perfect situation. What quarterback wouldn’t look at least somewhat competent throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with Kevin O’Connell calling plays? Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks in the summer that seemingly locked him in as their starter in the near future, but in reality it is a one-year, $37.5 million deal with a team option for both 2026 and 2027. In other words, this is a prove-it year for Darnold. If he doesn’t, the Seahawks have tantalising rookie Jalen Milroe waiting in the wings. He is definitely raw, so he’ll need all the reps he can get. Unless new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak can work magic with this offensive line and run game, Seattle doesn’t look like a playoff team so the main objective should be working out if Darnold is worth all that money.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold smiles at training camp. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold smiles at training camp. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)Source: AP
TANKING FOR THE FIRST OVERALL PICK
Cleveland Browns
You just never know what to expect with the Browns but the decision to trade Kenny Pickett for a fifth-round pick at least seems to suggest some level of self-awareness. Regardless of how strong this defence is, even Joe Flacco at this stage of his career is not enough to make Cleveland a genuine playoff team. He’ll have a string of quality games before the turnovers creep in, as was the case last season against Indianapolis and the season before with the Browns when he threw back-to-back pick-sixes against the Texans.
Joe Flacco is the starter... for now. Nick Cammett/Getty Images/AFP
Joe Flacco is the starter... for now. Nick Cammett/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
SHOULD BE TANKING FOR THE FIRST OVERALL PICK
New Orleans Saints
When you have Spencer Rattler battling out second-rounder Tyler Shough for the starting quarterback role to start the year, you should know that you aren’t much of a hope of making anything of this season. But instead, as they have done for a number of years now, the Saints still are operating with some false sense of hope that they can make something of this season. After all, why would they trade a fourth and seventh-round pick to add Devaughn Vele to their receiver room? Sure, he’s a second-year wideout but he is also turning 28 years old this season. New Orleans would have been much better off just keeping those picks and planning for the future.
Spencer Rattler won the camp battle. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Spencer Rattler won the camp battle. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PREACHING PATIENCE
New England Patriots
It would be easy to get too far ahead of yourself with Drake Maye after what he showed in his rookie season. For Maye to get this offence looking even functional despite the state of the receiving corps and offensive line was a minor miracle. The Patriots went about improving both of those rooms in the draft and free agency, but they are still a few years away from really putting Maye in a position to realise his full potential.
Drake Maye showed glimpses in his rookie year. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images/AFP
Drake Maye showed glimpses in his rookie year. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Tennessee Titans
Things are about to look very different in Tennessee, and the hope is that things will feel different too. A new potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward along with a revamped offensive line brings hope and with a new $2.2 billion stadium expected to be completed for the 2027 season, the Titans have a clear timeline they are building towards. The vision is that by then, Ward will have established himself as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback while through the draft and free agency the Titans will have built around the new face of the franchise. The receiving room is still relatively shallow outside of Calvin Ridley, while the defence will look to take another step under second-year coordinator Dennard Wilson but may be in need of a genuine difference-maker. All of that, however, is in the future. Right now, it is all about Ward and with the improvements to the offensive line, the building blocks are there for a solid first season.
The new face of the Titans. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The new face of the Titans. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are further along the developmental path than the Patriots and Titans with a well-established wide receiver room headlined by Drake London, superstar running back in Bijan Robinson and offensive line that is built to not be a complete disaster even without starting right tackle Kaleb McGary and back-up Storm Norton. The fact they are also in one of the NFL’s weakest divisions means they could well sneak into the playoffs. But they belong in this group just because at this stage, the priority shouldn’t be making the postseason but Penix’s development. If those two things go hand-in-hand, great. Otherwise, even if they miss the playoffs, if Penix shows enough to prove he is the long-term answer at quarterback that should be considered a successful season. The defence is a major question mark, as is quarterback Michael Penix Jr. But in the flashes Penix showed down the stretch last season, including that clutch fourth-down touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts against Washington, there is optimism that the former first-round pick can ease the pain of the failed Kirk Cousins contract. He has the kind of gun-slinger mentality that should bring the best out of not only London but number two receiver Darnell Mooney, who is a deep ball specialist. The injuries to the offensive line may just mean there are some growing pains early.
Michael Penix looked promising in a small sample size of games. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFP
Michael Penix looked promising in a small sample size of games. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP