As the NFL preseason intensifies ahead of the regular season kickoff on September 4, teams are finalizing rosters and shaping storylines, while fans and analysts focus on emerging contenders. Among the most intriguing developments is the Bo Nix Broncos quarterback surge, signaling a shift in Denver’s outlook for 2024. Here are the top ten NFL teams poised to make a significant impact this season.
10. Cincinnati Bengals’ Offensive Strength vs. Defensive Concerns
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the new season confident in their offensive capabilities, having scored the sixth-most points per game last year with an average of 27.8. Joe Burrow’s league-leading 4,918 passing yards and Ja’Marr Chase’s historic triple crown — leading in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns — highlight a formidable passing game that few teams can rival.
However, Cincinnati faces serious challenges on defense. After finishing near the bottom last season, the Bengals’ defense remains a source of uncertainty, especially amid ongoing contract tensions with 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson, who has been absent from practice during the dispute. The defensive struggles could jeopardize the team’s overall prospects if unresolved.
9. Denver Broncos Show Defensive Improvement, Rely on Bo Nix’s Growth
While the Denver Broncos may not be immediate Super Bowl contenders, the arrival of head coach Sean Payton has ignited progress. Denver transformed its defense from one of the league’s weakest in 2023 into the best in 2024, leading in Defensive Expected Points Added (EPA) with a 10.5 mark, topping sack percentage at 9.4 percent, and ranking second in limiting yards per carry (3.9).
Offensively, the Broncos’ success hinges greatly on Bo Nix’s second-year development as quarterback. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlights Nix’s increased confidence and command, noting that he
“looks like a quarterback going into Year 2 that is fully confident, knows exactly what he’s doing.”
This maturation could be pivotal in turning Denver into a more consistent offensive threat.
8. Green Bay Packers Depend on Jordan Love’s Consistency
After making consecutive playoff appearances, the Green Bay Packers aim to build on that momentum. The burden falls on quarterback Jordan Love, who has thrown 57 touchdowns over two seasons but also carries the league‘s highest interception count during that span with 27. His accuracy and decision-making will be crucial as the Packers seek to sharpen their passing attack.
Green Bay’s offense has solid targets, reinforced by first-round pick Matthew Golden, while the team leaned on its running game extensively last season. However, Love’s $220 million extension reflects high expectations that he must meet to lead the team deeper into postseason contention.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Strengthen Receiving Corps Amid Defensive Questions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have leaned on quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose 69 touchdown passes over the last two years top all NFL signal-callers. Adding first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, a national champion from Ohio State, gives the Buccaneers yet another dynamic weapon alongside established stars Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving.
While the offense looks potent and the team has maintained relative health, Tampa Bay’s defense remains inconsistent, leaving some uncertainty as to how the Buccaneers will hold up defensively in an unstable NFC South division they have dominated recently.
6. Washington Commanders Prepare to Surpass 2024 Success
The Washington Commanders exceeded predictions last season with a deep playoff run, including a victory over Tampa Bay before falling to the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. Building on this, Washington strengthened its offensive line to better protect quarterback Jayden Daniels, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The team also secured Deebo Samuel in a trade, enhancing a receiving group that could be one of the NFL’s best, provided they resolve the ongoing contract dispute with wide receiver Terry McLaurin. These moves position Washington to be a serious contender in 2025.
5. Detroit Lions Face Injury Woes Despite High Talent Levels
The Detroit Lions appeared ready for a deep playoff run last year until injuries took a heavy toll. With new injuries mounting heading into 2025, the team faces familiar challenges staying healthy. Veteran lineman Dan Skipper summed up the mood saying,
“Hopefully, whoever’s got the Voodoo doll on us can just undo the pin,”
reflecting the frustration felt by the roster.
Recent setbacks include offensive tackle Justin Herron being placed on season-ending injured reserve after a warmup injury. Detroit holds plenty of talent when healthy, but the question remains whether they can maintain momentum after replacing both coordinators.
4. Kansas City Chiefs Seek Redemption After Super Bowl Defeat
The Kansas City Chiefs suffer the sting of defeat in Super Bowl LIX, fueling a resolve to return stronger. Offensively, the team faces challenges as veteran tight end Travis Kelce nears the twilight of his career, and a potential suspension looming over wide receiver Rashee Rice clouds their receiving options.
To offset these concerns, the Chiefs expect major contributions from a healthy Hollywood Brown and an emerging Xavier Worthy. Their defense remains among the league’s elite, working in tandem with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the most playoff-experienced signal-caller in the NFL. The franchise also invested in fortifying the offensive line to avoid past vulnerabilities from reoccurring.
3. Buffalo Bills Commit to Long-Term Success Around Josh Allen
The Buffalo Bills show commitment to contending now and for the future, locking in key stars with significant contract extensions. Running back James Cook signed a four-year, $48 million deal, marking the sixth major extension this offseason, while quarterback Josh Allen agreed to a historic six-year, $330 million contract in March.
Fresh off his first MVP award, Allen emphasized his team goals over personal achievements, stating on Hard Knocks,
“The only thing that I’m worried about is doing everything I can to bring a Lombardi Trophy here.”
The Bills’ focus remains firmly on delivering a championship.
2. Baltimore Ravens Aim for a Third Consecutive AFC North Title
The Baltimore Ravens stand in a strong position to clinch their third straight AFC North championship, aiming to break through further in the playoffs. Their roster features Lamar Jackson, a perennial MVP candidate, and running back Derrick Henry, who tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in his debut season with Baltimore.
After adjusting to new defensive coordinator Zach Orr last year, the Ravens’ defense showed marked improvement in the latter half of the season, momentum expected to carry over in 2025. A bolstered secondary completes a defense poised to complement an explosive offense.
1. Philadelphia Eagles Take Nothing for Granted After Super Bowl Victory
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, remain vigilant as they prepare for the new season. General Manager Howie Roseman highlighted this mindset, saying,
“We understand that 2025 is a new year, and we haven’t won a game yet.”
The Eagles refuse to rest on last season’s triumph, driven to prove sustained excellence.
The team returns mostly intact, with star quarterback Jalen Hurts and top running back Saquon Barkley leading the offense. Younger defensive pieces also strengthen a unit that ranked second in scoring defense last year, giving Philadelphia a blend of experience and youth critical to defending their title.