2025 NFL Season Preview: Top Storylines and Contenders

2025-07-17

The NFL returns this fall, and the 2025 season has all the ingredients for a memorable campaign. With defending champions looking to repeat and several teams poised for a breakout, there’s no shortage of compelling storylines. Here's a breakdown of what to watch for as the new season kicks off.

Champions on a Mission

The Philadelphia Eagles enter 2025 as reigning Super Bowl champions after winning Super Bowl LIX. It's been over two decades since an NFL team repeated, but this Eagles roster—led by quarterback Jalen Hurts—has a legitimate shot. They’ll kick off the season against division rival Dallas, raising their championship banner on opening night.

Top contenders to watch:

• Buffalo Bills — It's now or never. With Josh Allen still in his prime, expectations are sky-high.
• Baltimore Ravens — A deep, balanced roster with Lamar Jackson leading the charge.
• Kansas City Chiefs — Patrick Mahomes keeps them in contention every year.
• Detroit Lions — An electric offense and fearless coaching have transformed them into a top-tier threat.
• San Francisco 49ers — A perennial contender with elite coaching and defensive strength.

Quarterback Shakeups

Quarterback movement has reshaped the league heading into 2025, with several teams betting big on new or unproven signal callers.

• Jets: Justin Fields gets a fresh start in New York. It’s a pivotal season for his career.
• Seahawks: Sam Darnold arrives after a 14–3 season in Minnesota.
• Titans: Rookie Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, takes over the offense.
• Vikings: J.J. McCarthy returns from injury to lead a new-look Minnesota team.

Other headlines include Geno Smith joining the Raiders, the Giants likely selecting a quarterback high in the draft, and questions surrounding the futures of veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford.

Teams on the Rise

A few teams are primed to make the leap into playoff contention—or beyond.

• Denver Broncos — Bo Nix leads a revamped offense under a coaching staff with something to prove.
• Detroit Lions — No longer a surprise. Their window is wide open.
• Atlanta Falcons — With Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr., they suddenly have depth at QB.
• New York Jets — A dominant defense and a high-upside quarterback make them dangerous.

Rule Changes and Tech Updates

The NFL continues to evolve, with several rule and technology changes taking effect this season:

• New overtime rules: Both teams are now guaranteed a possession in all overtime scenarios.
• Touchbacks now start at the 35-yard line, a change designed to improve player safety and reduce kickoff returns.
• Replay officials can assist with objective calls like ball placement and sideline boundaries.
• Hawk-Eye technology will now assist with first down measurements, improving accuracy.

The league also introduced restrictions on certain celebrations and pledged faster replay decisions.

Global Games

The NFL’s international footprint expands significantly in 2025, with multiple games abroad:

• Brazil: Chiefs vs. Chargers in São Paulo (Sept 5)
• Ireland: Steelers vs. Vikings in Dublin (Sept 28)
• Spain: Dolphins vs. Commanders in Madrid (November)
• London and Germany: Additional regular season games continue

Final Thoughts

This season brings no shortage of intrigue: quarterback battles, rising stars, global expansion, and the chase to dethrone the reigning champs. Whether you're tuning in for breakout players, coaching drama, or postseason chaos, the 2025 NFL season is set to deliver.

Kickoff is September 4. The road to the Super Bowl starts now.