The NFL season of 2025 has finally arrived, and with it, dreams of the Super Bowl have ignited across all 32 teams. From the underdogs to the perennial powerhouses, each team enters the season with a goal: to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. But as history has shown, not all teams can live up to the hype. Some will surprise us, while others may disappoint.

A Fresh Start for Every Team

Take, for example, the Washington Commanders, who, despite not being expected to do well last year, surprised the NFL by finishing with 12 wins and reaching the conference championship game. Their performance last year, under new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, has given hope to other franchises that they too can turn things around. It’s this very unpredictability that makes the NFL so thrilling. Every season is an opportunity to outdo expectations, and even teams starting from the bottom can quickly make a run at the playoffs.

But with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs dominating recent seasons, the big question for 2025 is: Can anyone knock them off their perch? The Eagles are still fresh off their Super Bowl win, while the Chiefs continue to prove they are a dynasty in the making. So, who can compete with them, and who is just along for the ride?

Arizona Cardinals

Ceiling: 10-7, playoff berth

Floor: 6-11, miss playoffs

The Cardinals have the potential for a breakout year. Their defense has improved with additions like Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson, and offensive talent such as Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to make an immediate impact. But the fate of their season depends largely on quarterback Kyler Murray’s health. A poor season could lead to another missed playoff appearance, but a healthy Murray and strong performances from key players could see them back in the postseason.

Atlanta Falcons

Ceiling: 10-7, NFC South champions

Floor: 6-11, miss playoffs

The Falcons have the pieces to compete in a weak NFC South. Michael Penix, in his first year as a starting quarterback, has a lot of weapons at his disposal, including Bijan Robinson and Drake London. However, if Penix struggles, it could be another disappointing year for Atlanta. Despite the favorable division, their defensive inconsistencies could drag them down.

Baltimore Ravens

Ceiling: 14-3, Super Bowl winners

Floor: 11-6, wild-card round exit

Lamar Jackson’s leadership continues to be the backbone of this team, and with a solid roster and key additions like DeAndre Hopkins, the Ravens are primed for another deep playoff run. If they avoid a slow start and stay healthy, they are certainly contenders for the Super Bowl. However, a few early-season losses could derail them, especially if Jackson faces any injuries or inconsistencies.

Buffalo Bills

Ceiling: 14-3, Super Bowl winners

Floor: 11-6, divisional round exit

The Bills are stacked with talent, particularly in their offensive line and wide receiving corps. Josh Allen continues to be one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Yet, the defense is still finding its identity, and a key injury could expose their vulnerabilities. If they overcome their defensive inconsistencies, a Super Bowl win is very much within reach.

Carolina Panthers

Ceiling: 8-9, miss playoffs

Floor: 5-12, miss playoffs

Bryce Young showed promise as the rookie quarterback last season, and with better offensive pieces around him, the Panthers could improve. However, their defense is still a liability, and until they can significantly upgrade on that front, it seems unlikely they’ll be contenders for the playoffs.

Chicago Bears

Ceiling: 10-7, playoff berth

Floor: 8-9, miss playoffs

The Bears made significant moves this offseason, including adding new offensive weapons and improving their offensive line. But a lot depends on Caleb Williams’ development at quarterback. If he plays at a high level and his chemistry with coach Ben Johnson works, they could make the playoffs. If not, they could be stuck in mediocrity.

Cincinnati Bengals

Ceiling: 11-6, conference championship appearance

Floor: 9-8, miss playoffs

The Bengals have one of the best quarterbacks in Joe Burrow, but they’ve been plagued by slow starts in the past. If Burrow can find his rhythm early and avoid injuries, the Bengals could make a deep run. However, they still face challenges with their defense and offensive line, which could hold them back.

Cleveland Browns

Ceiling: 5-12, miss playoffs

Floor: 3-14, miss playoffs

The Browns’ season looks bleak. They have a good defensive line, but a lack of depth at quarterback and overall roster struggles are major concerns. Expecting any sort of playoff push feels unrealistic for Cleveland in 2025.

Dallas Cowboys

Ceiling: 8-9, miss playoffs

Floor: 5-12, miss playoffs

Dallas, despite having Dak Prescott back, faces major issues with the departure of star player Micah Parsons and a lack of offensive depth. Without a top-tier defense and the right support on offense, the Cowboys will struggle to compete for a playoff spot.

Denver Broncos

Ceiling: 11-6, divisional round loss

Floor: 9-8, miss playoffs

The Broncos’ defense is one of the best in the league, but the offense’s ability to execute will be key to their success. If Bo Nix continues to improve and avoids turnovers, Denver could find itself in playoff contention. However, their path to a Super Bowl remains unclear.

Detroit Lions

Ceiling: 13-4, NFC Championship win

Floor: 10-7, wild-card round loss

The Lions had a stellar 2024 season but were undone by injuries. With a healthy roster, they could push for the NFC Championship again in 2025. However, the loss of their coordinators may create some early struggles, and the difficult schedule could expose weaknesses.

Green Bay Packers

Ceiling: 13-4, Super Bowl winners

Floor: 11-6, divisional round loss

With the addition of Micah Parsons, the Packers have a defense capable of winning big games. But can Jordan Love develop into the consistent quarterback the Packers need to compete with elite teams? If so, they could be real Super Bowl contenders.

Houston Texans

Ceiling: 12-5, conference championship loss

Floor: 9-8, miss playoffs

The Texans’ roster has improved significantly under DeMeco Ryans. If C.J. Stroud can return to his rookie form and the team stays healthy, the Texans are poised for a deep playoff run. However, their offensive line remains a key question.

Indianapolis Colts

Ceiling: 7-10, miss playoffs

Floor: 4-13, miss playoffs

The Colts are still a rebuilding team with significant quarterback issues. While the offensive line is solid, the defense isn’t enough to carry them to a winning season. Expect another disappointing year in Indianapolis.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Ceiling: 9-8, AFC South champions

Floor: 6-11, miss playoffs

Trevor Lawrence has shown flashes of greatness, but the Jaguars still have a lot to prove. If they can hold it together and stay healthy, they could win the AFC South. Otherwise, their flaws will be exposed, and they may miss the playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs

Ceiling: 15-2, Super Bowl winners

Floor: 12-5, conference championship loss

The Chiefs continue to be one of the best teams in the NFL. With Mahomes and Reid leading the way, the Chiefs are set for another deep playoff run. However, depth and the left side of the offensive line are areas of concern.