Sportsnaut
The Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings were among the breakout NFL teams in 2024, far exceeding expectations to thrive in the regular season and make the playoffs. While this year’s breakout teams in the NFL might not reach the same heights, there are a few clubs worth keeping an eye on.
As training camp kicks off, we’re predicting five NFL teams that could have breakout seasons in 2025 and exceed expectations. While not all of them will make the playoffs, some of these clubs could wind up punching their ticket or even winning their division.
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The Arizona Cardinals‘ improvements last season under head coach Jonathan Gannon seemed to fly under the radar. In his second season, Gannon’s team delivered a four-win improvement and turned its point differential around by more than 100 points (from -125 to 21). Keep in mind that Arizona accomplished this while still fielding a bottom-10 roster in the NFL. The Cardinals’ front office finally provided Gannon’s defense with more help, adding Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, and Will Johnson. He now has the talent to field a league-average defense, if not better. Pair that with a Cardinals offense that finished 9th in points per drive (2.32) last season and you have a club capable of winning the NFC West.
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Great coaching, a good defense, and quality quarterback play are paramount to sustained success in the NFL. The New England Patriots check all three boxes. The difference in the Patriots’ coaching staff from last season to now is already apparent, providing this team with both the stability and effective play-calling it lacked in 2024. Mike Vrabel will also take over a Patriots defense that signed Milton Williams, Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, and Carlton Davis, giving this unit a few more high-end starters along with effective role players. Not only is New England’s defense poised for a massive year-to-year turnaround, but quarterback Drake Maye can take a second-year leap with the additions of Stefon Diggs, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams. After winning just four games a year ago, New England could double its win total in 2025.
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The perennial offseason champions certainly earned that title once again this spring, hiring Ben Johnson as head coach and overhauling the offensive line. Johnson is clearly the man in charge of assembling this roster, which explains why the Chicago Bears doubled down on improving pass protection for Caleb Williams (Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson) while strengthening its pass-catching corps with Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. We’re not expecting Williams to suddenly turn into an MVP-caliber quarterback, but his physical tools, combined with an outstanding supporting cast, give the Bears a real shot at a top-10 offense. If Chicago can get a healthy season from safety Jaquan...
