The landscape of the NFL has shifted towards a preference for quarterbacks who operate from the shotgun formation, distancing themselves three to seven yards from the center during most plays. However, the effectiveness of snaps taken directly from under center suggests that coaches should encourage their quarterbacks to adopt this traditional approach more frequently. In 2025, notable performances from Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold have set a precedent that others may soon follow.
The Los Angeles Rams have made a bold move by acquiring high-profile veterans while deferring their financial commitments to future seasons. This strategy has brought Myles Garrett and a returning Aaron Donald into the fold alongside Stafford, Puka Nacua, and a fortified secondary featuring Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. While the concept of superteams in the NFL can be uncertain, the Rams’ exceptionally talented roster appears to be a significant contender.
The excitement surrounding a potential Super Bowl rematch is palpable, with early narratives suggesting a face-off between the Rams and the Bengals in Los Angeles. Both teams have actively bolstered their defenses, with the Rams making a substantial trade for Garrett, closely following the Bengals’ acquisition of Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence during the draft.
Aaron Rodgers bids farewell to the NFL, leaving behind a legacy that secures his place among the greats. Despite the complications that marked his later years, he will be remembered for his exceptional talent. With Mike McCarthy returning to call plays, there’s hope that he can keep the Pittsburgh Steelers in the running for a wildcard spot. Even if the outcome is less than stellar, fans can expect glimpses of his signature brilliance in his final season.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Vikings are featured prominently, largely due to the fierce competition within the NFC North, where no standout quarterback has emerged. Brian Flores’s defense is expected to perform strongly, and under different circumstances, he might have been a head coach by now. However, the team’s three-man quarterback race does not seem conducive to maximizing their chances for success.
The Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, possess an offense capable of scoring with the best in the league. Nevertheless, the NFC remains a challenging landscape, and the Cowboys’ defensive front lacks the impactful players needed beyond their star defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams, and Rashan Gary. An anticipated nine-win season, accompanied by ongoing frustrations, could lead to another January spent on the sidelines.
The Vikings’ defense consistently provides them with opportunities, and their offensive skill set is outstanding. The critical factor will be the performance of quarterback Murray, who has historically struggled with inconsistency.
For the Bears, maintaining their defensive prowess, which thrived on creating turnovers last season, will be a challenge. With minimal impactful additions apart from first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, the team risks underperforming, potentially missing out on a wildcard spot despite a strong offense.
It’s easy to overlook that the Bengals narrowly lost the Super Bowl by three points in 2021 and fell short in the AFC Championship by the same margin in 2022. Their subsequent seasons saw matching 9-8 records in 2023 and 2024, followed by a disappointing 6-11 finish last year. If quarterback Joe Burrow can maintain his health, the Bengals, bolstered by the addition of formidable defensive lineman Lawrence, possess significant talent on both sides of the ball.
Justin Herbert is a standout talent, and with Mike McDaniel stepping in as the offensive coordinator, there’s potential for added creativity and excitement in the Chargers’ offense. However, even an 11-win season may not be enough to overshadow the formidable rosters of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes.
The Kansas City Chiefs welcome back Patrick Mahomes, who remains the benchmark for quarterbacks following his recovery from an ACL injury. The team also retains offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, known for inspiring accountability among players and injecting confidence into the gameplay.
Baker Mayfield had a quietly impressive season, and the Buccaneers, despite finishing 8-9 after a promising 6-2 start marred by injuries, boast a solid roster. With a bit of fortune regarding injuries, the Buccaneers could emerge as a surprise contender.
The ongoing saga of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation continues to dominate discussions. With head coach Todd Monken naming Deshaun Watson as the Week 1 starter, despite his poor performance and the troubling off-field issues that have alienated fans, the decision feels reminiscent of a tragic comedy.
Choosing Watson as their starting quarterback comes with significant risk, especially as he recovers from multiple Achilles injuries. The Browns’ strategy of retaining three other quarterbacks, including Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve, seems to be a prudent move given the circumstances.
Anthony Richardson has weathered trade speculations and has performed sufficiently in training camp to secure the Colts’ backup quarterback position. However, his future may hinge on Daniel Jones’s health, which has been uncertain, along with Richardson’s inconsistent performances that could threaten his standing once again.
The absence of Myles Garrett’s exceptional pass-rushing ability and leadership could spell trouble for the Browns, particularly if they struggle early in the season with Watson at the helm.
Drake Maye, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, may not lead the team to victory in the AFC East this season, but with the arrival of receivers AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs, combined with a full season under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye has all the tools necessary to evolve into a top-tier quarterback.
