The NFL Corridor of Fame Recreation is within the books, which suggests the 2025 NFL Preseason has formally begun!
Regardless that the complexion of all 32 NFL groups is starting to take form, we’re nonetheless 34 days from the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Each squad will use this time to finalize its depth chart and in addition fill out the 53-man roster.
With that in thoughts, listed below are the questions every staff should reply in the course of the 2025 preseason.
Arizona Cardinals
Who’s CB1 within the desert?
Starling Thomas V, who began 17 video games for the Playing cards final season, tore his ACL in observe, so it received’t be him. They used two draft picks this low season on cornerbacks and a second-rounder final 12 months on Max Melton. With Will Johnson and Denzel Burke each coming into the league as rookies, Max Melton looks as if the plain candidate to be Arizona’s primary cornerback.
Atlanta Falcons
Did the Soiled Birds do sufficient to enhance their dreadful move rush?
The Falcons had the second-worst move rush within the NFL final season, with 31 sacks on the marketing campaign. They used two first-round draft picks on edge rushers (Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.). Additionally they added Leonard Floyd in free company, who had 8.5 sacks final 12 months. This move rush will take a giant leap ahead.
Baltimore Ravens
How will the brand new guys be built-in into the staff?
There are many new faces on this squad. Jaire Alexander, DeAndre Hopkins, Malaki Starks, Joe Noteboom, and Mike Inexperienced are all guys who might be opening-day starters. Even rookie kicker Tyler Loop will play a giant function on this staff, attempting to exchange Justin Tucker. John Harbaugh is a wonderful coach who will discover methods to get essentially the most out of each participant, however the methods this staff seems to be exterior of the quarterback and working again spots might be very completely different in 2025.
Buffalo Payments
Who’s one of the best broad receiver in Buffalo?
The plain reply appears to be Khalil Shakir, but when that’s the case, then why did the Payments use a really excessive second-round draft choose to take Keon Coleman final low season? Then once more, Curtis Samuel led the staff in playoff landing receptions. Shakir will seemingly nonetheless be WR1 in Buffalo by the point the preseason is over.
Carolina Panthers
Is the protection dedicated to enjoying higher towards the run?
They higher be. They have been the worst run-defending staff within the NFL by a large margin (179.8 speeding yards allowed per sport, nearly 40 yards per sport greater than the following closest staff). Getting Derrick Brown again for the season will drastically assist relating to defending the run. Including three defensive linemen within the draft and three extra in free company must also result in a fast turnaround for this unit.
Chicago Bears
How will this offense look underneath new head coach Ben Johnson?
Is that this going to be a run-focused or a pass-focused unit? As offensive coordinator of the Lions, Johnson ran 551 move performs and 534 run performs, an nearly even divide over a 17-game season. The Bears have invested rather a lot into the offensive line and the broad receiving corps, so that they’ll most likely lean slightly extra on the move than the run.
Cincinnati Bengals
Will Trey Hendrickson be a member of the Bengals and play this season?
The NFL’s chief in sacks final season may not play this 12 months if he doesn’t get a brand new contract. He deserves an extension as a result of he has been one of many 5 greatest pass-rushers within the NFL during the last two years. Extra importantly, he’ll proceed to raise his gameplay over the following few seasons. The Bengals have to cease being silly and simply pay the person. This staff is not going to succeed with out Trey Hendrickson.
Cleveland Browns
Who would be the beginning quarterback to open the season?
With Kenny Pickett’s damage, the beginning quarterback spot will come all the way down to Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, or Dillon Gabriel. This staff will seemingly need to compete proper out of the gate, so a rookie most likely received’t begin Week One. Contemplating Watson might miss the whole thing of the 2025-26 season with a ruptured Achilles, it appears to be a forgone conclusion that Joe Flacco would be the starter to open the season.
Dallas Cowboys
How will new head coach Brian Schottenheimer run the staff?
The choice to call Schottenheimer the staff’s head coach actually got here out of nowhere. We’ve got an concept about how the offense will look since Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator in 2023, when Dak Prescott performed all 17 regular-season video games. With query marks nonetheless lingering on the working again spot, anticipate a pass-oriented offense. How the protection will look stays to be seen.
Denver Broncos
Will Denver’s offensive weapons be an enchancment over final 12 months’s?
RJ Harvey, Evan Engram, and J.Ok. Dobbins are all new faces in Denver who will seemingly see the sector rather a lot. Evan Engram might be a marked enchancment over Adam Trautman, who had extra video games began than passes caught final 12 months. I additionally assume Harvey and Dobbins might be a greater one-two punch than Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, who barely mixed for 1,000 speeding yards final season. This offense ought to take a step ahead from 2024 to 2025.
Detroit Lions
Will the offensive line be pretty much as good as final season?
The Lions’ greatest unit was their offensive line, however they are going to be going into the 2025 season with new starters at two positions following Kevin Zeitler’s departure in free company and Frank Ragnow’s retirement. With Graham Glasgow anticipated to be the beginning heart, Detroit can have a brand new left and proper guard. The offensive line will nonetheless be glorious this season, albeit most likely inferior to final 12 months.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
What would be the offensive line mixture Inexperienced Bay goes with?
The Inexperienced Bay Packers want to determine a number of issues alongside the offensive line. It’s unclear if Elgton Jenkins might be enjoying heart or guard. The Packers additionally want to find out if Jordan Morgan, Rasheed Walker, or Anthony Belton would be the beginning left deal with. Additionally, I’m not offered on Sean Rhyan as a beginning proper guard. I might like to see an offensive line of Walker-Banks-Jenkins-Belton-Tom. In all chance, although, Rhyan will get the nod over Belton.
Houston Texans
Who will emerge because the second-best move catcher in Houston?
The Texans made a commerce for Christian Kirk earlier than selecting two broad receivers within the NFL Draft. Contemplating he’s a veteran who’s a former 1,000-yard receiver, I anticipate Kirk to emerge as Houston’s number-two wideout. But when Jayden Higgins can impress in the course of the preseason, he’ll overtake Kirk because the Texans’ number-two receiving risk.
Indianapolis Colts
Will Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson be the beginning quarterback?
There are 4 quarterbacks on the roster, however the starter spot will come all the way down to Jones or Richardson. Richardson missed minicamp and OTAs with an damage, which meant Daniel Jones received nearly all of the first-team reps throughout that interval. Contemplating Richardson was a former number-four general choose, he’ll seemingly be the starter when the season opens. Nevertheless, I anticipate him to have a brief leash. Too many errors, and he’ll be benched.
Jacksonville Jaguars
What might be Travis Hunter’s break up between offense and protection?
That is arguably essentially the most fascinating storyline of the preseason. We haven’t seen a participant actively take part on each the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in a long time! The man is a competitor, so he’ll most likely need to play each snap on offense and protection, however that’s seemingly not what the teaching employees has in retailer for him. He’ll presumably play on offense full-time and play half the staff’s defensive snaps within the preseason video games he begins.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Who would be the beginning offensive tackles?
Three guys are going to compete for the best and left deal with spots. Since Jawaan Taylor has made 99 begins within the 99 video games he has appeared in, it’s secure to imagine he would be the beginning proper deal with. Which means the left deal with spot will come all the way down to Josh Simmons or Jaylon Moore. I imagine wholeheartedly in Josh Simmons on the professional degree. Had he not gotten injured, he might’ve been a top-ten draft choose. He would be the beginning left deal with by the point the preseason ends.
Las Vegas Raiders
Will the offense be run-focused or passing-focused?
They traded for Geno Smith, who tried the fourth-most passes within the NFL final season. Nevertheless, additionally they used the sixth-overall draft choose on Ashton Jeanty, who had essentially the most speeding makes an attempt in school soccer final season (374). The final time Pete Carroll coached in 2023, the Seahawks threw the ball 193 extra instances than they ran it. Although the disparity received’t be as nice, Vegas might be a pass-first staff this 12 months.
Los Angeles Chargers
Will LA proceed to run the ball extra underneath Jim Harbaugh?
Although this staff is led by quarterback Justin Herbert, they really threw the ball much less in Jim Harbaugh’s first season in comparison with 2023. Final 12 months, the Chargers tried 510 passes and ran the ball 463. Comparatively, in 2023, LA tried 632 passes and 431 runs. This season, anticipate the Bolts to run the ball much more, particularly with Najee Harris and first-round draft choose Omarion Hampton.
Los Angeles Rams
Will Terrance Ferguson change into the brand new beginning tight finish?
The Rams didn’t have a first-round draft choose. For some purpose, they used their first choose of the 2025 NFL Draft to pick out a decent finish, though they have already got tight finish on the roster in Tyler Higbee. Nevertheless, Higbee’s contract runs out after this season, which suggests Ferguson will most likely be his successor. It may not occur in the course of the preseason, however Ferguson will change into the starter sooner or later this 12 months.
Miami Dolphins
Is the secondary poised to take a step again this season?
The staff might be with out all 5 of the beginning secondary gamers from final 12 months. On prime of that, the guys that they brought in to replace last year’s corners and safeties are already dealing with injuries. Two cornerbacks have been dominated out for the season with accidents, whereas security Ashtyn Davis is anticipated to overlook a while. The secondary will DEFINITELY take a step again in the course of the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
Minnesota Vikings
How will J.J. McCarthy play in restricted preseason motion?
J.J. McCarthy is mainly coming into this 12 months as a rookie. He solely received the possibility to play one preseason sport earlier than he was recognized with a torn meniscus, ruling him out for the season. McCarthy will carry out effectively as a result of he might be attempting to show that he deserves to be the starter in Minnesota, and the staff didn’t make a mistake by letting Sam Darnold go in free company.
New England Patriots
Did the Pats add sufficient impactful gamers to return to their profitable methods?
The Pats added 14 free brokers who have been on completely different groups final season, plus one other 11 gamers by way of the draft. That’s 25 new guys on a 53-man roster, nearly half of the staff. It’s additionally price noting that most of the new gamers might be day-one starters like Stefon Diggs, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis, and Will Campbell. These 4 guys alone might be a marked enchancment over the starters from final 12 months. The Pats is not going to be a four-win staff in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
Who would be the beginning quarterback to open the season?
The Saints have restricted choices underneath heart. Jake Haener is at a drawback as a result of he missed most of OTAs and minicamp with an damage. In the meantime, Spencer Rattler misplaced all six of the begins he made final season. It makes essentially the most sense to start out second-rounder Tyler Shough. The Saints want to seek out out if this child is any good earlier than they’ll resolve what they need to do subsequent low season on the quarterback place.
New York Giants
If Jaxson Dart performs very well, ought to he be the Week One starter?
Russell Wilson is at present slated to be the Giants’ starter to open the season, however there’s nonetheless a first-round draft choose ready within the wings and seeking to get his shot to overhaul Russ. Jaxson Dart will most likely find yourself enjoying effectively, contemplating he’ll get most of his reps towards third- and fourth-stringers. Regardless, the Giants want to win straight away, and Wilson provides them a greater shot of doing that than Dart.
New York Jets
Can Justin Fields be the passer the Jets want?
There’s little question that the child can run. His downside has all the time been throwing the ball. Had he not gotten benched, there was an opportunity that he would’ve eclipsed the three,000-yard passing mark for the primary time in his profession final season. The 2025 Jets’ offensive weapons are a lot better than the 2024 Steelers’, so Fields ought to be capable to elevate his passing sport within the Large Apple.
Philadelphia Eagles
Did the protection lose too many starters from final 12 months to be as profitable this season?
Seven defenders from final 12 months’s squad are not with the staff. That features Milton Williams, Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, to call a number of. Nevertheless, they added Adoree’ Jackson, Joshua Uche, and 6 different defenders by way of the draft. That inflow of expertise, coupled with the continued ascension of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, will make this a formidable protection as soon as once more.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Who ought to be the Steelers’ number-two receiving risk?
DK Metcalf is clearly one of the best pass-catcher on the staff. Although Pat Freiermuth has been there some time, they only traded for a Professional Bowler in Jonnu Smith. Then once more, Robert Woods is a seasoned veteran, whereas Calvin Austin III took an enormous leap ahead final 12 months. The number-two receiver might be whoever Aaron Rodgers trusts essentially the most, which can most likely be a vet like Smith or Woods.
San Francisco 49ers
Did they lose too many gamers within the low season?
30 gamers from final 12 months’s 53-man roster are both unsigned or are actually enjoying for an additional staff. Which means solely 23 gamers from final 12 months’s squad are returning to the Bay Space. I don’t care who these 23 guys are; a staff that loses 56% of its gamers from the earlier season is certain to regress. Contemplating the injured guys they’re getting again, this staff will certainly have a greater report, however they most likely aren’t going to be perpetual favorites to win the NFC like they as soon as have been.
Seattle Seahawks
Is Jalen Milroe a future starter or only a backup?
The Seahawks appear to be all-in on Sam Darnold for this season, however after that, it’s anyone’s guess, particularly with a possible out in his contract after the top of the 2026-27 marketing campaign. Subsequently, Seattle must play Jalen Milroe as a lot as attainable in the course of the preseason to seek out out if the rookie can take his sport to the following degree. I’ve a sense he’ll be capable to reply the decision.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How will the offensive line carry out with out Tristan Wirfs?
The Buccaneers are going to wish to establish a dependable placeholder to fill in on the left deal with spot, with Tristan Wirfs anticipated to overlook the primary 4 video games of the season. They don’t have to discover a future Corridor of Famer or something. Tampa Bay simply must establish a man who isn’t going to hinder the offense. In all chance, although, the offensive line will wrestle with out Wirfs’ presence. It is a mediocre unit if you take away Wirfs.
Tennessee Titans
How will Cam Ward play within the preseason?
The Titans shouldn’t attempt to overdo something with Cam Ward. Let the rookie begin the primary half of Video games One and Two earlier than letting him sit out of the third preseason sport. Ward is the clear-cut starter in Nashville. He’ll play effectively in restricted motion, however followers shouldn’t get loopy if he doesn’t reside as much as the hype within the preseason.
Washington Commanders
What does the receiving corps seem like with out Terry McLaurin?
Exterior of McLaurin, this broad receiving corps is full of younger bucks and over-the-hill gamers. 2025 Deebo Samuel is way faraway from the 1,000-yard receiver he was in 2021. Zach Ertz continues to be efficient, however it’s unfair to anticipate him to be Washington’s greatest pass-catcher at age 34 if McLaurin isn’t in D.C. In the meantime, Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey are unproven entities. The receiving corps is a lot better with McLaurin versus with out him.
