15 NFL Teams That Just Got Shaken Up After Rodgers to Pittsburgh
Every offseason brings its fair share of bold takes and recycled rankings, but with Aaron Rodgers now in black and gold, the AFC pecking order and the league as a whole look a little different. Here’s a fresh look at where things really stand heading into the 2025 NFL season.
15. Cleveland Browns
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The Browns’ front office shuffle feels like a panic move disguised as strategy. Drafting two extra quarterbacks after already signing Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett is just like assembling a crowded group project with no leader. Even their receiving corps remains mid-tier, and the defense, while talented, hasn’t been enough to change outcomes.
14. Indianapolis Colts
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Anthony Richardson’s future has been clouded due to injuries, and the decision to add Daniel Jones and draft Riley Leonard raised more questions than answers. There’s potential in the backfield with Jonathan Taylor returning to form, and Michael Pittman Jr. remains a reliable target, but quarterback uncertainty hangs over everything. That limbo makes them hard to take seriously in the loaded AFC landscape.
13. Tennessee Titans
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Cam Ward was the first overall pick, but the buzz faded fast thanks to how the Titans handled the rest of their offseason. The offensive line remains a liability, and the receiver room lacks a true playmaker despite flashes from Treylon Burks. The defense added a few rotational guys, but no major game-changers. One can only hope Cam survives his rookie season without getting flattened every Sunday.
12. New York Jets
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Justin Fields gets a fresh start, but this still feels like a gamble more than a plan. The Jets spent big on offensive lineman Armand Membou, which helps, but questions remain about the coaching staff’s ability to develop a consistent offensive identity. The defense still features standout talent like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, yet they’re often stuck on the field too long.
11. New York Giants
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Russell Wilson is the starter for now, but with Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart on the same depth chart, the Giants look more like a quarterback workshop than a contender. Abdul Carter was a solid draft pick, though. The offensive line made minor improvements, even though it’s really hard to recover from the big hole left by Saquon Barkley’s departure.
10. New Orleans Saints
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Derek Carr’s retirement caught everyone off guard, and now the Saints are banking on Tyler Shough to become a reliable starter. The offensive core is aging, and Chris Olave’s talent risks being wasted without solid quarterback support. With no long-term answer and limited cap space, it’s not too far off to say that New Orleans is a team in decline.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Travis Hunter was a headline-grabbing pick. Hopefully, they do not over-rely on him to perform both ways in the NFL because it could backfire. Trevor Lawrence is entering his fifth year and finally has a deeper group of weapons, including Calvin Ridley and a more mature offensive line anchored by Wyatt Millum. If Jacksonville gets more consistent in the red zone, it could surprise fans in a crowded AFC.
8. Miami Dolphins
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Injuries continue to shape Miami’s story, especially at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa’s durability is still in question, and drafting Quinn Ewers in the seventh round didn’t exactly calm nerves. Still, Miami boasts one of the fastest offenses in football with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stretching defenses every week. Good coordination will be crucial for the Dolphins to stay in the postseason hunt.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
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With Aaron Rodgers stepping in, the Steelers now have veteran leadership to go along with their bruising defense led by T.J. Watt. George Pickens looks ready to break out, and Najee Harris provides consistent ground production. The offensive line is still a work in progress, but the addition of rookie help and the presence of Mike Tomlin keep expectations high.
6. Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota in 2025 is banking on J.J. McCarthy’s knee recovery and upside. Fortunately, there’s reason for optimism. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form a top-tier receiver duo, and the team added depth on defense to balance out their offensive firepower. Brian Flores’ unit took a step forward last season, and if J.J. clicks early, the Vikings have enough talent to push for a double-digit win season.
5. Houston Texans
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C.J. Stroud has emerged as a franchise quarterback, so Houston made protecting him a priority this offseason. The offensive line saw smart upgrades, and the Texans doubled down on their receiving corps with young talent. Plus, there’s Will Anderson Jr. leading a feisty front seven. There’s still room for growth, but this is a balanced roster.
4. Los Angeles Rams
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Adding Davante Adams is the Rams’ latest weapon; the offense could even be called explosive if Matthew Stafford stays healthy. The running game looks promising for a bounce-back season. Sean McVay’s coaching schemes are still top-tier, and the defense, though young, has playmakers at every level. Los Angeles is one of the few NFC teams with the upside to crash the conference title picture.
3. Denver Broncos
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Sean Payton’s second year feels like a true reset. Bo Nix is set to take over under center, backed by a dominant defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and a versatile pass rush. Denver ended 2024 hot, and if Bo avoids rookie mistakes, they can grind down opponents and win ugly.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
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Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are still the best combo in football. Travis Kelce isn’t slowing down yet, and the defense quietly held strong in 2024. The only real concern is whether they can continue to pull off tight wins. Josh Simmons also has to stay healthy on the line, but the Chiefs are a proven machine that finds ways to win, even when it shouldn’t.
1. Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore is one of the most complete rosters in the league. Lamar Jackson is leading an offense with speed, versatility, and a growing arsenal of pass-catchers. The defense added Malaki Starks and continues to pressure quarterbacks at a high level. For years, the Ravens have finished near the top of the standings, and after adding more young talent, they look ready to finish what they started.