With the NFL offseason and preseason winding down, teams have mostly locked in their rosters, bringing expectations into sharper focus. Every season brings its share of squads that fall short of predictions—and others that quietly exceed them.
Here’s a deep dive into some of the most overrated and underrated NFL teams heading into 2025, and why their trajectories might surprise you.
Overrated Teams
Buffalo Bills
Vegas has Buffalo as the third Super Bowl favorite behind Philadelphia and Baltimore, which feels generous given some underlying concerns. Sure, the Bills posted 13-4 last season—their sixth straight year with double-digit wins and fifth consecutive AFC East crown. Josh Allen, fresh off his MVP campaign, anchors an offense that should benefit from Keon Coleman’s development and the veteran additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore alongside reliable Khalil Shakir (76 catches, 821 yards, 4 TDs).
But here’s the thing: uncertainty clouds the James Cook situation, with the two-time 1,000-yard rusher stuck in contract limbo. More pressing is Buffalo’s defense, which struggled with injuries last season and desperately needs improvement to support Allen’s heroics. The Bills will be without defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi for six games due to PED suspensions. They brought in pass rusher Joey Bosa to address their pass rush woes, but Bosa—already injury-prone—suffered a calf strain in May and might not return until training camp. A shaky defense spells trouble when you’re facing elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson twice a year.
San Francisco 49ers
Despite a brutal 6-11 season marred by injuries, the 49ers remain a trendy Super Bowl pick. Credit John Lynch’s roster wizardry and Kyle Shanahan’s ability to maximize talent for that optimism.
Yet a quick turnaround might be more challenging than expected. The offseason exodus included key contributors like Deebo Samuel, Aaron Banks, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, and Talanoa Hufanga—what Lynch called an “uneasy” period. In a recent interview, Lynch explained the moves aimed at “getting younger and more cost-effective,” which they accomplished while also locking up Brock Purdy with a massive $265 million extension.
While the draft brought promise, growing pains seem inevitable. Left tackle Trent Williams, who managed just 10 games last year, and Christian McCaffrey, limited to four appearances in 2024, are already dealing with injuries. Brandon Aiyuk will miss considerable time after tearing his ACL and MCL last October. The team must rely on second-year pro Ricky Pearsall and veteran Jauan Jennings—who’s seeking a contract extension—to carry the receiving load, placing extra burden on George Kittle to maintain his elite production. San Francisco can’t afford many mistakes this year.
Detroit Lions
Detroit tied Kansas City for the league’s best record at 15-2 last season, earning widespread Super Bowl consideration. But the Lions could stumble in 2025, and not just because they lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching gigs.
Massive holes emerged on the offensive line after four-time Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow retired from his center position and right guard Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency. This unit was the foundation of one of the NFL’s most dominant rushing attacks and helped Jared Goff post the league’s second-highest passer rating last season.
Cincinnati Bengals
With Joe Burrow throwing to elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins—both now secured with lucrative new deals—Cincinnati possesses a devastating offensive trio. But sustained NFL success demands defensive strength, where the Bengals face serious questions.
After Lou Anarumo’s lengthy tenure grew stagnant, Al Golden took over as defensive coordinator. The organization still grapples with unresolved contract issues involving veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round defensive pick Shemar Stewart, who remains unsigned due to concerns about a contract clause that could void future guarantees. Resolving these disputes is crucial for improving Cincinnati’s defense.
Underrated Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
Challenging Kansas City for the AFC West won’t be easy, but the Chargers appear ready for a significant jump in Year 2 under Jim Harbaugh. The team remains committed to their ground game after adding veteran Najee Harris—assuming he’s fully recovered from his Fourth of July fireworks accident—and promising rookie Omarion Hampton to the backfield.
Under Harbaugh’s tutelage, Justin Herbert should build on his improved efficiency and decision-making, while rookie receiver Tre Harris could quickly emerge as a key weapon. Defensively, linebacker Daiyan Henley looks to continue his breakout performance from last season, with rookies Jamaree Caldwell and Kyle Kennard bolstering the front seven.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas replacing Mike McCarthy with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as head coach drew lukewarm reactions. Contract talks with star defender Micah Parsons remain stalled, and key defenders cornerback Trevon Diggs and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown are still recovering from season-ending injuries. The running back position remains problematic. Overall, expectations are modest.
But a healthy Dak Prescott could revitalize an offense that struggled mightily in his absence last season. The receiving corps, featuring George Pickens alongside reliable CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and tight end Jake Ferguson, might pose serious problems for opposing defenses—provided Pickens shows maturity on and off the field. A bounce-back from last year’s 7-10 record and a playoff race with Washington for a postseason spot behind Philadelphia feels achievable.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals doubled their win total last season in their second year under Jonathan Gannon but still seek their first winning season since 2021, and only their second since 2015. Few expect Arizona to capture the NFC West, but an aggressive defensive overhaul this offseason suggests steady progress is possible.
The team’s strong rushing attack, combined with hopes that receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will fulfill his potential in Year 2, giving Kyler Murray a game-changing target, could make the Cardinals competitive in a tightly contested division.
Jacksonville Jaguars
After reaching the playoffs in 2022, Jacksonville regressed in 2023 and collapsed in 2024 with a 4-13 record, leading to Doug Pederson’s dismissal.
The franchise’s 2025 reset emphasizes youth, led by rookie head coach Liam Coen (39) and General Manager James Gladstone (34). To inject energy, they traded up to No. 2 overall to select dynamic two-way athlete Travis Hunter and revamped the offensive line while strengthening the defense.
If Coen can unlock Trevor Lawrence’s full potential—similar to his recent success coaching Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay—the Jaguars have a shot at resurgence. Fortunately, their AFC South division is weak, with the Texans having won back-to-back titles but the Titans rebuilding and the Colts still struggling with quarterback consistency.
