The NFL has a funny way of humbling teams just when things start to feel too good. One year, you’re riding a wave of hype and promise, and the next, you’re scrambling to remember how you got there in the first place.
As the 2025 season approaches, a handful of teams are walking that fine line between continuing their climb or tumbling back to reality. Whether it’s due to roster changes, schedule concerns, or good old-fashioned regression, here are 10 NFL squads that might be in for a wake-up call.
10. Chicago Bears
The Bears are buzzing with potential, but the climb might be a little steeper than fans expect. A second-year quarterback, a fresh coaching staff, and one of the most demanding schedules in the league could stall their progress.
9. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland hasn’t exactly found stability lately, and 2025 doesn’t look much better. The quarterback situation is messy, the schedule is rough, and there’s not a lot of confidence that this roster is built for right now.
8. New Orleans Saints
Without Derek Carr, the Saints are leaning on youth and hope—and that’s rarely a winning combo. A rookie likely starting under center and a lack of offensive firepower could land them at the bottom of the NFC South.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s never had a losing season, but this might be the year that streak gets tested. The quarterback situation is interesting, to say the least. The offense lacks juice, and the schedule isn’t doing them any favors.
6. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has given Texans fans a reason to believe, but this year could be trickier. If the protection doesn’t improve and the defense takes a step back, their momentum could come to a halt.
5. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings surprised some folks in 2024, but the magic may not last. With uncertainty at quarterback and a tougher division on the rise, this feels like a team ripe for regression.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is fantastic, but the Bengals have been up and down in recent years. If the defense struggles or the offensive line can’t hold up, the Bengals could find themselves chasing instead of leading.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins can be electric on offense, but cracks are starting to show. Tua’s durability, roster turnover, and chemistry concerns could cause Miami to slip in a competitive AFC East.
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2. Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off a Super Bowl victory, it’s hard to continue that kind of energy into another season. The Eagles still look like contenders on paper, but the shine could wear off.
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1. Detroit Lions
Detroit’s been incredibly solid, but a few injuries could really set this team back. With key losses and a tougher NFC North, the Lions could find themselves fighting to stay in the playoff mix.
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