Every NFL season has a few teams that take big swings on the unknown. Whether it’s betting the house on rookies, former backups, or players coming off injuries, these franchises are placing their hopes in question marks rather than known commodities.
Some are rebuilding. Some are strapped for cash. But if those gambles don’t pay off, things could get ugly fast. Here are 10 NFL teams that are leaning a little too hard on unproven talent in 2025.
10. Tennessee Titans
The Titans hit the reset button on their linebacker group, and the replacements don’t exactly scream reliability. With no one returning who saw serious snaps last year, the defense is hoping raw potential turns into actual production.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs decided to entrust Patrick Mahomes’ blindside to Jaylon Moore, a guy with limited starting experience. If Moore can’t hold his own, opposing defenses will be more than happy to introduce themselves to Mahomes—early and often.
8. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is praying for a Year 3 leap from defensive tackle Mazi Smith after last year’s run defense got steamrolled. If he doesn’t take that step, they don’t have much behind him to clean up the mess.
7. Cleveland Browns
With an aging offensive line, the Browns are counting on Dawand Jones to be the future upfront. The size and strength are impressive, but the technique and consistency still need to catch up quickly.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter might be the most electric rookie in the league, but asking him to play both ways as a rookie is a tall order. Add in a brand-new head coach and a turnover-prone quarterback, and the Jags are walking a fine line.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Everything in Indy hinges on Anthony Richardson staying healthy and figuring it out. Behind him is Daniel Jones, and surrounding him are a bunch of young defenders who haven’t proven they can carry the load.
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are hoping their patchwork secondary can hold up after losing their top corners. And on offense, rookie Tyler Shough is penciled in at quarterback, which feels more like a wish than a plan.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons went all-in on rookie edge rushers to fix a pass rush that’s been missing for years. If those guys don’t hit right away, the defense is going to have the same old problems—just with fresher faces.
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2. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. is legit, but beyond him, the Cardinals’ receiving corps is full of question marks. Defensively, they’re also handing major roles to rookies, which is exciting on paper but risky in real life.
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1. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are placing their entire season in the hands of J.J. McCarthy, who’s yet to take a single NFL snap. If he’s not ready, it could be a long year in Minnesota—no matter how good the supporting cast looks.
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