2025 NFL Season Preview: A Last Gaze at Power Rankings Before Regular Season Commencement
NFL Power Rankings and Roster Moves: A Preview of the 2025 Season
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, teams are gearing up for a new campaign with fresh faces and familiar names. Here's a roundup of some key developments from around the league.
Quarterback Changes
- The Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, setting the stage for a new era in Tennessee.
- The New England Patriots have found their WR1 in Drake Maye, while the Los Angeles Chargers remain steadfast with Justin Herbert under center.
- The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Geno Smith as their new quarterback, and the Indianapolis Colts have added Daniel Jones to their QB room.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a splash by signing Aaron Rodgers, while the Philadelphia Eagles have Jalen Hurts leading their offense.
- The Green Bay Packers have acquired Micah Parsons, and the Kansas City Chiefs are still led by two-time MVP, Patrick Mahomes.
- The Buffalo Bills, with Josh Allen as their reigning MVP, have added DK Metcalf to their roster.
- The Los Angeles Rams, now with Matthew Stafford, have traded WR Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams.
- The New York Jets are giving Justin Fields a shot at being their long-term quarterback.
Notable Roster Moves
- The Baltimore Ravens, currently atop the Week 1 NFL Power Rankings, have added rookie Tetairoa McMillan, and Bryce Young has a viable WR1 for the first time.
- The Carolina Panthers have added rookie Tetairoa McMillan, and Bryce Young has a viable WR1 for the first time.
- The Dallas Cowboys, despite trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay, are expected to have a strong offense, but their defense remains suspect.
- The Atlanta Falcons have Michael Penix Jr. as their quarterback and Drake London as their star receiver, with Kaleb McGary being out due to a season-ending injury.
- The Miami Dolphins, who had an injury-riddled season in 2024, look different this year with uncertainties about their offense's performance.
- The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to overcome their defense's shortcomings with Joe Burrow leading the offense.
- The Denver Broncos have added Talanoa Hufunga and Dre Greenlaw to their defense in the offseason.
- The Washington Commanders have retained Terry McLaurin, and the Arizona Cardinals have Marvin Harrison Jr. as a key player for their offense.
- The Houston Texans are the favourites to repeat as divisional champions in the AFC South.
- The Minnesota Vikings are changing the guard at QB with J.J. McCarthy.
Key Matchups
- The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills have a Week 1 matchup that could preview the AFC Championship Game.
- The Philadelphia Eagles' Week 1 matchup is against the Dallas Cowboys.
- The Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys will face off in Week 1, while the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens will square off earlier in the season.
Injury Updates
- Chris Godwin's timeline for return for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains unknown.
- Kaleb McGary of the Atlanta Falcons is out due to a season-ending injury.
- Alijah Vera-Tucker will be missing for the New York Jets in Week 1.
Other Notable Developments
- Jonnu Smith was acquired from the Miami Dolphins by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
- Jared Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year for the Los Angeles Rams.
- Adam Thielen is returning to the Minnesota Vikings.
- The New York Giants have added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency, but their defensive line remains the only exciting aspect of their roster.
- The New Orleans Saints have Kellen Moore as their head coach, and Spencer Rattler is expected to be their starting quarterback.
- The Seattle Seahawks have undergone significant changes in their offense, with Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and Klint Kubiak joining the team.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars have rookie Travis Hunter, and Trevor Lawrence has a number of weapons available to him this year.
- The Los Angeles Chargers are the third AFC West team in the Week 1 NFL Power Rankings.
- The Chicago Bears have a Monday Night Football matchup with the Vikings in their first game of the season.
- The San Francisco 49ers have Christian McCaffrey as their running back, a key player for their potential to win the division.
- Travis Kelce is the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- The Detroit Lions have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jared Goff as key players.
- The Cleveland Browns have drafted two rookie quarterbacks in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
- The Los Angeles Rams traded WR Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams this offseason.
- The Seattle Seahawks have undergone significant changes in their offense, with Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and Klint Kubiak joining the team.
