{"id":121430,"date":"2025-06-11T13:21:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T13:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/121430\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T13:21:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T13:21:33","slug":"best-and-worst-case-scenarios-for-every-nfl-team-in-2025-chiefs-back-on-top-bears-to-end-playoff-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/121430\/","title":{"rendered":"Best- and worst-case scenarios for every NFL team in 2025: Chiefs back on top? Bears to end playoff drought?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/cbssports.com\/nfl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL<\/a> season is still months away, and plenty of important position battles have yet to be decided as all 32 teams continue offseason programming, including mandatory minicamp. Still, we have a pretty firm idea of how each team will look going into the new campaign, given that the big waves of coach and player movement are in the books.<\/p>\n<p>The real question is, what are proper expectations for each of those teams? Everyone anticipates recent contenders like the <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/BUF\/buffalo-bills\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Buffalo Bills<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/DET\/detroit-lions\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Detroit Lions<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/KC\/kansas-city-chiefs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/PHI\/philadelphia-eagles\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> to remain in the title hunt. But what about the rest of the NFL? Which clubs deserve more attention? Which deserve, dare we say, even less hype than they might be getting?<\/p>\n<p>We decided to run through the entire landscape and offer best- and worst-case scenarios for each team going into 2025. Is your favorite team a safe bet to make it to the playoffs? Or is that a pipe dream? How about a run for the Lombardi? Here&#8217;s how we see it as the summer rolls on and the real games draw closer:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/betting\/news\/nfl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><\/p>\n<p>NFL betting guide: How to bet on the NFL, find the best sportsbooks and learn about bets to make<\/p>\n<p>\n                    Zachary Pereles                <\/p>\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/patrick-mahomes-usatsi-4.jpg\" class=\"ArticleShortcode-image\" alt=\"NFL betting guide: How to bet on the NFL, find the best sportsbooks and learn about bets to make\"\/><\/p>\n<p>    <\/a><\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/ARI\/arizona-cardinals\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748359030_773_404.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2180829\/kyler-murray\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyler Murray<\/a> makes real strides as a passer, staying upright late in the season, and Jonathan Gannon&#8217;s restocked defensive front helps power Arizona to its first playoff appearance in four years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Murray struggles to elevate the aerial attack without reliable secondary weapons, and Arizona can&#8217;t keep up with the rest of the NFC West, finishing under .500 for the seventh time in the last 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/ATL\/atlanta-falcons\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748359030_902_405.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2963496\/michael-penix-jr\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Michael Penix Jr<\/a>. proves to be an explosive downfield thrower in his first full year as the top quarterback, and coach Raheem Morris buttons up his in-game decision-making to help the Falcons steal the NFC South.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Penix flops in full-time duty replacing the demoted <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1272574\/kirk-cousins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kirk Cousins<\/a>, failing to maximize young weapons like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3168163\/bijan-robinson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bijan Robinson<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3127902\/drake-london\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drake London<\/a>, and Atlanta suffers an eighth straight losing season.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/BAL\/baltimore-ravens\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748263273_663_406.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Lamar Jackson, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2061188\/derrick-henry\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derrick Henry<\/a> and the Ravens&#8217; receiving corps stay healthy to remain one of the NFL&#8217;s most dynamic offenses, and John Harbaugh finally guides the group over the hump to <a href=\"https:\/\/cbssports.com\/nfl\/superbowl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Super Bowl<\/a> stardom.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Jackson and Henry&#8217;s heavy workloads take a physical toll, forcing them out of action, and defensive rookies <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26706090\/mike-green\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Green<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28876050\/malaki-starks\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malaki Starks<\/a> don&#8217;t make an early impact, rendering Baltimore a banged-up wild-card hopeful.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/BUF\/buffalo-bills\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747854492_661_407.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2181054\/josh-allens\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Allen&#8217;s<\/a> Superman act is even better supported by the growth of youngsters like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2975698\/james-cook\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">James Cook<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26717289\/keon-coleman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Keon Coleman<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2982991\/dalton-kincaid\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dalton Kincaid<\/a>, and Buffalo finally exorcises playoff demons to reach &#8212; and win &#8212; the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: The absence of a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver plagues Allen as he tries to carry Buffalo&#8217;s offense, and Sean McDermott&#8217;s shuffled secondary can&#8217;t hold up as the Bills go one-and-done for the first time since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/CAR\/carolina-panthers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/408.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3161957\/bryce-young\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bryce Young<\/a> parlays his confident 2024 finish into an even heavier workload under center, leaning on a deep rushing game and strengthened defensive front to eke out a winning record and hang around the wild-card picture.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Young goes backward, once again saddled with unproven weapons out wide, including two young starters in <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3131575\/xavier-legette\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier Legette<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28877124\/tetairoa-mcmillan\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tetairoa McMillan<\/a>, and Carolina is forced to consider a bigger-picture pivot.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/CHI\/chicago-bears\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748359032_788_409.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/395994\/ben-johnson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ben Johnson<\/a> meshes with <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26695775\/caleb-williams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caleb Williams<\/a>, unlocking the quarterback&#8217;s gunslinging gifts while keeping him in check behind a much-improved front, and Chicago sneaks into the playoffs for the first time in five years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0No amount of veteran blockers and weapons can keep Williams on schedule against a tough schedule; the former No. 1 pick proves a dangerous caretaker of both the ball and his body as the Bears finish last again.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/CIN\/cincinnati-bengals\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747271532_890_410.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2179798\/joe-burrow\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Burrow<\/a> keeps slinging it to <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2966320\/jamarr-chase\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ja&#8217;Marr Chase<\/a>, this time behind an even more settled-in front, and gets real defensive support from Al Golden&#8217;s direction, to surge all the way to their second Super Bowl in five years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0One of Cincinnati&#8217;s &#8220;Big Three&#8221; &#8212; Burrow, Chase, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2809208\/tee-higgins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tee Higgins<\/a> &#8212; misses extended time yet again, and Golden&#8217;s touch can&#8217;t offset an overmatched pass rush, as the Bengals play second fiddle to the Ravens.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/CLE\/cleveland-browns\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747271532_536_434.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0One of Cleveland&#8217;s younger quarterbacks &#8212; likely <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2804969\/kenny-pickett\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kenny Pickett<\/a> (27) or <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26710004\/shedeur-sanders\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Shedeur Sanders<\/a> (23) &#8212; emerges from a crowded room and stripped-down offense to give the city much-needed long-term hope under center.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Quantity doesn&#8217;t equate to quality at quarterback, and the Browns cycle through passers. Journeyman <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1250697\/joe-flacco\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joe Flacco<\/a> again looks like their best bet at age 40, but his momentary spark worsens the club&#8217;s draft position for 2026.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/DAL\/dallas-cowboys\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747818083_522_411.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Jerry Jones&#8217; offensive investments (i.e. <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3123212\/george-pickens\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">George Pickens<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28912071\/tyler-booker\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Booker<\/a>) reinvigorate <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1824864\/dak-prescott\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dak Prescott<\/a>, and new coach Brian Schottenheimer is a locker-room hit, launching Dallas to its first playoff win in three years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Schottenheimer&#8217;s familiar messaging rings hollow, and Prescott leans into his worst instincts while trying to appease the volatile Pickens, forcing the ball as the always-dramatic Cowboys miss the postseason entirely.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/DEN\/denver-broncos\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748383454_182_412.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Sean Payton masters the old-school approach, leaning on a tough front, RJ Harvey-led run game and imposing defense to buoy the confident <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3121193\/bo-nix\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bo Nix<\/a>, and Denver even manages a playoff win despite so-so pass targets.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Denver forgoing a splashy wide receiver addition puts a cap on Nix&#8217;s playmaking upside, and the second-year signal-caller endures a dip in ball control, foiling Payton&#8217;s plans in a last-place finish in the tight AFC West.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/DET\/detroit-lions\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747854491_954_413.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    Detroit Lions<\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: The legend of Dan Campbell expands as the coach takes a firmer grip on the offense, allowing <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2061053\/jared-goff\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jared Goff<\/a> to feed his plethora of playmakers to the point Detroit &#8212; so used to taking big blows &#8212; finally reaches the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Goff can&#8217;t shake the sour end to 2024 behind a shuffled front and without coordinator Ben Johnson, and Campbell&#8217;s aura isn&#8217;t enough to outlast a tough schedule in the NFC North; they dip to wild-card territory.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/GB\/green-bay-packers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747818080_758_414.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0The influx of young pass catchers, led by <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28874927\/matthew-golden\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Golden<\/a>, emboldens <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2239997\/jordan-love\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Love<\/a> while coach Matt LaFleur keeps the <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2257876\/josh-jacobs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Jacobs<\/a> ground game rolling, and Green Bay reaches its first Super Bowl in 15 years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Love can&#8217;t contain his inner Brett Favre, forfeiting the rock to frustrate LaFleur, and the youthful receiving corps remains too mercurial to go deep in January as the Packers barely miss the playoffs in the tough North.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/HOU\/houston-texans\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747833491_238_247415.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3163079\/c-j-stroud\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">C.J. Stroud<\/a> rediscovers his rookie-year authority with a fresh play-caller and more help for <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2878193\/nico-collins\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nico Collins<\/a> out wide, and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/420098\/demeco-ryans\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DeMeco Ryans<\/a>&#8216; defense scares the rest of the NFL en route to another early-round playoff win.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Ryans&#8217; defense, now featuring C.J. Gardner-Johnson, proves incredibly undisciplined, and Houston&#8217;s dependence on aging, banged-up vets like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2131579\/nick-chubb\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Chubb<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2180820\/christian-kirk\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Kirk<\/a> leaves Stroud flailing in a losing season.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/IND\/indianapolis-colts\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747818080_143_415.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3163263\/anthony-richardson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Richardson<\/a> finally pairs his supersized athleticism with smarter, sharper passing, also remaining on the field long enough to confirm Indianapolis still has a dynamic quarterback of the future on the roster.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Neither Richardson nor <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2179245\/daniel-jones\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Daniel Jones<\/a> can hold the job for more than a few games at a time, and the Colts are left to face a teardown &#8212; without premium draft positioning &#8212; under new owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/JAC\/jacksonville-jaguars\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/416.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2967185\/trevor-lawrence\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trevor Lawrence<\/a> finally feels at home with Liam Coen calling the shots and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28909849\/travis-hunter\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Hunter<\/a> joining <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3132164\/brian-thomas-jr\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Thomas Jr<\/a>. out wide, and the Jaguars capitalize on a weak AFC South by pouncing to the top of the division.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Coen proves out of his league as a head coach, Hunter struggles to translate his two-way gifts to the NFL stage, and Lawrence still can&#8217;t control the rock as Jacksonville remains an offensive laughingstock.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/KC\/kansas-city-chiefs\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747818080_56_417.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2142052\/patrick-mahomes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Patrick Mahomes<\/a>&#8216; O-line recovers from an ugly Super Bowl, a freshened-up pass catching corps led by <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26730787\/xavier-worthy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier Worthy<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3124978\/rashee-rice\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rashee Rice<\/a> reignites the deep attack, and the dynasty captures yet another championship.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0The line is reworked but no less unstable, forcing Mahomes to scramble more than he&#8217;d like, and Andy Reid&#8217;s scheming can&#8217;t undo lingering injuries. They fail to make the Super Bowl for the first time in four years.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/LV\/las-vegas-raiders\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747968317_191_424.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0The Raiders culture is remade by Pete Carroll, with <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/28874008\/ashton-jeantys\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ashton Jeanty&#8217;s<\/a> powerhouse running and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1700358\/geno-smiths\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Geno Smith&#8217;s<\/a> fearless gunslinging reengaging fans and allowing Vegas to sneak into the postseason behind the rival Chiefs.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Goff can&#8217;t shake the sour end to 2024 behind a shuffled front and without coordinator Ben Johnson, and Campbell&#8217;s aura isn&#8217;t enough to outlast a tough schedule in the NFC North; they dip to wild-card territory.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/LAC\/los-angeles-chargers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748003894_624_428.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Jim Harbaugh&#8217;s championship fortitude sinks deeper into the franchise, unlocking a more resilient <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2221960\/justin-herbert\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Herbert<\/a>, whose balanced setup and punishing run support helps L.A. all the way to the AFC title game.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Harbaugh gets physical but sluggish results from a run-heavy approach, Herbert still can&#8217;t quite translate his tools to do-or-die moments down the stretch, and the Bolts once again go one-and-done in the dance.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/LAR\/los-angeles-rams\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747968316_607_427.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1893167\/davante-adams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Davante Adams<\/a>&#8216; team-up with <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3121687\/puka-nacua\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Puka Nacua<\/a> gives <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1114942\/matthew-stafford\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matthew Stafford<\/a> his best tandem in years, and the young Jared Verse-led defense helps Sean McVay reach another Super Bowl &#8212; his first since 2021&#8217;s triumphant finale.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Stafford&#8217;s age (37) catches up to him as he struggles to stay upright, forcing the Rams to lean on <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1760229\/jimmy-garoppolo\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmy Garoppolo<\/a> for an extended time. The defensive secondary also proves too vulnerable to produce a playoff berth.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/MIA\/miami-dolphins\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748276894_673_418.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2741209\/tua-tagovailoa\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tua Tagovailoa<\/a> avoids injury and makes a major leap in off-script composure, returning the Tyreek Hill-Jaylen Waddle duo to highlight-reel heights, helping an overlooked roster return to the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Tagovailoa fails to stay on the field and\/or grow as a clutch decision-maker behind a still-iffy line, Miami&#8217;s stripped-down defense still lacks a tone-setter, and Mike McDaniel faces intense heat after another losing campaign.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/MIN\/minnesota-vikings\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748003894_34_419.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Kevin O&#8217;Connell gets instant results from <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26695214\/j-j-mccarthy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.J. McCarthy<\/a>, who plays point guard for <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2871343\/justin-jefferson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Jefferson<\/a> and the rest of their elite group, and Minnesota survives a brutal slate to make a second straight postseason bid.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0McCarthy is swallowed up by both a tough schedule and inflated expectations, at some point even prompting <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3123797\/sam-howell\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Howell<\/a> to enter under center, and Vikings fans are somehow forced to lament <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2180320\/sam-darnolds\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Darnold&#8217;s<\/a> exit.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/NE\/new-england-patriots\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748480351_543_420.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26695757\/drake-maye\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drake Maye<\/a> confirms himself as the face of the franchise with <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2000038\/stefon-diggs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stefon Diggs<\/a> as a safety valve, and Mike Vrabel&#8217;s touch maximizes a reloaded defense, vaulting the Pats all the way back into the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Maye&#8217;s big-play upside is overshadowed by loose ball control alongside a still-unreliable supporting cast, and Vrabel is once again set into a cycle of overseeing scrappy if totally unspectacular wild-card hopefuls.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/NO\/new-orleans-saints\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747769594_210_421.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: Rookie <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2964064\/tyler-shoughs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Shough&#8217;s<\/a> age and college experience, paired with veteran help (i.e. <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2082721\/alvin-kamara\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alvin Kamara<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2963666\/chris-olave\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Olave<\/a>), leads to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a surprise playoff bid under new coach <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1274372\/kellen-moore\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kellen Moore<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Moore can&#8217;t find a reliable short- or long-term project under center between Shough, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3125863\/spencer-rattler\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spencer Rattler<\/a>, etc., and New Orleans is once again stuck with aging cornerstones as it straddles the line of mediocrity.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/NYG\/new-york-giants\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747877592_378_422.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1272242\/russell-wilson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Russell Wilson<\/a> has just enough juice to give Brian Daboll the play-action ball-controller he needed for a 2022 playoff bid, but <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26694019\/jaxson-dart\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaxson Dart<\/a> develops behind the scenes to give New York true long-term quarterback hope.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Wilson is solid enough to keep Dart off the field but sluggish enough to pull New York out of good 2026 draft position, and young building blocks like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26697761\/malik-nabers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malik Nabers<\/a> grow disenchanted in the drama of it all.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/NYJ\/new-york-jets\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747968318_210_423.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0New coach Aaron Glenn brings some stability to an organization long beset by drama, and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1273205\/justin-fields\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Fields<\/a>&#8216; physical gifts enable New York to make unexpectedly quick strides, a la Darnold with the Vikings in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Glenn&#8217;s fiery personality inflames rather than extinguishes locker-room discord, Fields remains too erratic when unleashed as a playmaker, and the Jets are back to square one of their big-picture rebuild come 2026.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/PHI\/philadelphia-eagles\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747767564_396_425.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>    Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0The all-world offense remains a force, and Vic Fangio&#8217;s defense gets even scarier with the growth of young stalwarts like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3163950\/jalen-carter\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Carter<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3123027\/nolan-smith\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nolan Smith<\/a>, helping the Philly machine wins its third title of the last nine years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0<a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2185957\/saquon-barkley\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Saquon Barkley<\/a> breaks down after leading the 2024 charge, and their offensive leaders get chippy while trying to compensate under a new coordinator, resulting in a one-and-done post-Super Bowl hangover.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/PIT\/pittsburgh-steelers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747877593_666_426.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0The legendary mishmash of <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/419780\/aaron-rodgers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aaron Rodgers<\/a> and Mike Tomlin proves magically gritty, with A-Rod&#8217;s gravitas, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2260185\/dk-metcalfs\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DK Metcalf&#8217;s<\/a> playmaking and Tomlin&#8217;s defense resulting in Pittsburgh&#8217;s first playoff win in nine years.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario:\u00a0Rodgers can&#8217;t move going on 42, requiring relief under center, and the reality-TV headlines that lately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/news\/are-the-steelers-lost-pittsburgh-is-banking-on-aaron-rodgers-to-save-franchise-from-drama-mediocrity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">accompany both he and the organization<\/a> exacerbate another dismal Steelers finish, this time without playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/SF\/san-francisco-49ers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747854492_736_429.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Overlooked after their injury-riddled 2024 flop, the 49ers&#8217; top leaders &#8212; <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2961306\/brock-purdy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brock Purdy<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2136743\/christian-mccaffrey\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian McCaffrey<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2818265\/george-kittle\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">George Kittle<\/a> &#8212; return to health, and Robert Saleh&#8217;s &#8220;D&#8221; powers San Francisco all the way back to the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Purdy&#8217;s big-money extension draws fair critique as the quarterback struggles to shake hiccups while trailing, and continued bumps and bruises to McCaffrey and Co. leave Kyle Shanahan straining for answers.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/SEA\/seattle-seahawks\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748359036_479_430.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario: They get the best of both worlds: Sam Darnold and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2006951\/cooper-kupp\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper Kupp<\/a> make enough splash plays to get their short-term offense into the playoffs, while <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/26694943\/jalen-milroe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Milroe<\/a>, Grey Zabel and their rookie class promise future stardom.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Darnold quickly flames out, his more skittish tendencies coming to light behind a work-in-progress front, and coach Mike Macdonald can&#8217;t squeeze enough out of his patchwork pass rush to sniff 2024&#8217;s 10-7 finish.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/TB\/tampa-bay-buccaneers\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1748263271_672_431.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Todd Bowles finally settles in after quietly claiming three straight NFC South titles, letting both the gunslinging <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2080032\/baker-mayfield\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Baker Mayfield<\/a> and a restocked pass rush loose, and the Bucs go all the way to the NFC title game.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Mayfield&#8217;s gusto finally gets the best of him under new coordinator John Grizzard, and Bowles&#8217; defense proves way too stale and long in the tooth at its core, dropping Tampa below .500 and out of the South lead.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/TEN\/tennessee-titans\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747833493_574_432.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0The big-play bravado of rookie <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3168422\/cam-ward\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cam Ward<\/a>, coupled with savviness from vets like <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2184011\/tony-pollard\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tony Pollard<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2186328\/calvin-ridley\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Calvin Ridley<\/a> and <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/1860834\/tyler-lockett\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Lockett<\/a>, launches Tennessee into wild-card territory out of the wide-open AFC South.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Ward is splashy but just as reckless as predecessor <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2964377\/will-levis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Levis<\/a>, once again forcing coach Brian Callahan to produce answers he doesn&#8217;t have, and Tennessee&#8217;s occasionally scrappy defense can&#8217;t pick up the slack.<\/p>\n<p>                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/teams\/WAS\/washington-commanders\/\" aria-label=\"home team page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"TeamLogo-image\" alt=\"team logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1747854491_968_433.svg.svg+xml\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n                                                <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best-case scenario:\u00a0Adam Peters&#8217; big swings (i.e. <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2139735\/deebo-samuel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Deebo Samuel<\/a>, <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/2079900\/laremy-tunsil\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Laremy Tunsil<\/a>) only serve to highlight <a class=\"Annotation-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nfl\/players\/3123337\/jayden-daniels\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jayden Daniels<\/a>&#8216; infectious magic, and Washington&#8217;s dynamic quarterback wins the nation&#8217;s capital its first Super Bowl since 1991.<\/p>\n<p>Worst-case scenario: Daniels&#8217; do-it-all gifts come with a cost, as the dual threat can&#8217;t stay on the field to meet lofty Year 2 expectations, and Dan Quinn is subsequently left to lean on aging placeholders as the rival Eagles stay rolling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2025 NFL season is still months away, and plenty of important position battles have yet to be&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":121431,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[1586,2825,1504,390,254,1842,117,1035,4127,2644,1476,53,1028,1036,4048,127,260,391,6000,304,4124,256,54,1081,257,1714,2772,5430,1705,3607,258,292,113,2870,7,1507,6066,467,345,253,392,1519,8633,125,753,1029,734,7841,1577,562,4129,493,1159,2780,110,7166,570,8100,294,594,393,262,58,890,4126,701,32,251,1879,259,249,55,56,255,6,587,12510,109,57,1088,4000,572,1878,2336,252,894,261,531,250,2978,394,1453,10562,128,314,3452,485,2864,283,111,1505,1080],"class_list":{"0":"post-121430","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-aaron-rodgers","9":"tag-alvin-kamara","10":"tag-anthony-richardson","11":"tag-arizona-cardinals","12":"tag-atlanta-falcons","13":"tag-baker-mayfield","14":"tag-baltimore-ravens","15":"tag-ben-johnson","16":"tag-bijan-robinson","17":"tag-brock-purdy","18":"tag-bryce-young","19":"tag-buffalo-bills","20":"tag-c-j-stroud","21":"tag-caleb-williams","22":"tag-calvin-ridley","23":"tag-cam-ward","24":"tag-carolina-panthers","25":"tag-chicago-bears","26":"tag-chris-olave","27":"tag-christian-kirk","28":"tag-christian-mccaffrey","29":"tag-cincinnati-bengals","30":"tag-cleveland-browns","31":"tag-cooper-kupp","32":"tag-dallas-cowboys","33":"tag-dalton-kincaid","34":"tag-daniel-jones","35":"tag-davante-adams","36":"tag-deebo-samuel","37":"tag-demeco-ryans","38":"tag-denver-broncos","39":"tag-derrick-henry","40":"tag-detroit-lions","41":"tag-dk-metcalf","42":"tag-football","43":"tag-geno-smith","44":"tag-george-kittle","45":"tag-george-pickens","46":"tag-green-bay-packers","47":"tag-houston-texans","48":"tag-indianapolis-colts","49":"tag-j-j-mccarthy","50":"tag-jamarr-chase","51":"tag-jacksonville-jaguars","52":"tag-jalen-milroe","53":"tag-jared-goff","54":"tag-jayden-daniels","55":"tag-jimmy-garoppolo","56":"tag-joe-burrow","57":"tag-joe-flacco","58":"tag-josh-jacobs","59":"tag-justin-fields","60":"tag-justin-herbert","61":"tag-justin-jefferson","62":"tag-kansas-city-chiefs","63":"tag-kellen-moore","64":"tag-kenny-pickett","65":"tag-keon-coleman","66":"tag-kirk-cousins","67":"tag-laremy-tunsil","68":"tag-las-vegas-raiders","69":"tag-los-angeles-chargers","70":"tag-los-angeles-rams","71":"tag-malaki-starks","72":"tag-malik-nabers","73":"tag-matthew-golden","74":"tag-matthew-stafford","75":"tag-miami-dolphins","76":"tag-michael-penix-jr","77":"tag-minnesota-vikings","78":"tag-new-england-patriots","79":"tag-new-orleans-saints","80":"tag-new-york-giants","81":"tag-new-york-jets","82":"tag-nfl","83":"tag-nick-chubb","84":"tag-nolan-smith","85":"tag-philadelphia-eagles","86":"tag-pittsburgh-steelers","87":"tag-puka-nacua","88":"tag-rashee-rice","89":"tag-russell-wilson","90":"tag-sam-darnold","91":"tag-sam-howell","92":"tag-san-francisco-49ers","93":"tag-saquon-barkley","94":"tag-seattle-seahawks","95":"tag-stefon-diggs","96":"tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","97":"tag-tee-higgins","98":"tag-tennessee-titans","99":"tag-tetairoa-mcmillan","100":"tag-tony-pollard","101":"tag-travis-hunter","102":"tag-trevor-lawrence","103":"tag-tua-tagovailoa","104":"tag-tyler-booker","105":"tag-tyler-lockett","106":"tag-tyler-shough","107":"tag-washington-commanders","108":"tag-xavier-legette","109":"tag-xavier-worthy"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation 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