By Anthony Gutierrez, September 23, 2025
The 2025-2026 NFL season is underway as it began with a prime-time matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night, Sept. 4, where the Eagles came out on top 24-20 with reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts leading the way.
Offseason moves and many other headlines from the offseason have amplified expectations and excitement from fans as there are many different contending teams coming into the year. Young players are becoming superstars and big-name players in the league are suited up in different uniforms, preparing for a very competitive season.
Teams to Watch
Coming into 2025, a couple of the most intriguing and interesting teams to watch this season are the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills.
The Commanders made a strong push to strengthen their offense, pairing star quarterback Jaden Daniels with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was traded by the San Francisco 49ers, strengthening their weapons alongside their strong running game. They look to take over the NFC East and plan for another deep playoff run with their second-year quarterback and star-studded receivers.
The Buffalo Bills are also coming into this season with more motivation than the last. Star quarterback Josh Allen is coming off of an MVP season and is looking to add a Super Bowl ring under his belt. This season could be very pivotal for not just Allen, but for the Bills and head coach, Sean McDermott, as they’ve been a great team in the regular season, but have not sniffed the Super Bowl in their reign. According to a ESPN report, the Bills are projected for 10.2 wins and have a 71% chance of making the playoffs. Although this report seems to undermine the team’s potential success, it’s whether they’re able to deliver when playoff football comes.
Offseason Moves and Impact
The 2025 offseason was very busy and impactful, arguably one of the most transformative in recent memory. Young players look to make an impact in the league, while star receivers and veteran quarterbacks are ready to fit in with their new organizations.
Geno Smith, who was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders this past offseason, looks to revitalize the Raider’s offense alongside coach Pete Carroll. The Raiders also drafted Ashton Jeanty, a star running back from Boise State with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 draft. The Raiders come into the year with high expectations as Smith is also paired up with star tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers.
As the Raiders made very impressive moves, the Pittsburgh Steelers also wasted no time re amp both their offense and defense.
They signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will provide them with 20+ years of NFL experience, high IQ, arm strength, and excellent field vision. Alongside their quarterback, they provided Rodger’s with a very dangerous weapon when they traded for DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf will be their wide receiver one heading into the season, as he totaled 48 touchdowns throughout his six years with the Seahawks. The Steelers also signed veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the squad. Ramsey will provide a spark and a tenacity attitude to the defense.
Fourth year kinesiology student Elijah Ramos is excited to watch his Steelers this upcoming season, especially with all their new weapons on both the offensive and defensive sides.
“I think they have a much better team this year compared to last year. Aaron Rodgers and DK will be a good duo I think,” said Ramos. I think they’ll be able to push deep into the playoffs.”
Awards Predictions
Predicting awards in this league is very risky, but it can also indicate the expectations players carry coming into the season. After a very strong season last year, Josh Allen seems to have the competitive edge over Lamar Jackson and will look to win a consecutive MVP award. Allen is the top choice for Most Valuable Player coming into this season.
For Offensive Rookie of the Year, the go-to pick is Travis Hunter, a two-way player drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars and reigning Heisman trophy winner. On the other hand, Jeanty looks to have a very strong role with the Raiders. Jeanty will most likely be able to fit in with the Raider’s offensive scheme and be more impactful throughout the season than Hunter, earning my top choice for offensive rookie of the year. According to an article written by Matt Bowen from ESPN, he very much agrees with this take as he wrote “His 2,601 rushing yards and 126 forced missed tackles led the FBS last season, and he also has the traits to produce as a receiver on backfield releases. Given his role in an offense that will rely on the ground game, the No. 6 pick is the leading candidate to win Offensive Rookie of the Year”.
This season, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is a prime candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, projected to achieve 16 sacks, 45 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss, demonstrating his impact on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Abdul Carter, the New York Giants’ edge rusher, emerges as the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Super Bowl Winner
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are undeniably the top choices considering their matchup this past February, but Allen and the Bills look to get past that playoff hump and push a Super Bowl run taking anyone in their way out. The Bills have the offensive power and MVP on their side. Defensively, Buffalo features a strong pass rush and a secondary capable of forcing turnovers, making them a complete team on both sides of the ball.
Feature image courtesy Connor Lālea Hampton
