One Question For Each Team To Answer During The Preseason

The NFL Hall of Fame Game is within the books, which implies the 2025 NFL Preseason has formally begun!

Even although the complexion of all 32 NFL groups is starting to take form, we’re nonetheless 34 days from the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Every squad will use this time to finalize its depth chart and likewise fill out the 53-man roster.

With that in thoughts, listed here are the questions every crew should reply in the course of the 2025 preseason.

Arizona Cardinals

Who is CB1 within the desert?

Starling Thomas V, who began 17 video games for the Cards final season, tore his ACL in apply, so it received’t be him. They used two draft picks this low season on cornerbacks and a second-rounder final yr on Max Melton. With Will Johnson and Denzel Burke each coming into the league as rookies, Max Melton looks like the apparent candidate to be Arizona’s primary cornerback.

Atlanta Falcons

Did the Dirty Birds do sufficient to enhance their dreadful cross rush?

The Falcons had the second-worst cross rush within the NFL final season, with 31 sacks on the marketing campaign. They used two first-round draft picks on edge rushers (Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.). They additionally added Leonard Floyd in free company, who had 8.5 sacks final yr. This cross rush will take a giant leap ahead.

Baltimore Ravens

How will the brand new guys be built-in into the crew?

There are loads of new faces on this squad. Jaire Alexander, DeAndre Hopkins, Malaki Starks, Joe Noteboom, and Mike Green are all guys who may very well be opening-day starters. Even rookie kicker Tyler Loop will play a giant position on this crew, attempting to switch Justin Tucker. John Harbaugh is a wonderful coach who will discover methods to get probably the most out of each participant, however the methods this crew appears to be like exterior of the quarterback and working again spots will likely be very completely different in 2025.

Buffalo Bills

Who is the very best vast receiver in Buffalo?

The apparent reply appears to be Khalil Shakir, but when that’s the case, then why did the Bills use a really excessive second-round draft decide to take Keon Coleman final low season? Then once more, Curtis Samuel led the crew in playoff landing receptions. Shakir will possible nonetheless be WR1 in Buffalo by the point the preseason is over.

Carolina Panthers

Is the protection dedicated to enjoying higher in opposition to the run?

They higher be. They have been the worst run-defending crew within the NFL by a large margin (179.8 dashing yards allowed per recreation, nearly 40 yards per recreation greater than the following closest crew). Getting Derrick Brown again for the season will drastically assist in the case of defending the run. Adding three defensive linemen within the draft and three extra in free company also needs to result in a fast turnaround for this unit.

Chicago Bears

How will this offense look beneath new head coach Ben Johnson?

Is this going to be a run-focused or a pass-focused unit? As offensive coordinator of the Lions, Johnson ran 551 cross performs and 534 run performs, an nearly even divide over a 17-game season. The Bears have invested so much into the offensive line and the vast receiving corps, in order that they’ll in all probability lean somewhat extra on the cross than the run.

Cincinnati Bengals

Will Trey Hendrickson be a member of the Bengals and play this season?

The NFL’s chief in sacks final season may not play this yr if he doesn’t get a brand new contract. He deserves an extension as a result of he has been one of many 5 greatest pass-rushers within the NFL during the last two years. More importantly, he’ll proceed to raise his gameplay over the following few seasons. The Bengals must cease being silly and simply pay the person. This crew won’t succeed with out Trey Hendrickson.

Cleveland Browns

Who would be the beginning quarterback to open the season?

With Kenny Pickett’s harm, the beginning quarterback spot will come right down to Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, or Dillon Gabriel. This crew will possible need to compete proper out of the gate, so a rookie in all probability received’t begin Week One. Considering Watson might miss the whole thing of the 2025-26 season with a ruptured Achilles, it appears to be a forgone conclusion that Joe Flacco would be the starter to open the season.

Dallas Cowboys

How will new head coach Brian Schottenheimer run the crew?

The choice to call Schottenheimer the crew’s head coach actually got here out of nowhere. We have an concept about how the offense will look since Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator in 2023, when Dak Prescott performed all 17 regular-season video games. With query marks nonetheless lingering on the working again spot, count on a pass-oriented offense. How the protection will look stays to be seen.

Denver Broncos

Will Denver’s offensive weapons be an enchancment over final yr’s?

RJ Harvey, Evan Engram, and J.Okay. Dobbins are all new faces in Denver who will possible see the sector so much. Evan Engram will likely be a marked enchancment over Adam Trautman, who had extra video games began than passes caught final yr. I additionally suppose Harvey and Dobbins will likely be a greater one-two punch than Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, who barely mixed for 1,000 dashing yards final season. This offense ought to take a step ahead from 2024 to 2025.

Detroit Lions

Will the offensive line be pretty much as good as final season?

The Lions’ greatest unit was their offensive line, however they are going to be going into the 2025 season with new starters at two positions following Kevin Zeitler’s departure in free company and Frank Ragnow’s retirement. With Graham Glasgow anticipated to be the beginning middle, Detroit could have a brand new left and proper guard. The offensive line will nonetheless be wonderful this season, albeit in all probability inferior to final yr.

Green Bay Packers

What would be the offensive line mixture Green Bay goes with?

The Green Bay Packers want to determine a couple of issues alongside the offensive line. It’s unclear if Elgton Jenkins will likely be enjoying middle or guard. The Packers additionally want to find out if Jordan Morgan, Rasheed Walker, or Anthony Belton would be the beginning left sort out. Also, I’m not offered on Sean Rhyan as a beginning proper guard. I’d like to see an offensive line of Walker-Banks-Jenkins-Belton-Tom. In all chance, although, Rhyan will get the nod over Belton.

Houston Texans

Who will emerge because the second-best cross catcher in Houston?

The Texans made a commerce for Christian Kirk earlier than selecting two vast receivers within the NFL Draft. Considering he’s a veteran who’s a former 1,000-yard receiver, I count on Kirk to emerge as Houston’s number-two wideout. But if Jayden Higgins can impress in the course of the preseason, he’ll overtake Kirk because the Texans’ number-two receiving risk.

Indianapolis Colts

Will Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson be the beginning quarterback?

There are 4 quarterbacks on the roster, however the starter spot will come right down to Jones or Richardson. Richardson missed minicamp and OTAs with an harm, which meant Daniel Jones bought nearly all of the first-team reps throughout that interval. Considering Richardson was a former number-four general decide, he’ll possible be the starter when the season opens. However, I count on him to have a brief leash. Too many errors, and he’ll be benched.

Jacksonville Jaguars

What will likely be Travis Hunter’s cut up between offense and protection?

This is arguably probably the most fascinating storyline of the preseason. We haven’t seen a participant actively take part on each the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in a long time! The man is a competitor, so he’ll in all probability need to play each snap on offense and protection, however that’s possible not what the teaching workers has in retailer for him. He’ll presumably play on offense full-time and play half the crew’s defensive snaps within the preseason video games he begins.

Kansas City Chiefs

Who would be the beginning offensive tackles?

Three guys are going to compete for the correct and left sort out spots. Since Jawaan Taylor has made 99 begins within the 99 video games he has appeared in, it’s protected to imagine he would be the beginning proper sort out. That means the left sort out spot will come right down to Josh Simmons or Jaylon Moore. I consider wholeheartedly in Josh Simmons on the professional stage. Had he not gotten injured, he might’ve been a top-ten draft decide. He would be the beginning left sort out by the point the preseason ends.

Las Vegas Raiders

Will the offense be run-focused or passing-focused?

They traded for Geno Smith, who tried the fourth-most passes within the NFL final season. However, in addition they used the sixth-overall draft decide on Ashton Jeanty, who had probably the most dashing makes an attempt in school soccer final season (374). The final time Pete Carroll coached in 2023, the Seahawks threw the ball 193 extra instances than they ran it. Though the disparity received’t be as nice, Vegas will likely be a pass-first crew this yr.

Los Angeles Chargers

Will LA proceed to run the ball extra beneath Jim Harbaugh?

Though this crew is led by quarterback Justin Herbert, they really threw the ball much less in Jim Harbaugh’s first season in comparison with 2023. Last yr, the Chargers tried 510 passes and ran the ball 463. Comparatively, in 2023, LA tried 632 passes and 431 runs. This season, count on the Bolts to run the ball much more, particularly with Najee Harris and first-round draft decide Omarion Hampton.

Los Angeles Rams

Will Terrance Ferguson turn out to be the brand new beginning tight finish?

The Rams didn’t have a first-round draft decide. For some cause, they used their first decide of the 2025 NFL Draft to pick out a decent finish, though they have already got a very good tight finish on the roster in Tyler Higbee. However, Higbee’s contract runs out after this season, which implies Ferguson will in all probability be his successor. It may not occur in the course of the preseason, however Ferguson will turn out to be the starter sooner or later this yr.

Miami Dolphins

Is the secondary poised to take a step again this season?

The crew will likely be with out all 5 of the beginning secondary gamers from final yr. On high of that, the fellows that they introduced in to switch final yr’s corners and safeties are already coping with accidents. Two cornerbacks have been dominated out for the season with accidents, whereas security Ashtyn Davis is anticipated to overlook a while. The secondary will DEFINITELY take a step again in the course of the 2025-26 marketing campaign.

Minnesota Vikings

How will J.J. McCarthy play in restricted preseason motion?

J.J. McCarthy is mainly coming into this yr as a rookie. He solely bought the possibility to play one preseason recreation earlier than he was recognized with a torn meniscus, ruling him out for the season. McCarthy will carry out effectively as a result of he will likely be attempting to show that he deserves to be the starter in Minnesota, and the crew didn’t make a mistake by letting Sam Darnold go in free company.

New England Patriots

Did the Pats add sufficient impactful gamers to return to their successful methods?

The Pats added 14 free brokers who have been on completely different groups final season, plus one other 11 gamers via the draft. That’s 25 new guys on a 53-man roster, nearly half of the crew. It’s additionally value noting that most of the new gamers will likely be day-one starters like Stefon Diggs, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis, and Will Campbell. Those 4 guys alone will likely be a marked enchancment over the starters from final yr. The Pats won’t be a four-win crew in 2025.

New Orleans Saints

Who would be the beginning quarterback to open the season?

The Saints have restricted choices beneath middle. Jake Haener is at a drawback as a result of he missed most of OTAs and minicamp with an harm. Meanwhile, Spencer Rattler misplaced all six of the begins he made final season. It makes probably the most sense to begin second-rounder Tyler Shough. The Saints want to seek out out if this child is any good earlier than they will resolve what they need to do subsequent low season on the quarterback place.

New York Giants

If Jaxson Dart performs rather well, ought to he be the Week One starter?

Russell Wilson is at present slated to be the Giants’ starter to open the season, however there’s nonetheless a first-round draft decide ready within the wings and trying to get his shot to overhaul Russ. Jaxson Dart will in all probability find yourself enjoying effectively, contemplating he’ll get most of his reps in opposition to third- and fourth-stringers. Regardless, the Giants need to win straight away, and Wilson offers them a greater shot of doing that than Dart.

New York Jets

Can Justin Fields be the passer the Jets want?

There’s little question that the child can run. His drawback has all the time been throwing the ball. Had he not gotten benched, there was an opportunity that he would’ve eclipsed the three,000-yard passing mark for the primary time in his profession final season. The 2025 Jets’ offensive weapons are a lot better than the 2024 Steelers’, so Fields ought to be capable to elevate his passing recreation within the Big Apple.

Philadelphia Eagles

Did the protection lose too many starters from final yr to be as profitable this season?

Seven defenders from final yr’s squad are now not with the crew. That consists of Milton Williams, Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, to call a couple of. However, they added Adoree’ Jackson, Joshua Uche, and 6 different defenders via the draft. That inflow of expertise, coupled with the continued ascension of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, will make this a formidable protection as soon as once more.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Who must be the Steelers’ number-two receiving risk?

DK Metcalf is clearly the very best pass-catcher on the crew. Though Pat Freiermuth has been there some time, they only traded for a Pro Bowler in Jonnu Smith. Then once more, Robert Woods is a seasoned veteran, whereas Calvin Austin III took an enormous leap ahead final yr. The number-two receiver will likely be whoever Aaron Rodgers trusts probably the most, which can in all probability be a vet like Smith or Woods.

San Francisco 49ers

Did they lose too many gamers within the low season?

30 gamers from final yr’s 53-man roster are both unsigned or at the moment are enjoying for one more crew. That means solely 23 gamers from final yr’s squad are returning to the Bay Area. I don’t care who these 23 guys are; a crew that loses 56% of its gamers from the earlier season is certain to regress. Considering the injured guys they’re getting again, this crew will certainly have a greater document, however they in all probability aren’t going to be perpetual favorites to win the NFC like they as soon as have been.

Seattle Seahawks

Is Jalen Milroe a future starter or only a backup?

The Seahawks appear to be all-in on Sam Darnold for this season, however after that, it’s anyone’s guess, particularly with a possible out in his contract after the top of the 2026-27 marketing campaign. Therefore, Seattle must play Jalen Milroe as a lot as attainable in the course of the preseason to seek out out if the rookie can take his recreation to the following stage. I’ve a sense he’ll be capable to reply the decision.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

How will the offensive line carry out with out Tristan Wirfs?

The Buccaneers are going to want to establish a dependable placeholder to fill in on the left sort out spot, with Tristan Wirfs anticipated to overlook the primary 4 video games of the season. They don’t must discover a future Hall of Famer or something. Tampa Bay simply must establish a man who isn’t going to hinder the offense. In all chance, although, the offensive line will battle with out Wirfs’ presence. This is a mediocre unit once you take away Wirfs.

Tennessee Titans

How will Cam Ward play within the preseason?

The Titans mustn’t attempt to overdo something with Cam Ward. Let the rookie begin the primary half of Games One and Two earlier than letting him sit out of the third preseason recreation. Ward is the clear-cut starter in Nashville. He’ll play effectively in restricted motion, however followers shouldn’t get loopy if he doesn’t dwell as much as the hype within the preseason.

Washington Commanders

What does the receiving corps appear like with out Terry McLaurin?

Outside of McLaurin, this vast receiving corps is crammed with younger bucks and over-the-hill gamers. 2025 Deebo Samuel is way faraway from the 1,000-yard receiver he was in 2021. Zach Ertz remains to be efficient, however it’s unfair to count on him to be Washington’s greatest pass-catcher at age 34 if McLaurin isn’t in D.C. Meanwhile, Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey are unproven entities. The receiving corps is a lot better with McLaurin versus with out him.