The 2025 NFL season is kicking off, and there’s a lot to look forward to for the upcoming season.
No time to relax. In just two weeks, the scouting combine will take place in Indianapolis, followed by the start of free agency at the end of the month, and the draft is approaching quickly.
Before we know it, teams will be back on the field for their offseason programs.
Isn’t it great that NFL news is always buzzing?
There’s never a dull moment.
Here are some early storylines to keep an eye on.
1. Can John Harbaugh rejuvenate the New York Giants?
The Giants acted fast to hire Harbaugh as their new head coach. Just days after he was let go by Baltimore, the Giants lured him to New York with a five-year deal worth $100 million.
He was eager to join a team with such a rich history, and he’s also excited about young quarterback Jackson Dart, acquired from Mississippi State in last year’s draft.
Dart is showing real promise as a rookie and has the potential to be a standout quarterback. Who knows? He might just be the next star for the Giants.
Harbaugh has a solid foundation to build on, and people are curious to see if he can replicate his success from Baltimore in New York.
2. Will 2026 be the year for the Buffalo Bills?
Josh Allen and his teammates are likely second-guessing their missed opportunity to reach the Super Bowl.
With Patrick Mahomes sidelined, the Chiefs out of the playoffs, and the Ravens struggling, it seemed like the Bills had a clear chance.
Unfortunately, they lost to the Broncos in the divisional round and watched as the Patriots, with their second-year quarterback Drake Maye, advanced to play in a big game.
This disappointing end led to Sean McDermott losing his job.
Joe Brady will step in as the offensive coordinator, and with an uncertain landscape in the AFC, the Bills really need to make their move this season.
3. Can the Kansas City Chiefs come back strong?
The Chiefs found themselves watching the Super Bowl from home for the first time since 2022. A lot of that was due to team chemistry issues, but Mahomes’ injury in December played a huge role.
The injury required significant surgery, making his return for the 2026 season unclear.
He was recently seen walking at a Super Bowl event, which is a good sign, but getting back onto the field is a whole different story. People are wondering how soon he can play and at what level.
Even before the injury, the Chiefs were struggling, and now they hold the No. 9 pick in the 2026 draft, which could help them shore up their offense.
4. Is “Fernandomania” on the horizon?
Clint Kubiak has been announced as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, where he developed Sam Darnold into a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Kubiak is expected to finalize his deal soon, and he might draft a quarterback, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza being a front-runner as the No. 1 pick in 2026.
The potential for a partnership between Kubiak and Mendoza is intriguing, especially with Kubiak’s experience in developing talent. If they can also capitalize on the strong roster they have, including standout tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Giunty, a turnaround could be just around the corner.
5. Are the LA Rams Super Bowl contenders?
If it weren’t for some missed opportunities on special teams, the Rams might have secured a spot in the Super Bowl instead of the Seahawks.
Could their setbacks lead them to greater success next year?
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has indicated he plans to play at least one more season. The Rams also have two first-round picks and plenty of cap space, making them a strong candidate for key additions this offseason.
6. What’s next for Daniel Jones with the Colts?
Daniel Jones was playing at an MVP level for much of the year, and his $14 million one-year contract with the Colts proved significant.
However, after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in December, the Colts faced questions about his future with the team.
Given his previous performance, he could easily warrant a contract exceeding $50 million per year. Yet, the last contract he received was before this serious injury.
With competition from fellow quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, the Colts may find it necessary to meet Jones’ demands, despite past concerns.
7. Is Maxx Crosby on the trading block?
Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ star pass rusher, stirred up discussion during Super Bowl week when his friend Jay Glazer mentioned that Crosby might not be keen on staying with the Raiders.
Though he has since softened his stance, the idea of a trade may be looming. At 28 years old, he might be looking for a fresh start, especially if he feels uncertain about the team’s direction.
There’s a sense that teams like the Bills, Patriots, Bears, Cowboys, and Packers could be interested, especially since the Raiders might seek two first-round picks in exchange.
8. What’s next for Tua Tagovailoa?
It seems likely that Tagovailoa’s time with the Dolphins may be coming to an end. His performance last year dipped, leading to his benching and the dismissal of head coach Mike McDaniel.
New coach Jeff Hafley has no previous connection to Tagovailoa and might be inclined to prioritize a fresh start for both parties.
However, Tagovailoa’s contract situation could complicate matters. He has a $212 million contract through 2029, but the Dolphins would need to attach a first-round pick to make a trade more appealing.
9. Another Super Bowl in Las Vegas?
The NFL is set on bringing the Super Bowl to Los Angeles in 2027 and Atlanta in 2028.
Beyond these plans, changes are likely as the year progresses, possibly being announced at the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix.
Las Vegas successfully hosted the Super Bowl two years ago and received great feedback, so the NFL seems eager for a return.
10. Stadium updates
The Browns, Bears, and Chiefs are all eyeing new stadiums.
The Browns have plans for a $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, targeting a 2029 opening.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, are facing several challenges in relocating to a new $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas.
Negotiations are ongoing, and there’s pressure to ensure the project complies with local funding criteria.
As for the Bears, they may be considering a move to northwestern Indiana, given difficulties in securing a suitable deal in Illinois.
