1. San Francisco 49ers
After reaching the Super Bowl and returning much of their roster, the 49ers enter 2025 as the team to beat. Jordan Love is coming off an MVP campaign, and with CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Coker, and Ladd McConkey as weapons, the offense is among the league’s most dangerous. Add in a defense that creates turnovers in bunches and just added playoff experience, and San Francisco looks poised for another deep run. The biggest question: can they finally get past Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs?
2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers were just a step away from returning to the Super Bowl last year, and GM SD made sure the defense won’t be the reason they fall short again. Trading for Myles Garrett gives Green Bay a true game-wrecker up front to pair with their playmaking linebackers and young secondary. On offense, Tua Tagovailoa has Jefferson, Odunze, and Pacheco as a dynamic trio. If Garrett elevates the defense the way many expect, Green Bay could easily flip spots with San Francisco by season’s end.
3. Houston Texans
Houston enters the year as a fascinating wild card. Drake Maye flashed superstar potential in his rookie season, and Derrick Henry proved he’s still a force. Adding Denzel Ward shores up a defense that struggled against top-tier passing games, but losing Deebo Samuel puts more pressure on young receivers to step up. If Maye continues to develop and Henry stays healthy, the Texans could be a dangerous playoff team again — but their margin for error is slim in a loaded AFC.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers made the boldest move of the offseason, shipping out a first-round pick and Romeo Doubs to land Matthew Stafford. The hope is that Stafford provides consistency that Will Levis could not, but at 37, questions about durability remain. Christian McCaffrey and Najee Harris give LA a powerful backfield, and the defense has playmakers, but this roster still feels a step behind the heavyweights in the AFC. If Stafford stays healthy and connects with his weapons, the Chargers could sneak into the postseason — but their path is the toughest of the four.
Outlook: The NFC looks like a two-team race between San Francisco and Green Bay once again, while Houston is hoping to rise in the AFC and the Chargers are fighting for stability. Every team made bold offseason moves — now it’s time to see who can turn those gambles into wins.
