2025 NFL PREVIEW - Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS                                                                               

2024 Record - 4-13-0 

Head Coach - Pete Carroll 

2024 Offensive Rank - (27th overall) - 303 YPG; Passing - 223 YPG (13th), Rushing - 80 YPG (32nd); SCORING - 18.2 PPG (28th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (15th overall) - 333 YPG; Passing - 216 YPG (15th), Rushing - 117 YPG (13th); SCORING - 25.5 PPG (25th) 
 

Key Additions for 2025 - Geno Smith (QB), Ashton Jeanty (rookie - Boise State), Elandon Roberts (LB), Jeremy Chinn (DB), Alex Cappa (OL), Raheem Mostert (RB), Eric Stokes (DB) 

Key Losses for 2025 - Robert Spillane (LB), Jack Jones (DB), Christian Wilkins (DL), Divine Deablo (LB), Andre James (OL), John Jenkins (DL), Gardner Minshew (QB), Tre'von Moehrig (DB), Nate Hobbs (DB) 

OFFENSE - Geno Smith comes over from the Seattle Seahawks to play quarterback after passing for 4,320 yards last season with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while also rushing for 272 yards (5.1 YPC) and two touchdowns. The running game will feature rookie Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) while veteran Raheem Mostert (278 yards, 3.3 YPC, two TD with Miami) will look to play in Vegas this season. The wide receivers include Jakobi Meyers (87 receptions, 1,027 yards, four TD), Tre Tucker (47, 539, three TD) and tight end Brock Bowers, who hauled in 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. 

DEFENSE - The Raiders have Defensive End Maxx Crosby (7 1/2 sacks) up front and he will team with Adam Butler (five sacks), Jonah Laulu and Malcolm Koonce this season. The linebackers are led by Devin White, Elandon Roberts and Amari Gainer while the secondary had an overhaul and will feature safety Jeremy Chinn (107 tackles with Washington) and Isaiah Pola-Mao (85 tackles) along with corners Eric Stokes, Darnay Holmes and Jakorian Bennett. Last season, the Raiders had ten interceptions and 38 quarterback sacks and ten different players from the linebacking corps and secondary left the team in the off-season. 

OUTLOOK - New Head Coach Pete Carroll brings an impressive resume along as he will look to get the Raiders back to a level of respectability this season. They haven't made the playoffs in four years and will be looking to jump start the offense after finishing dead last in rushing in 2024 and also ranking near the bottom of the NFL in scoring. If rookie runner Ashton Jeanty can make the explosive plays he did in college, the running game will benefit for sure. Veteran QB Geno Smith played for Carroll in Seattle and had his best seasons there before the Seahawks moved on from Carroll two years ago. Better pass protection is a must as Raiders quarterbacks were sacked 50 times last season. 

The Raiders defense has to improve as well, especially in the red zone as they were middle of the pack against the run and pass, but ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in scoring defense. The revamped secondary and linebacking corps will be the key to any improvement in 2025. Playing in perhaps the toughest division (AFC West) in the NFL will present a big challenge to the Raiders as the other three teams all made the playoffs last year and the Kansas City Chiefs are the three-time defending AFC champions. Making the playoffs this year is a big reach, but improving on four wins in 2024 should happen and who knows . . .  if Smith and company catch fire on offense under Carroll, the Raiders could surprise some opponents this season. 

 

2025 SCHEDULE

Week One - at New England 

Week Two - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Three - at Washington 

Week Four - vs. Chicago 

Week Five - at Indianapolis 

Week Six - vs. Tennessee 

Week Seven - at Kansas City 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Ten - at Denver 

Week Eleven - vs. Dallas 

Week Twelve - vs. Cleveland 

Week Thirteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - vs. Denver 

Week Fifteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Sixteen - at Houston 

Week Seventeen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Eighteen - vs. Kansas City  

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Minnesota Vikings

MINNESOTA VIKINGS                                                                                         

2024 Record - 14-3-0

Head Coach - Kevin O' Connell 

2024 Offensive Rank - (12th overall) - 347 YPG; Passing - 238 YPG (6th), Rushing - 109 YPG (19th); SCORING - 25.4 PPG (9th) 

2024 Defensive Rank - (16th overall) - 335 YPG; Passing - 242 YPG (28th), Rushing - 93 YPG (2nd); SCORING - 19.5 PPG (5th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Will Fries (OL), Jonathan Allen (DL), Ryan Kelly (OL), Eric Wilson (LB), Carson Wentz (QB), Adam Thielen (WR) 

Key Losses for 2025 - Sam Darnold (QB), Cam Akers (RB), Jonathan Bullard (DL), Patrick Jones (LB), Stephon Gilmore (DB), Cam Bynum (DB), Cam Robinson (OL), Jerry Tillery (DL) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback J.J. McCarthy will get his chance to be the starting quarterback this season after plans for that changed last year when he suffered a season ending knee injury in the pre-season. Gone is last year's starter Sam Darnold (now with Seattle). Veteran journeymen quarterbacks Brett Rypien and Carson Wentz are on hand to provide depth for McCarthy. The top running back will be Aaron Jones, who ran for 1,138 yards (4.5 YPC) and five touchdowns last season. Justin Jefferson (103 receptions, 1,533 yards, ten TD) is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and he will team with Jordan Addison (63, 875, nine TD) once he serves a three-game suspension handed down from the league. Adam Thielen (48 receptions, 615 yards, five TD) is back with the Vikings as well and T.J. Hockenson is the tight end and he caught 41 passes for 455 yards last year. On hand to help out the depth chart this year are rookie Tai Felton (Maryland), Jalen Nailor (28, 414, six TD) and TE Josh Oliver. 

DEFENSE - The Vikings are led up front by nose tackle Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen (three sacks with Washington) and Javon Hargrave, who was injured for most of the 2024 season. Ends Jonathan Harris and Jalen Redmond are also stalwarts in the trenches. The linebackers include Blake Cashman (team high 111 tackles), Ivan Pace, Jr., Eric Wilson, Andrew Van Ginkel (11 1/2 sacks) and Jonathan Greenard, who had 12 sacks. In the defensive backfield, it will be Josh Metellus (103 tackles) and Harrison Smith (three interceptions) at safety along with cornerbacks Byron Murphy, Jr. (six INT) and Isaiah Rodgers, who played with Philadelphia last season. The Vikings picked off 24 passes a year ago, which led the NFL and also had 49 sacks (4th overall) while finishing third in the league with a plus-12 in the turnover category.

OUTLOOK - Head Coach Kevin O' Connell is considered a master game planner with the offense and he will be looking for McCarthy to keep the offense moving along after a big season from Darnold prior to a quick halt in the season finale and early exit in the NFC playoffs last year. If McCarthy shows he can be the guy to run a balanced offense with a solid running back (Aaron Jones) and two good wideouts in Jefferson and Addison, then the Vikings should be a solid team this season. 

On defense, there is some turnover in players and whether or not Minnesota can be the ball hawking team they were a year ago remains to be seen. The Vikings were like a bend, but not break defense in 2024 that gave up some big plays and yardage against the pass, but they made up for that with a league high 24 interceptions and allowed just 19.5 points per game, which showed a good red zone defensive effort. Playing in the NFC North, the Vikings face very tough opposition against Detroit and Green Bay (both were playoff teams the last two years) and even the basement dwelling Chicago Bears look to be improved for the 2025 season, so it won't be easy. This team can make the playoffs once again, but a lot will depend on the play of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Also, a tough four-game stretch in the middle of the season follows a two-game stay over in Europe and that will likely be a key to how the Vikings do this season. 
 

2025 SCHEDULE

Week One - at Chicago  

Week Two - vs. Atlanta 

Week Three - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh (Dublin, Ireland) 

Week Five - vs. Cleveland (London, England) 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Eight - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Nine - at Detroit 

Week Ten - vs. Baltimore 

Week Eleven - vs. Chicago 

Week Twelve - at Green Bay 

Week Thirteen - at Seattle 

Week Fourteen - vs. Washington 

Week Fifteen - at Dallas 

Week Sixteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - vs. Detroit 

Week Eighteen - vs. Green Bay  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Miami Dolphins

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                                                     

2024 Record - 8-9-0 

Head Coach - Mike McDaniel 

2024 Offensive Rank - (18th overall) - 325 YPG; Passing - 220 YPG (15th), Rushing - 105 YPG (21st); SCORING - 20.3 PPG (22nd)

2024 Defensive Rank - (4th overall) - 314 YPG; Passing - 211 YPG (9th), Rushing - 103 YPG (9th); SCORING - 21.4 PPG (10th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB), Kenneth Grant (rookie - Michigan), K.J. Britt (LB), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR), Alexander Mattison (RB), Pharaoh Brown (TE), Willie Gay, Jr. (LB), Zach Wilson (QB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Calais Campbell (DL), Terron Armstead (OL), Rob Jones (OL), Kendall Fuller (DB), Anthony Walker, Jr. (LB), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Jordan Poyer (DB), Jalen Ramsey (DB), Jonnu Smith (TE), Jevon Holland (DB)

OFFENSE - Tua Tagovailoa is back for his sixth season as quarterback. In 2024, he missed six games with concussion issues and injuries and had 2,867 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. If he cannot stay healthy, quarterback Zach Wilson is in training camp. The top wide receivers are Tyreek Hill (81 receptions, 959 yards, six TD), Jaylen Waddle (58, 744, two TD) and former Tennessee Titan Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had 32 receptions for 497 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The tight ends are Pharaoh Brown and Tanner Conner. De'Von Achane led the Dolphins in rushing last year with 907 yards (4.5 YPC) and scored six touchdowns while also grabbing 78 passes for 592 yards with six more touchdowns. Alec Ingold (fullback) and Alexander Mattison (420 yards, 3.2 YPC, four TD and 36 receptions for 294 yards and one score with the Raiders) are also on hand to aid the rushing attack. 

DEFENSE - Defensive tackle Zach Seiler (10 sacks) leads the front line and Kenneth Grant (rookie-Michigan) and Benito Jones look to be the other anchors. Linebackers include Jordyn Brooks (143 tackles), Tyrel Dodson (three interceptions), Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson (six sacks). In the secondary, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick comes over (via trade) from the Steelers and he had 96 tackles last year. Safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu and corners Kader Kohou (two INT) and Ethan Bonner are also on hand. The Dolphins only had ten interceptions last season.

OUTLOOK - It could be a do-or-die season for head coach Mike McDaniel this year after Miami missed the playoffs last season amid chaos involving Tyreek Hill, who was at the center of several controversies, which still persisted as training camp started. Aside from the drama, the Dolphins have talent and the key will be keeping (QB) Tagovailoa on the playing field and getting the deep passing game back on track. The Dolphins showed they can score points (496 points in 2023 season for 29.4 PPG) and need to get back to the strategy and execution that was successful. The running game was adequate and De'Von Achane will be the primary back. 

The defense has several new faces this season as many veterans left in the off-season and it might take time for the new faces to make an impact as the Dolphins defense was in the top ten last season. Improving the pass rush will need to happen (only 35 sacks last year) as well as forcing turnovers. In 2024, the Dolphins were a minus-5 in takeaways. The AFC East appears to be the Buffalo Bills title to lose, but a wild card spot could happen again if things come together and the team stays focused.  It's looking like a crap shoot season in Miami for sure. However, the Dolphins could also drop to the basement as the New York Jets and New England Patriots appear much improved heading into this season. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Indianapolis

Week Two - vs. New England 

Week Three - at Buffalo 

Week Four - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Five - at Carolina 

Week Six - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Seven - at Cleveland 

Week Eight - at Atlanta 

Week Nine - vs. Baltimore 

Week Ten - vs. Buffalo 

Week Eleven - vs. Washington (Madrid, Spain)

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Fifteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Sixteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Seventeen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Eighteen - at New England  

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Carolina Panthers

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                                                               

2024 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Dave Canales 

2024 Offensive Rank - (29th overall) - 298 YPG; Passing - 188 YPG (30th), Rushing - 110 YPG (18th); SCORING - 20.1 PPG (23rd)

2024 Defensive Rank - (32nd overall) - 405 YPG; Passing - 225 YPG (23rd), Rushing - 180 YPG (32nd); SCORING - 31.4 PPG (32nd) 

Key Additions for 2025 - Tre'von Moehrig (DB), Rico Dowdle (RB), Bobby Brown III (DL), Tershawn Wharton (DL), Christian Rozeboom (LB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Shaq Thompson (LB), Jadeveon Clowney (LB), Jordan Fuller (DB), Xavier Woods (DB), Miles Sanders (RB)

 

OFFENSE - Bryce Young enters his third season at quarterback and in 2024 he passed for 2,403 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions and rushed for 249 yards (5.8 YPC) and six touchdowns. NFL journeyman Andy Dalton (989 passing yards, seven TD, six INT) is the backup quarterback. Chuba Hubbard (1,195 yards, 4.8 YPC, 10 TD) will be the primary running back. Rico Dowdle (1,079 yards, 4.6 YPC, two TD) comes over from Dallas to provide depth. The wide receivers are Xavier Legette (49, 497, four TD), Jalen Coker (32, 478, two TD) and rookies Jimmy Horn, Jr. (Colorado) and Teteiroa McMillan (Arizona). The tight ends are Ja'Tavion Sanders and Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans (both from Notre Dame).  

DEFENSE - Defensive End A'Shawn Robinson (5 1/2 sacks, 80 tackles) leads the front line along with nose tackle Bobby Brown III while the linebackers are D.J. Wonnum (four sacks), Pat Jones II, Trevin Wallace and Josey Jewell (97 tackles). In the secondary, corners Mike Jackson (two interceptions) and Jaycee Horn team with safeties Lathan Ransom and Tre'von Moehrig, Jr. (104 tackles and two picks with Las Vegas in 2024) while safety Nick Scott provides depth. 

OUTLOOK - The Panthers improved slightly in 2024 (from 2 wins in 2023 to 5 wins) and QB Bryce Young showed he can play better after a dismal rookie season. Head Coach Dave Canales would like to see the passing game continue to improve while the running game was decent a year ago and should get a shot in the arm with Rico Dowdle coming on board to team with hard running Chuba Hubbard. Getting more results in the red zone would be a big plus as the Panthers' drives tended to stall too much last season. 

On defense, improvement is definitely a priority as Carolina was dead last in total defense a year ago as well as run defense and points allowed. They were gashed for 180 rushing yards per game and totaled just 32 QB sacks and nine interceptions, so a better pass rush needs to happen along with stopping the run. The Panthers have four rookies on defense in training camp, so it remains to be seen whether the kids, along with some free agents in camp, can help in those areas. Carolina hasn't made the playoffs since 2017 and another season without a playoff appearance appears to be likely.  However, you can never tell as in recent years numerous NFL teams have shown quick turnarounds. Carolina fans are hoping that will be the case in the 2025 season.

2025 SCHEDULE

Week One - at Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Arizona 

Week Three - vs. Atlanta 

Week Four - at New England 

Week Five - vs. Miami 

Week Six - vs. Dallas 

Week Seven - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eight - vs. Buffalo 

Week Nine - at Green Bay 

Week Ten - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eleven - at Atlanta 

Week Twelve - at San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - at New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Seventeen - vs. Seattle 

Week Eighteen - at Tampa Bay  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                                                                                

2024 Record - 4-13-0

Head Coach - Liam Coen

2024 Offensive Rank - (25th overall) - 306 YPG; Passing - 204 YPG (24th), Rushing - 102 YPG (26th); SCORING - 18.8 PPG (26th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (31st overall) - 390 YPG; Passing - 257 YPG (32nd), Rushing - 133 YPG (25th); SCORING - 25.6 PPG (27th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Travis Hunter (rookie - Colorado), Jourdan Lewis (DB), Eric Murray (DB), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Patrick Mekari (OL), Nick Mullens (QB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Evan Engram (TE), Mac Jones (QB), Gabe Davis (WR), Christian Kirk (WR), Mitch Morse (OL), Brandon Scherff (OL)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off an injury riddled season in which he passed for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Brian Thomas was the leading wide receiver a year ago, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and ten touchdowns and will team with Parker Washington (32, 390, three TD), Dyami Brown, Tim Patrick (33, 394, three TD) and rookie Travis Hunter (number two overall draft pick), who also plays cornerback. The tight end is Brenton Strange, who had 40 receptions for 411 yards and two touchdowns. Tank Bigsby (766 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, seven TD) and Travis Ettienne (558, 3.7 YPG, two TD) are the running backs.

DEFENSE - The Jaguars will have defensive end Travon Walker (10 1/2 sacks) leading the front line along with Josh Hines-Allen (eight sacks) while Devin Lloyd (team high 113 tackles) and Foyesade Oloukun (107 tackles) are the top linebackers. The secondary will have Travis Hunter and Tyson Campbell at the corners and also Jourdan Lewis at nickel back while Eric Murray (74 tackles with Houston) and Darnell Savage are the safeties. The Jaguars had a meager six interceptions and only 34 quarterback sacks last season.  

OUTLOOK - Jacksonville has a new head coach with Liam Coen taking over after leading the offense in Tampa Bay. The Jaguars will look for the offense to get a jump start with Coen attempting to get Lawrence back in form. Staying healthy will be the key for the fifth year quarterback and the team will try to find balance with the passing and running game. The two-headed monster of  Bigsby and Etienne can pound the rock and if the passing game can get up to speed, the offense should be better. Finishing games has to improve this year as the Jags had TEN one-score losses last season. 

On defense, going upward is the only way heading into the 2025 season after finishing at or near bottom of the NFL in all categories, which also helped lead to a minus-15 in the turnover category. There was a big turnover in personnel on defense in the off-season and with (rookie) Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, in the mix, bigger and better things are expected on defense. The Jags were the worst defense against the pass a year ago, so getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing more turnovers will be a top priority. The AFC South is not a strong division and two-time defending division champs (Houston Texans) will be the team to beat. The Jaguars should be better in 2025 and winning division games will go a long way to making a run toward the playoffs. 

2025 SCHEDULE  

Week One - vs. Carolina 

Week Two - at Cincinnati 

Week Three - vs. Houston 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - vs. Kansas City 

Week Six - vs. Seattle 

Week Seven - vs. L.A. Rams (London, England) 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - at Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Houston 

Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Twelve - at Arizona

Week Thirteen - at Tennessee 

Week Fourteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Sixteen - at Denver 

Week Seventeen - at Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - vs. Tennessee  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA FALCONS                                                                                                    

2024 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Raheem Morris 

2024 Offensive Rank - (6th overall) - 370 YPG; Passing - 239 YPG (5th), Rushing - 131 (10th); SCORING - 22.9 PPG (13th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (23rd overall) - 345 YPG; Passing - 224 YPG (22nd), Rushing - 121 YPG (15th); SCORING - 24.9 PPG (23rd)

Key Additions for 2025 - Leonard Floyd (LB), Jordan Fuller (DB), Divine Deablo (LB), James Pearce, Jr. (rookie - Tennessee) 

Key Losses for 2025 - Drew Dalman (OL), Matt Judon (LB), Grady Jarrett (DL), Lorenzo Carter (LB), Eddie Goldman (DL), Justin Simmons (DB)

OFFENSE - Michael Penix, Jr. is the top quarterback for the Falcons this season. The second year player took over for injured starter Kirk Cousins late last season and he passed for 775 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Cousins (shoulder injury) had 3,508 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Running back Bijan Robinson had a big year, going for 1,456 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and scored 14 touchdowns. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 644 yards (4.7 YPC) and had three touchdowns. The wide receivers are led by Drake London (100 receptions, 1,271 yards, nine TD), Darnell Mooney (64, 992, 5 TD), Ray-Ray McCloud (62, 686, one TD) and tight end Kyle Pitts, who had 47 catches for 602 yards and four scores. 

DEFENSE - Up front will be ends Morgan Fox and Zach Harrison along with nose tackle David Onyemata, who had three sacks last year. Rookie James Pearce, Jr. (Tennessee) will look to make an impact as well. The linebacking unit features newcomer Leonard Floyd (8 1/2 sacks with San Francisco) who will play alongside Kaden Elliss (team high 150 tackles and five sacks), Arnold Ebiketie (six sacks) and rookie Jalon Walker (Georgia). The secondary has safety Jessie Bates III (four interceptions and 102 tackles), corners Mike Hughes, A.J. Terrell (two picks) and Dee Alford (80 tackles) as well as safety Jordan Fuller, who was with Carolina last year. 

OUTLOOK - The Falcons lost two overtime games down the stretch last season and that hurt their shot at a playoff spot in the NFC. Head Coach Raheem Morris knows the team can be better this season, especially on defense with some new additions added to the roster. The team has to go out and prove it on the field. Atlatnta's defense gave up too many big plays in 2024 and registered just 31 sacks with 12 interceptions as they were a minus-6 in the turnover category. 

Finishing games will be the focus in 2025 and with (second year QB) Penix taking over the offense, the Falcons will look to avoid turning the ball over so much. The running game is solid with a one-two tandem of Robinson and Allgeier and London is a reliable target in the passing game. If Penix shows he can get it done consistently, this team could challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title. Making it to the playoffs is always the goal, but the Falcons need a lot to go just right if they expect to get that far this year.   

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Two - at Minnesota 

Week Three - at Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Washington 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seven - at San Francisco 

Week Eight - vs. Miami 

Week Nine - at New England 

Week Ten - vs. Indianapolis (Berlin, Germany) 

Week Eleven - vs. Carolina 

Week Twelve - at New Orleans 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Fourteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Fifteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Sixteen - at Arizona 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - vs. New Orleans  

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - New England Patriots

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                                                           

 
2024 Record - 4-13-0 

Head Coach - Mike Vrabel

2024 Offensive Rank - (31st overall) - 292 YPG; Passing - 176 YPG (32nd), Rushing - 116 YPG (13th); SCORING - 17.0 PPG (30th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (22nd overall) - 343 YPG; Passing - 212 YPG (10th), Rushing - 131 YPG (23rd); SCORING - 24.5 PPG (22nd) 

Key Additions for 2025 - Milton Williams (DL), Stefon Diggs (WR), TreVeyon Henderson (rookie - Ohio State), Carlton Davis III (DB), Mack Hollins (WR), Harold Landry III (LB), Garrett Bradbury (OL), Robert Spillane (LB), Morgan Moses (OL)

Key Losses for 2025 - David Andrews (OL), Jonathan Jones (DB), Deatrich Wise (DL), Daniel Ekuale (DL), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Davon Godchaux (DL)

OFFENSE - Drake Maye will be the starting quarterback again after a steady rookie season in which he passed for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and ten interceptions while also rushing for 421 yards (7.8 YPC) and two touchdowns. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top running back for the Patriots and he ran for 801 yards (3.9 YPC) and scored seven times last year. Antonio Gibson (538, 4.5 YPC, one TD) is also in the backfield along with rookie TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State). The wide receivers are Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas (66 receptions, 621 yards, three TD), along with Stefon Diggs (47, 496, three TD with Houston) and Mack Hollins (with Buffalo in 2024) who both come over this season to bolster the passing attack. The tight end is Hunter Henry, who had 66 receptions for 674 yards and two scores. 

DEFENSE - Defensive End Keion White (five sacks) leads the front line along with Newton Williams (five sacks with Philadelphia) and Khyiris Tonga. The linebackers are Christian Elliss, Robert Spillane (158 tackles and two interceptions with the Raiders last year) and Harold Landry III, who had nine sacks last year with Tennessee, as well as Anfernee Jennings (78 tackles) and Jahlani Tavai, who had a team leading 109 tackles. The secondary features corners Christian Gonzalez (two interceptions) and Carlton Davis III, who picked off two passes with Detroit last season. Kyle Duggar (79 tackles) and Jabrill Peppers are the safeties. The Patriots had just 28 sacks and seven interceptions last year. 

OUTLOOK - New Head Coach Mike Vrabel returns to New England, where he played for the team in the 2000s when they won three Super Bowl titles in a four year span (from 2001-2004) and he previously was the head coach with the Tennessee Titans and had some success there. The Patriots defense was decent a year ago, but has to get better at pressuring opposing quarterbacks and forcing more turnovers as the team was a minus-11 in that category. 

The offense will look to pick up the slack from a year ago as Maye enters his second season and the Patriots added in two new wide receivers this year as Diggs and Hollins will look to add more scoring as the Patriots were near the bottom of the NFL last season. The team should improve on the 4-13 mark in 2024 and perhaps challenge to get out of the AFC East basement. Anywhere from six to eight wins would be a big improvement and any more (wins) than that should be considered icing on the cake. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Two - at Miami 

Week Three - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Four - vs. Carolina 

Week Five - at Buffalo 

Week Six - at New Orleans 

Week Seven - at Tennessee 

Week Eight - vs. Cleveland 

Week Nine - vs. Atlanta 

Week Ten - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eleven - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Twelve - at Cincinnati 

Week Thirteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eighteen - vs. Miami