2025 NFL PREVIEW - Houston Texans

HOUSTON TEXANS                                                                                         

2024 Record - 10-7-0 

Head Coach - DeMeco Ryans 

2024 Offensive Rank - (22nd overall) - 320 YPG; Passing - 208 YPG (21st), Rushing -112 YPG (15th); SCORING - 21.9 PPG (19th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (6th overall) - 315 YPG; Passing - 201 YPG (6th), Rushing - 114 YPG (11th); SCORING - 21.9 PPG (14th) 

Key Additions for 2025 - C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DB), Christian Kirk (WR), Cam Robinson (OL), E.J. Speed (LB), Laken Tomlinson (OL), Sheldon Rankins (DL)

Key Losses for 2025 - Laremy Tunsil (OL), Stefon Diggs (WR), Kenyon Green (OL), Shaq Mason (OL), Eric Murray (DB), Del'Shawn Phillips (LB), Robert Woods (WR) 

OFFENSE - C.J. Stroud will be the starting quarterback as he goes into his third NFL season and he had 3,727 passing yards along with 20 touchdowns and twelve interceptions last year. He also rushed for 233 yards (4.5 YPC) but was sacked 54 times. The running game is hoping to have Joe Mixon back in the mix sooner rather than later as he will miss at least the first four games in 2025 because of ankle surgery. Mixon ran for 1,016 yards in 2024 and scored eleven touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Dameon Pierce (293, 7.3 YPC, two TD), Nick Chubb (332, 3.3 YPC, three TD with Cleveland) and perhaps rookie Woody Marks (USC) are the others who will run the ball. The wide receivers are Niko Collins (68 receptions, 1,006 yards, seven TD), Christian Kirk (27, 379, one TD with Jacksonville), Justin Watson (29, 282, two TD with Kansas City) and rookie Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) and possibly Tank Dell, who had 51 receptions for 667 yards and three scores before suffering a bad knee injury late last season that could keep him out for the entire 2025 season. The tight end is Dalton Schultz and he had 53 catches for 532 yards and two touchdowns last year. 

DEFENSE - Danielle Hunter (12 QB sacks) and Will Anderson (11 sacks) lead the way on the defensive front line along with Tim Settle, Jr. (five sacks), Derek Barnett (five sacks) and Sheldon Rankins. The linebackers include Henry To'oTo'o (team high 104 tackles), Azeez Al-Shaair (70 tackles) and E.J. Speed, who had 143 tackles with Indianapolis last year. Nick Niemann and Christian Harris are also available. The secondary has Kamari Lassiter (three interceptions), Derrick Stingley, Jr. (five INT) and Jalen Pitre at the corners along with safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson (six interceptions with Philadelphia) and Calen Bullock, who had five picks a year ago. Rookie cornerback Jaylin Smith (USC) will look to contribute this season. The Texans were plus-10 in turnovers last year while getting 19 interceptions (2nd in NFL) and 49 sacks, which ranked fourth overall. 

OUTLOOK - Houston appears poised for a third consecutive AFC South crown as long as C.J. Stroud plays up to his abilities and gets better pass protection. The offensive line must improve and the running game could be a big question mark with Joe Mixon still out (ankle injury) as the season gets started. Former Pro Bowler Nick Chubb hasn't been the same since a serious knee injury two years ago and Dameon Pierce hasn't had much playing time with Houston. The offense has weapons in the passing game and Stroud and Collins have been a good combo in the last two seasons. Better red zone efficiency will go a long way to helping the Texans attack. 

Head Coach DeMeco Ryans thrives on strong defense and the Texans were a top ten unit last year and now have C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the secondary after a Super Bowl winning season with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Texans will look to have the same ball hawking defense in 2025 and with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter leading the charge up front, the pass rush should be good once again. Stopping the run better will be a focus in 2025 as well, but this team is looking to go further in January after blasting the L.A. Chargers (including four interceptions on defense) in the wild card round and giving Kansas City a tough battle in the divisional round. Don't sleep on the Texans as they could be a pleasant surprise this time around if things break their way come playoff time. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at L.A. Rams 

Week Two - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Three - at Jacksonville 

Week Four - vs. Tennessee 

Week Five - at Baltimore 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - at Seattle 

Week Eight - vs. San Francisco 

Week Nine - vs. Denver 

Week Ten - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Eleven - at Tennessee 

Week Twelve - vs. Buffalo 

Week Thirteen - at Indianapolis 

Week Fourteen - at Kansas City 

Week Fifteen - vs. Arizona 

Week Sixteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Eighteen - vs. Indianapolis  

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Detroit Lions

DETROIT LIONS                                                                                                           

2024 Record - 15-2-0 

Head Coach - Dan Campbell 

2024 Offensive Rank - (2nd overall) - 409 YPG; Passing - 263 YPG (2nd), Rushing - 146 YPG (6th); SCORING - 33.2 PPG (1st)

2024 Defensive Rank - (20th overall) - 342 YPG; Passing - 244 YPG (30th), Rushing - 98.4 YPG (5th); SCORING - 20.1 PPG (7th)

Key Additions for 2025 - D.J. Reed, Jr. (DB), Roy Lopez (DL), Grant Stuard (LB), Rock Ya-Sin (DB)

Key Losses for 2025 - Kevin Zeitler (OL), Carlton Davis III (DB), Za'Darius Smith (DL), Kindle Vildor (DB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Jared Goff passed for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdowns and had 12 interceptions a year ago. His main targets in the Lions passing game are wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (115 receptions, 1,263 yards, 12 TD), Jameson Williams (58, 1,001, seven TD) and tight end Sam LaPorta, who had 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards (5.6 YPC) and scored 16 touchdowns while also adding four more (receiving) scores along with 52 receptions for 517 yards. David Montgomery had 775 rushing yards (4.2 YPC) and scored twelve touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was limited to five games because of a broken leg, but he still had a team leading 7 1/2 quarterback sacks last season. Nose tackle Alim McNeill is coming off a knee injury and he had 3 1/2 sacks. Marcus Davenport and Tyleik Williams round out the front four. Linebackers include Jack Campbell (125 tackles) along with outside backers Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone. The defensive backfield features safeties Kerby Joseph (NFL leading nine interceptions) and Brian Branch, who picked off four passes last year. The corners are Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, Jr. while Khalil Dorsey, Morice Norris and Amik Robertson add depth in the secondary. In 2024, the Lions intercepted 16 passes and amassed 37 sacks.  

OUTLOOK - With both team coordinators gone, Head Coach Dan Campbell will look for the offensive machine to continue to roll (Detroit led the NFL in scoring last year) while the defense looks to remain steady. The Lions had a solid run defense in 2024, but the pass defense was lacking in giving up big plays even while frequently intercepting opposing quarterbacks. Having Aidan Hutchinson back in the fold will help big time in putting pressure on opponents. Improved defense will be the key for the Lions this season, especially if they make the playoffs again.  

On offense, quarterback Jared Goff has so many weapons it is almost ridiculous. The running game as well as the passing attack are top ten qualities for the team, so as long as the Lions can avoid injuries, they should continue to mix it up and light up the scoreboard. The problem in the Motor City the last two years has been the post-season as they blew a big lead to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game two years ago and last year in the divisional round were ambushed by the Washington Commanders and rookie QB Jayden Daniels while playing on their home turf. The Lions have the potential to reach the Super Bowl, but they have to make it happen once the playoffs arrive. It's up to them to make it happen, the time is now and the hype machine must follow up this time around. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Green Bay 

Week Two - vs. Chicago 

Week Three - at Baltimore 

Week Four - vs. Cleveland 

Week Five - at Cincinnati 

Week Six - at Kansas City 

Week Seven - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Minnesota 

Week Ten - at Washington 

Week Eleven - at Philadelphia 

Week Twelve - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Three - vs. Green Bay 

Week Fourteen - vs. Dallas 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Sixteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seventeen - at Minnesota 

Week Eighteen - at Chicago  

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Tennessee Titans

TENNESSEE TITANS                                                                                                  

2024 Record - 3-14-0 

Head Coach - Brian Callahan 

2024 Offensive Rank - (26th overall) - 304 YPG; Passing - 195 YPG (26th), Rushing - 109 YPG; SCORING - 18.3 PPG (27th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (2nd overall) - 311 YPG; Passing - 177 YPG (2nd), Rushing - 134 YPG (26th); SCORING - 27.1 PPG (30th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Cam Ward (rookie - Miami, FL), Van Jefferson (WR), Cody Barton (LB), Lorenzo Carter (LB), Tyler Lockett (WR), Dan Moore (OL), Xavier Woods (DB), Kevin Zeitler (OL), Dre'Mont Jones (DL)

Key Losses for 2025 - Harold Landry III (LB), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR), Nick Vannett (TE), Kenneth Murray, Jr. (LB), Tyler Boyd (WR), Nicholas Petit-Frere (OL), Mason Rudolph (QB), Dillon Radunz (OL), Daniel Brunskill (OL)

OFFENSE - Rookie quarterback Cam Ward (top draft pick from Miami, Florida) will take over this season as the starter. Will Levis is out for the season following shoulder surgery, so the backup QB will likely be Brandon Allen. The running game has Tony Pollard as the lead back and he went for 1,079 yards (4.2 YPC) and five touchdowns a year ago. Tyjae Spears (312 yards, 3.7 YPC, four TD) is also on hand this season. The wide receivers are Calvin Ridley (64 receptions, 1,017 yards, four TD), Van Jefferson (24, 276, two TD with Pittsburgh) and Tyler Lockett, who played with Seattle last season and had 49 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns. Chig Okwonko (52, 479, two TD) is the tight end. 

DEFENSE - Jeffery Simmons (76 tackles, five QB sacks), T'Vondre Sweat and Sebastian Joseph-Day lead the defensive front line and the linebackers are Cody Barton, Arden Key (6 1/2 sacks), James Williams and Dre'Mont Jones. In the secondary is safety Amani Hooker, who had five interceptions last year. Also in the mix is safety Xavier Woods (three INT with Carolina) and Quandre Diggs. The corners are Darrell Baker Jr., Jarvis Brownlee, Jr. (74 tackles), L'Jarius Sneed and Roger McCreary. The Titans had 32 sacks last year and eleven interceptions. 

OUTLOOK - This season will be an interesting one for the Titans as they are going with the top draft pick in QB Cam Ward leading the offense. Head Coach Bill Callahan is in his second season and is looking for the team to improve on the three wins from last year. Tennessee ranked near the bottom of the league in every offensive category except for rushing. If Ward gets the protection (Titans allowed 52 sacks in 2024) there is definitely potential for a big time passing attack with two proven wideouts and a third who has shown flashes when healthy. Tennessee had six one-score defeats last year, so closing games could lead to a much better record if things come together for them. 

The defense was stellar a year ago, finishing second overall and against the pass. The run defense was weak and the Titans allowed too many touchdowns, which placed them 30th in the NFL in scoring defense. That must change if they expect to make a big leap into contention in a relatively weak AFC South division. The Houston Texans are the top dog in the division, but they can challenge Jacksonville and Indianapolis and perhaps finish second this year. The key will be improvement on offense, particularly in the red zone and avoiding too many turnovers as the Titans were minus-16 last year in that area. Look for an improved record in 2025, but the playoffs will be a very big reach. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Denver 

Week Two - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Three - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Four - at Houston 

Week Five - at Arizona 

Week Six - at Las Vegas 

Week Seven - vs. New England 

Week Eight - at Indianapolis 

Week Nine - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Houston  

Week Twelve - vs. Seattle 

Week Thirteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Fourteen - at Cleveland 

Week Fifteen - at San Francisco 

Week Sixteen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eighteen - at Jacksonville 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                                           

2024 Record - 6-11-0 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

2024 Offensive Rank - (4th overall) - 376 YPG; Passing - 249 YPG (4th), Rushing - 127 YPG (12th); SCORING - 22.9 PPG (13th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (8th overall) - 317 YPG; Passing - 193 YPG (5th), Rushing - 124 YPG (18th); SCORING - 25.6 PPG (27th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Mykel Williams (rookie - Georgia), Mac Jones (QB), Tre Brown (DB), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Jason Pinnock (DB), Nicholas Petit-Frere (OL)

Key Losses for 2025 - Dre Greenlaw (LB), Deebo Samuel (WR), Maliek Collins (DL), Jordan Mason (RB), Aaron Banks (OL), De'Vondre Campbell (LB), Leonard Floyd (DL), Charvarius Ward (DB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Brock Purdy is back for his fourth NFL season and last year he passed for 3,864 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as well as rushing for 323 yards (4.9 YPC) and he scored five touchdowns. Mac Jones (1,672 passing yards, eight TD, eight INT) came over from Jacksonville and will be the backup. Running backs include Christian McCaffrey, who is coming back from multiple injuries last season. If he's not quite up to his past standards, then Isaac Guerendo (420 rushing yard, 5.0 YPC, four TD), Patrick Taylor, Jr. and rookie Jordan James (Oregon) will be ready to go. The fullback is Kyle Jusczyk. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (25 receptions for 374 yards in seven games) missed most of the 2024 season and along with Jauan Jennings (77, 975, six TD), Demarcus Robinson (31, 505, seven TD with L.A. Rams), Ricky Pearsall, Jr. (31, 400, three TD) and rookie Jordan Watkins (Mississippi) will be looking to bounce back strong. The tight end is George Kittle, who caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight scores last year. 

DEFENSE - Edge rusher Nick Bosa (nine QB sacks) leads the way up front along with tackles Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens. Rookie (DE/linebacker) Mykel Williams (Georgia) will be relied on as will Robert Beal, Jr. and Sam Okuayinonu. The linebackers are Luke Gifford, Fred Warner (team high 131 tackles and two interceptions) and Dee Winters. In the secondary are corners Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir (85 tackles, two interceptions) and safeties Ji'Ayir Brown and Jason Pinnock. Tre Brown and rookie Upton Stout (Western Kentucky) add depth and should contribute. 

OUTLOOK - The 49ers fell off big time in the 2024 season, but a lot of that was because of injuries, which reflected on quarterback Brock Purdy because of his primary target Brandon Aiyuk, who only played in seven games while McCaffrey suited up just four times. In the off-season, Deebo Samuel was dealt to Washington, but flashy WR Demarcus Robinson arrives from the Rams and will be available following a three-game suspension from the NFL. 

Coming into 2025, 'Niners Head Coach Kyle Shanahan knows what's in store if too many key players miss playing time again. The L.A. Rams won the NFC West last year and along with Seattle and perhaps an improved looking Arizona team, San Francisco could be in for another dismal year. There are questions regarding overall team health, but this team knows how to win and just two years ago they were in the Super Bowl. Look for Purdy to shine once all the starters are in tow. San Francisco has had many wide receivers nursing some sort of injury throughout the pre-season. Tight End George Kittle will be a primary target once again in the passing game and also look for rookie running back Jordan James to help McCaffrey out with the rushing attack. 

The defense went through a lot of changes with people leaving and new players coming on board. Better red zone defense is necessary along with creating more turnovers. The team had just eleven interceptions last year (minus-10 in turnovers) and only 37 sacks. Maintaining health and playing better in divisional games, where the 49ers were 1-5 last year, would go a long way to getting back into the playoffs. It could be a big season or perhaps another dud for the 'Niners this year, but as long as they are intact and can maintain consistent efforts on both sides of the ball, they should be in good shape when January rolls around.  

2025 SCHEDULE  

Week One - at Seattle 

Week Two - at New Orleans 

Week Three - vs. Arizona 

Week Four - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Five - at L.A. Rams 

Week Six - at Tampa Bay 

Week Seven - vs. Atlanta 

Week Eight - at Houston 

Week Nine - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Ten - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eleven - at Arizona 

Week Twelve - vs. Carolina 

Week Thirteen - at Cleveland 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Sixteen - at Indianapolis 

Week Seventeen - vs. Chicago 

Week Eighteen - vs. Seattle  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                                                                             

2024 Record - 3-14-0 

Head Coach - Kevin Stefanski 

2024 Offensive Rank - (28th overall) 301 YPG; Passing - 206 YPG (22nd), Rushing - 95 YPG (29th); SCORING - 15.2 PPG (32nd)

2024 Defensive Rank - (19th overall) - 342 YPG; Passing - 212 YPG (12th), Rushing - 130 YPG (21st); SCORING - 25.6 PPG (27th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Mason Graham (rookie - Michigan), Joe Flacco (QB), Maliek Collins (DL), Rayshawn Jenkins (DB), Teven Jenkins (OL), Diontae Johnson (WR), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (LB)

Key Losses for 2025 - James Hudson III (OL), Elijah Moore (WR), Za'Darius Smith (DL), Dalvin Tomlinson (DL), Jameis Winston (QB), Nick Chubb (RB), Jordan Akins (TE), 
 

OFFENSE - Joe Flacco, the 18-year veteran quarterback, has been named the starter for this season. Last year with the Indianapolis Colts, Flacco threw for 1,761 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games. There are two rookie quarterbacks in camp this year and either Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) or Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) will serve as the backups. Jerome Ford led the team in rushing last year with 565 yards (5.4 YPC) and scored three touchdowns. Also in the backfield are Pierre Strong, Jr. along with rookies Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) and Dylan Sampson (Tennessee). The wide receiving corps is led by Jerry Jeudy (90 receptions, 1,229 yards, four TD) along with Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman and Diontae Johnson, who had 33 receptions last season for 375 yards with three scores. Tight end David Njoku enters his ninth season and in 2024 he led the team with five touchdown receptions and had 64 total receptions for 505 yards. 

DEFENSE - The Browns defense is led up front by All Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, who had 14 quarterback sacks. Also playing on the line are Maliek Collins, Ogbo Okoronkwo and rookie DT Mason Graham (Michigan). The linebackers include Jordan Hicks (78 tackles), Carson Schwesinger, Devin Bush and Jerome Baker. In the secondary is cornerback Denzel Ward, who had two interceptions a year ago along with corners Martin Emerson, Jr. (80 tackles) and Greg Newsome.  The safeties are Grant Delpit (team high 108 tackles), Ronnie Hickman, Jr. and eight-year veteran Rayshawn Jenkins. Cleveland only had (league lowest) four interceptions last season along with 41 sacks. 

OUTLOOK - After making the playoffs two years ago with Flacco playing quarterback (after coming out of retirement) the Browns took a huge step backward in 2024, finishing at or near the bottom of the NFL in numerous offensive categories. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski is now in his sixth season in Cleveland and has no less than five quarterbacks on the team (for now) with many question marks facing the team this year. The Browns play in the rugged AFC North, where Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh loom large. 

The offense has a lot of work to do in 2025 and protecting both the football (Cleveland was an NFL worst minus-22 in turnovers last season) and their quarterback will be the primary goals. Cleveland signal callers were sacked 66 times last year. Only the Chicago Bears were worst in that area. The Browns only scored 15.2 points per game (32nd) and that must improve. The passing attack was adequate a year ago, but still needs to do more. Defensively, Cleveland was mediocre on paper, but tended to get burned by big plays and the red zone efficiency wasn't real good. 

If the Browns can manage to double their three-win total from last year, that would be decent progress as they have so many new faces on the roster in 2025, including a second tour of duty from Flacco at quarterback. Perhaps they could spring some surprises, but the likelihood is another last place finish this year.  

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Two - at Baltimore

Week Three - vs. Green Bay 

Week Four - at Detroit 

Week Five - vs. Minnesota (London, England)

Week Six - at Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - vs. Miami 

Week Eight - at New England 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eleven - vs. Baltimore 

Week Twelve - at Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Fifteen - at Chicago 

Week Sixteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seventeen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eighteen - at Cincinnati  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Los Angeles Rams

LOS ANGELES RAMS                                                                                       

2024 Record - 10-7-0 

Head Coach - Sean McVay 

2024 Offensive Rank - (15th overall) - 331 YPG; Passing - 227 YPG, Rushing - 104 YPG; SCORING - 21.6 PPG (20th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (26th overall) - 353 YPG; Passing - 223 YPG (20th), Rushing - 130 (22nd); SCORING - 22.7 PPG (17th)

Key Additions for 2025 - Poona Ford (DL), Davante Adams (WR), Coleman Shelton (OL), Nate Landman (LB), Terrance Ferguson (rookie - Oregon), Jarquez Hunter (rookie - Auburn)

Key Losses for 2025 - Cooper Kupp (WR), Bobby Brown III (DL), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Christian Rozeboom (LB), Michael Hoecht (LB)

OFFENSE - Matthew Stafford will be entering his 17th NFL season at quarterback and last season for the Rams he had 3,762 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Jimmy Garoppolo is the backup quarterback. Running backs include Kyren Williams, who led the team with 1, 299 yards along with 14 touchdowns and 4.1 yards per carry average. Others in the fold are rookie Jarquez Hunter (Auburn), Blake Corum (207 rushing yards, 3.6 YPC last year) and Ronnie Rivers, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry in limited action. The wide receivers are Puka Nacua, who had 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns (in eleven games), Tutu Atwell (42, 562) and Davante Adams, who had 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets last year. The tight ends include Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and rookie Terrance Ferguson (Oregon). 

DEFENSE - Kobie Turner (eight QB sacks), Poona Ford and Braden Fiske (8 1/2 sacks) lead the defensive front and the linebackers are Nate Landman (80 tackles with Atlanta), Omar Speights, Jared Verse and Byron Young, who had 7 1/2 sacks last season. In the secondary, safeties Quentin Lake (111 tackles) and Karmen Curl (79 tackles) lead the way along with corners Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon. Safeties Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough each had four interceptions for a defense that collected 13 picks a year ago along with 38 sacks. 

OUTLOOK - The Rams have made the playoffs numerous times since Head Coach Sean McVay took over back in 2017, including a Super Bowl title following the 2021 season. They are expecting to make the post-season yet again this year and as long as QB Matthew Stafford is able to stay healthy (back issues have been bothering him in training camp), the Rams should be good to go when January rolls around. 

The team didn't put up any eye popping numbers on either side of the ball last season, but after a 1-4 start they got hot in mid season and down the stretch as well and then nearly knocked off the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in snowy conditions in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. In fact, they were outscored during the regular season, proving they were capable of winning close games, which got them into the playoffs. The offense adds veteran wide receiver Davante Adams to the mix after Cooper Kupp left for Seattle in the off-season. Adams and Puka Nacua give Stafford two consistent players to throw to this season and leading rusher Kyren Williams was a beast last season, providing the team with a good balance on offense. 

If the team wants to to have sustained success this year, the defense must also step up and create turnovers again (L.A. was plus-6 last season) while improving against the run, where they ranked in the bottom third of the league. All in all, the NFC West looks to be wide open in 2025 and the Rams could make it two division titles in a row. It will not be easy, but expectations are high for the team and they should be playing in the post-season again. How far they can go will depend on Stafford and company making things happen in crunch time. 

 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Houston  

Week Two - at Tennessee 

Week Three - at Philadelphia 

Week Four - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Five - vs. San Francisco 

Week Six - at Baltimore 

Week Seven - vs. Jacksonville (London, England)

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. New Orleans 

Week Ten - at San Francisco 

Week Eleven - vs. Seattle 

Week Twelve - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Thirteen - at Carolina 

Week Fourteen - at Arizona 

Week Fifteen - vs. Detroit 

Week Sixteen - at Seattle 

Week Seventeen - at Atlanta 

Week Eighteen - vs. Arizona  

 

 

 

 

2025 NFL PREVIEW - Los Angeles Chargers

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS                                                                                  

2024 Record - 11-6-0

Head Coach - Jim Harbaugh 

2024 Offensive Rank - (20th overall) - 324 YPG; Passing - 213 YPG (19th), Rushing - 111 YPG (17th); SCORING - 23.6 PPG (11th)

2024 Defensive Rank - (11th overall) - 324 YPG; Passing - 207 YPG (7th), Rushing - 117 YPG (14th); SCORING - 17.7 PPG (1st) 
 

Key Additions for 2025 - Najee Harris (RB), Keenan Allen (WR), Donte Jackson (DB), Benjamin St-Juste (DB), Mekhi Becton (OL), Andre James (OL), Tyler Conklin (TE)

Key Losses for 2025 - Rashawn Slater (injury-OL), Poona Ford (DL), Joey Bosa (LB), Kristian Fulton (DB), Josh Palmer (WR), J.K. Dobbins (RB), Gus Edwards (RB), Hayden Hurst (TE), Morgan Fox (DL), Asante Samuel, Jr. (DB)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Justin Herbert is entering his sixth season and last year he had 23 touchdown passes and just three interceptions along with 3,870 passing yards. He also rushed for 306 yards (4.4 YPC) and scored two touchdowns. The running game gets two new players this season as rookie Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) and Najee Harris (1,043 rushing yards, 4.0 YPC, six TD with the Pittsburgh Steelers) will be the primary backs after J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards left in free agency. The wide receivers are Ladd McConkey, who had a big rookie season with 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns, along with Keenan Allen, who returns to the Chargers after one season with the Chicago Bears. Allen had 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Quentin Johnston had 55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. Rookies Tre Harris (Mississippi) and Keandre Lambert-Smith (Auburn) will be in the mix as well. The tight ends are Will Dissly (50, 481, two TD) and Tyler Conklin, who had 51 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns with the N.Y. Jets last year.

DEFENSE - The Chargers will feature Teair Tart (nose tackle), Da'Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia up front while 12-year veteran Khalil Mack (six QB sacks), Tuli Tuipolotu (8 1/2 sacks), Daiyan Henley (team high 142 tackles), Bud Dupree (six sacks) and Denzel Perryman are the linebackers. Safety Derwin James (93 tackles), along with corners Tarheeb Still (four interceptions), Cam Hart, Elijah Molden (three picks and 72 tackles) and Donte Jackson (five interceptions with the Pittsburgh Steelers) lead the secondary. Safeties Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson II and rookie R.J. Mickens (Clemson) and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (free agent signee from Washington) add depth. The Chargers had 46 sacks and 15 interceptions last year while being a plus-12 in turnovers. 

OUTLOOK - The Chargers surprised some folks by making the playoffs in the first year for Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, who has a history of turning teams around at both the pro and collegiate levels. Harbaugh loves to run the football and has two new running backs in tow this season. Unfortunately, the Bolts offensive line took a big hit when left tackle Rashawn Slater was lost for the season with a knee injury in training camp. However, with quarterback Justin Herbert running the show, the offense should be solid yet again. 

Defensively, the Chargers led the NFL in scoring defense in 2024, allowing 17.7 points per game while ranking in the top ten against the pass and in forcing turnovers. They can pressure opposing quarterbacks and Derwin James leads a hard hitting secondary. Opponents still ran effectively against the Chargers last season, so that is an area that needs to improve. As long as Herbert protects the ball (he was intercepted four times in the playoff loss to Houston after throwing just three picks during the regular season) and the running game keeps improving, it should be another playoff appearance for this team.

Whether or not the Chargers can dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs as AFC West champions remains to be seen, but getting back to the playoffs is the priority. The first three games this season will be huge as they are against all three AFC West foes. Barring injuries to key players, the talent is there for a solid season and perhaps the Chargers can finally get a playoff win in the Justin Herbert era. Stay tuned. 

2025 SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Kansas City (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Week Two - at Las Vegas 

Week Three - vs. Denver 

Week Four - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Five - vs. Washington 

Week Six - at Miami 

Week Seven - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eight - vs. Minnesota 

Week Nine - at Tennessee 

Week Ten - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eleven - at Jacksonville 

Week Twelve - BYE 

Week Thirteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Fourteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Fifteen - at Kansas City 

Week Sixteen - at Dallas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Houston 

Week Eighteen - at Denver