Top five NFL teams that might surprise everyone this season
Training camp videos of deep passes to open practice have flooded social media this week. These clips spark hope that big plays are on the way when the NFL season starts in early September.
We're looking at five teams that could make serious progress in their big‑play game in 2025. Some had deep threats last year, others changed coaches or added new weapons. All five have a real shot to be more explosive this year. Let's dive into why these teams stand out and who to watch when camp opens this July.
Kansas City Chiefs
: Patrick Mahomes and Xavier Worthy
On July 17, at the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason workouts in Kansas City, quarterback Patrick Mahomes declared the team will 'test the defenses down the field' after a dip in their deep‑ball game.
The Kansas City Chiefs added fast rookies like Xavier Worthy, the Combine's fastest 40‑yard sprinter, and veteran Jaylon Moore at left tackle to give Mahomes more protection. With these moves, Kansas City Chiefs aims to bounce back from a 2024 season that lacked long throws and explosive plays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
: Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka
In June, quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke in Tampa about boosting explosive plays downfield this season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked second in yards after catch but 29th in average air yards.
Now with Chris Godwin returning from injury and rookie Emeka Egbuka joining the roster, Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to stretch defenses more. If Baker Mayfield can launch deeper throws protected by Tristan Wirfs, even early-season, the Bucs might show off a more dynamic offense.
Atlanta Falcons
: Michael Penix Jr., Drake London, Darnell Mooney
During May OTAs in Atlanta, quarterback coach T.J. Yates praised rookie Michael Penix Jr. for his aggressive arm and field vision. Penix Jr.
led the team with a 10.2 average air yards per attempt in the final three 2024 games. With deep threats like Drake London and Darnell Mooney, plus more play-action work, Atlanta Falcons could lean on explosive passes more often this year.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, Coach Ben Johnson
In July, at Chicago Bears mini‑camp in Chicago, new coach Ben Johnson said, 'I like big plays' and rejected sneak plays like the Tush Push. With rookie QB Caleb Williams, who showed creativity in college, plus upgraded receivers and revamped line, the Chicago Bears aim to transform from last‑place offense into a big‑play threat.
Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith, Chip Kelly, Pete Carroll
When training camp opens in late July in Nevada, the Las Vegas Raiders will debut new coach Pete Carroll alongside coordinator Chip Kelly and veteran QB Geno Smith, known for deep passing. After a stagnant offense in 2024, Las Vegas hopes Geno Smith's big arm and Carroll's leadership will bring more vertical plays in 2025.
Also Read:
How To Stream The 2025 NFL Flag Championships Live: Dates, Tv Channels, And Stream Info
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
5 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Travis Kelce Had to Run All Couple Photos by Taylor Swift Before Going Instagram Official? Source Reveals Truth
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift may be one of the most talked-about celebrity couples today, but they're keeping things intentional behind the scenes. According to a new report from Rob Shuter's #ShuterScoop, Kelce sought Swift's approval before sharing any photos of them together on Instagram. 'He ran every single image by her,' a source told Shuter. 'He didn't want to post anything she wasn't 100% comfortable with. He respects her privacy, always has.' This careful approach to social media marks the first time Kelce has posted Swift on his Instagram since they began dating in 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end shared multiple photos with Swift and family, including matching hats and a photo of them ice skating. In one image, fans even spotted that both of their phone screens featured pictures of each other. Posting with Taylor Swift's permission The insider further added, 'It was a sign of respect. He's proud of her, but more importantly, he wants her to feel safe.' Despite their relationship being in the public eye since September 2023, this post was the couple's first official appearance on Kelce's feed. The Instagram post was captioned, 'Had some adventures this offseason, kept it.' According to a separate source who spoke to PEOPLE, 'Travis posting Taylor on his Instagram for the first time wasn't random, it was intentional.' The source shared that while they've kept things private in their own way, this post was Kelce's way of showing that things have gotten serious between them. Here's why fans thought the couple might be engaged The photos led to speculation about a possible engagement. While the source told PEOPLE that the couple isn't engaged yet, they confirmed that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have had many conversations about the future. The source added that there's no pressure between them, but they're on the same page about where things are headed. Kelce reportedly makes Swift feel safe and supported, while she brings a lot of joy into his life, and overall, they're said to be really happy together. Adding more insight into the couple's relationship, sports journalists Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson, who recently traveled with Kelce and Swift, shared their thoughts on the Calm Down podcast. Thompson described Swift as 'everything that [she] had hoped and imagined' and admired the couple's bond. Andrews called Swift 'a 20 out of 20,' sharing how protective she felt of both Kelce and Swift. She also mentioned that the group photo Kelce posted from the trip was one of her personal favorites.
NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
Last time It Was Yuvraj Singh, This Time It's AB De Villiers - All Gears Up To Break Pakistan Champions' Dream In WCL 2025 Final
The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is all set for its ultimate showdown as South Africa Champions, led by AB de Villiers, go head-to-head against Pakistan Champions in the grand finale on Saturday, August 2. In 2024, Indian cricket fans witnessed Yuvraj Singh lead the India Champions to victory. This year, AB de Villiers stands at the forefront, ready to take the crown and secure the title for South Africa. Backed by a stellar line-up featuring Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, Wayne Parnell, and Chris Morris, the South Africa Champions earned their place in the final with a commanding win over the Australia Champions in the semi-final, as per a press release from South Africa Champions. Their final opponents, the Pakistan Champions, have looked unstoppable throughout the tournament. With a powerful squad comprising Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sharjeel Khan, and Saeed Ajmal, they bring experience, aggression, and consistency to the final stage. WCL 2025 has been a celebration of cricket's golden era. Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the tournament has brought together some of the biggest names in world cricket. This season featured a star-studded cast including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Chris Gayle, DJ Bravo, Brett Lee, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, and Sir Alastair Cook, drawing fans from across the globe. Now, the journey comes to an epic conclusion. As anticipation builds, millions of fans across the globe will tune in to witness history. The WCL Grand Finale is not just about cricket -- it's about legacy, pride, and the love of the game. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Triple H: 'Man who you're not going to mess…': Trump revives Presidential Fitness Test alongside 'Triple H' - The Economic Times Video
Triple H recently surprised WWE fans when he was spotted at the White House, alongside President Donald Trump. WWE chief content officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque joined Trump at the White House to sign an executive order to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in schools. Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker and Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam were also present at the White House for the same. This set of fitness tests was a fixture at American public schools for decades and was aimed at keeping school children fit with the help of basic exercises like 1-mile runs and stretching exercises.
