Besides QB, the most important position in sports, which player can each AFC team simply not afford to lose in the 2025 NFL Season? This would be a disaster scenario for each team, and injuries truly have no mercy and will abruptly end the season of anyone.
Injuries can derail the entire season for any team. It won't be any different in 2025, either. An NFL team losing their QB for an extended period of time is obviously a disastrous scenario, and the worst-case outcome.
However, besides the QB, which non-quarterback on each AFC team can teams not afford to lose in the 2025 NFL Season?
1 non-quarterback each AFC team can't afford to lose in the 2025 season
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Derrick Henry
Flirting with a 2,000-yard season in 2024, Derrick Henry not being in the picture would force Lamar Jackson to carry an even heavier load as a runner and would really throw a wrench into the Baltimore Ravens offense.
Jackson had the best passing season of his career in 2024, the first year that Henry was with the team, and that isn't some coincidence.
Cincinnati Bengals - Ja'Marr Chase
Ja'Marr Chase led wide receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2024. If Chase were to not be in the lineup, the Cincinnati Bengals would truly lose their identity. You might think a defensive player like Trey Hendrickson would be worse to lose, but that unit really can't get much worse.
Pittsburgh Steelers - DK Metcalf
Really the only player on the offensive side of the ball worth mentioning, DK Metcalf arrived in Pittsburgh this offseason via trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf is a physically imposing target and will be the go-to player. Without Metcalf in the lineup, the Steelers offense would get even worse.
Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett
The Cleveland Browns are going to be terrible in 2025, but they'd be even terrible-er without Myles Garrett.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans - Dan Moore
The Tennessee Titans threw a ton of money at Dan Moore, the former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle. While Moore is hit-or-miss, he can be a stable presence, but him not being in the lineup would already be a waste of money. Cam Ward has to be protected.
Houston Texans - Nico Collins
We saw just how inefficient the Houston Texans offense was in 2024 without Nico Collins in the lineup, and if this unit hopes to get back on the right track for 2025, Collins must stay on the field.
Indianapolis Colts - Jonathan Taylor
One of Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson will likely be the starting QB for the Colts in 2025, and neither is a proven passer. Without a high-end running back and security blanket in the lineup, this already uncertain offense would hit rock-bottom.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Brian Thomas Jr
Travis Hunter seems to be beginning his NFL career primarily as a wide receiver, but he'd almost have to rush his development in that department if Brian Thomas Jr went down. Thomas quickly proved himself to be a high-end receiver in the NFL and formed a great connection with Trevor Lawrence.
AFC East
New England Patriots - Will Campbell
Taken with the fourth overall pick, Will Campbell is probably already the best tackle that the New England Patriots have. Their offensive line finally seems good on paper, but if Campbell isn't in the lineup, Drake Maye could be running for his life yet again.
Miami Dolphins - Austin Jackson
Since Tua Tagovailoa is left-handed, right tackle Austin Jackson is his blindside protector. An already-shaky offensive line would become among the worst in the league if Jackson wasn't in the lineup.
New York Jets - Garrett Wilson
The New York Jets are starting Justin Fields at QB. While they did add some offensive talent this offseason, Fields is a below-average passer and is surely going to feed Garrett Wilson a ton. If Wilson isn't in the lineup, the Jets, and Fields are in major trouble.
Buffalo Bills - Christian Benford
The Buffalo Bills do have a weaker secondary on paper, but also do have a superstar at cornerback in Christian Benford. This unit needs Benford on the field, so it's easy to see why losing him would be a disaster scenario.
AFC West
Denver Broncos - Zach Allen
Zach Allen led the NFL with 40 QB hits in 2024 and was their best pass rusher. Allen not being in the lineup would really make life tough for the Denver Broncos defense. Zach Allen and Patrick Surtain II are the two players stirring that drink in Denver.
Kansas City Chiefs - Josh Simmons
Josh Simmons seems likely to be ready for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season, and it may only be a matter of time before he gets himself into the starting lineup. The Kansas City Chiefs having to start Jaylon Moore for most of the 2025 NFL Season at LT would be a disastrous scenario.
Las Vegas Raiders - Ashton Jeanty
It's clear as day that Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers will be the centerpieces of the Las Vegas Raiders offense, but the Raiders do have some other reliable receiving talent besides Bowers. If Jeanty were to go down, the Raiders would be in trouble, as Geno Smith would likely have to take a heavier load on the offense.
Los Angeles Chargers - Ladd McConkey
The Los Angeles Chargers truly only have one reliable pass-catcher in Ladd McConkey. They did add some playmaking talent this offseason, but McConkey not being in the lineup would be a disaster for Justin Herbert, who loved throwing it to the WR in his rookie season in 2024.