The 2025 NFL Season is quickly approaching, so let's outline one reason for optimism for each AFC team. The AFC could be a very deep conference, and there is at least one positive thing going for each team approaching 2025.
Now yes, not every team will see good fortune, but I guess you never know. There is a clear-cut top tier of clubs in the AFC right now, and others could join them at some point in 2025. With just one more week of preseason left to go, the regular season is quickly approaching.
Let's outline one reason for optimism for every single AFC team approaching the 2025 Season.
1 reason for optimism for each AFC team in 2025
Baltimore Ravens - Lamar Jackson
A two-time MVP and the best dual-threat QB of all-time, Lamar Jackson is simply outstanding, period.
Cincinnati Bengals - An elite offense
Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown makeup what could be the league's best offense in the 2025 NFL Season, and that is saying something
Pittsburgh Steelers - A history of winning
Mike Tomlin has never finished with a winning record as the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach. That is simply outstanding.
Cleveland Browns - An extra first-round pick in 2026
The Cleveland Browns should hope that the Jacksonville Jaguars are among the worst teams in the NFL in 2025, as the Browns own their first-round pick.
Houston Texans - Clearly the best roster in the division
Houston has won the AFC South two years in a row now with 10-win seasons and are again poised to capture the division title.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Liam Coen's recent work on offense
Liam Coen helped lead the 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, so the Jaguars hope to capture some of that magic in 2025,
Tennessee Titans - No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward
If nothing else, the Tennessee Titans are at least trying to rebuild their franchise the right way, using the first overall pick on QB Cam Ward.
Indianapolis Colts - An otherwise very good roster outside of the QB
If nothing else, the Indianapolis Colts do have a very strong roster besides their disastrous QB situation...
Buffalo Bills - An easy schedule and Josh Allen
Having an easier schedule and Josh Allen on your side is a great thing, and the Buffalo Bills should again be a top team in the NFL for the 2025 season.
New England Patriots - Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels
The New England Patriots got serious this offseason and brought in some adults to lead the way, hiring Mike Vrabel as the head coach and also bringing in Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator. Those are two grand-slam hires, folks.
New York Jets - A good defense
I honestly struggled to find a reason for optimism, but the New York Jets should field a top-12 defense, and that has to be good for something, right? Aaron Glenn should have that unit improved overnight
Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa is a winner...
Believe it or not, Tua Tagovailoa has never finished any season with a losing record as a starter in the NFL, so while he can't stay on the field consistently, the Miami Dolphins do win when he's on the field
Kansas City Chiefs - Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid
An all-time great duo responsible for three Super Bowl titles since the 2019 season, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are excellent and should again have the Chiefs atop the NFL world in 2025 as they look to make their fourth Super Bowl in a row
Denver Broncos - An encouraging QB, elite head coach, and top-notch defense
Bo Nix shocked the NFL world in 2024, but that's not all. The Denver Broncos have an elite head coach in Sean Payton and the best defense on paper in the NFL as well.
Los Angeles Chargers - A very high floor with Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh is a successful head coach wherever he goes, and while the LA Chargers might not be a true Super Bowl contender in 2025, they'll be very good thanks to their head man
Las Vegas Raiders - Pete Carroll
When is the last time the Las Vegas Raiders had a head coach as good as Pete Carroll? A competent head coach is worth a good bit in today's NFL.