Las Vegas Raiders
The 2025 season was a disaster for the Las Vegas Raiders: they went 3-14 and were awarded the number 1 pick, which they used to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. But what was especially disappointing about the 2025 Raiders was the underwhelming rookie season of running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty was selected 6th overall and was widely thought of as a generational running back prospect.
On 266 carries, Jeanty rushed for 975 yards on 3.7 yards per carry and added 5 rushing touchdowns. The infrastructure around Jeanty deserves some responsibility for these rather ordinary numbers. The offensive line was one of the worst in the league, and Jeanty was always the focus for opposing defenses as the passing attack was dormant, finishing bottom 5 in passing yards, and EPA per pass.
Jeanty is in a much better position entering his second year. He'll have Super Bowl-winning Klint Kubiak as his head coach and play-caller, free-agent signing Tyler Linderbaum anchoring the offensive line at center, and an intriguing quarterback room featuring starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and the aforementioned Mendoza. Jeanty has a real opportunity to break out in 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh made a change at offensive coordinator this offseason, hiring former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. While Harbaugh and McDaniel make a strong case for one of the league's more entertaining coaching duos, the duo McDaniel will form with his quarterback, Justin Herbert, could be the more fascinating pairing.
Fans have long anticipated Herbert reaching elite status, given his top-notch arm talent, size, and athleticism. Will McDaniel be the one who finally unlocks Herbert's full potential?
McDaniel's offense found success in Miami, finishing 6th in total yards in 2022 and 1st in 2023. While 2024 and 2025 were mediocre for Miami's offense, McDaniel has proven to be one of the sport's more effective and innovative play-callers, and Herbert is easily the most talented quarterback McDaniel has coached. NFL fans should keep an eye on this duo and what could be one of the best offenses we see in 2026.
Los Angeles Rams
Maybe recency bias is at play here, given that this just happened. But it'll be fascinating to see how Aaron Donald will play this year.
Donald signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams this past week. Donald won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was selected to 8 All-Pro teams from 2014 to 2023. After 2 years of retirement, Donald will be back with LA, where he'll plan to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
While his two years away from football must be considered when projecting his production for this upcoming season, I don't think it'll take Donald long to readjust to the NFL. I doubt he'll return to his DPOY level, but with Myles Garrett likely drawing the most attention from opposing offenses, Donald should make a big impact on this defense.
Miami Dolphins
Malik Willis signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins this offseason. While I'm sure Willis appreciated the financial commitment from Miami, the weaponry that Willis will be provided with is concerning. Outside of De'Von Achane at running back, there's a lot of uncertainty and inexperience surrounding Willis' supporting cast.
The wide receiver group includes three rookies: Caleb Douglas out of Texas Tech, Chris Bell from Louisville, and Kevin Coleman Jr. out of Missouri. The veterans include Jalen Tolbert, projected to be the #1 option, and Malik Washington. This may be the worst wide receiver group in the league, which is concerning for Willis, who is still relatively inexperienced with just six starts in his four-year career.
Let's hope Miami sees an immediate impact from at least one of those rookie receivers. Otherwise, Willis' first season in Miami may be an ugly one.
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