Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings won 14 games in 2024 with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Despite that, Minnesota shifted its attention to former first-round pick JJ McCarthy, letting Darnold sign with the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the 2025 season. While McCarthy's first year as a starter was beyond disappointing, Darnold won a Super Bowl in his first year in Seattle.
Minnesota has seemingly paused the McCarthy experiment, signing 8-year veteran Kyler Murray, who was named the starter in August. Murray's pairing with head coach and play-caller Kevin O'Connell is intriguing.
Does O'Connell believe Murray is his ticket back to the playoffs? Has Minnesota given up on 23-year-old McCarthy? And how much would it take for McCarthy to be reinserted?
This offense, currently operating with Murray at quarterback, will be fun to monitor throughout the year
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots made a big splash this offseason, acquiring All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. New England is coming off a Super Bowl appearance, with quarterback Drake Maye finishing as the MVP runner-up in his second year.
Brown denied the speculated animosity between him and former quarterback Jalen Hurts, but Brown admitted that they grew apart during their final year together in Philadelphia. Brown will catch passes from Maye in 2026, forming one of the more exciting quarterback-receiver duos on paper entering this season. The chemistry between Maye and Brown will directly impact this offense's success and whether this team can make another deep playoff run.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough played in 11 games during his rookie season, throwing for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns. Entering his second year and first year as the day 1 starter, Saints fans want to know: Is Shough their franchise quarterback?
This Saints offense will be short-handed to start the season, as first-round rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson is expected to miss 2 months due to a hamstring injury. Aside from four-year veteran Chris Olave, this receiver room is largely unproven. A solid offensive line and Etienne in the backfield should take some pressure off Shough, however.
Turning 27 in late September, Shough is not your usual second-year player. However, Shough is looking to prove he is the future of this franchise in the upcoming season.
New York Giants
Running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers both suffered serious injuries before Halloween last season, leaving rookie Jaxson Dart with limited support. Dart played well, even without his two best playmakers, throwing for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns in his 12 starts. The projected return of Skattebo and Nabers is beyond exciting for Dart and this New York Giants offense.
Nabers is one of the league's best young receivers, and Skattebo was having a fantastic rookie season before his injury. On paper, this offense has the chance to be very good this season. If offensive coordinator Matt Nagy can build an offense around Dart and effectively utilize New York's top playmakers, this offense is one to watch out for this upcoming season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google