The 3 most interesting NFL teams in the 2025 season

After a long, grueling offseason, we’re just weeks away from the opening kickoff of the 2025 NFL season. Like in most years, the majority of the top teams are set. Nobody will be surprised when the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills are dominating headlines in January. But a few teams seem to sneak into relevance every season. In 2024, the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos came out of nowhere to become true forces in their respective conferences. So, who are the dark horse candidates this year? We’ve put together a list of the most interesting NFL teams in 2025.

Top sleeper NFL teams in 2025

Las Vegas Raiders

No team saw bigger upgrades at quarterback and head coach than the Las Vegas Raiders. Geno Smith and Pete Carroll have brought a new era to Vegas football, one defined by the competence that this organization has desperately lacked for years.

With them comes Chip Kelly, the former offensive mastermind who flamed out with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelly’s run-heavy system, combined with the explosiveness of f irst-round rookie Ashton Jeanty, could be the foundation of a powerhouse offense.

There are more than a few questions on defense for the Raiders, but if coordinator Patrick Graham can produce an average unit, this could be a surprise playoff team.

Dallas Cowboys

I’ll pause for the obligatory eye roll.

The Dallas Cowboys have bounced between borderline contention and utter disaster for what seems like decades. After a disappointing 2024, they could be set for a bounce-back year in 2025.

A healthy Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens is enough to create a top-ten offense. Yes, there are holes on the roster, but this team’s ceiling is as high as it’s been in recent memory.

If Brian Schottenheimer emerges as a quality play caller, the Cowboys could be one of the most interesting NFL teams this year.

Minnesota Vikings

Are we forgetting that the Minnesota Vikings won 14 games with Sam Darnold last year? Sure, J.J. McCarthy is unproven, but Kevin O’Connell has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to supporting quarterbacks.

With an improved offensive line, the team around McCarthy is good enough to be a contender. If the young QB exceeds expectations, the Vikings immediately become one of the favorites in the NFC.