The biggest wish for every NFL fan base in 2025

Arizona last won the division in 2015, but they entered Week 15 at least within striking distance. The entire team has made progress this year under head coach Jonathan Gannon, but they can't afford the familiar late-season nosedive that they've taken in recent years.

Atlanta did everything in their power to address quarterback last offseason, signing Kirk Cousins for big money and drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Yet, going into the final stretch of the 2024 season, their future at the position remains unclear as Cousins shows signs of age. Penix could get an opportunity over the next year, but it remains to be seen if he's capable of being a franchise quarterback.

While the Ravens have won two Super Bowls since moving to Baltimore, their recent track record in the playoffs has been mixed. Recent years have featured immense frustration, particularly with offensive slipups. The team is capable of making another run in the playoffs this year, and anything short of an AFC Championship could be described as disappointing.

The Bills franchise is notorious for playoff losses, including four consecutive Super Bowl losses from 1990-1993. They've also experienced plenty of heartbreak in the current era, but Josh Allen and company look primed and qualified for a playoff run this season.

Young appeared lost in his rookie season and early in 2024, but it appears he's turned the corner under head coach Dave Canales. Carolina can still add more talent to help him, but the future for Young and Panthers fans shows signs of optimism. Let's hope the momentum continues next season.

The Bears have become notorious for making the wrong coaching hires over the last decade, from Marc Trestman to Matt Eberflus. Eberflus appeared in over his head on multiple occasions before he was fired this season, but the team has a critical decision to make this offseason as they try to develop first overall draft choice Caleb Williams.

Cincinnati's defense has seen a steep decline over the last two seasons, preventing them from getting back to the playoffs. Saving money in the secondary has come back to haunt them, with a team that's continually been burned on big plays. The Bengals need to address the secondary once and for all this offseason.

Cleveland's marriage to Watson went south quickly based on his terrible play, but the franchise remains stuck with him due to cap implications and an owner who won't admit defeat. That doesn't prevent the team from addressing the quarterback position, as they've looked viable when Watson has missed time over the last two years. Finding a quality backup who can emerge or a young signal caller would be relief for Browns fans.

Jerry Jones talked himself into a corner in recent years, and some of his decisions have hindered the Cowboys cap and their ability to compete. While there remains plenty of star power in Dallas, the team has several holes on the roster they must address. Head coach Mike McCarthy could also be on the hotseat, but at this point Jones can't be trusted to make the right decisions.

Nix has been a pleasant surprise in NFL circles, showing the polish and experience that's made him an almost immediate success under Sean Payton in Denver. It's worth noting that Nix is also 24, so he could be closer to a finished product than some of the other rookie quarterbacks. Denver is competitive again, but need Nix to continue improving to compete for a Super Bowl.

Is this finally the Lions year? After returning to the playoffs last year, Detroit looks well on their way to a playoff run with elite player on both sides of the ball. The Lions last won a championship in 1957, but they have a shot to win their first Super Bowl this year.

Love exceeded expectations last season replacing Aaron Rodgers, and he continues to keep the Packers in games this year in spite of an early-season injury. While Love has been productive, no one would mistake him for past Packers quarterback greats like Brett Favre or Rodgers yet. Taking the next step could be necessary for the Packers to compete for a division title in the tough NFC North.

The Texans are well on their way to another AFC South title, but Stroud has seen more difficulties in his second season. Veteran Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending injury early this year, and Nico Collins also missed significant time. The result is a stat line that doesn't match last year, and Houston hasn't quite taken the leap many expected in 2024.

After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, Richardson struggled and was benched early this year. The jury is out on whether he's the answer at quarterback for the Colts, but Richardson did begin the season 5-4 as the Colts starter, albeit with a completion rate below 50%. Colts fans would prefer not wasting more years trying to find a quarterback, so the hope is that Richardson or someone else show flashes in the next year.

The Jaguars have been here before. 2024 looks like another lost year, and it's possible that Doug Pederson will be out after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.  After paying Trevor Lawrence in the offseason, he also regressed this year before suffering a scary concussion. Jacksonville is heavily invested in Lawrence's success, though it's unclear if Pederson or another coach can unlock his full potential.

The Chiefs entered the season with a singular goal, to be the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Kansas City continues to win games in the most unimpressive ways, but wins are wins. Patrick Mahomes and company proved doubters wrong last year when they struggled well into December, and the hope to do it again and make history.

The Raiders have spent two years looking for a quarterback after they moved on from Derek Carr. They're no closer now than they were prior to the 2023 season, and it's all but certain they will address the position in the offseason. In an AFC West that includes Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix, the Raiders can't afford to be without a strong quarterback.

The Chargers had some tough decisions to make in the offseason due to their cap issues, and the result was losing some of Herbert's favorite weapons. Rookie Ladd McConkey has done much to fill the shoes of Keenan Allen, while tight end Will Dissly has also helped. Still, Quintin Johnston's development has been slow, and it's clear the team needs more explosive weapons to keep up with the top teams in the AFC.

Stafford has often been named the most underrated quarterback in the league, even as he's won a Super Bowl and made two Pro Bowls. He continues to play at a high level at age 36, but it remains to be seen how much longer he has at this level. The Rams have improved this season as they've gotten healthier, and could be a major threat in the playoffs if Stafford continues to be on his game.

Tagovailoa's concussion issues continued this season, suffering another brain injury that will likely prevent Miami from making the playoffs. More importantly, Tagovailoa's well-being has been put in jeopardy by the continued concussion issues. He has played well since returning, and the hope is that he's able to stay healthy and on the field for good.

Minnesota entered 2024 coming off a 7-10 campaign, and lost their first-round rookie quarterback to a season-ending knee injury before Week 1. However, the surprise emergence of Sam Darnold and a stout defense have put the Vikings well in contention for the playoffs and more. The team is capable of a magical playoff run in early 2025.

Maye has shown enough flashes that he could be New England's long-term answer at quarterback, but he needs some serious help. The team's rookie wideouts have yet to emerge, and Rhamondre Stevenson looks like the only surefire long-term skill player on offense. The Pats have a big offseason ahead.

New Orleans promoted Dennis Allen from defensive coordinator to head coach following Sean Payton's departure, but the team has gone in the wrong direction since then. The roster certainly has flaws and some tough decisions to make, and the first decision will be the next permanent head coach.

Although the Giants signed Daniel Jones to a contract extension before last season, they were never truly set with him as their quarterback. After another lost year, it's time for the franchise to address the position again. They're likely also going to be looking for a new head coach following two losing seasons from Brian Daboll.

The addition of Aaron Rodgers and company added hope last year, but that hope has been dashed in back-to-back years. While Rodgers has insinuated publicly that he'd like to be back next season, it's clear the franchise needs to go in a different direction. The Jets seemingly can't get out of their own way, and a complete teardown could be in order.

One year removed from a Super Bowl defeat, the Eagles are in position again for a playoff run. Jalen Hurts is back on track this season following the hire of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator, and an injection of young talent has jumpstarted the defense.

Wilson never found his way in two seasons with Denver, but he looks all the way back as a Steeler. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has helped Wilson get back to his game, and the Steelers could make noise in the playoffs if it continues.

The 49ers suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss in last season's Super Bowl, and their luck has continued to fade. San Francisco could finish at the bottom of the NFC West after a bevy of injuries, and hope for a new beginning in 2025.

Seattle is back in the playoff hunt after one year off, in large part due to their defensive improvement. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has helped the defense improve to its previous levels, but they still have a long way to go to be a Super Bowl contender.

Atlanta got most of the press in the NFC South during the offseason, but the Bucs remain in the thick of the division race. They could quietly win their fourth consecutive division title with a surprising offense as Baker Mayfield continues to chart his comeback story. The team could be capable of even more if the defense stiffens.

The Titans continue to struggle, and they haven't had great results from their marquee personnel moves. While Derrick Henry has dominated in Baltimore, offseason additions like Tyler Boyd, Lloyd Cushenberry, and L'Jarius Sneed have struggled. Tennessee must hit on more of their moves next offseason.

Washington has been a pleasant surprise in 2024, and Daniels is a big reason. The No. 2 overall pick is likely to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, helping produce an elite offense. The Commanders expectations for the next several years have been raised as a result of Daniels and new head coach Dan Quinn.