Three NFL Teams Spiralling After High Expectations

 Three NFL Teams Spiralling After High Expectations This Year

The 2025 NFL season brought big dreams for several rising teams. The Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons all expected strong playoff runs after impressive progress last year. Instead, each team now represents the perfect example of NFL teams spiralling after high expectations. The problems come from shaky quarterback play, constant injuries, and a level of inconsistency that killed early momentum.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders entered the year with serious Super Bowl expectations. Many analysts even picked them to win it all after reaching the NFC Championship last season. They carried a veteran roster and added help on offense with the arrival of Deebo Samuel. The optimism faded fast. Jayden Daniels played through injuries all season and now likely misses the remainder of the year with a dislocated elbow. Terry McLaurin earned a new contract but he has missed time after multiple injuries. The offense never looked crisp. The defense looked average as well, which created more problems because the Commanders have the oldest roster in the league. The team recently dropped six straight games, including a rough loss to Miami in Madrid. Their season now feels finished. The best thing they can do is regroup, take advantage of their likely high draft pick, and come back stronger next year.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings won fourteen games last year and entered this season with at least playoff-level expectations. They expected stability and progress with a strong coaching staff and a talented roster. They now sit at 4-6 and the season continues to slip from their hands. A big reason comes from the quarterback spot. Minnesota traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. They trusted him to become the franchise quarterback and believed he could take the next step right away. He has not reached that standard yet. He has more interceptions than touchdowns, and he struggles to read defenses. Fans even questioned whether the team should have kept Sam Darnold, who is playing excellent football in Seattle. The Vikings still believe in McCarthy because he is a rookie and still learning. The problem is if he doesn’t pan out he could send the franchise back a few years. Five of their final seven games come against tough opponents. That includes the Packers twice, Seahawks, Cowboys, and Lions. The Vikings now sit in real danger of missing the playoffs despite a great season last year.