Four NFL teams that could take a step back in 2025 

After previously looking at which NFL teams could be poised to rise up the standings and contend in 2025, it's time to flip the script and discuss the teams most vulnerable to take a step back. 

These four teams — two in the NFC and two in the AFC — are coming off playoff appearances, but as is often the case in the NFL, last year's success does not guarantee anything in a new season. 

Detroit Lions 

2024 record: 15-2, NFC North champions

The Detroit Lions have to be mentioned. Even though they are too talented to fall out of the postseason picture all together, losing both coordinators is something that just can't be ignored. 

It's possible Jared Goff, who has surpassed 4,000 yards passing for three straight years, had his most efficient season yet, completing 72.4% of his passes. However, he might experience a bit of a drop-off while getting used to a new play caller. 

The Green Bay Packers adding Micah Parsons will make life more difficult for Goff in at least two games while also providing a tougher obstacle standing in the way of another division title. 

If head coach Dan Campbell can keep the Lions near the top of the NFC, he may be in line for Coach of the Year recognition again. 

Minnesota Vikings  

2024 record: 14-3, NFC wild-card 

Another 2024 contender out of the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings make the cut for one reason — they have an unknown at the most important position. 

J.J. McCarthy could live up to the hype and run the Vikings' offense as well as Sam Darnold did. That's certainly possible when you consider the track record of success most quarterbacks have had under head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

But it's also just as likely the Vikings are forced to suffer through growing pains with McCarthy due to his lack of experience. Taking a step back at quarterback could be enough to drop the Vikings out of the NFC's elite, especially because of all of the close games Darnold won last season. 

Kansas City Chiefs 

2024 record: 15-2, AFC champions  

Admittedly, including the Kansas City Chiefs on a list like this feels strange. However, only one franchise has ever made the Super Bowl four years in a row (Buffalo Bills 1990-93), and no team has ever done it after winning at least one of them. So history is against the Chiefs getting back. 

In addition to the difficulty in doing it over and over again, the Chiefs now hold the NFL record by winning 17 consecutive one-score games, which include 11 from the 2024 season. 

How much longer can they continue to pull games out that appear to be losses up until the final drive?  

So despite it never being wise to bet against head coach Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes, it's possible Kansas City's luck finally runs out. The season may even hinge on how much the freshly engaged Travis Kelce has left in the tank. 

Pittsburgh Steelers 

2024 record: 10-7, AFC wild-card 

Could this actually be the year Mike Tomlin suffers through his first losing season? If that does occur, it will be directly tied to the Steelers' decision to go all in on QB Aaron Rodgers for one year. 

Pittsburgh's 2025 chances may come down to how much Rodgers has left and if he's truly the quarterback upgrade, even if only in the short term, Steelers fans have been waiting for. 

But aside from Rodgers, Pittsburgh is banking on Jalen Ramsey, 30, to boost the secondary, getting enough from the run game without Najee Harris, finding depth at wide receiver and both lines holding up. 

With so many questions looming, it's fair to wonder if that losing season will finally arrive in Pittsburgh.