As the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds, each division across the league faces crucial questions that will define their teams' trajectories for the regular season and playoff runs. With roster shifts, coaching changes, and the constant evolution of strategy, preseason offers a vital glimpse into who will rise, who will struggle, and where the league's competitive balance might tilt. Here is a breakdown of the most important preseason questions for every NFL division, backed by expert insights and recent trends.
AFC East: Can the Buffalo Bills Hold Off the Rising Jets and Dolphins?
The Bills, led by MVP-caliber Josh Allen, remain favorites but face early worries around receiver health and secondary depth. Bills cornerback Marlon Humphrey highlighted the pressure to improve consistency: “I feel like we’ve had championship-caliber rosters... I don’t think we’re far off”. Meanwhile, the Jets with new QB Justin Fields (recovering from early injuries in camp) and the Dolphins aiming to build on a strong base add fuel to the divisional race.
AFC North: Will the Ravens Finally Turn Talent into a Super Bowl?
Baltimore returns most starters from a top-ranked offense and defense, but inconsistency remains a concern. The defense took a step back early last season but improved after coordinator Zach Orr’s changes. Their revamped secondary brings optimism, yet special teams continue to be a camp question. Lamar Jackson stands at the helm, with expectations mounting for him to lead the franchise deeper into the playoffs.
AFC South: Can the Jaguars Build on Momentum and Overtake the Colts?
Jacksonville tries to leverage its young talent and coaching stability to surpass the Colts, who are integrating new pieces after a down year. The Jaguars’ defense and adaptive offense will be tested in a division that is wide open but laden with potential.
AFC West: Can the Chiefs Overcome Offseason Uncertainties to Repeat?
Kansas City is wrestling with roster changes and the pressure to sustain their playoff dominance. Their explosive offense under Patrick Mahomes remains a threat, but defensive questions linger. The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, with revamped rosters, also seek to disrupt the status quo.
NFC East: Will the Cowboys Return to Playoff Contention?
Dallas enters camp determined to rebound after a 7-10 season, complete with roster upgrades and Dak Prescott returning from injury. Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s challenge is to translate talent into wins amid strong divisional rivals like the Eagles and Commanders. Prescott’s health and chemistry with new receivers remain key variables.
NFC North: Is This the Year for the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions?
The Bears, under new coaching with offensive-minded Ben Johnson, look to stabilize QB Caleb Williams, while the Lions try to capitalize on last year’s franchise-best 15 wins to make a Super Bowl push. The division remains one of the NFL's most competitive, with Green Bay still aiming to contend after offseason roster tweaks.
NFC South: Can Tampa Bay Maintain Playoff Form Amid Quarterback Changes?
The Buccaneers added veteran Teddy Bridgewater as insurance behind Baker Mayfield, who’s recovering from injury. Liberty at the QB position is crucial for Tampa Bay to navigate a deep division that includes the Falcons' rising talent and Panthers’ rebuilding efforts.
NFC West: Are the 49ers and Seahawks Set to Rebound After Challenging Seasons?
San Francisco’s massive roster turnover and youth movement will test the coaching staff's ability to develop talent and maintain competitiveness. Meanwhile, Seattle’s defense returns mostly intact, but offensive transformation with new coordinator Klint Kubiak and quarterback Sam Darnold creates uncertainty.
Across every division, preseason questions center around key players' health, quarterback stability, coaching impact, and roster depth. Injuries and new system integrations bring unpredictability, but training camp performances and early preseason games will begin clarifying which teams are poised to capitalize and which must regroup.
Coach and player quotes echo the mix of optimism and realism, such as Ravens’ cornerback Marlon Humphrey: “We have championship-level talent and just need to put it all together”. Meanwhile, Jets coach Aaron Glenn's measured praise for Justin Fields reflects the league-wide challenge of developing quarterbacks: “We’re going to make sure the process keeps going”.
For NFL fans, these preseason questions provide high-stakes narratives that promise to make the 2025 regular season one of the most captivating in recent memory.

