Which Teams Are Poised for a Breakout Season in 2025?

By Jason Bolton July 13, 2025 22:41

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, several teams are positioning themselves for breakout campaigns that could reshape the league’s competitive landscape. Fueled by emerging talent, savvy offseason moves, and promising coaching adjustments, these squads have the ingredients to surprise fans and analysts alike. Among the frontrunners poised to elevate their status are the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos, each boasting unique narratives and key players primed for impact.

New York Giants: Building Around Wan’Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson

The Giants enter 2025 with a growing sense of optimism, largely centered on wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. At 24, Robinson is on the cusp of a breakout season after steadily increasing his production each year. Last season, he recorded 93 receptions on 140 targets, more than his first two seasons combined, signaling his emergence as a reliable offensive weapon. According to a CBS Sports NFL model, Robinson’s trajectory places him among the league’s top receivers, comparable to peers like Rome Odunze and Chris Olave.

Tight end Theo Johnson also figures prominently in the Giants’ offensive plans. As a young, athletic tight end, Johnson’s development could provide quarterback Daniel Jones with a versatile target, enhancing the Giants’ red-zone efficiency. With Brian Daboll’s offensive system remaining intact, the Giants have continuity that bodes well for these emerging players to flourish.

Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith and Chip Kelly’s Up-Tempo Offense

The Raiders made headlines by trading a third-round pick to acquire quarterback Geno Smith and signing him to a two-year extension. Smith, who finished as the QB13 in fantasy scoring last year, is expected to thrive under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s fast-paced scheme. Kelly’s history of maximizing quarterback efficiency through tempo and creative play-calling could unlock Smith’s potential as a top-20 fantasy QB in 2025, according to predictive models.

Complementing Smith are rising talents like tight end Brock Bowers and veteran Jakobi Meyers, alongside rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. This balanced offensive arsenal gives the Raiders multiple avenues to score, making them a team to watch for a breakout season.

Denver Broncos: Defensive Breakthrough with Jonah Ellis

While much attention focuses on offensive stars, the Denver Broncos could surprise with a defensive breakout. Rookie Jonah Ellis showed flashes last season, recording five sacks despite playing only 38% of defensive snaps. If Ellis earns a larger role, increasing his snap count to 70-80%, he could become a double-digit sack producer, significantly bolstering Denver’s defense, which is already a team strength.

The Broncos’ defense, anchored by emerging players like Ellis, could be a key factor in turning close games into wins, providing the foundation for a potential playoff push.

Other Notable Breakout Candidates

Several other teams have intriguing breakout prospects worth monitoring. Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, just 22 years old, is expected to build on a promising rookie season and could surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2025. The Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Jack Sanborn, familiar with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’s system, may earn significant playing time and impact. Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams’ trio of Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Davante Adams offers a potent offensive core that, if healthy, could propel the team into contention.

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be one of opportunity and surprise. Teams like the Giants, Raiders, and Broncos have assembled the pieces for breakout years, blending youthful talent with strategic coaching. As analyst Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus notes, “The difference between a good season and a breakout one often comes down to development and opportunity these teams have both in abundance”.

With training camps underway and preseason games looming, fans should keep a close eye on these squads as they seek to transcend expectations and make their mark in the NFL’s ever-evolving hierarchy.