In 2025, five NFL clubs are expected to suffer a significant setback: Commanders and Vikings seem ready for dropoff.

As we enter the 2025 NFL season, teams across the league are gearing up for another year of competition. For some franchises, the upcoming season promises to be another step toward success, while for others, challenges loom large. While it’s impossible to predict the future with absolute certainty, several NFL clubs appear to be heading for a significant setback in the near future—whether due to roster issues, cap constraints, aging players, or coaching questions.

Among the teams expected to suffer the most significant dropoff in 2025 are the Washington Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings, both of which find themselves at critical junctures in their franchise trajectories. Though these teams have shown flashes of potential in recent years, their paths forward are littered with hurdles that will likely result in significant setbacks.

Let’s break down why the Commanders, the Vikings, and three other franchises are primed for a difficult 2025 season, and what factors contribute to their looming struggles.

1. Washington Commanders: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Washington Commanders have been a team stuck in mediocrity for most of the past few decades, failing to make a sustained playoff run since their 2015 NFC East title. Despite some solid individual performances, especially from their defense, Washington has been unable to put together a consistent and competitive team. As the 2025 season approaches, the Commanders are poised to face a significant setback.

Quarterback Woes Continue

Washington’s biggest issue has been its inability to secure a franchise quarterback. While Sam Howell has shown some promise, it’s unclear whether he is the long-term solution. The team has yet to fully commit to Howell as their starter, which creates a level of uncertainty at the most important position on the field.

Without a proven quarterback, it’s hard to envision Washington as a true contender in the NFC. The team has tried a revolving door of quarterbacks over the years, from Alex Smith to Carson Wentz to Taylor Heinicke, with little to show for it. Howell has yet to prove that he can lead this team to success consistently, and without significant improvement in that area, Washington will struggle to compete in an increasingly tough NFC East.

Aging Defense and Injuries

Another area of concern for Washington is the aging of their defense. Players like Chase Young and Jonathan Allen have been dominant forces, but injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the defensive unit. The defensive line, once one of the best in the league, has shown signs of aging and wear, and it may not be able to carry the team as it did in previous seasons.

In addition, the secondary has been inconsistent, and while the team has some strong young talent, it remains a work in progress. If the defense doesn’t return to its dominant form, the Commanders will find it even harder to stay competitive.

Coaching and Organizational Instability

The Commanders’ ownership and leadership issues continue to linger as a significant setback. Despite new ownership, the team has had problems with the front office and coaching staff turnover. Ron Rivera has yet to establish consistent success in Washington, and while he’s a respected coach, his future with the team is uncertain as the franchise struggles to find its identity.

For a team that lacks stability in the most important areas—quarterback, coaching, and management—Washington is heading into 2025 with significant challenges on the horizon. The franchise’s inability to build a sustainable and successful infrastructure is likely to result in another tough year, continuing their cycle of mediocrity.

2. Minnesota Vikings: The Decline of the Cousins Era

The Minnesota Vikings have spent years trying to contend for a Super Bowl but have consistently fallen short. After signing Kirk Cousins to a massive contract, the Vikings hoped they had secured a quarterback who could take them over the top. However, despite solid regular-season performances, Cousins has never been able to deliver in the postseason, and it’s clear that the team’s window with him at the helm is closing fast.

Aging Quarterback and Limited Upside

At 36 years old, Cousins is in the twilight of his career. While he remains an above-average quarterback, his limitations in big games and lack of mobility have become more pronounced. For the Vikings, the writing appears to be on the wall: unless they can find a new quarterback to take over in 2025 or beyond, their Super Bowl aspirations are going to be dashed once again.

The Vikings have long been criticized for their inability to find a true franchise quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy—the team’s likely future at the position—has yet to develop into a reliable starter. If McCarthy doesn’t take a big leap forward in 2025, the Vikings’ lack of quarterback stability will continue to haunt them.

Salary Cap Strain and Roster Construction

The Vikings’ salary cap situation is another reason to believe that 2025 will be a down year. With Cousins’ contract eating up a significant portion of the cap, the Vikings have limited flexibility to build a deeper, more balanced roster. While they have a dynamic receiver in Justin Jefferson and a talented running back in Dalvin Cook, the team will struggle to build around these playmakers without additional cap space.

On defense, Minnesota has a solid but aging roster, with key players like Harrison Smith and Eric Kendricks entering the twilight of their careers. Without the financial flexibility to make meaningful additions in the offseason, the Vikings may see a dip in their overall performance, especially as the NFC North becomes more competitive.

Coaching and Scheme Limitations

Kevin O’Connell is a promising head coach, but his scheme is still a work in progress. The Vikings’ offensive line remains a concern, and despite the talent at the skill positions, the offense has been inconsistent. If O’Connell cannot get the most out of the players he has, or if Cousins’ inability to elevate the offense continues, the Vikings will struggle to keep up in the NFC.

3. New England Patriots: Stuck in a Transition Period

The New England Patriots, once the gold standard of NFL success under Bill Belichick, have faced a slow decline since the departure of Tom Brady. Despite a promising defense and some talented players, the team has struggled to find an identity on offense, and 2025 could be the year that sees them fall out of contention entirely.

Quarterback Carousel

The Patriots have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback since Brady left, with Mac Jones showing flashes of potential but not consistent enough play to lock down the starting role. Bailey Zappe has also seen some time under center, but New England has not yet found their next franchise quarterback. Without a proven leader at quarterback, the Patriots’ offense is destined to remain one-dimensional, and opposing defenses can focus on stopping their run game.

Aging Core and Lack of Offensive Weapons

The Patriots also have an aging core of players, particularly on defense. Matthew Judon and Devin McCourty are past their prime, and while the defense still has some strong pieces, it may not be enough to carry a team without a high-powered offense. Furthermore, the Patriots’ lack of dynamic receiving options continues to hinder their offensive production, making it difficult for Jones or any other quarterback to thrive.

4. Atlanta Falcons: Missed Opportunity with Desmond Ridder

The Atlanta Falcons are entering 2025 in a position where they had the chance to build a playoff-caliber team. However, Desmond Ridder, their young quarterback, has yet to prove that he is the answer at the position, and without elite quarterback play, the team is destined for another setback. While the Falcons have one of the league’s most dynamic running games and a solid defense, Ridder’s limitations may prevent them from taking the next step.

Lack of Quarterback Play

Despite a strong running back duo in Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson, and a revamped defense, the Falcons need Ridder to become a legitimate starter in order to take the next step. If Ridder fails to develop, Atlanta’s playoff aspirations could quickly fade, as the team will struggle to win games without elite quarterback play.

5. Los Angeles Rams: Aging Superstar Core

The Los Angeles Rams made a Super Bowl run in 2022, but with an aging roster and limited future flexibility, the team could experience a sharp decline in 2025. The combination of an aging Matthew Stafford, who has dealt with injuries, and a lack of depth at key positions leaves the Rams vulnerable to significant setbacks in the upcoming season.

Declining Talent and Cap Issues

The Rams’ salary cap situation is among the most restrictive in the league, and without the ability to make impactful additions to their roster, the team is unlikely to remain competitive in the tough NFC West. With Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey potentially nearing the end of their prime years, the Rams are at risk of fading from contender status.

 Challenges Ahead for Several NFL Teams

As we approach the 2025 NFL season, several teams are facing the reality of setbacks due to a combination of aging rosters, quarterback uncertainty, and financial constraints. The Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams all face significant challenges that could prevent them from reaching the levels of success they desire.

For teams like the Commanders and Vikings, the

issues are rooted in their lack of a proven quarterback and limited roster flexibility. The Patriots face the challenge of navigating life after Brady, while the Falcons’ reliance on a young quarterback and lack of overall offensive consistency will hold them back. Finally, the Rams, with their aging roster and cap issues, are unlikely to contend at the same level in 2025.

While nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL, these five teams seem destined for a difficult year ahead. Whether they can reverse their fortunes in the near future will depend on their ability to adapt to these challenges and make the necessary moves to rebuild or retool for the future.