Five NFL Teams Poised to Take a Major Fall in 2025: Vikings, Commanders Appear Primed for Drop-Off

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Five NFL Teams Poised to Take a Major Fall in 2025: Vikings, Commanders Appear Primed for Drop-Off

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, some teams appear poised to experience significant setbacks. While the league is known for its unpredictability, certain franchises are showing signs of decline. Several factors, including aging rosters, instability at key positions, and tough schedules, make these teams candidates for a fall from grace. In this article, we’ll break down the five NFL teams that could struggle in 2025, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders, who appear to be particularly primed for a drop-off.

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have been competitive in recent years, making playoff appearances and even winning the NFC North division title. However, multiple factors point toward a significant decline in 2025.

Key Concerns:

  • Aging Roster: Quarterback Kirk Cousins, the cornerstone of the Vikings' offense, will be in his mid-30s by 2025. While Cousins has been productive, the natural decline associated with aging quarterbacks cannot be ignored. His performance could begin to deteriorate as he gets older, especially without consistent support from the offensive line.
  • Defensive Struggles: The Vikings’ defense has been inconsistent in recent years. Although they’ve made strides in rebuilding their defensive front, the aging players and inconsistent pass rush could make it difficult to maintain a top-tier defense.
  • Tough Division Rivalries: With teams like the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers continuing to improve, the Vikings may face stiffer competition in the NFC North. This makes a division title harder to come by, and Minnesota could see its playoff aspirations dwindle.

Outlook for 2025: If Cousins doesn’t continue to perform at a high level, the Vikings may fall behind in an increasingly competitive division. Couple this with defensive issues and a tough schedule, and Minnesota could struggle to stay relevant in 2025.

2. Washington Commanders

After years of instability, the Washington Commanders seemed to be turning a corner with a strong defensive foundation. However, 2025 could see them take a major step back due to the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation and the challenges of building a consistently competitive roster.

Key Concerns:

  • Quarterback Insecurity: Washington’s long-running issue at quarterback is likely to continue in 2025. If they do not find a franchise QB, the offense will remain one of the weakest in the league. Sam Howell, the likely future of the franchise, has shown flashes of potential but lacks the consistency needed to be a reliable starter.
  • Aging Defense: Washington’s defense has been one of its bright spots, with players like Chase Young and Jonathan Allen leading the charge. However, several key defensive players will be aging by 2025, and this could affect their overall performance. The pressure on Washington to maintain a top-tier defense will increase as other NFC East teams improve.
  • Tough NFC East: The NFC East is known for its competitive balance, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants all fielding strong teams. Washington could struggle to keep pace with these teams, especially if its offense continues to be inconsistent.

Outlook for 2025: The Commanders’ lack of quarterback stability and an aging defense will likely hold them back. Without a clear leader on offense, Washington could find itself at the bottom of the NFC East standings, making 2025 a year of regression.

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have shown promise in recent seasons, but their ability to sustain success in 2025 remains in question.

Key Concerns:

  • Inconsistent Quarterback Play: The Falcons are still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. Desmond Ridder is the current starter, but his lack of experience and inconsistency could hinder Atlanta’s offensive growth. If the team struggles to find a reliable QB, it will be difficult to compete in a loaded NFC.
  • Unproven Coaching Staff: While Arthur Smith has shown some promise as head coach, his ability to lead the team to sustained success has yet to be proven. In a highly competitive NFC, the Falcons could struggle to keep up if their coaching staff cannot maximize the potential of their young roster.

Outlook for 2025: Atlanta will need to improve its quarterback situation and see significant development from its younger players to remain competitive. If they fail to do so, 2025 could be a season where they take a step backward.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced a dramatic fall from their Super Bowl win in 2020 after Tom Brady’s retirement. The 2025 season could see them continue this decline, especially if they fail to establish a reliable offense.

Key Concerns:

  • Post-Brady Transition: Brady’s departure left a massive void at quarterback, and the Bucs have struggled to find a long-term solution. If their quarterback play continues to be erratic, Tampa Bay’s offense will likely struggle, making it difficult to compete in the NFC South.
  • Aging Roster: Tampa Bay’s defense, which was once one of the league’s most formidable, is showing signs of age. Key players like Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett are entering the twilight of their careers, and this could lead to a decline in defensive production.
  • Division Competition: The NFC South has become increasingly competitive, with teams like the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers making significant improvements. The Bucs may find themselves fighting for the bottom of the division rather than contending for a playoff spot.

Outlook for 2025: The Buccaneers are likely to continue their rebuilding process in 2025, and without a top-tier quarterback, they could fall into irrelevance in the NFC South.

5. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ future appears uncertain, with several key factors making it difficult to envision sustained success in 2025.

Key Concerns:

  • Quarterback Drama: Kyler Murray’s recovery from injury and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future with the team will be a major storyline. If Murray struggles to return to his former level of play, Arizona will face significant offensive challenges.
  • Rebuilding Phase: The Cardinals are likely to be in the middle of a rebuild, with new coaching staff and a focus on developing young talent. This may result in inconsistency, especially early in the 2025 season, as the team adjusts to a new system.
  • Tough NFC West: The NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in football, with teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams consistently fielding strong squads. The Cardinals will need significant improvement to compete with these teams in 2025.

Outlook for 2025: The Cardinals may struggle in 2025, especially if Murray’s recovery process is slow. The team’s rebuilding efforts could take time, and they may find themselves near the bottom of the NFC West standings.

Conclusion

While the NFL landscape is always changing, several teams appear primed for a fall in 2025. The Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders are at the forefront of this potential decline, with key concerns like aging rosters, inconsistent quarterback play, and tough division rivals. Meanwhile, teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Arizona Cardinals are also at risk of taking a step backward in the coming season. As always, the unpredictability of the NFL means that surprises can happen, but these teams are facing significant challenges as they move toward 2025.


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