Cinderella Stories: Ranking the Biggest Surprise Teams and Their Keys to Success in the 2025 NFL Season
The NFL is a league of constant change, where dynasties crumble and underdogs rise. Just last season, the Washington Commanders, led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, shocked the league with a surprising playoff run, reaching the conference championship game for the first time since 1991. As the 2025 season approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: which teams are poised to become this year’s Cinderella stories?
Here’s a ranking of the teams with the potential to defy expectations and make a significant leap, along with the key factors that could fuel their success.
1. Chicago Bears: From Cellar Dwellers to Contenders?
2024 Record: 6-11
Key to Success: Ben Johnson’s Offensive Genius and a Rebuilt Offensive Line
The Chicago Bears have been the subject of much discussion this offseason, and for good reason. After a disappointing 2024, where even the additions of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze couldn’t spark the offense, the Bears made a bold move by hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach.
Johnson’s arrival brings a wave of optimism to Chicago. Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to maximize quarterback talent, Johnson is expected to transform the Bears’ offense. The team has also invested heavily in upgrading the offensive line, trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and signing center Drew Dalman in free agency. These additions should provide Williams with the protection he needs to thrive.
The Bears also added Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Loveland will provide another weapon for Williams and should help to fill the void left by the departure of Keenan Allen.
With a revamped offense and a promising young quarterback, the Bears have the potential to surprise many in 2025. NFL Network Insider Judy Battista has already highlighted the Bears as a team poised for a major turnaround.
2. New England Patriots: A New Era Under Vrabel
2024 Record: 5-12
Key to Success: Drake Maye’s Development and a Rebuilt Offensive Line
The New England Patriots are entering a new era under head coach Mike Vrabel. After moving on from coach Aaron Glenn, GM Darren Mougey and QB Justin Fields, the Patriots are looking to rebuild around second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
The Patriots’ offense struggled mightily in 2024, due in large part to injuries and poor play along the offensive line. The unit allowed a league-high 37 sacks. To address this issue, the Patriots used their first-round pick on offensive tackle Will Campbell, whom the team took with the fourth-overall pick. New England also added veteran right tackle Morgan Moses in free agency and drafted Georgia center Jared Wilson in the third round.
With an improved offensive line and a promising young quarterback in Maye, the Patriots could surprise many in 2025.
3. Carolina Panthers: Building Around Bryce Young
2024 Record: 5-12
Key to Success: Bryce Young’s Growth and a Revamped Offense
The Carolina Panthers are another team looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season. The Panthers attacked the draft with vigor, bolstering Bryce Young’s weapons while adding to a depleted pass-rushing group.
The Panthers’ success in 2025 will depend largely on the development of Bryce Young. If Young can take a step forward in his second season, the Panthers could surprise many in the NFC South.
4. Los Angeles Chargers: Harbaugh’s Impact
2024 Record: 11-6
Key to Success: Jim Harbaugh’s Coaching and a Strong Running Game
The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL last season, emerging as a playoff team in Jim Harbaugh’s first season at the helm. Harbaugh used the tried-and-true formula of a strong run game and good defense to win football games, as the Chargers upped their win total from five wins to 11 in Year 1 with Harbaugh.
The Chargers will be better offensively this season with the return of receiver Mike Williams, along with the addition of running backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has a chance to build on one of the league’s best units in his second season.
With Harbaugh at the helm and a talented roster, the Chargers could be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
5. San Francisco 49ers: A Return to Dominance?
2024 Record: 6-11
Key to Success: Health and a Favorable Schedule
The San Francisco 49ers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season. After making the Super Bowl the previous season, the 49ers sunk to the bottom of their division.
The 49ers’ struggles in 2024 were due in large part to injuries. Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Brandon Aiyuk all missed significant time. If the 49ers can stay healthy in 2025, they should be able to return to their winning ways.
The 49ers also benefit from a favorable schedule in 2025. By virtue of their surprising last-place finish in the NFC West last season and facing the nose-pinching NFC South and AFC South this year, the 49ers are set up for a bounce-back in 2025. San Francisco plays the easiest schedule heading into the regular season, based on an opponent winning percentage of .415 last year.
With a healthy roster and a favorable schedule, the 49ers could be one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2025.
Other Teams to Watch
Several other teams could also surprise in 2025:
- Washington Commanders: Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have a promising young quarterback and a talented roster.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: With a healthy Trevor Lawrence and the addition of Brian Thomas Jr., the Jaguars could be poised for a breakout season.
- Cincinnati Bengals: After a disappointing 2024 season, the Bengals are looking to bounce back with a healthy Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
The 2025 NFL season promises to be full of surprises. While the usual suspects are expected to contend, several teams have the potential to defy expectations and make a significant leap. Whether it’s a coaching change, a key player returning from injury, or a favorable schedule, these teams have the ingredients to become this year’s Cinderella stories.