The 2025 NFL season is almost here, and it’s time to look at which offenses might break out this year. We’re using how teams performed in the second half of the 2024 season to make our predictions. A strong finish doesn’t guarantee success, but it does suggest a team is building something positive.
Several teams showed significant improvement late last season, hinting at potential for even greater things in 2025. Factors like quarterback development, key additions in the draft and free agency, and changes in coaching staff all play a role. Let’s examine some teams that could surprise us with their offensive firepower.
We’ll delve into the data, looking at key stats and personnel changes, to identify the teams poised for a breakout year. From young quarterbacks taking the next step to revamped offensive lines and explosive new playmakers, these teams have the ingredients for success. Get ready for some potential offensive explosions in 2025!
Denver Broncos: Nix Leading the Charge
The Denver Broncos were a surprise in the second half of 2024, making a late playoff push. Their defense was strong, but rookie quarterback Nix, the team’s first-round pick, began to excel in Sean Payton’s system.
Nix’s early struggles saw him earn a 66.5 overall grade in his first nine starts, completing 62.6% of passes for 1,753 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions. His 6.0 yards per attempt ranked low, but his turnover-worthy play rate was among the best, showing he was careful with the ball.
From Week 10, Nix improved significantly, completing 70.3% of passes for 2,022 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His PFF grade jumped to 82.7, ranking 11th among quarterbacks. Surrounding Nix with more talent was key for 2025.
The Broncos drafted receiver in the third round and added veteran tight end , hoping they’ll boost the passing game. They also addressed their struggling run game by adding veteran running back and 2025 second-round pick , who had 54 rushes of 10+ yards in 2024, earning a high PFF rushing grade. With Payton’s play-calling and a solid pass-blocking line, the Broncos’ offense could be ready for a breakout if Nix continues to improve.
Los Angeles Chargers: Harbaugh’s Impact on Herbert
With one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, the Chargers always have offensive potential. However, despite earning a career-high 91.2 overall grade in 2024, hasn’t always translated to a top-ten offense. Issues like poor offensive line play and an inconsistent run game have held them back.
The Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh to change the team’s direction. While his impact was expected on defense, the offense had mixed results early on. Herbert played well, but the run game struggled, ranking 27th in rushing EPA per play from Weeks 1-9.
The second half of 2024 showed improvement for Greg Roman’s run game. The Chargers ranked 16th in EPA per rush play from Week 10 onward. The additions of and in the offseason aimed to create a more physical run game, although an injury to threw a wrench into plans. However, and should provide more power inside.
If the running game is adequate, the passing game can carry the load. The Chargers drafted in the second round to pair with , who had 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Veteran receiver also returned. Success has been building in Los Angeles, and 2025 might be the year it all comes together.
Carolina Panthers: Young’s Development and Offensive Surge
The Panthers faced challenges at the start of 2024. After a 56.4 overall grade in his rookie year, remained the starter, but concerns lingered. After a benching and reinstatement, the offense, and Young, showed signs of life.
Early in the season, the Panthers’ offense ranked 30th in EPA per play, and Young had a 30.1 grade in Weeks 1 and 2. Even with as the starter, the offense struggled, but things turned around when Young returned in Week 10.
From Week 10, the Panthers’ offense jumped to 13th in EPA per play. Young’s improvement drove the team’s success, amassing an 85.5 overall grade and 22 big-time throws. The Panthers’ rushing attack also improved, going from 13th to sixth in EPA per play.
The Panthers have a strong run-blocking offensive line and added and to join , who had 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. To help Young, the team drafted wide receiver with the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If makes an impact, the passing game will improve. The Panthers need Young to continue his upward trajectory from the second half of 2024.
New England Patriots: Maye’s Growth and Offensive Overhaul
The Patriots’ improvement in the second half of 2024 might not be as dramatic as the Broncos or Panthers, but there were signs that once had settled in, the Patriots were trending upwards.
In the first nine weeks, the Patriots’ offense was among the worst in the NFL in EPA per play. Maye played in five games, earning a 66.5 overall grade. He showed potential but also had the second-highest turnover-worthy play rate.
The second half of the season saw subtle growth for Maye, generating a 70.0 overall grade. His turnover-worthy play rate decreased, and his yards per pass attempt improved. The Patriots invested heavily in free agency to improve Maye’s situation.
New head coach Mike Vrabel hired Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. The Patriots also added four new starters on the offensive line, drafting with the No. 4 pick and Jared Wilson in the third round, and signing tackle and center in free agency. With improved blocking and new playmakers like and , the Patriots’ offense could significantly improve in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders: New Faces, New Hope
After a 2-2 start in 2024, the Raiders struggled, finishing 4-13. Their first-half struggles stemmed from having the NFL’s worst offense. The passing game struggled with and at quarterback, and the run game was the worst in the league.
Things improved in the second half of the season. The Raiders ranked 21st in EPA per play, boosted by rookie sensation , who broke the rookie record for receptions. Despite the offensive line’s solid run-blocking grade, the run game still struggled.
The Raiders made major changes in the offseason, hiring Pete Carroll and John Spytek. They traded for , whom Carroll coached in Seattle. Smith should form a strong connection with and , while and rookie receivers and Donte’ Thornton will contribute to the passing game.
The Raiders drafted with the No. 6 pick and added veteran to the backfield. could design one of the better offenses in the league, tying everything together.
Final Thoughts on 2025’s Potential Breakout Offenses
As we approach the 2025 NFL season, several teams are showing signs of offensive potential. From quarterback development and key personnel additions to changes in coaching staff, these teams have the ingredients for a breakout year. The Broncos, Chargers, Panthers, Patriots, and Raiders all demonstrated improvement in the second half of 2024, suggesting they could surprise us with their offensive firepower in the upcoming season.
The Denver Broncos, led by rookie quarterback Nix and the play-calling of Sean Payton, could be poised for a significant leap forward. The Los Angeles Chargers, with Jim Harbaugh at the helm and Herbert leading the charge, are looking to finally realize their offensive potential. The Carolina Panthers, with Young continuing to develop and a revamped receiving corps, could emerge as a force to be reckoned with.
The New England Patriots, under the guidance of Mike Vrabel and with an improved offensive line and new playmakers, are aiming to turn the page and create a more dynamic offense. The Las Vegas Raiders, with Carroll at the helm and and bolstering the offense, are hoping to transform their unit into one of the league’s most exciting.
While success is never guaranteed, these teams have laid the groundwork for a potential breakout in 2025. Keep an eye on these squads as the season unfolds, as they could be the ones making headlines with their offensive prowess.
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