NFL 2025 season storylines: Chiefs aim to rebound, Rodgers embarks on final season, and rookies make their mark

The 2025 NFL season is set to bring drama, intrigue, and a new wave of storylines as teams pursue glory on their way to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in California. The defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, will kick off the season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 4. Fans are preparing for a season filled with key matchups and breakout performances.

Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs fell short of a historic three-peat last season when they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Despite a season marked by close wins and some offensive struggles, the Chiefs remain a strong team in the AFC. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had his worst statistical season but is still seen as the league’s best quarterback. Reid is known as one of the NFL’s most creative offensive minds.

To improve their offense, Kansas City drafted left tackle Josh Simmons and extended star guard Trey Smith. This sets up a competition at right tackle between Jaylon Moore and Jawaan Taylor. On the receiving end, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown is expected to start after missing much of 2024, joining second-year standout Xavier Worthy. However, Rashee Rice will start the season serving a six-game suspension, forcing the Chiefs to adapt early without one of their key players.
Veterans Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Nick Bolton return as defensive leaders, keeping the Chiefs in the running as Super Bowl contenders despite a loss last season that revealed some weaknesses.


All eyes will be on the NFL’s second-year quarterbacks this season. J.J. McCarthy will start for the Minnesota Vikings after missing his rookie year. He joins a roster led by Justin Jefferson and guided by offense expert Kevin O’Connell. Similarly, Caleb Williams begins his first season with the Chicago Bears, while Jayden Daniels aims to build on a solid rookie year with the Washington Commanders.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are counting on Trevor Lawrence to bring stability, supported by rookie star Travis Hunter. Hunter could make history by playing both wide receiver and cornerback, showcasing his versatility and athleticism as a top prospect entering the league.


This season features Aaron Rodgers’ ‘last dance’ with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 41, Rodgers hopes to lift an average offense to compete with a tough defense led by TJ Watt. AFC stars Josh Allen of the Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens are also back, both eager to overcome Kansas City’s playoff success. Buffalo and Baltimore have repeatedly lost to Mahomes’ Chiefs in important postseason games, creating a chance for redemption.


The Philadelphia Eagles aim to defend their title with a deep roster, featuring Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and AJ Brown. The Cincinnati Bengals want to avoid another slow start under Joe Burrow, while the San Francisco 49ers deal with injuries but still have talent with Brock Purdy and George Kittle. In Tennessee, rookie Cam Ward steps in as quarterback for the Titans, looking to stabilize a franchise in need.


In the U.S., fans can watch the season on various platforms, with Sky Sports airing more games than ever through a new three-year deal. This includes all NFL London and Europe games, NFL RedZone, three Thanksgiving matchups, every playoff game, and Super Bowl LX.

As the season kicks off, storylines about veteran comebacks and rookie breakthroughs promise an NFL campaign full of excitement, unpredictability, and high stakes. As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, the league stands at a crossroads of legacy and renewal—where established icons fight to cement their place in history and rising stars redefine the future of the game. From championship ambitions to personal redemption arcs, every snap carries the weight of stories waiting to be written. One thing is certain: the road to Super Bowl LX won’t just crown a champion—it will shape the next chapter of NFL greatness.