Three NFL Rank Outsiders That Could Upset the Odds in 2025

The 2025 NFL season is still a couple of months away, but excitement is already ramping up ahead of the new campaign. Perennial contenders currently dominate the headlines, with many wondering if the Philadelphia Eagles can build on their success at Super Bowl LIX by becoming the league’s next great dynasty. 

Last season, all the hype was surrounding Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Arrowhead outfit was on the hunt to make history by completing the first three-peat ever, and while they did make it to the Big Game for the third straight year, they were utterly ransacked by the Birds on the grandest stage of them all. A dominant first-half display in New Orleans led by a rampant defence, coupled with an MVP-winning performance by Jalen Hurts, saw them claim the Lombardi in lop-sided fashion, and now online betting odds providers are predicting repeat displays in 2025. 

The latest of Bovada’s live betting odds currently make Philly the +650 to secure another championship, closely followed by the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, both of whom are priced at +700. But what of the outsiders? Well, every year, a few under-the-radar teams often claw their way to relevance, and this year will be no different. Here are three teams we can see upsetting the odds next season. 

For Cleveland Browns fans, 2024 was another chapter of heartbreak. A dismal 3-14 finish doomed them to the cellar of the AFC North, and by midseason, franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson was sidelined once again, this time with a torn Achilles. Next season, the bookies are predicting more misery, but we feel that there are a couple of positives that could see them surprise a few. 

Despite their disastrous record last season, the Browns recently made waves by locking up defensive anchor Myles Garrett to a blockbuster four-year extension worth $40 million annually, albeit after a trade request shocked the franchise to its very core. Once that was resolved, the front office also focused on future-proofing the team through the draft, securing standout defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick. Complementing Graham is RB Quinshon Judkins, an electric runner who adds juice to their backfield.

But it’s the quarterback position that could hold the key to their resurgence. Cleveland enters 2025 with a unique five-QB roster. Veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco bring experience, while rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders add intrigue. Watson also remains; however, it remains to be seen whether head coach Kevin Stefanski will persist with the former Houston Texan or cut his losses after arguably one of the worst signings in NFL history. 

Sanders, in particular, comes with a buzz after his historic college career. He was expected to be selected in the first round of the recent draft before spectacularly plummeting to round five. Cleveland was the team that finally took a punt on the former Colorado Buffalo, and it remains to be seen whether his public embarrassment fuels a meteoric resurgence, both for the player and the team. 

The Carolina Panthers enter 2025 with one major advantage: a division ripe for the taking. The NFC South is perhaps the weakest quartet in the entire league, giving the Charlotte-based outfit a genuine lane to push for playoff relevance. The question is whether they can seize it, but signs from late 2024 suggest they just might.

Things started slowly for Bryce Young during his rookie campaign. After being selected first overall in 2023, much was expected of the former Heisman winner. However, he could only muster up two wins in that maiden campaign, before being dropped for veteran Andy Dalton at the start of the 2024 season. 

The 23-year-old reclaimed his starting berth midway through last term, and once he did, the young quarterback began to come alive. His development was evident as the season closed, showcasing improved decision-making under pressure and masterminding two victories in Carolina’s last three games. In the off-season, his front office doubled down on providing ample support, drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. 

Alongside Young comes Chuba Hubbard, a running back fresh off a breakout season in which he established himself as a game-changer on the ground. That dual-threat offense could be just enough for the Panthers to spring a few shocks next term. 

Make no mistake, Las Vegas faces a daunting slate of opponents next season. All three of their AFC West cohorts reached the postseason last term, and the Raiders will have their work cut out in their six divisional games against them. However, the Sin City outfit is seemingly up for the task, and they have strengthened significantly to throw their name into the mix for a potential shock playoff berth. 

The splashiest move of the Raiders’ offseason was signing quarterback Geno Smith, fresh off a resurgent Pro Bowl season with the Seahawks in which he threw a career-best 4,320 yards. Adding to the excitement is rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, selected sixth overall in the recent draft. He amassed a monstrous 2,601 yards at Boise State last year, securing him a slew of individual honours as well as the runner-up spot in the Heisman running, and big things are expected of him at Allegiant Stadium in 2025. 

But perhaps the biggest star in the making, however, is tight end Brock Bowers. The 2024 rookie has already established himself as a premier playmaker, and with Smith under center, he’s poised for an even bigger leap. Add to that the fact that superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby has penned a new deal to remain in the desert, and it’s clear that the Raiders mean business next term.