by The 2025 NFL offseason has been full of trades, draft drama, and head-coaching changes. As we look toward training camps and preseason, every AFC team is facing at least one burning question — a mystery that will define their season. Whether it’s a quarterback battle, cap-space concern, or a first-year coach under pressure, these storylines are shaping the conference’s future.
Let’s break down the biggest burning question for each of the 16 AFC teams ahead of the 2025 season.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Can Josh Allen carry a rebuilt roster?
The Bills have lost key players this offseason, including Stefon Diggs and several veteran defenders. With a younger supporting cast and new faces at wide receiver, the pressure is on Allen to elevate everyone. The question is: Can Allen thrive without a true WR1?
Miami Dolphins: Will Tua stay healthy — and earn a second contract?
Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of brilliance, but durability remains the concern. With his rookie contract winding down, Miami must decide: Is Tua their long-term QB1, or is it time to move on?
New York Jets: Can Aaron Rodgers still be elite post-injury?
Rodgers’ Achilles tear early in the 2023 season robbed the Jets of a playoff run. Now, entering his 40s, all eyes are on his comeback. If he returns to MVP form, New York is a Super Bowl sleeper. If not, is it the end of the Rodgers experiment?
New England Patriots: Is Drake Maye the future — or another miss?
With a new head coach and a high draft pick invested in Drake Maye, the Patriots hope they’ve finally found Tom Brady’s heir. But early reports are mixed. Can Maye break the rookie QB curse in Foxborough?
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Can Lamar Jackson finally break through in January?
Lamar Jackson continues to dominate regular seasons, but playoff struggles linger. With a complete roster and coaching continuity, the time is now. Is 2025 the year Lamar leads the Ravens to a Super Bowl?
Cincinnati Bengals: Can Burrow stay upright for 17 games?
Joe Burrow’s injury woes derailed the Bengals in 2023 and 2024. Despite a high-powered offense, Cincy’s playoff hopes hinge on Burrow’s health. Will the revamped O-line finally keep him protected?
Cleveland Browns: Is Deshaun Watson still “that guy”?
Since returning from suspension, Watson has yet to look like the elite QB Cleveland traded for. With a strong defense and weapons in place, the team is built to win. But can Watson be the missing piece — or is he just another sunk cost?
Pittsburgh Steelers: Who is the true QB1 — Wilson or Fields?
The Steelers have two polarizing quarterbacks: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both are on prove-it deals, and both want to start. Mike Tomlin’s decision will define the offense. Can either QB lead Pittsburgh back to playoff relevance?
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Trevor Lawrence take the next step — or plateau?
After a promising 2022 season, Lawrence has regressed under pressure. He’s still the franchise guy, but with a new offensive coordinator and more weapons, can he become a top-five quarterback in 2025?
Houston Texans: Can the defense catch up to the offense?
C.J. Stroud and the offense are set, but Houston’s defense — especially the secondary — still has holes. With playoff expectations rising, can DeMeco Ryans get the defense to match Stroud’s firepower?
Tennessee Titans: Is Will Levis ready to lead a contender?
The Titans have surrounded Levis with talent, including Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. Now it’s up to the young QB to deliver. Can he show enough growth to make Tennessee a playoff team in 2025?
Indianapolis Colts: Will Anthony Richardson stay healthy — and develop as a passer?
Richardson’s rookie season showed promise but was cut short by injury. With elite athleticism but raw mechanics, his ceiling is sky-high. Can Shane Steichen mold him into a franchise QB — and keep him on the field?
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs: Can Mahomes win without elite weapons?
Patrick Mahomes is still the best quarterback in the league, but his receiving corps remains a major concern. Travis Kelce is aging, and Rashee Rice faces off-field issues. Can Mahomes keep Kansas City on top with a patchwork offense?
Los Angeles Chargers: Can Jim Harbaugh turn the culture around?
The Chargers have the talent but lacked discipline and leadership under Brandon Staley. Enter Jim Harbaugh, known for tough love and winning. Can he fix the Chargers’ long-standing identity crisis — and maximize Justin Herbert?
Las Vegas Raiders: Who’s the QB — and does it matter?
With Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew battling for QB1, the Raiders lack a franchise signal-caller. Davante Adams and the defense can keep them competitive, but can they win without a long-term answer under center?
Denver Broncos: Is Bo Nix the real deal — or another rookie bust?
Sean Payton shocked many by drafting Bo Nix early in 2025. The Oregon product has college experience but faces an uphill NFL transition. Can Payton turn Nix into his next Drew Brees — or will the gamble fail?
Biggest AFC Themes in 2025
1. Quarterback Uncertainty
Over half of the AFC teams have question marks at quarterback — whether it’s due to injury (Burrow, Tua), inconsistency (Watson, Levis), or youth (Maye, Nix, Richardson). QB play will define the playoff race more than ever.
2. Coaching Changes & Culture Shifts
New head coaches in New England, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are trying to reset their organizations. Culture matters — and teams like the Chargers and Patriots are betting on proven winners to lead the way.
3. Youth Movement vs Veteran Windows
Teams like Houston and Indy are riding with second-year QBs and fresh cores. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Kansas City are trying to stay in Super Bowl contention with aging or expensive rosters. The balance of power in the AFC may be shifting.
Conclusion: 2025’s AFC Season Hinges on Answers
From rookies trying to prove they belong to veterans chasing one last shot at glory, the AFC is loaded with intrigue. Every team has a question that must be answered — and how they respond will shape not only their season but the future of the conference.
As training camps begin and position battles heat up, fans across the country are asking:
“Will my team find the answer — or become the next NFL mystery?”
Stay tuned. The AFC is about to deliver a thrilling, unpredictable ride in 2025.
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