Surprising NFL teams
By: Jake Rajala
There are plenty of teams that surprise each season. We’ve seen the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions surprise in recent years. It’s especially common with a new quarterback or new head coach. Well, I’m simply going to lay out several surprising NFL teams.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts went from a team favored to have the first overall pick to a Super Bowl contender. Jonathan Taylor is playing like the best running back in the league. Daniels Jones has a PFF grade of 81, which is eighth among QBs. He was arguably the best value pickup at the QB spot. The Colts had blowout victories, such as their 33-8 win over the Dolphins and their 40-6 win over the Raiders. Their defense is playing like their from another planet, as the defense is ranked third in PPG allowed.
San Francisco 49ers
Not only are the 49ers on a much better track to eclipse their win total from last season (which was 6-11), but they are doing so with a depleted roster. The All-Pro TE George Kittle and WR1 Brandon Aiyuk have been on IR. Nick Bosa tore his ACL and he’s out for the year. Even Brock Purdy has been injured and MIA over the past few games. It’s been a next man up mentality for SF. The 49ers somehow managed to beat the LA Rams in overtime. Kyle Shanahan is easily the favorite to win Coach of the Year right now. Mac Jones will likely get competition for a starting gig next offseason.
Los Angeles Chargers
The LA Chargers took down the goliath (Kansas City Chiefs) in Week 1. They also beat the Denver Broncos. Yes, they are on a two game losing streak. Nonetheless, I love their winning record and I have faith in Justin Herbert, who is a dark horse MVP candidate. He has a PFF grade of 82.5, which is seventh among QBs. They also have Derwin James and Khalil Mack, who are studs at their position. I really expect LA to knock off the Miami Dolphins and have a 4-2 record. I can’t imagine Jim Harbaugh losing three straight games.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags are also 4-1 in the AFC South. Not only do they have a superb record, but they are beating quality teams. They just recently defeated the Chiefs and the 49ers before that. That’s arguably the best two game winning streak in the NFL. Travis Etienne is playing like a Top-5 RB. The Jags defense is flying around, as they are first in takeaways. Their former first overall pick, Travons Walker, has mostly been on the sidelines with an injury, too.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers weren’t seen as AFC North favorites entering the season. Well, here they stand at 3-1, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. It’s impressive that they are 2-0 on the road thus far. They don’t have George Pickens, but they do have DK Metcalf. After the Steelers, there are three losing teams in the AFC North. If A-Rod, T.J. Watt, and Jalen Ramsey can play at their highest level, the Steelers have a legit shot to get 11-12 wins.
Denver Broncos
If it wasn’t for a penalty on a field goal, the Broncos would be sitting pretty at 4-1. Still, they are doing fine at 3-2. Bo Nix had an admirable bounce back game in Week 5. Nik Bonitto is a dark horse to win DPOY, as he already has seven sacks, which is first in the league. The second place in sacks is Byron Young with 5.5. The Broncos are also second in PPG allowed (right after Houston). I expect Vance Joseph to get another look at being a head coach after this season. It’s not his first rodeo.
New England Patriots
Many fans and analysts doubted the Pats in 2025. They were seen as a rebuilding team after going 4-13 last season. Yikes. Well, they stand at 3-2, entering a game they should win, against the New Orleans Saints. Drake Maye is playing like a sharp QB, as he has a PFF grade of 77.6 They also have a defense that’s ranked ninth in PPG allowed. The Pats blatantly look well-rounded and crisp on both sides of the ball.
Honorable Mention:
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were horrid last season, as they had a 7-10 record. Well, they don’t have a losing record in 2025 just yet (as they sit at 2-2-1). Many people would certainly expect them to suffer without Micah Parsons. Well, they managed to have a tie against Parsons and the Packers. Dak Prescott is playing like an MVP-caliber QB. They still don’t have All-Pro WR Ceedee Lamb in the line-up. The Boys WR2 George Pickens and TE1 Jake Ferguson are shining with more opportunities. With Lamb back, they should be able to break .500.
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