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Top NFL teams under pressure heading into 2025

Several teams are facing heavy expectations as the NFL season approaches.

July 24, 2025 at 03:25 PM

5 NFL teams under the most pressure in 2025

These teams must perform to meet expectations in the upcoming season.

NFL teams face significant pressure in 2025

The NFL is entering a crucial 2025 season for several teams facing intense pressure to succeed. The Indianapolis Colts must prove themselves with a failing quarterback situation and changing offensive line, while the team struggles to keep pace in a competitive AFC South. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens, both with elite quarterbacks, are expected to challenge for the Super Bowl but consistently falter in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Arizona Cardinals, coming off a top-ten defensive season, need their quarterback Kyler Murray to sync with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. to finally break into the playoffs. Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves pressured to advance beyond the Wild Card round, with questions looming over their aging roster and what their season will mean for their future.

Key Takeaways

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Colts are under pressure to stop slipping in the AFC South.

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Bills and Ravens must capitalize on their opportunity for a Super Bowl win.

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Cardinals need improvement from Murray to make playoffs after years of struggle.

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Steelers face scrutiny with aging stars and a lack of long-term success.

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Coaching stability can mean the difference in playoff performance for teams.

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Player-coach relationships are critical for overcoming pressure challenges.

"The AFC South is right there for grabs, but it feels like the Colts are slipping further and further behind."

This highlights the Colts' precarious position in their division, indicating potential struggles ahead.

"For a team that hopes to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, Murray and the Cardinals are under immense pressure to get it right this year."

This emphasizes the significance of the Cardinals' performance and their need for improvement at quarterback.

"What happens to GM Omar Khan if they bow out in the Wild Card?"

This raises critical questions regarding the future of the Steelers if they do not meet expectations.

The weight of expectation in the NFL can be both a driving force and a source of turmoil. For teams like the Colts, Bills, and Ravens, the combination of talent and recent disappointments creates a ticking clock for success. The stakes are particularly high for franchises with aging quarterbacks or recent regime changes. As the season unfolds, failure to deliver could lead to significant shifts in team structure, from coaching personnel to player investments, further intensifying the pressure. The consequences of not meeting these expectations could reshape the landscape of the NFL going forward.