Illustration Credit: Sam Lutz
There’s a ton to unpack as new NFL season begins. Let’s take a look at who ‘s worth keeping an eye on, which teams have the potential to excel, and my own projections.
Arrianna Toolsie, Associate Sports Editor
After a very long six months without football, the 2024–25 NFL season has officially begun, and there is a lot to look forward to. Our Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays will now officially be filled with intense rivalries, dramatic endings, and anxiety as we watch all 32 NFL teams compete for the Lombardi Trophy. I’ve got you covered for all the things to keep an eye on this season, which is going to be exciting!
We can’t talk about the NFL without mentioning the reigning champions of the past two seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs! Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are unquestionably one of the best quarterback-tight end combinations in NFL history, as they continue to set records and dominate the league. Their coach, Andy Reid, is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, and his work ethic is on full display whenever his team takes the field. We can expect the Chiefs to excel in both the American Football Conference West (AFC West) and the league, making them serious contenders for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
This season, we have a few players to look forward to seeing on the big screen. Most notably, Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback for the New York Jets, tore his Achilles four plays into the season opener last year. This season, he is expected to make a significant comeback, guiding the Jets up the American Football Conference East (AFC East) and into playoff contention.
We can’t highlight players unless one of them is a rookie. Kansas City Chiefs’ newest wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, is a player to keep an eye on. Before the draft, he ran the 40-yard dash in a record-breaking 4.21 seconds. Unsurprisingly, Worthy had an outstanding debut in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Unsurprisingly, this is the second time the Buffalo Bills have traded draft picks to the Chiefs, and it has come back to bite them in the back because they, too, needed a receiver. The big question is: How will it affect the Bills in the long run?
Now, for the fun part: my season predictions! Is it evident that I am a Chiefs fan yet? Naturally, I project the Chiefs to win this year’s Super Bowl! However, it will not be an easy pass for them, as many underdogs, including the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, are trailing them and have similarities to the Chiefs. Overrated teams include the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills, both of whom perform well but consistently fumble near the end of the season as they approach the playoffs.
This season has the potential to be unlike any other, full of surprises. So, sit back, grab your friends, a full tray of wings, and plenty of junk food, and enjoy the football season!
