After visiting a handful of training camps and speaking to dozens of coaches and executives around the NFL, I compiled intel and insights on all 32 NFL teams. The information ranges from a broad overview of how a team could fare this season to other more specific tidbits regarding particular players and roster construction.

We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it.

AFC EastBuffalo Bills

Quarterback Josh Allen is so widely respected that there are coaches and executives around the league who have highlight packages built of his most improbable plays. Of course, there’s a practical use for that scouting material when they have to prepare for Buffalo, but Allen has such a habit of making the impossible look routine that there’s almost an embedded element within the competition of, “What more could we do?”

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are at the start of a mountainous rebuild, but they’re off to a nice start with their pair of first-round picks. They pegged offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor as their priority before the draft and were elated when he fell to No. 11. Proctor is expected to stay at left guard as a rookie, but he could move around in the future. Cornerback Chris Johnson, the 27th pick, was widely adored around the league, too. The Dolphins have a long way to go in their rebuild, but they appear to be off to a strong start. 

New England Patriots

Quarterback Drake Maye has operated with more confidence and comfort behind the scenes in his second year with coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. While Maye had a blistering debut for the duo, finishing second in the MVP voting, there’s belief within the building that another jump is coming.

New York Jets

There’s a recipe for the Jets to experience a dose of success, which is a relative term for an organization that hasn’t won more than seven games in a season since 2015. QB Geno Smith should be competitive behind a solid offensive line. If the Jets can build a lead, they can create headaches with their explosive pair of pass rushers, of course sparked by No. 2 pick David Bailey. One other note: There’s some belief around the league that rookie fourth-round quarterback Cade Klubnik might also be a legit backup.

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AFC NorthBaltimore Ravens

Rookie head coach Jesse Minter has quickly established his voice in the building, as players have bought into his message and defensive scheme. He has really emphasized the importance of everyone seeing and reading the play together, which is a process that takes time. As that vision comes into clearer focus, the Ravens should find a spark under a promising young defensive mind.

Cincinnati Bengals

While the defense had badly deteriorated over the past two seasons, the Bengals feel better about where they’re trending. Offseason additions Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook have been their best players in training camp, while rookie defensive end Cashius Howell looks primed for a strong start. Quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t have nearly as many easy days during training camp as he has in the past.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns entered the offseason with the belief that Deshaun Watson would be their starter in 2026, so the outcome of the competition with Shedeur Sanders really shouldn’t have been a surprise. Watson, who has won nine of 19 starts since joining the Browns in 2022, will apparently get one more chance. Still, Sanders’ next promotion feels inevitable.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers could conceivably have his best group of receivers in his post-Packers era if Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard can get off to a fast start, though that’s easier said than done with Rodgers demanding so much trust. Veteran Michael Pittman Jr. gives DK Metcalf a much more reliable running mate to take a slight amount of pressure off the younger, more unproven duo.

AFC SouthHouston Texans

Quarterback C.J. Stroud has made a jump as a leader this offseason, according to those around him, and he has taken more ownership of the offense. This could be a career-defining season for Stroud, who needs to prove to the Texans that he’s worth a contract extension now that he’s eligible. So far, there’s belief the offense is coming together for head coach DeMeco Ryans, though it feels unrealistic to assume they can replace the expected production from wideout Jayden Higgins, who tore his ACL last month.

Indianapolis Colts

Coach Shane Steichen’s work with quarterback Daniel Jones has not gone unnoticed by his peers. While we were getting a feel for the league’s best play callers in our annual survey, four voters had Steichen on their ballots. It’s admittedly a small sample size, but Steichen still received the same number of votes as Sean Payton and Matt LaFleur. That’s worthy recognition.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence is well-positioned to make a jump in his second season in coach Liam Coen’s system. It was also going to require time for Lawrence to take ownership of Coen’s offense, and there’s been a lot to like about his growth this summer, according to those around the Jaguars. With Brian Thomas primed to have a much better season as a big-play threat, Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington as trusted possession targets and Travis Hunter ready to step out of the phone booth, the picture is coming into focus for Lawrence.

Tennessee Titans

There is serious concern around the league over the Titans’ ability to protect quarterback Cam Ward, who tied Geno Smith last year in sacks taken (55). Like any young QB, Ward saw his consistency and confidence dip under duress as a rookie. The Titans invested at receiver with No. 4 pick Carnell Tate and free-agent addition Wan’Dale Robinson, but the line looks thin.

AFC WestDenver Broncos

Patrick Surtain II isn’t just viewed as the best cornerback in the league. He’s also the most prominent difference maker at the position, which is a nice distinction relative to the young quality at corner around the NFL. Surtain was the only cornerback who received votes in two league survey questions about prime trade targets and defensive closers.

Kansas City Chiefs

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s reputation is well-established, and he’s still maddeningly frustrating to compete against. Coaches around the league rave about Spagnuolo’s ability to enter a game with a plan and then build counterattacks from there. He knows how offenses will adjust to his looks, so he’ll evolve throughout the game, and that’s even more of a challenge in the fourth quarter when the Chiefs are playing with a lead.

Las Vegas Raiders

Running back Ashton Jeanty had blown away Raiders brass before his ankle sprain, so there’s real optimism that he’ll have a terrific season — an element that’ll be aided by a better-coached offensive line. New head coach Klint Kubiak knows he’ll need to rely on his best skill players, Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, because they have a thin receiver group. Rookie running back Mike Washington has also impressed enough to earn a real role, to the point where the Raiders could comfortably lean on him if needed.

Los Angeles Chargers

Coach Jim Harbaugh loves to establish the ground game, while offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has proven proficient at designing a rushing attack. They should be an excellent pair in that regard if they can hit the right chord, though McDaniel was criticized for diverting from the run a bit too frequently as head coach of the Dolphins.

NFC EASTDallas Cowboys

Rival teams believe quarterback Dak Prescott is primed for a massive year in his second season with coach Brian Schottenheimer. It won’t matter if the defense doesn’t make huge strides, but there’s no denying they’ve added plenty of intriguing pieces since the controversial Micah Parsons trade. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark are strong in the middle, and they’ll be more dangerous on the edge if first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence shines early and Rashan Gary and Von Miller have enough left in the tank. There’s every reason to believe safety and fellow first-round rookie Caleb Downs will become a generational leader in Dallas.

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New York Giants

Coach John Harbaugh is expected to ride the ground game to help quarterback Jaxson Dart as much as possible. And like their counterparts in New Jersey, the Giants can be scary if they can build early leads. Outside linebackers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, as well as inside linebacker Arvell Reese, are as athletic as any collection of rushers in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles

There was quite a bit of drama last season with the Eagles, but rival teams weren’t sure trading wideout A.J. Brown was the solution. The Eagles have lost key leadership pieces in recent years, and there’s going to be a heavy focus in Philly on quarterback Jalen Hurts’ performance without Brown. No one is writing off the Eagles, but some concerns shouldn’t be ignored.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders had an underwhelming preseason as they continue to adjust to new offensive coordinator David Blough and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. There’s internal belief that Blough and quarterback Jayden Daniels are well-suited for one another, but there’s been some growing pains. The injuries on defense have disrupted their rhythm on that side, as well.

NFC NorthChicago Bears

Quarterback Caleb Williams was at his best during a league-high six fourth-quarter comebacks last season, and one playoff team said they were “scared s—less” to possibly draw the Bears due to his late-game heroics. But there’s also a consistent opinion around the NFL that Williams must be more consistent on schedule to really elevate his game. Williams faced a steep learning curve from Lincoln Riley’s college offense, so time was always going to be a requirement for Williams. If he can close that gap, he’ll quickly become one of the league’s best.

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Detroit Lions

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown doesn’t just play with his hair on fire in games. Lions newcomers quickly learn St. Brown is also a maniac on the practice field and expects everyone to bring the same intense focus. There’s an intimidation factor to match his energy. St. Brown is on the short list of guys who epitomize coach Dan Campbell’s culture.

Green Bay Packers

With Jeff Hafley off to Miami, the Packers have done a sound job of keeping the defense vanilla under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Opponents are obviously expecting to see concepts from Gannon’s time with the Eagles and Cardinals, but the Packers have established an element of surprise that’ll only be heightened when star pass rusher Micah Parsons returns sometime after the first month of the season.

Minnesota Vikings

The starting quarterback decision came down to consistency. Kyler Murray was simply more consistent than J.J. McCarthy, and the outcome didn’t seem overly surprising. Murray wowed the Vikings with his athleticism this summer, and he has a chance to reclaim some of his magic under highly regarded head coach Kevin O’Connell. Murray’s versatility is unlike anything O’Connell has had at the position in Minnesota.

NFC SouthAtlanta Falcons

Michael Penix Jr.’s recovery from a torn ACL was always going to butt up against the start of the regular season, so the Falcons had to prioritize Tua Tagovailoa’s readiness for Week 1. But with an overhauled leadership regime that inherited Penix, the Falcons needed a thorough assessment of each quarterback before the season. Unless the Falcons get off to a surprisingly hot start, don’t write off Penix for 2026, especially with Tagovailoa’s back already an issue during camp.

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Bryce Young can earn an extension with his best season on the field, but could he be destined to play out his fifth-year option if he’s up and down yet again? Another potential factor to consider: General manager Dan Morgan oversaw Young’s scouting throughout the pre-draft process back when he was the assistant GM, so there’s added incentive for this to work.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have held firm internal belief in quarterback Tyler Shough since last season, and they continue to believe he’ll take another jump if he plays within himself. Shough’s leadership is also through the roof, according to those around the Saints, as evidenced by his ability to work with Drew Brees to organize a five-day offseason passing camp in San Diego with his top targets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield became the eighth QB to reach the $55 million mark Tuesday with his three-year, $165 million extension. He was also the 13th to eclipse $50 million annually, and that was the pivotal number in negotiations. Mayfield had no intention of signing for anything less, so credit the Bucs for putting a major potential distraction to rest. The franchise tag would’ve been a dangerous game for the organization to play if this lingered any longer.

NFC WestArizona Cardinals

Not to be callous, but there isn’t much belief around the league that the Cardinals can put much of a charge into opponents this season. Running back Jeremiyah Love was tabbed as the league’s best rookie in our annual survey, but his votes didn’t come with conviction. There’s a real concern he’ll endure similar struggles to Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty from a season ago.

Los Angeles Rams

As soon as defensive tackle Aaron Donald offered a teaser about his potential return, other teams began operating like it was a certainty. They believed there was too much of a competitive fire for Donald to extinguish, so Rams rivals took it as a done deal. And yes, everyone believes Donald will be a force as soon as he gets on the field for the Rams.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners feel like the most slept-on team in the league, but the competition doesn’t view them that way. Yeah, they seem to deal with a rash of injuries every year, but the high-end talent and coaching are enough to have the NFC on alert. Just like last year, the West is not only a two-team race.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have reaped the rewards of an incredible run of draft classes, and they’ve also been in the process of paying those young stars, including receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, cornerback Devon Witherspoon and left tackle Charles Cross. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, an emerging star, figures to be among the next in line after the season. The Seahawks are in sound shape with the salary cap, but their team build will evolve with much bigger contracts on the books. And don’t forget quarterback Sam Darnold is well-positioned for a new deal after the season, too.