Football. Is. Back. The excitement is ramping up, and Aaron Rose is back with Bodog to preview the upcoming NFL season.
A blockbuster trade just days before kickoff has set the stage for a thrilling 2025 NFL season. Green Bay’s move for Micah Parsons turned the Packers into instant contenders, but they are only part of the story as the league heads into another year full of intrigue.
The Ravens and Bills remain in pursuit of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC, while the defending champion Eagles look to repeat. The Broncos, Raiders, and Patriots bring sleeper intrigue, and NFC risers Detroit, Minnesota, and Washington are looking to prove they belong among the elite. Here are five storylines to watch this season.
Green Bay Packers Go All-In
The Packers just shook up the league by trading for Parsons and giving him the richest contract ever for a defensive player. At 26, Parsons is already a three-time All-Pro with one of the league’s best pressure rates, and his arrival in Green Bay makes the Packers a legitimate threat in the NFC.
The move caps an offseason that already had the Packers looking like one of the most exciting young teams in football. They have the youngest roster in the league and a quarterback in Jordan Love who looks poised for another leap. Josh Jacobs brings toughness to the run game and rookie wideout Matthew Golden, their first first-round receiver in more than 20 years, could make an immediate impact.
With an improved offensive line and Parsons anchoring the defense, Bodog has Green Bay at +1400 to win the Super Bowl, with Parsons the +500 favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.
Can The Ravens and Bills Finally Break Through?
For five of the past six years, the AFC has belonged to Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes has made January his personal stage, and no rival has managed to push the Chiefs off their perch. The two teams best positioned to change that are the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, both loaded with star power and sitting at the top of Bodog’s Super Bowl odds.
Baltimore looks primed for a run. Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP, fresh off his best passing season while still the league’s most electrifying runner. Derrick Henry revived his dominance last year, giving the Ravens a true power-speed backfield. Zay Flowers looks ready to emerge, and DeAndre Hopkins brings steady veteran production. At +650 on Bodog, the Ravens are the AFC’s top challenger.
The Bills sit just behind at +700. Josh Allen is second in MVP odds at +600, but their defense holds the key. Joey Bosa was added to boost the pass rush, though durability is a question. Until either Baltimore or Buffalo beats Mahomes, the Chiefs remain the roadblock.
Can The Philadelphia Eagles Go Back-to-Back?
The Eagles climbed the mountain last year, winning the Super Bowl with a balanced roster and a dominant ground game. Now comes the challenge of defending the crown.
Jalen Hurts remains the engine of the offense, paired with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to form one of the league’s most talented passing games. The offensive line is still a strength, while Vic Fangio’s defense leans on Jalen Carter to tilt games.
The swing factor is Saquon Barkley. After one of the greatest running back seasons in NFL history, he must prove he can do it again. His bruising style unlocked everything for Hurts and the passing game, and another dominant year could make Philadelphia unstoppable. At +575 on Bodog, Barkley is the favorite for Offensive Player of the Year. The Eagles sit at +750 to repeat as champions.
Who Can Surprise in the AFC?
The AFC is stacked at the top, but a few teams outside the spotlight could shake things up in 2025. The Broncos, Raiders, and Patriots all have paths to making noise.
Denver looks closest to a real leap. Sean Payton has stabilized the franchise, the defense is loaded with playmakers, and Bo Nix just delivered a thrilling rookie season. The Broncos expect even more in Year 2, especially with a deeper supporting cast. A backfield tandem of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey add balance. At +1400 on Bodog to win the AFC, Denver feels ready to rise.
Las Vegas is harder to project but full of intrigue. Brock Bowers was a rookie star, Ashton Jeanty enters as the +220 Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite on Bodog, and Maxx Crosby anchors the defense. At +5500, they are dangerous longshots with Geno Smith now leading the way.
New England sits in the middle at +4000, but Mike Vrabel’s presence and a potential Year 2 jump from Drake Maye make a playoff push realistic.
Can The NFC’s Contenders Do It Again?
Detroit, Minnesota, and Washington all broke through last season. The question in 2025 is whether they can sustain that success in a deeper NFC.
The Lions look best positioned. Even after losing both coordinators and All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, Dan Campbell provides the leadership and identity that keeps the team steady. The roster is still loaded with talent, and the defense gets a boost from the return of Aidan Hutchinson. On offense, Jared Goff continues to steer a balanced attack with plenty of weapons. At +1400 on Bodog to win the Super Bowl, Detroit is firmly among the NFC favorites.
Minnesota’s outlook depends heavily on J.J. McCarthy. After missing nearly all of last year, the sophomore quarterback now has to prove he can handle Kevin O’Connell’s system. Justin Jefferson is still a superstar, but Jordan Addison will miss the start of the year due to suspension, putting more pressure on the run game and a retooled offensive line. At +2500 on Bodog, the Vikings remain volatile but intriguing. Washington is harder to peg. Jayden Daniels was electric as a rookie, but with the NFL’s oldest roster and a tougher schedule, expectations are tempered. The additions of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil raise the ceiling, but the Commanders sit at +2000 on Bodog, hoping Daniels takes another leap.
2025-09-02