Every NFL season brings at least one team that rewrites the script and stuns the league. Last year, it was the Denver Broncos, snapping a nine-year playoff drought behind Bo Nix’s electrifying rookie campaign. The year before, it was the Texans, showing how a young, well-built roster can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
This offseason, a handful of teams quietly made smart moves—trades, draft picks, and new energy in the locker room—that could flip the script. From the Patriots quietly reloading to the Giants betting big on Russell Wilson, these are the five dark horse squads to watch in 2025–26.
The New England Patriots
The Patriots aren’t the dynasty they once were, but don’t let that fool you; they’re quietly putting together a roster that could make some noise in 2025. After finishing 4-13 last season, New England hit the reset button, bringing in Mike Vrabel as head coach to inject some much-needed toughness and identity back into the team.
This offseason, the Patriots made some of their boldest moves in years, signing wideout Stefon Diggs, cornerback Carlton Davis, and pass-rusher Harold Landry. Diggs gives the offense another true deep-threat weapon, Davis strengthens a secondary that needed more playmakers, and Landry adds versatility and pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
New England also added young talent in the draft, picking offensive lineman Will Campbell from LSU with the 4th overall pick and running back Treyvon Henderson from Ohio State with the 38th overall pick in the second round. Campbell should strengthen the line and protect quarterback Drake Maye, while Henderson offers the offense a versatile option in both the run and pass game.
Combined with the team’s young core, these additions give the Patriots a roster that can compete on both sides of the ball and quietly challenge the top teams in the AFC.
The Chicago Bears
The Bears are building quietly but could emerge as a dark horse in 2025–26. After finishing 5-12 last season, Chicago brought in Ben Johnson, formerly the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, as their new head coach to inject fresh energy and a modern offensive approach.
This offseason, the Bears made some big moves to improve both sides of the ball. They acquired OG Joe Thuney from the Chiefs on a two-year, $35 million deal, signed DT Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $43.5 million contract, and added Edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo on a three-year, $48 million deal.
On the draft side, Chicago selected tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan with the 10th overall pick, giving the offense a dynamic weapon in both the passing and run game. These additions give Chicago a stronger offensive line, more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and added firepower in the passing attack helping 2nd year QB Caleb Williams.
The Bears also retained core players, including CB Kyler Gordon, who agreed to a three-year, $40 million extension, and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, re-signed for two more years. With Johnson’s leadership, the new draft talent, and these offseason signings, Chicago could quietly emerge as a dark horse in the NFC North if their pieces click early.
The Las Vegas Raiders
After an abysmal 4-13 campaign, the Raiders wasted no time reshaping their identity. Bringing in Pete Carroll as head coach signaled a fresh start, with his experience and culture-building expected to stabilize a shaky franchise. The biggest move came with the trade for Geno Smith from Seattle, followed by a two-year, $85.5 million extension with $66.5 million guaranteed, cementing him as the clear leader of this offense.
To give Smith more support, Vegas added veteran speed with Raheem Mostert, strengthened the offensive line with Alex Cappa, and re-signed Drew Dalman and OG Jonah Jackson, giving the offense more protection and versatility up front.
And with the sixth overall pick, Las Vegas added explosive running back Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman finalist out of Boise State last season who rushed for over 2,000 yards. Jeanty’s speed, vision, and pass-catching ability give the Raiders a versatile weapon and the potential to form a dangerous one-two punch in the backfield alongside Mostert.
With Carroll at the helm, Smith leading the offense, and Jeanty ready to make an immediate impact, the Raiders could quietly turn heads and emerge as a dark horse in the AFC West this season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars
After a 4-13 season, the Jaguars are clearly in rebuild mode, but they’re doing it with some bold, guaranteed-money moves. Liam Coen, former Buccaneers offensive coordinator, takes over as head coach, bringing a fresh offensive mindset to a team desperate for direction.
They also invested heavily in skill positions and protection up front: WR Dyami Brown joining on a one-year, $10 million deal, OT Robert Hainsey on a three-year, $21 million contract and they added depth with TE Hunter Long on a two-year, $5 million deal.
The real headline came in the draft: with the second overall pick, the Jaguars selected Travis Hunter, the explosive WR/DB from Colorado and last year’s Heisman winner. Hunter’s rare versatility gives Jacksonville a dynamic weapon on both sides of the ball and instantly raises expectations for 2025, complementing Trevor Lawrence under center.
With Coen at the helm as a new head coach, Trevor Lawrence entering his fifth year directing the offense, and Hunter ready to make an instant impact, the Jaguars could emerge as a dark horse in the AFC this season.
The New York Giants
After a 3-14 season, the Giants are looking for a turnaround. The biggest headline was bringing in Russell Wilson to lead the offense, giving New York a veteran presence at quarterback after inconsistent play at the position a year prior.
They also added two key draft pieces: edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State with the third overall pick and quarterback Jackson Dart from Ole Miss at No. 25. Carter brings pass-rushing explosiveness, while Dart offers a high-upside developmental option behind Wilson. The Giants also have promising second-year WR Malik Nabers ready to make a bigger impact in 2025.
With Wilson under center and young talent like Carter, Dart, and Nabers, the Giants could emerge as a dark horse in the NFC East, even in a tough division full of strong competition.
