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The NFL preseason is a critical three-week period, serving as a proving ground for players and a chance for coaching staff to fine-tune their schemes. While its results don’t predict regular season success—history shows both undefeated and winless preseason teams can go on to win the Super Bowl. This is essential for player evaluation, especially for those fighting for a roster spot, and for integrating new strategies. Starters typically play limited snaps to prevent injuries.

 

Despite win-loss records being largely irrelevant, the preseason offers a look into the potential of underdog teams. Every play carries significant weight for these squads as players strive to defy expectations and prove their worth. This period helps identify teams that could make a surprising splash and signals their potential trajectory for a more competitive regular season.

The True Purpose of Preseason

The preseason games are not about racking up wins. Instead, they serve as:

 

• Roster Finalization: Teams carry 90 players into training camp and preseason, but only 53 make the active roster for Week 1. These games are the ultimate auditions for fringe players, showcasing their skills against real NFL competition.
• Player Development: Rookies get their first taste of the NFL pace, veterans returning from injury shake off the rust, and new schemes are installed and practiced in a game environment.
• Injury Prevention (for starters): Coaches often limit the playing time of key starters before the regular season begins to minimize the risk of injury.
• Identifying Chemistry: Offensive and defensive units begin to build cohesion, particularly with new additions or positional changes.

 

Therefore, when we look at preseason standings, it’s less about the win-loss record and more about how teams achieve those results and the performances of individual players. It’s also the reason why bettors often approach preseason games differently. Latest line for the NFL is frequently influenced by factors like coaching tendencies, quarterback rotations, and roster depth, rather than traditional measures of team strength.

Underdog Teams to Watch in the 2025 NFL Preseason

The term “underdog” can be subjective, but generally, it refers to teams not expected to contend for a playoff spot or a Super Bowl title in the upcoming season. However, strong preseason performances from these teams, especially from their younger talent and new acquisitions, can signal a shift in their trajectory. Here are a few teams that fit the bill and could turn heads this preseason:

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have been rebuilding, but the 2025 offseason, including the draft and free agency, could be pivotal. If their investments in the offensive line and receiving corps begin to gel around their young quarterback, the preseason could be a proving ground for their progress. Look for strong showings from newly drafted players and the development of returning talent. 

 

A revamped offensive philosophy under a new coordinator could also lead to early offensive fireworks, even if against second and third-string defenses. Their defense, anchored by Derrick Brown and Frankie Luvu, has the potential to be a formidable unit. The ability to generate pressure and create turnovers in the preseason will be a key indicator of their overall strength.

Washington Commanders

With a new coaching staff and significant changes to their roster, the Commanders are a team in transition. The acquisition of a veteran quarterback and investments in their offensive line through the draft signal their intent to stabilize the offense. The preseason will be crucial for the new quarterback to build rapport with his receivers and for the offensive line to establish chemistry. 

 

If their defensive front, bolstered by draft picks and free-agent signings, can show consistent pressure and stout run defense, it could indicate a more competitive season ahead. Keep an eye on how quickly their new pieces integrate into the system.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are another team undergoing a significant overhaul, particularly on offense. The Titans have a new coaching staff, a revamped roster featuring new offensive weapons, and a potentially new starting quarterback from the 2025 NFL Draft. This makes the preseason vital for them to establish their identity. 

 

Observing how well their new quarterback performs and how the new offensive line gels will be critical. Their games against other rebuilding teams could be particularly insightful as they battle for early momentum and confidence.

The Significance of Preseason Standings

Preseason NFL standings are largely irrelevant for regular season success; a perfect record means little. Instead of focusing on wins and losses, fans should analyze individual player performance, scheme execution, depth chart movement, and coaching decisions. These insights offer a more accurate picture of a team’s progress and potential.

 

Top NFL Props to Watch include select players and matchups from these teams, with betting markets highlighting breakout quarterbacks, rookie stats, and defensive standouts. Keep a close eye on these teams as they might just be the “sleeping giants” poised to awaken.

Final Words

The 2025 NFL preseason, kicking off with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31st and running over three weeks, will be a critical stretch for several underdog teams. While preseason standings don’t directly affect the regular season, the performances in these games offer an early glimpse into which teams might hit the ground running, or fall behind. Keep an eye on these potential “sleeping giants” as they may be gearing up for a surprising breakout.

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