Built for a Breakthrough: Inside the NFL’s Three Most Improved Teams of 2025

Why the Middle Matters

Improvement in the NFL is a subtle science. Sometimes it’s loud—a superstar trade, a splashy draft. Other times it’s quiet—a change in philosophy, a coaching reboot. But every season, a few franchises rise from the middle and become something more. In 2025, those teams are the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots.

Each organization undertook an offseason overhaul: not just acquiring talent, but restructuring around a clear identity. The result? A new tier of teams threatening to disrupt the playoff picture.

Washington Commanders: From Contender to Super Bowl Threat

A Rapid Rise

The Commanders finished the 2024 regular season 12–5 and made it to the NFC Championship, led by a breakout rookie campaign from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who passed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding over 600 yards on the ground (NFL.com, Jan. 2025). Daniels' dual-threat ability not only invigorated the offense, but masked some structural flaws—especially in pass protection—that the team was determined to fix.

Offseason Firepower

• Deebo Samuel, acquired from the 49ers, adds versatility to a receiver room that already included Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Samuel averaged 14.5 yards per catch in 2024 and has 42 career total touchdowns (Pro-Football-Reference, 2025). More importantly, Samuel's unique hybrid usage as both runner and receiver creates mismatches and forces defenses to reveal their coverage shells early—a dream scenario for a young quarterback.
• Laremy Tunsil, a three-time Pro Bowler, was brought in to protect Daniels' blindside after Washington allowed 49 sacks last season (T-6th most in the NFL) (PFF, Jan. 2025). Tunsil's elite footwork and pass-blocking consistency should significantly lower that sack total, allowing Daniels more time to work through progressions.
• RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a 7th-round draft pick from Arizona, adds a burst to a backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Early camp reports suggest he could be the lightning to Robinson's thunder.

Beyond the Big Names

Washington also quietly upgraded the trenches and linebacker corps. First-round DT Jer'Zhan Newton is expected to rotate with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne to maintain interior pressure. On defense, Washington finished 9th in DVOA against the run and could crack the top 5 this season (Football Outsiders, Jan. 2025). Their success against the run, paired with an improving secondary, makes them one of the most complete units in the NFC.

Outlook

With continuity, star power, and strategic depth, Washington is aiming for more than just another playoff appearance. Their offseason suggests a team positioning itself for a Super Bowl window.

Projected record: 13–4
Key Variable: Offensive line health

Chicago Bears: Rebuild, Reboot, Reload

Franchise Overhaul

The Bears finished 2024 with yet another sub-.500 record, but the seeds of transformation were planted. In April of 2024, they selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, then hired Ben Johnson this year, the architect of Detroit’s top-5 offense, as head coach. This marked a fundamental philosophical shift: for the first time in years, Chicago's identity is being built around offensive firepower rather than defensive grit.

Offensive Infrastructure

• Joe Thuney (G), Drew Dalman (C), and Jonah Jackson (G) were brought in to upgrade a line that allowed 58 sacks and 34.7% pressure rate in 2024 (ESPN Stats & Info, Jan. 2025). The investment in the interior line shows a commitment to protecting their rookie quarterback from day one. With Dalman’s mobility and Thuney's pass-pro technique, expect quicker pockets and more effective play-action setups.
• At WR, Luther Burden III, drafted 39th overall, adds explosiveness and YAC potential. In his final year at Missouri, Burden tallied 1,212 yards and 9 TDs and earned First-Team All-SEC honors (SEC.com, Dec. 2024). His ability to operate from the slot or stretch the field horizontally adds a dynamic layer to the Bears' offensive palette.
• With an established D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze going into his second year, Williams has one of the league’s deepest young receiver groups. That trio offers route diversity, speed, and high-point ball skills—critical tools for easing a rookie QB’s transition.

Defensive Adjustments

The Bears didn’t ignore the other side of the ball:

• Signed DT Grady Jarrett to a 3-year deal to improve a unit that ranked 26th in rush defense EPA (Next Gen Stats, Jan. 2025). Jarrett may be on the back nine of his career, but he still commands double-teams and brings leadership to a young locker room.
• Added LB Ruben Hyppolite II (Maryland, Round 4) and CB Zah Frazier (UTSA, Round 5) to round out coverage across the middle and more protection in the secondary. Hyppolite II, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, is an ideal fit for modern hybrid linebacker roles.

Outlook

If Williams adjusts quickly and the offensive line gels, Chicago could go from cellar-dwellers to serious contenders. With a balanced roster, multiple playmakers, and an innovative play-caller, the Bears may finally break their long-standing offensive stagnation.

Projected record: 12–5
Key Variable: O-line protection

New England Patriots: Reset and Refocus

Cultural Realignment

The Patriots hit rock bottom with a 4–13 finish in 2024. Ownership responded by hiring former linebacker Mike Vrabel as head coach and bringing back Josh McDaniels to stabilize the offense. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s about reasserting identity. The Patriots are returning to a detail-oriented, execution-first mindset.

Personnel Strategy

• Year 2 QB Drake Maye had an up-and-down rookie season (2,435 yds, 14 TD, 11 INT), but improvements in the offensive line and simplified reads should help (NFL.com, Jan. 2025). McDaniels' system historically benefits QBs who thrive in rhythm, and Maye's development will hinge on his ability to hit timing windows and reduce turnovers.
• The WR room added elite veteran Stefon Diggs and the RB room added rookie TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State, 2nd Round), providing speed and patience behind the line. Diggs offers a consistent possession option and that superstar ability, while Henderson could emerge as the next RB superstar.
• On offense, the Patriots also added OT Will Campbell (LSU, Round 1) and C Jared Wilson (Georgia, Round 3) to lead the line and protect Maye. These two rookies will be a key piece in the overall success of the Patriots as well as Maye's production.

Defensive Makeover

• In 2024, New England’s defense ranked 24th in DVOA and 28th on third downs. The Vrabel-led shift will prioritize disguises, blitzes, and speed. Expect more nickel and dime packages and increased usage of hybrid DBs to counter modern offenses.
• Secondary remains strong with Christian Gonzalez, Kyle Dugger, and Marcus Jones. If the pass rush can improve, this trio has the potential to become a top-tier coverage group.

Outlook

The Patriots are no longer chasing ghosts of the Brady era. With a rebuilt staff and renewed direction, they’re looking for consistency and relevance. Improvement won't be measured solely by wins, but by progress in execution and competitiveness.

Projected record: 9–8
Key Variable: Maye’s progression

Final Thoughts

These three teams didn't just spend money. They clarified identity. In the NFL, progress isn’t just about personnel—it's about cohesion, timing, and risk tolerance. Washington is doubling down on speed and aggression. Chicago is betting on quarterback-led culture. New England is returning to its disciplined roots. If they succeed, each will show that transformation in the NFL doesn’t require starting over—just starting smart.

Citations:

• NFL.com, Player Stats (2025)
• Pro Football Focus (2025 Offseason Grades)
• SEC.com, All-Conference Selections (2024)
• ESPN Stats & Info (2024 Season Recap)
• Football Outsiders, DVOA Rankings (2024)
• Next Gen Stats, EPA per Play (2024)
• Pro-Football-Reference.com (2025)