Every NFL season brings its share of surprise performances, especially from teams that experts and fans often overlook. These NFL underdog teams consistently prove that predictions aren’t always accurate, demonstrating resilience, talent, and determination. As we approach the 2025 NFL season, fans, analysts, and sportsbooks alike are closely watching teams that could potentially shock the football world.
In this article, we’ll explore the legacy of historical NFL underdog teams who defied the odds, then dive deep into five sleeper teams that might dominate headlines this season. We’ll also review the recent NFL Draft winners and losers, examine what online sportsbooks are predicting regarding Super Bowl odds, and consider other relevant factors influencing these teams.
History’s Lessons: Legendary NFL Underdog Teams
The NFL is filled with inspirational stories of teams once labeled underdogs who overcame expectations and became iconic.
- 1999 St. Louis Rams (The Greatest Show on Turf): Initially, no one anticipated greatness from these NFL underdog teams. However, quarterback Kurt Warner, a former grocery store clerk, led the Rams to a stunning Super Bowl victory, proving that perseverance and teamwork often outperform traditional odds.
- 2007 New York Giants: Arguably one of the greatest NFL underdog teams, Eli Manning and the Giants ended the New England Patriots’ undefeated season in Super Bowl XLII, cementing their status as legendary underdogs.
- 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: With backup quarterback Nick Foles at the helm, the Eagles surprised everyone by winning Super Bowl LII against Tom Brady’s Patriots.
These stories highlight how overlooked teams can rapidly ascend to greatness, setting a blueprint for the 2025 NFL season’s potential underdogs.
The 5 NFL Underdog Teams to Watch in 2025
1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions, historically considered among perennial NFL underdog teams, finally showed signs of a major turnaround in 2024, finishing just one game shy of the playoffs with a solid 9-8 record. Quarterback Anthony Richardson blossomed into a legitimate franchise cornerstone, showcasing his dual-threat capability by passing for over 3,800 yards and rushing for 600 more. Under offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, the Lions embraced a dynamic, aggressive offensive approach that kept opposing defenses off-balance.
In the recent 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions prioritized immediate impact players. They selected defensive end Malik Overton from Ohio State with their first-round pick, giving them the edge-rushing threat they’ve desperately needed. Overton’s explosiveness complements Aidan Hutchinson, forming one of the league’s most feared defensive duos. Offensively, the Lions grabbed wide receiver Xavier Coleman from Alabama, whose speed and route-running immediately elevate their passing game.
Prediction:
With their significantly upgraded roster, expect the Lions to challenge for the NFC North title and secure a playoff spot, possibly even winning their first playoff game in decades.
2. Carolina Panthers
After multiple disappointing seasons placing them among NFL underdog teams, the Carolina Panthers began turning the corner in late 2024. Though their final record stood at 7-10, the Panthers displayed flashes of promise, especially from second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who threw for nearly 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The Panthers’ recent draft targeted their major weaknesses. They selected standout offensive tackle Jordan Faulkner from Notre Dame in the first round, solidifying an offensive line that struggled to protect Maye last season. Carolina also snagged wide receiver Jamal Bennett from Clemson, who adds explosiveness and versatility alongside veteran wideout Jonathan Mingo. Defensively, the Panthers have quietly built a stout unit, anchored by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown and rising-star linebacker Frankie Luvu, who led the team in tackles last year.
Prediction:
The Panthers could reach double-digit wins in 2025. Look for them to fight for a wild-card berth, surprising many NFL experts who might still underestimate them.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans quietly emerged as one of the league’s tougher defenses in 2024, finishing with an 8-9 record after several competitive games against playoff-caliber teams. Head coach DeMeco Ryans revitalized the Texans’ defensive identity, highlighted by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.’s emergence into a shutdown role.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Houston addressed their offense by drafting quarterback Caleb Williams out of USC, immediately boosting optimism around their scoring potential. Additionally, they secured top offensive lineman Mason Carter from Georgia in round two, ensuring Williams has reliable protection. The Texans’ defense remains stacked, especially along the defensive line and secondary, which ranked top-10 in pass defense efficiency last year.
Prediction:
Expect significant improvement on offense, turning several of last year’s narrow losses into victories. Houston is poised for a playoff push and could be one of the biggest surprise NFL underdog teams to watch.
4. Chicago Bears
Last season, the Chicago Bears narrowly missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record, but the team’s momentum was undeniable. Quarterback Justin Fields evolved dramatically, passing for over 3,700 yards and running for another 700, showcasing true franchise-caliber talent. However, inconsistencies in defensive performance prevented them from fully capitalizing.
In the recent draft, the Bears directly addressed these issues. They selected linebacker Darius Grant from LSU, a speedy playmaker who excels in coverage and run defense, immediately improving the defensive backbone. Chicago also picked receiver Tyrell Matthews from Texas, providing Fields with a dependable target opposite star wideout D.J. Moore. Chicago’s defense is now significantly more robust, anchored by cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat.
Prediction:
The Bears have the tools to dominate offensively and defensively, positioning them as strong playoff contenders. Expect Fields to elevate further, potentially making Chicago one of the breakout NFL underdog teams of 2025.
5. Washington Commanders
The Commanders endured another middling season at 7-10 in 2024, but underlying statistics hinted at greater potential. Defensively, Washington excelled, particularly against the run, ranking third league-wide. Led by Chase Young, who delivered an impressive 12 sacks, the Commanders’ defense continually kept them competitive.
In the 2025 offseason, Washington signed veteran quarterback Dak Prescott, significantly stabilizing their offense. In the draft, the Commanders strengthened their offensive line by selecting tackle Landon Reese from Oklahoma, immediately upgrading protection for Prescott. They also added wide receiver Deion Sharp from Michigan, known for precise route-running and reliable hands.
Defensively, the Commanders remain exceptional, with cornerback Emmanuel Forbes leading a solid secondary unit that frequently disrupted opposing passing games last year.
Prediction:
With a veteran quarterback and strategic offensive upgrades, Washington could easily transition from an NFL underdog team into a legitimate playoff challenger. A double-digit win season and wild-card playoff berth are within reach.
Winners and Losers of the Recent NFL Draft
The recent NFL Draft has notably impacted various NFL underdog teams. Let’s break down key winners and losers and how these decisions may affect their futures:
Winners
- Detroit Lions: Securing top prospects on both sides of the ball makes them clear draft winners, providing immediate talent to transform their roster.
- Chicago Bears: Their strategic moves to enhance offensive firepower and defensive depth place them favorably among the league’s rising stars.
- Houston Texans: Adding foundational pieces significantly boosts their competitiveness.
Losers
- Arizona Cardinals: Missed opportunities to address critical roster gaps leave the Cardinals lagging behind contenders.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Questionable draft selections and ignoring key positional needs potentially derail their chances in the coming season.
The draft has proven pivotal for NFL underdog teams aspiring for breakout performances, shaping their immediate and future trajectories significantly.
What Do the Sportsbooks Say? NFL Super Bowl Odds in 2025
Online sportsbooks have provided intriguing insights into this season’s potential. NFL underdog teams often offer the most exciting betting opportunities due to favorable odds:
- The Detroit Lions currently hold appealing odds, signaling increased optimism among analysts. Early lines suggest bookmakers expect significant improvement.
- The Carolina Panthers, despite being overlooked historically, have seen odds shift positively, reflecting growing confidence from bettors.
- The Houston Texans remain long shots, yet savvy bettors recognize their potential upside, providing significant returns on modest investments.
Sportsbooks indicate a changing perception of several NFL underdog teams, showcasing shifting sentiments around their potential successes. Bettors looking for high-value opportunities should closely track these movements leading into the season.
Coaching Changes and Their Impact on NFL Underdog Teams
Coaching changes often reshape NFL underdog teams’ fortunes dramatically. In 2025, several coaching shifts may unlock hidden potential:
- The Texans’ appointment of DeMeco Ryans brought discipline and renewed defensive identity, critical in turning the franchise around.
- The Lions’ consistent coaching and enhanced support staff offer stability, aiding player development and fostering winning habits.
- The Panthers’ hiring of an innovative offensive coordinator could spark explosive offensive improvements.
These coaching changes highlight the importance of leadership in transforming NFL underdog teams into legitimate contenders.
Key Injuries and Recoveries to Watch
Injuries often derail promising seasons, particularly for NFL underdog teams lacking depth. However, recovery from significant injuries can also spark unexpected improvements:
- Detroit’s recovery of running back Jahmyr Gibbs from last year’s ACL injury provides a major offensive boost, potentially pushing them into playoff contention.
- Chicago’s healthy defensive core returning from injuries could revitalize their once-feared defense, improving their odds significantly.
Monitoring injury recoveries closely provides valuable insights into these NFL underdog teams’ realistic chances in 2025.
Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore These NFL Underdog Teams
Every year, certain teams defy expectations, rewarding the fans and bettors who believed in them early. As we approach the 2025 NFL season, these five teams—the Lions, Panthers, Texans, Bears, and Commanders—stand out as legitimate contenders capable of surprising the football world.
By examining historical successes, draft impacts, sportsbook odds, coaching changes, and key player recoveries, we see clearly why these NFL underdog teams deserve attention. Don’t underestimate them—they could very well become this season’s sleeping giants.
