As training camps open across the NFL, the 2025 season carries weight that extends far beyond usual expectations.
Some franchises face more than just another campaign. They’re staring down seasons that could define legacies, validate bold moves, or expose painful realities about their championship windows.
Tom Blair of NFL.com recently identified the teams facing the most pressure this season, with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop his list.
Which NFL teams face the most pressure to succeed in the 2025 season? @TomBlair426 provides his rankings, with the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers taking center stage under a searing spotlight.https://t.co/ESB9f8BCDx pic.twitter.com/QTihU2NTHE
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 18, 2025
The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings were the others named.
The Steelers made seismic moves by acquiring Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey while also giving T.J. Watt a record-setting contract extension.
Mike Tomlin’s postseason struggles have become impossible to ignore, with six consecutive playoff losses hanging over the franchise.
Rodgers represents both Pittsburgh’s biggest gamble and potentially its last shot at avoiding the organization’s first losing season in more than two decades.
The Bengals carry similar urgency after a disappointing season. Another missed postseason could signal the end of Cincinnati’s window as a legitimate contender, wasting precious years of Joe Burrow’s prime.
Baltimore and Buffalo continue operating in Patrick Mahomes’ shadow. Despite Lamar Jackson’s and Josh Allen’s undeniable talents, their playoff shortcomings grow more glaring each season.
Dallas enters rebuilding mode following last year’s collapse. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer must prove the Cowboys can reclaim their relevance in the NFC East.
San Francisco faces perhaps the steepest fall from grace, needing to explain how a championship-caliber roster managed just six wins last season.
Detroit’s 15-2 campaign demands a follow-up performance that proves its success wasn’t circumstantial.
Meanwhile, the Giants, Dolphins and Bears are deep into quarterback transitions, while the Vikings are counting on J.J. McCarthy to elevate a playoff-ready roster.
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