NFL 2025 preview, conclusion: The Not-so-Wild West

 On Friday, the Kansas City Chiefs will open the season in Sao Paulo, Brazil, vs. the Los Angeles Chargers (YouTube). Last year's Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, opened in Brazil, and, well, you know the rest of that story.

Anyway, the Chargers have retooled, hoping to finally make a run in the postseason. They picked up Trey Lance (Dallas) to back up Justin Herbert. The tight ends room includes Tyler Conklin (Jests) and Orande Gadsden II, son of the former Miami Dolphin star. Wide receiver Keenan Allen returns after spending some time in Chicago, giving 2nd year pro Ladd McConkey some protection. Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton also came over from the Jests, as if that means anything. The Chargers also added linebacker Bud Dupree & running back Najee Harris, both coming over from Pittsburgh.

Kansas City, meanwhile, signed QB Gardner Minshew II (Las Vegas) to back up Patrick Mahomes, but otherwise stood pat. The Chiefs will be without receiver Rashee Rice for the first few weeks due to a league-enforced suspension. Running back Elijah Mitchell comes over from San Francisco to back up Kareem Hunt & Isiah Pacheco.

Pete Carroll ended a one year retirement to take over as the head coach in Las Vegas, and brought with him QB Geno Smith (Seattle). Then, the Raiders traded for Kenny Pickett, who started the preseason in Cleveland. After spending last season in Buffalo, receiver Amari Cooper returns to the Raiders to give Pickett & Smith a game breaking TD threat.

Over in Denver, Bo Nix has a few new people to throw to, including tight end Evan Engram (Jacksonville) and running back JK Dobbins (Los Angeles Chargers), but not enough change may mean not enough room in the playoff field.

Projected order of finish:

1. Kansas City.

2. Los Angeles.

3. Las Vegas.

4. Denver.

Over in the NFC, Seattle has to make do without Geno Smith. Bringing back Drew Lock (Giants) wasn't the answer, but bringing in Sam Darnold (Minnesota) and drafting Jalen Milroe (Alabama) might negate that. Receiver Cooper Kupp comes over from the Rams, which went under the radar. Kupp, in the eyes of Ram management, became expendable when Los Angeles picked up Davante Adams (Jests). Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco) will back up Matthew Stafford and help tutor Stetson Bennett. UAlbany alum Jared Verse, the reigning defensive rookie of the year after graduating from Florida State, leads the defense.

After washing out in Jacksonville & New England, Mac Jones comes to San Francisco to back up Brock Purdy. This may be Jones' last chance. The 49ers traded for Brian Robinson, Jr. (Washington) to give Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk some backup, but figure he could get the bulk of the playing time if McCaffrey gets hurt again. Skyy Moore (Kansas City) comes over to help the receiving corps. George Kittle may be leaving comps for some of his wrestler friends at all the home games this year (you know who I mean).

In Arizona, Kyler Murray's new backup is the well traveled Jacoby Brissett, whose 2nd stint in New England lasted just one season. What the Cardinals need to do is try to maintain the momentum all season long, and stop teasing the fan base. And that's all I have to say about that.

Projected order of finish:

1. Los Angeles.

2. San Francisco.

3. Seattle.

3 (tie). Arizona.

Of course, I could be wrong.