2025 NFL Preseason Overview: Team-by-Team Survivor Pool Analysis
The NFL landscape has shifted dramatically since the Philadelphia Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after their commanding Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. With the draft and key free agent moves now behind us, it's time to analyze all 32 teams through a survivor pool lens - identifying value weeks, trap games, and strategic deployment opportunities for the 2025 season.
NFC East: Champions and Challengers
Philadelphia Eagles (Power Ranking: #1)
Preseason Outlook: Despite losing several key contributors in free agency, the Eagles' championship roster remains largely intact. Their re-signing of Zack Baun and addition of Azeez Ojulari strengthens the defense, while first-round pick Jihaad Campbell should make an immediate impact. The balanced offensive attack featuring Saquon Barkley's historic rushing prowess gives Philadelphia the league's highest floor.
Survivor Strategy: The Eagle are premium survivor assets but deploy wisely. AVOID using them in Weeks 1-4 as every opponent brings their best against champions. TARGET them in Weeks 13-18 when their veteran leadership typically peaks and most survivor pools have thinned.
Trap Game Alert: Road divisional games, especially against an improved Washington team under Jayden Daniels.
Washington Commanders (Power Ranking: #8)
Preseason Outlook: Jayden Daniels was last season's Offensive Rookie of the Year, throwing for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while running for another 891 yards and six scores. Washington continues building around their dynamic quarterback with solid defensive acquisitions.
Survivor Strategy: Washington provides excellent mid-season value, particularly in home games against non-division opponents. Be cautious early as Daniels faces the dreaded "sophomore slump" potential.
Trap Game Alert: Road games following primetime wins – the young team showed inconsistency maintaining focus after emotional victories.
Dallas Cowboys (Power Ranking: #14)
Preseason Outlook: Dallas had a decent draft according to Jerry Jones, headlined by guard Tyler Booker and edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, but this is not where the Cowboys wanted to find themselves in power rankings. The offense remains potent but lacks receiver depth.
Survivor Strategy: Best used in home games against bottom-tier opponents, particularly divisional matchups where Dallas historically performs well.
Trap Game Alert: Road games against physical defensive teams that can pressure Dak Prescott.
New York Giants (Power Ranking: #25)
Preseason Outlook: The Giants traded up to draft Jaxson Dart in the first round after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, creating a scattershot approach at quarterback. Their defensive additions (Abdul Carter, Paulson Adebo, Jevon Holland) provide some stability, but offensive line issues persist.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks in 2025 except as a very late-season desperation option against truly struggling teams.
Trap Game Alert: Home divisional games where emotion and rivalry can close talent gaps.
NFC North: Rising Powers
Detroit Lions (Power Ranking: #5)
Preseason Outlook: Detroit made smart moves in free agency, getting D.J. Reed for less than Carlton Davis cost the Patriots, and re-signing Levi Onwuzurike. The question remains how the roster will perform under their new coaching staff.
Survivor Strategy: Premium home game target in the first half of the season while coaching transitions are still smooth. Consider saving them for divisional home games where they've dominated recently.
Trap Game Alert: Expect potential regression after two straight emotional playoff runs and coaching staff changes.
Chicago Bears (Power Ranking: #9)
Preseason Outlook: The Bears rebuilt their interior offensive line, added notable offensive talent, and hired Ben Johnson away from Detroit. With few roster holes and Caleb Williams ready to step forward, Chicago is finally on the right track.
Survivor Strategy: Emerging value team best used for home games against struggling defenses. Consider them for mid-season matchups when Williams should be hitting his stride.
Trap Game Alert: Division road games while Williams is still developing road game experience.
Green Bay Packers (Power Ranking: #10)
Preseason Outlook: Green Bay drafted a wide receiver in the first round (Matthew Golden) for the first time since 2002, adding pressure and expectations to the young pass-catcher. Jordan Love enters year two as the unquestioned starter with an ascending young roster.
Survivor Strategy: Excellent Lambeau Field target in cold-weather late-season games. Offers solid value in mid-season home matchups as well.
Trap Game Alert: September road games while the young roster still finds cohesion.
Minnesota Vikings (Power Ranking: #17)
Preseason Outlook: J.J. McCarthy is the big question mark after missing his rookie year due to a meniscus tear. He's been handed the offense after Sam Darnold departed for Seattle. The receiver room remains strong, but quarterback uncertainty limits ceiling.
Survivor Strategy: Consider them only for specific home matchups against struggling pass defenses where McCarthy can thrive.
Trap Game Alert: Outdoor road games early in the season as McCarthy adjusts to NFL speed.
NFC South: Wide Open Race
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Power Ranking: #11)
Preseason Outlook: The Buccaneers offense has spectacular potential with Baker Mayfield improving each year, Chris Godwin's return, and first-round pick Emeka Egbuka joining the receiver corps. After finishing third in total offense last year, they're aiming for the top spot.
Survivor Strategy: Solid mid-season option, particularly for home games in favorable weather matchups. Their high floor makes them reliable.
Trap Game Alert: Indoor road games where defensive limitations get exposed.
Atlanta Falcons (Power Ranking: #18)
Preseason Outlook: If Michael Penix Jr. develops well, the Falcons could compete, but trading away future first-round picks for non-quarterback positions leaves little margin for error. Their defensive improvements (Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr.) address critical needs.
Survivor Strategy: Best deployed in home divisional games where familiarity helps coaching advantage shine.
Trap Game Alert: Early-season games while coaching staff and quarterback go through adjustment period.
Carolina Panthers (Power Ranking: #28)
Preseason Outlook: Bryce Young showed promise at the end of last season, and the Panthers made defensive moves to build momentum. They added another receiver in the first round, but still have work to do.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks except in extreme late-season situations.
Trap Game Alert: Potential upset team in home games against opponents coming off emotional wins.
New Orleans Saints (Power Ranking: #31)
Preseason Outlook: If we're guessing who might be picking at the top of next year's draft, the Saints feel like as good a guess as any. Quarterback Derek Carr's shoulder injury and an aging roster create significant concerns.
Survivor Strategy: Avoid entirely for survivor picks in 2025.
Trap Game Alert: Home games against teams traveling on short weeks where the Superdome advantage still matters.
NFC West: Transition Year
Los Angeles Rams (Power Ranking: #12)
Preseason Outlook: Matthew Stafford is back, Cooper Kupp has been replaced by Davante Adams, and the Rams still have young defensive talent, though the draft didn't appear to add immediate impact players.
Survivor Strategy: Best used for home games against offenses that struggle against pressure, as Aaron Donald still anchors the defense.
Trap Game Alert: Physical, run-heavy teams that can control clock and limit Stafford's possessions.
San Francisco 49ers (Power Ranking: #13)
Preseason Outlook: The 49ers are in reset mode after trading away Deebo Samuel and losing key defenders including Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, and Dre Greenlaw. While still talented, the roster looks considerably shakier than last season.
Survivor Strategy: Target them for specific home games against teams with poor offensive line play, where their defensive front can still dominate.
Trap Game Alert: East Coast early games with the roster in transition.
Seattle Seahawks (Power Ranking: #20)
Preseason Outlook: Seattle completely shuffled the deck, trading away Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, releasing Tyler Lockett, and signing Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp. First-round pick Grey Zabel bolsters the offensive line, which will be crucial given Darnold's issues under pressure.
Survivor Strategy: Limited value in 2025 – consider only for specific home matchups against struggling defenses.
Trap Game Alert: Road divisional games with a new quarterback adjusting to the system.
Arizona Cardinals (Power Ranking: #26)
Preseason Outlook: Kyler Murray enters a critical year with improved weapons but lingering concerns about consistency. The defensive additions help, but not enough to elevate them into contender status.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks except in desperate late-season situations.
Trap Game Alert: Potential upset team at home against opponents traveling on short weeks.
AFC East: Bills' Last Stand?
Buffalo Bills (Power Ranking: #3)
Preseason Outlook: Despite significant roster turnover, Josh Allen keeps Buffalo near the top of the league. Their draft addressed key needs, particularly on defense, where they needed youth and speed.
Survivor Strategy: Premium survivor option for cold-weather home games in November/December. Consider saving them for critical late-season matchups.
Trap Game Alert: Road divisional games, particularly early in the season while new receivers build chemistry with Allen.
New York Jets (Power Ranking: #16)
Preseason Outlook: The Jets are taking a sensible approach to their rebuild, drafting players like Armand Membou for offensive line improvement and tight end Mason Taylor, who could be a long-term contributor.
Survivor Strategy: Limited value – best used in specific home games against struggling offenses where their defense can dominate.
Trap Game Alert: Offenses with mobile quarterbacks who can neutralize their pass rush.
Miami Dolphins (Power Ranking: #19)
Preseason Outlook: The Dolphins are coming off a disappointing season, and it's questionable if they're any better after free agency and the draft, especially with Jalen Ramsey seemingly on the way out.
Survivor Strategy: Consider for early-season home games when their speed-based offense is at full health.
Trap Game Alert: Late-season outdoor cold-weather games where their speed advantage diminishes.
New England Patriots (Power Ranking: #27)
Preseason Outlook: New England is second in potential breakout teams for 2025. The Patriots had a strong draft and have an ascending quarterback with better play-calling, suggesting 2024 team stats should be disregarded.
Survivor Strategy: Risky but potential value in specific home games against turnover-prone offenses.
Trap Game Alert: Divisional games where familiarity negates coaching advantages.
AFC North: Loaded Division
Baltimore Ravens (Power Ranking: #2)
Preseason Outlook: Baltimore's most important offseason move was re-signing Ronnie Stanley. They were otherwise quiet beyond taking a flier on DeAndre Hopkins, addressing their few needs with first-round pick Malaki Starks.
Survivor Strategy: Premium option for home games throughout the season. Consider saving them for difficult weeks in your pool when other options are limited.
Trap Game Alert: Physical divisional road games that can wear down their roster.
Cincinnati Bengals (Power Ranking: #6)
Preseason Outlook: The Bengals secured their major deals, signing Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase to extensions while retaining Trey Hendrickson. The defense got help with 17th overall pick Shemar Stewart, but remains a question mark.
Survivor Strategy: Strong option for home games, particularly against teams with weak secondary play.
Trap Game Alert: Road games against physical front sevens that can pressure Burrow.
Cleveland Browns (Power Ranking: #22)
Preseason Outlook: The Browns' quarterback situation is fascinating, with practice reps needed for multiple QBs. Myles Garrett and the defense give Cleveland a chance, but quarterback uncertainty limits expectations.
Survivor Strategy: Limited value – consider only for specific home games against struggling offenses.
Trap Game Alert: Games against mobile quarterbacks who can neutralize their pass rush.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Power Ranking: #23)
Preseason Outlook: The Steelers' 2025 picture remains incomplete without a confirmed starting quarterback. Reports suggest Aaron Rodgers may fill this role, and they made a big offensive move trading for DK Metcalf, but questions remain about whether a 41-year-old Rodgers can capitalize.
Survivor Strategy: Wait-and-see approach – if Rodgers signs and looks good in preseason, they could provide mid-season value.
Trap Game Alert: Early-season games while a new quarterback learns the system.
AFC South: Rising Powers
Houston Texans (Power Ranking: #7)
Preseason Outlook: Houston is resetting after C.J. Stroud took a step back in 2024. With Stefon Diggs and Laremy Tunsil gone, they've rebuilt their offensive line with veterans Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Trent Brown, while reshaping the receiver room around Nico Collins with Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Survivor Strategy: Strong option for home games against teams with weak pass defenses. Consider them for mid-season deployment.
Trap Game Alert: Road games against elite pass rushers who can disrupt Stroud's timing.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Power Ranking: #15)
Preseason Outlook: It's hard to predict Travis Hunter's impact on the Jaguars. Will he primarily play receiver or cornerback, or both? Either way, he should make Jacksonville better.
Survivor Strategy: Limited value – best used in specific home games against opponents traveling long distances.
Trap Game Alert: Cold-weather late-season road games.
Indianapolis Colts (Power Ranking: #24)
Preseason Outlook: The Colts invested in upgrading their secondary in free agency, but the real story is at quarterback, where Daniel Jones will compete with Anthony Richardson.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks except in desperate late-season situations.
Trap Game Alert: Potential upset team at home against opponents on short rest.
Tennessee Titans (Power Ranking: #29)
Preseason Outlook: Tennessee strengthened their offensive line in free agency before drafting Cam Ward first overall. With additions from last offseason and potential receiver help, the Titans could surprise in 2025 if Ward adapts quickly.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks except as a desperation play.
Trap Game Alert: Home divisional games where coaching familiarity closes talent gaps.
AFC West: Chiefs' Kingdom
Kansas City Chiefs (Power Ranking: #4)
Preseason Outlook: Kansas City addressed offensive line concerns by franchise-tagging Trey Smith and bringing in Jaylon Moore for left tackle, plus drafting Josh Simmons in the first round. Their primary focus is generating more explosive plays in 2025. The Chiefs may face a Super Bowl hangover after their embarrassing loss to the Eagles, with their weaknesses exposed and top rivals looking to use Philadelphia's blueprint.
Survivor Strategy: Still a premium option, but exercise caution early in the season. Target them for specific home matchups in Weeks 6-12.
Trap Game Alert: Early-season road games while they adjust to being the hunters rather than the hunted.
Denver Broncos (Power Ranking: #21)
Preseason Outlook: Denver took risks in free agency, signing 30-year-old Evan Engram and taking chances on Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw, with Greenlaw already showing promise. The Broncos are potential regression candidates with an elite defense but mediocre offense that ranked 15th in EPA per play.
Survivor Strategy: Limited value – consider for specific home games against struggling offenses.
Trap Game Alert: High-scoring offenses that can force them into shootouts.
Las Vegas Raiders (Power Ranking: #30)
Preseason Outlook: Geno Smith elevates the Raiders' floor, and with Ashton Jeanty plus new receiver options, the offense could be entertaining. Concerns remain about the overall strength of the defense.
Survivor Strategy: Not recommended for survivor picks except in desperate late-season situations.
Trap Game Alert: Potential upset team at home against opponents traveling on short weeks.
Los Angeles Chargers (Power Ranking: #32)
Preseason Outlook: The Chargers are in rebuild mode under Jim Harbaugh despite having Justin Herbert and a top-5 offensive line. Their skill position ceiling is low even with rookie Ladd McConkey, and the injured defense lacks depth.
Survivor Strategy: Avoid entirely for survivor picks in 2025.
Trap Game Alert: Potential upset team against opponents underestimating Harbaugh's coaching.
How should I approach defending champions in survivor pools?
Defending champions like Philadelphia typically face every opponent's best effort, making early-season games particularly risky. Their value often increases as the season progresses, making them optimal picks for Weeks 10-16. Avoid using champions in Weeks 1-3 unless they have an extremely favorable matchup, as early elimination of premium teams severely limits your late-season flexibility.
Which teams are most likely to outperform their preseason expectations in 2025?
According to preseason power rankings, the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers have the potential to exceed expectations. Chicago has rebuilt their offensive line and added significant talent around Caleb Williams, while New England's draft performance suggests they may be better than their 2024 record indicates. Always monitor early-season performance to identify emerging value teams.
What's the optimal strategy for using divisional games in survivor pools?
Divisional games carry inherently higher risk due to familiarity between opponents and elevated emotional intensity. Ideally, avoid selecting teams playing divisional opponents until Weeks 10+ when performance patterns are well-established. The exception is elite teams with proven divisional dominance (like Philadelphia's recent record against Dallas) or extreme mismatches in talent. Even then, prefer home divisional games over road contests.