For many NFL fans, the month of May marks the period leading up to the NFL regular season, with the season opener still four months away. All 32 teams are filled with optimism, as spring represents a time of renewal and rejuvenation in the NFL. As summer approaches, this is also when the bandwagons begin to form.

The question on many minds is: Which bandwagons are worth jumping on? That’s what we’ll be discussing today—highlighting a mix of teams and players that fans are likely to hop on the bandwagon for this upcoming NFL season. So, jump on now before these hype trains fill up!

The Teams That Will Be Considered Bandwagons for the 2025 NFL Season

New England Patriots

It’s been a while since the Patriots were considered a bandwagon team in the NFL. For the first two decades of the millennium, they dominated to such an extent that they were often compared to the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball—widely disliked, yet undeniable in their success. However, following the departure of franchise quarterback Tom Brady in 2020, the Patriots have fallen on hard times, missing the playoffs and enduring several losing seasons. So, the question remains: are the Patriots a legitimate contender for a bandwagon spot this upcoming season? Yes, but with some reasoning, which I’ll explain.

After finishing with losing records in four of the past five seasons—including a 4-13 record and two consecutive last-place finishes—New England suddenly looks like a team on the rise. The shift toward the Patriots becoming a bandwagon team starts at the quarterback position. As a rookie, Drake Maye showed tremendous promise despite working with limited talent, leaving fans excited about his potential with a better supporting cast. This offseason, the Patriots’ front office addressed those needs, upgrading Maye’s receiving corps and offensive line with veteran signings like Stefon Diggs and Morgan Moses. The team also made major investments during the draft, selecting Will Campbell to protect the quarterback’s blind side, as well as playmakers TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, and the top center in the draft, Jared Wilson.

Additionally, New England significantly bolstered its defense with free-agent signings like Milon Williams, Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, and Carlton Davis III. This unit should make major strides from last season, when the Patriots ranked 22nd in points and yards allowed. Given the potential for one of the league’s top defenses in 2025, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots take a big leap, similar to what we saw from the Denver Broncos’ defense last season.

Heading into the 2025 season, the Patriots are under new leadership with Mike Vrabel, who impressed during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. He’s the kind of coach who could potentially flip the switch in Foxborough and revitalize the team.

Chicago Bears

The Bears have actually been considered a bandwagon team for two consecutive years, ranking as the number one bandwagon team last season. However, they now find themselves at number two on the list for 2025. This shift makes some sense, as the Bears started 4-2 last season before losing ten straight games, ultimately costing Matt Eberflus his job. In a year when three NFC North teams made the playoffs, Chicago was the forgotten team, missing the postseason once again. Despite this, there is renewed optimism for the Bears this season.

Chicago made some significant moves in the offseason, including hiring Ben Johnson as their new head coach and making key upgrades to their offensive line. In the draft, General Manager Ryan Poles used his first two picks to add two explosive offensive playmakers: tight end Colston Loveland and yards-after-catch (YAC) monster Luther Burden III. These additions round out an already talented receiving corps that includes DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet. Defensively, the Bears made a wise hire by bringing in Dennis Allen, who had success as a defensive coordinator with the Saints.

The Bears might be a solid bandwagon team for fans to jump on again this season, but if they fall off the rails, it’s likely fans will jump off the bandwagon until next offseason.

Arizona Cardinals

The Jonathan Gannon era in Arizona got off to an awkward start, but the Cardinals have made notable strides in his first two years, finishing just below .500 last season. The coaching staff, led by younger figures like Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing and Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis, is setting the stage for an upward trajectory. General Manager Monti Ossenfort also upgraded the defensive roster this offseason, signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, and Dalvin Tomlinson, along with drafting Walter Nolan and Will Johnson.

The biggest question surrounding the Cardinals’ bandwagon is the performance of Kyler Murray. As a former number one overall pick and a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension holder, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. If Murray can take a real step forward in his seventh season, the Cardinals could make the playoffs for just the second time in ten years.

The Individuals

In addition to teams, there are individual players whose bandwagons fans might want to jump on this season.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The 2023 first-round pick has already earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first two NFL seasons and led the league in touchdowns last year. Yet, despite his success, there still seems to be room on his bandwagon. Gibbs’ 2024 campaign was overshadowed by the standout seasons of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, but the Lions’ star running back had a productive stretch toward the end of the season and remains an electric player to watch. This makes him an intriguing option for fans looking to join a rising star’s hype train.

Baker Mayfield

After a career year where he tied for second in touchdown passes (41) and finished third in passing yards (4,500) and completion percentage (71.4%), Mayfield is heading into his fifth season with his fifth offensive coordinator. On the bright side, Tampa Bay promoted former pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator, maintaining some continuity. Mayfield is protected by one of the league’s best offensive lines and is surrounded by a deep group of pass catchers and ball carriers. These factors make Mayfield a compelling choice for fans seeking an underdog to root for this season.

Aaron Glenn

The Jets have posted a 30-64 record during the Joe Douglas era, and while they’ve amassed talent on both sides of the ball, the franchise is still looking for the right leader. Aaron Glenn could be the person to help the Jets turn things around. As Dan Campbell’s right-hand man in Detroit, Glenn has demonstrated the ability to help lift teams from the depths of despair. He also has a deep connection to New York, having earned Pro Bowl honors as a cornerback with the Jets, including as part of the 1998 team that made it to the AFC Championship Game.

With the Jets adding pieces in free agency and having an impressive draft, many fans will be jumping on Glenn’s bandwagon if he can lead the team to success.

There are many bandwagons for NFL fans to consider as the 2025 season unfolds. Some may pan out, others may not—it’s all part of the unpredictable drama of the NFL. Only time will tell which bandwagons are worth sticking with, but one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty to get excited about