With Super Bowl LIX in the rearview mirror, it’s time to turn an eye to the 2025 NFL season.
There’s going to be plenty of quarterback movement this offseason and some teams have difficult decisions looming. Should the Titans draft a quarterback at No. 1 overall? Will Aaron Rodgers return to the Jets? Should the Steelers keep Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields?
Have no fear. Our seven MassLive experts have predicted the Week 1 starter for all 32 teams:
Chris Mason, MassLive Patriots Beat Writer
Mark Daniels, MassLive Patriots Beat Writer
Karen Guregian, MassLive Columnist
Nick O’Malley, MassLive Sports Reporter
Matt Vautour, MassLive Sports Columnist
Lauren Campbell, MassLive Sports Reporter
Jim Pignatiello, MassLive Sports Director
So without further ado, let’s get to the picks:
Buffalo Bills
Mason’s pick: Josh Allen
Daniels’ pick: Josh Allen
Guregian’s pick: Josh Allen
O’Malley’s pick: Josh Allen
Vautour’s pick: Josh Allen
Campbell’s pick: Josh Allen
Pignatiello’s pick: Josh Allen
Consensus: The reigning MVP isn’t leaving Buffalo any time soon.
Miami Dolphins
Mason’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Daniels’ pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Guregian’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
O’Malley’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Vautour’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Campbell’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Pignatiello’s pick: Tua Tagovailoa
Consensus: For better or worse, Tua Tagovailoa is still Mike McDaniel’s guy in Miami.
New England Patriots
Mason’s pick: Drake Maye
Daniels’ pick: Drake Maye
Guregian’s pick: Drake Maye
O’Malley’s pick: Drake Maye
Vautour’s pick: Drake Maye
Campbell’s pick: Drake Maye
Pignatiello’s pick: Drake Maye
Consensus: The Patriots landed their quarterback of the future last spring. Now it’s time to see if Josh McDaniels can take him to the next level.
New York Jets
Mason’s pick: Justin Fields
Daniels’ pick: Shedeur Sanders
Guregian’s pick: Tyrod Taylor
O’Malley’s pick: Aaron Rodgers
Vautour’s pick: Kirk Cousins
Campbell’s pick: Jameis Winston
Pignatiello’s pick: Russell Wilson
Consensus: Our experts aren’t sure what New York is doing. Of course, there’s a chance the Jets have no idea either.
Baltimore Ravens
Mason’s pick: Lamar Jackson
Daniels’ pick: Lamar Jackson
Guregian’s pick: Lamar Jackson
O’Malley’s pick: Lamar Jackson
Vautour’s pick: Lamar Jackson
Campbell’s pick: Lamar Jackson
Pignatiello’s pick: Lamar Jackson
Consensus: The Ravens are set for the foreseeable future with Jackson under center.
Cincinnati Bengals
Mason’s pick: Joe Burrow
Daniels’ pick: Joe Burrow
Guregian’s pick: Joe Burrow
O’Malley’s pick: Joe Burrow
Vautour’s pick: Joe Burrow
Campbell’s pick: Joe Burrow
Pignatiello’s pick: Joe Burrow
Consensus: Burrow will certainly be back in Cincinnati. Will Tee Higgins?
Cleveland Browns
Mason’s pick: Kirk Cousins
Daniels’ pick: Kirk Cousins
Guregian’s pick: Kirk Cousins
O’Malley’s pick: Justin Fields
Vautour’s pick: Cam Ward
Campbell’s pick: Kirk Cousins
Pignatiello’s pick: Kirk Cousins
Consensus: Cousins was a Pro Bowler with Kevin Stefanski as his offensive coordinator in 2019. Most of our experts think they’ll try to recapture that magic.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason’s pick: Aaron Rodgers
Daniels’ pick: Russell Wilson
Guregian’s pick: Russell Wilson
O’Malley’s pick: Russell Wilson
Vautour’s pick: Justin Fields
Campbell’s pick: Justin Fields
Pignatiello’s pick: Aaron Rodgers
Consensus: Whoever is at quarterback will be tasked with guiding the Steelers to their first playoff win since the Obama administration.
Houston Texans
Mason’s pick: C.J. Stroud
Daniels’ pick: C.J. Stroud
Guregian’s pick: C.J. Stroud
O’Malley’s pick: C.J. Stroud
Vautour’s pick: C.J. Stroud
Campbell’s pick: C.J. Stroud
Pignatiello’s pick: C.J. Stroud
Consensus: With new offensive coordinator Nick Caley heading to Houston, Stroud should have some different things on his plate next season.
Indianapolis Colts
Mason’s pick: Anthony Richardson
Daniels’ pick: Anthony Richardson
Guregian’s pick: Anthony Richardson
O’Malley’s pick: Anthony Richardson
Vautour’s pick: Anthony Richardson
Campbell’s pick: Anthony Richardson
Pignatiello’s pick: Anthony Richardson
Consensus: It’s a (real) make-or-break year for Richardson in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
Daniels’ pick: Trevor Lawrence
Guregian’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
O’Malley’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
Vautour’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
Campbell’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
Pignatiello’s pick: Trevor Lawrence
Consensus: It’ll be fascinating to see if new coach Liam Coen can elevate the seemingly-plateaued Lawrence.
Tennessee Titans
Mason’s pick: Will Levis
Daniels’ pick: Cam Ward
Guregian’s pick: Aaron Rodgers
O’Malley’s pick: Cam Ward
Vautour’s pick: Will Levis
Campbell’s pick: Will Levis
Pignatiello’s pick: Cam Ward
Consensus: The rebuild in Tennessee rolls on.
Denver Broncos
Mason’s pick: Bo Nix
Daniels’ pick: Bo Nix
Guregian’s pick: Bo Nix
O’Malley’s pick: Bo Nix
Vautour’s pick: Bo Nix
Campbell’s pick: Bo Nix
Pignatiello’s pick: Bo Nix
Consensus: After the Russell Wilson disaster, Sean Payton finally has his quarterback in Denver.
Kansas City Chiefs
Mason’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
Daniels’ pick: Patrick Mahomes
Guregian’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
O’Malley’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
Vautour’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
Campbell’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
Pignatiello’s pick: Patrick Mahomes
Consensus: This is basically a free space in the middle of the bingo board.
Las Vegas Raiders
Mason’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
Daniels’ pick: Aaron Rodgers
Guregian’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
O’Malley’s pick: Jacoby Brissett
Vautour’s pick: Russell Wilson
Campbell’s pick: Russell Wilson
Pignatiello’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
Consensus: Our experts are split on this one. Will Pete Carroll try to reunite with Russell Wilson? Or will Tom Brady be mentoring the son of Deion Sanders?
Los Angeles Chargers
Mason’s pick: Justin Herbert
Daniels’ pick: Justin Herbert
Guregian’s pick: Justin Herbert
O’Malley’s pick: Justin Herbert
Vautour’s pick: Justin Herbert
Campbell’s pick: Justin Herbert
Pignatiello’s pick: Justin Herbert
Consensus: At 11-6, Herbert had some success in his first year under Jim Harbaugh before an ugly Wild Card performance. The pressure will be on to raise the bar in the playoffs next season.
Dallas Cowboys
Mason’s pick: Dak Prescott
Daniels’ pick: Dak Prescott
Guregian’s pick: Dak Prescott
O’Malley’s pick: Dak Prescott
Vautour’s pick: Dak Prescott
Campbell’s pick: Dak Prescott
Pignatiello’s pick: Dak Prescott
Consensus: The sun will rise in the east, set in the west, and Prescott will be barking “yeah, here we go!” on way too many national broadcasts.
New York Giants
Mason’s pick: Cam Ward
Daniels’ pick: Sam Darnold
Guregian’s pick: Cam Ward
O’Malley’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
Vautour’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
Campbell’s pick: Shedeur Sanders
Pignatiello’s pick: Sam Darnold
Consensus: Whether Ward, Sanders, or Darnold, the Giants desperately need a fresh start here.
Philadelphia Eagles
Mason’s pick: Jalen Hurts
Daniels’ pick: Jalen Hurts
Guregian’s pick: Jalen Hurts
O’Malley’s pick: Jalen Hurts
Vautour’s pick: Jalen Hurts
Campbell’s pick: Jalen Hurts
Pignatiello’s pick: Jalen Hurts
Consensus: His stats might not be flashy, but Hurts has filled the win column consistently since arriving in Philadelphia.
Washington Commanders
Mason’s pick: Jayden Daniels
Daniels’ pick: Jayden Daniels
Guregian’s pick: Jayden Daniels
O’Malley’s pick: Jayden Daniels
Vautour’s pick: Jayden Daniels
Campbell’s pick: Jayden Daniels
Pignatiello’s pick: Jayden Daniels
Consensus: Daniels was most impressive rookie in a loaded 2024 class – and that’s saying something.
Chicago Bears
Mason’s pick: Caleb Williams
Daniels’ pick: Caleb Williams
Guregian’s pick: Caleb Williams
O’Malley’s pick: Caleb Williams
Vautour’s pick: Caleb Williams
Campbell’s pick: Caleb Williams
Pignatiello’s pick: Caleb Williams
Consensus: Can first-time head coach Ben Johnson unlock Williams’ sky-high potential?
Detroit Lions
Mason’s pick: Jared Goff
Daniels’ pick: Jared Goff
Guregian’s pick: Jared Goff
O’Malley’s pick: Jared Goff
Vautour’s pick: Jared Goff
Campbell’s pick: Jared Goff
Pignatiello’s pick: Jared Goff
Consensus: Despite a disappointing playoff exit, the Lions are certain to run it back with Goff in 2025.
Green Bay Packers
Mason’s pick: Jordan Love
Daniels’ pick: Jordan Love
Guregian’s pick: Jordan Love
O’Malley’s pick: Jordan Love
Vautour’s pick: Jordan Love
Campbell’s pick: Jordan Love
Pignatiello’s pick: Jordan Love
Consensus: Green Bay’s quarterback of the future, Love needs to clean up his ball security to take things to the next level.
Minnesota Vikings
Mason’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
Daniels’ pick: J.J. McCarthy
Guregian’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
O’Malley’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
Vautour’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
Campbell’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
Pignatiello’s pick: J.J. McCarthy
Consensus: After Sam Darnold’s crash-landing, there’s little doubt the Vikings will give McCarthy the keys next season.
Atlanta Falcons
Mason’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Daniels’ pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Guregian’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
O’Malley’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Vautour’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Campbell’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Pignatiello’s pick: Michael Penix Jr.
Consensus: All six first-round quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft look like Week 1 starters next season.
Carolina Panthers
Mason’s pick: Bryce Young
Daniels’ pick: Bryce Young
Guregian’s pick: Bryce Young
O’Malley’s pick: Bryce Young
Vautour’s pick: Bryce Young
Campbell’s pick: Bryce Young
Pignatiello’s pick: Bryce Young
Consensus: After a rollercoaster season, Young gets another crack at things to start 2025.
New Orleans Saints
Mason’s pick: Sam Darnold
Daniels’ pick: Derek Carr
Guregian’s pick: Derek Carr
O’Malley’s pick: Sam Darnold
Vautour’s pick: Sam Darnold
Campbell’s pick: Derek Carr
Pignatiello’s pick: Derek Carr
Consensus: Whether Darnold or Carr, it’s difficult to see the Saints making a serious run next fall.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mason’s pick: Baker Mayfield
Daniels’ pick: Baker Mayfield
Guregian’s pick: Baker Mayfield
O’Malley’s pick: Baker Mayfield
Vautour’s pick: Baker Mayfield
Campbell’s pick: Baker Mayfield
Pignatiello’s pick: Baker Mayfield
Consensus: After a nomadic start to his career, Mayfield has certainly found a home in Tampa Bay.
Arizona Cardinals
Mason’s pick: Kyler Murray
Daniels’ pick: Kyler Murray
Guregian’s pick: Kyler Murray
O’Malley’s pick: Kyler Murray
Vautour’s pick: Kyler Murray
Campbell’s pick: Kyler Murray
Pignatiello’s pick: Kyler Murray
Consensus: Murray has quietly been Arizona’s quarterback for six years now. The Cardinals have one winning season and no playoff victories in that span.
Los Angeles Rams
Mason’s pick: Matthew Stafford
Daniels’ pick: Matthew Stafford
Guregian’s pick: Matthew Stafford
O’Malley’s pick: Matthew Stafford
Vautour’s pick: Matthew Stafford
Campbell’s pick: Matthew Stafford
Pignatiello’s pick: Matthew Stafford
Consensus: If Stafford does indeed want to come back for another season, this gig is all his.
San Francisco 49ers
Mason’s pick: Brock Purdy
Daniels’ pick: Brock Purdy
Guregian’s pick: Brock Purdy
O’Malley’s pick: Brock Purdy
Vautour’s pick: Brock Purdy
Campbell’s pick: Brock Purdy
Pignatiello’s pick: Brock Purdy
Consensus: The question isn’t will Brock Purdy start Week 1 for the 49ers? It’s how many zeros will be in Purdy’s bank account when he starts Week 1 for the 49ers?
Seattle Seahawks
Mason’s pick: Geno Smith
Daniels’ pick: Geno Smith
Guregian’s pick: Geno Smith
O’Malley’s pick: Geno Smith
Vautour’s pick: Geno Smith
Campbell’s pick: Geno Smith
Pignatiello’s pick: Geno Smith
Consensus: Though he regressed a bit last season, Smith led the Seahawks to a 10-7 record and has Mike Macdonald’s vote of confidence for 2025.
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