The NFL offseason isn’t just filler between Super Bowl Sunday and Week 1—it’s where smart franchises gain an edge. While every team technically resets in the offseason, only a handful truly make the moves that signal growth. That means fresh coaching talent, key player acquisitions, and smart draft strategies. So as September approaches, a few rosters are starting to separate from the pack.
Let’s break down three teams that are catching attention early—and why NFL betting news, predictions, and insights are pointing toward these squads gaining momentum this fall.
Patriots Hit the Reset Button and Mean It
No team needed a reboot more than the Patriots. After back-to-back 4-13 seasons and years of post-Brady struggles, this offseason finally showed a sense of direction. The first big change? Coaching. New England replaced Jerod Mayo with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel—a proven leader who brought Tennessee to three straight postseason appearances and earned Coach of the Year honors in 2021.
But the roster upgrades didn’t stop on the sidelines. The Patriots made one of the boldest moves of the offseason by acquiring Stefon Diggs from the Texans. Diggs brings elite route-running, veteran leadership, and the kind of reliability a young quarterback needs. That quarterback, Drake Maye, now enters his second year with a legitimate WR1 and stronger protection, thanks to the addition of LSU tackle Will Campbell.
Additionally, the draft strategy clearly centered on building around Maye. New England added Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, Washington State receiver Kyle Williams, and Georgia center Jared Wilson. Each rookie is expected to contribute early, giving this team a much more balanced attack.
All signs point to a team determined to climb out of the basement and back into playoff contention. That makes New England a name to watch closely in early NFL betting predictions.
Raiders Overhaul the Offense From Top to Bottom
The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t just need adjustments—they needed a full offensive overhaul. Last season, they ranked 29th in points per game and last in rushing yards. The offseason plan was clear: rebuild the offense from play-calling to personnel.
The standout addition: Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State star exploded last year with over 2,400 rushing yards—putting him just behind college legends like Barry Sanders on the all-time single-season list. His 29 touchdowns and 7.3 yards per carry earned him Heisman runner-up status. That kind of production is rare, and it gives the Raiders an instant weapon.
But Jeanty’s arrival isn’t the only reason this team looks different. The Raiders also made major coaching changes, bringing in former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll to lead the team and hiring Chip Kelly to run the offense. Both bring decades of experience and fresh perspective—essential for a unit that ranked in the bottom five across the board last season.
Add in a new quarterback—Geno Smith, who threw for 4,320 yards last season—and you’ve got a fully reshaped offense. While the Raiders still need to prove it on the field, the ingredients for a bounce-back year are finally in place.
Cardinals Stack Their Defense, Lean Into the Draft
Arizona has flown under the radar, but that may not last long. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has kept the Cardinals competitive, even with limited resources. And now, the front office has given him more to work with.
The team started with free agency, adding pass rusher Josh Sweat and veterans Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to beef up the front seven. Those moves alone suggest a more physical, aggressive defense heading into 2025.
The real splash came in the draft. The Cardinals selected defensive end Walter Nolen in the first round—a player many considered a top-five talent—and cornerback Will Johnson in the second, who fell due to injury concerns but has first-round upside. Arizona didn’t stop there. They added depth at linebacker and corner, targeting players who can contribute immediately.
On offense, the Cardinals are betting on internal growth. Kyler Murray’s health will be key, as will Marvin Harrison Jr.’s development in Year 2. If both stay on the field, Arizona could surprise early in the season.
For those tracking NFL betting insights, this team offers underdog appeal with upside, especially on the defensive side.
Where the Smart Money’s Watching
Offseason wins don’t always translate into immediate success. But each of these teams—New England, Las Vegas, and Arizona—has taken steps that matter. And those moves are already shifting the conversation in FanDuel, where updated odds and team pages reflect a growing sense of optimism.
Both bring decades of experience and fresh perspective, essential for a unit that ranked in the bottom five across the board last season. The Cardinals are getting deeper, faster, and more physical. These aren’t just good stories—they’re teams with real changes that bettors, analysts, and fans alike are watching closely.
Following NFL betting news during the offseason helps identify which teams are evolving, and these three are making noise before a snap has even been played.
September Is Coming Fast—And So Are These Teams
With the regular season just around the corner, expectations are starting to build. Preseason buzz doesn’t always last, but it does offer a clear picture of who’s trending in the right direction. The Patriots, Raiders, and Cardinals all made smart, calculated moves—not just headline-grabbers, but decisions with real football value.
That’s what separates hopeful teams from serious contenders. And as NFL betting predictions continue to shift, these are the squads showing up more often in the conversation.
September will tell the real story. But if offseason progress is any indicator, these teams are set to make noise right out of the gate.