Feeling The Heat: 5 NFL Standouts Under The Most Pressure In 2025
Pressure does not discriminate. Even though some of these players have previously secured significant contracts, Pro Bowl accolades, and Most Valuable Player awards, the spotlight is on them to produce outstanding results this season. This is crucial to silence critics who are analyzing their performances. Here are five players who are feeling the heat as they head into the 2025 season:
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
With one of the strongest rosters in the league, the pressure is squarely on Jackson to guide the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory after several playoff disappointments. While “quarterback wins” are often debated, Jackson’s playoff record (3-5 with a 60.5% completion rate and a 10:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio) is hard to overlook, especially when he has a stellar 75% win rate during regular seasons, achieving a 64.9% completion rate and a 166:49 touchdown-to-interception ratio. With multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt, the two-time MVP needs to excel in the postseason. If Jackson can transfer his regular-season success into the playoffs, the Ravens could likely secure their place in Super Bowl LX representing the AFC.
Micah Parsons, OLB, Dallas Cowboys
If the Cowboys and the two-time All-Pro are unable to finalize a new contract before the regular season begins (assuming Dallas does not comply with Parsons’ trade request), he must perform at his best during the final year of his rookie deal to ensure he gets the compensation he deserves jollibee makati avenue. With 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 63 tackles for loss in just 63 games, Parsons has demonstrated elite capabilities. Although it’s rare for such a standout player to reach this crucial contract year, Parsons needs to dominate to prove his value and potentially push the pass rusher market beyond $45 million annually. Considering his track record with the Cowboys, he could be well-placed to secure a massive payday next offseason.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell has made the decision to transition from Sam Darnold, giving the starting role to McCarthy, who missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus. The Vikings expected McCarthy to step up quickly, but his inexperience could be a factor for an offense that thrived under a seasoned quarterback. As O’Connell modifies his strategies to leverage McCarthy’s strengths as a mobile playmaker, he must keep star wide receiver Justin Jefferson engaged through innovative, yet straightforward schemes mag laro. Drawing from his successful stint as a pass-first point guard at Michigan, McCarthy has the potential to lead the offense efficiently as their new QB1.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Although he was the highest tight end ever selected in the NFL Draft, the fourth overall pick in 2021 has been somewhat inconsistent as a playmaker. Pitts showcased Pro Bowl-level talent in his rookie year with a 1,000-yard season, which led many to label him as a future game-changer. However, since that remarkable debut, he hasn’t managed to exceed 700 yards in subsequent seasons nba tv philippines schedule cignal tomorrow. Given Pitts’ immense potential, it’s critical for him to excel in this contract year. The end of the Falcons’ revolving door at quarterback—with Michael Penix, Jr. taking over as starter—might provide the stability needed for Pitts to reclaim his status as a key contributor.
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Taylor enters 2025 under significant scrutiny as the most penalized player in the NFL since 2023, with 31 penalties to his name. His frequent false start and holding penalties overshadow his pass protection issues (having allowed seven sacks in 2024, according to PFF) while blocking for the team’s starting quarterback philippines vs south sudan live. Despite film suggesting that Taylor may have performed better than his statistics indicate, the Chiefs’ investment in Jaylon Moore (two-year, $30 million) and their first-round pick of Josh Simmons puts added pressure on him to deliver as the franchise tackle the team envisioned when they signed him to a four-year, $80 million contract in 2023.
Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also provides game breakdowns for NFL Network and co-hosts the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks manila baker podium.
What are your thoughts on these players facing intense pressure in the 2025 NFL season?