NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 15: Fans dressed as Santa Claus and the Grinch attend a game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
It’s the night before Christmas…what should Santa bring to each of these NFL franchises? Have they been naughty or nice?
Arizona Cardinals
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 26: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates a touchdown in first quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 26, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Consistent play from Kyler Murray. Murray always seems to find a way to choke under pressure in critical moments.
Atlanta Falcons
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
A playoff push from Michael Penix. Penix flashed his tremendous arm against the Giants, now, he needs to do it over the next two weeks.
Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Better pass defense. The Ravens have been dynamic on offense, but their defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone.
Buffalo Bills
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after his team’s 24-18 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Home Field Advantage. It might take a Christmas miracle, but playing on the road in Kansas City in the playoffs might be the thing that keeps Buffalo out of the Super Bowl yet again.
Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 25: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Continued good play from Bryce Young. From being benched for Andy Dalton to putting five good games together recently, Young looks like the player Carolina envisioned when they drafted him.
Chicago Bears
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 25: (L-R) Caleb Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
A new head coach. Santa, please give Caleb Williams an offensive-minded coach for the holidays!
Cincinnati Bengals
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts a catch during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
A contract for Tee Higgins. The Bengals will be fine without him, but they are much better with him.
Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Titans 27-3. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
To find a way to be rid of Deshaun Watson’s contract and find their future QB.
Dallas Cowboys
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 24: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a first down during the fourth quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Salary cap relief. Dallas has a ton of money tied to Dak, Lamb, and a few others. If they can’t get relief, they won’t be able to sign anyone they need.
Denver Broncos
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos hands to the ball to Audric Estime #23 against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)
Stop the running back carousel. Sean Payton needs to choose one running back as his bell cow. It will help the offense tremendously.
Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions takes the field to play the Atlanta Falcons for a NFL preseason game at Ford Field on August 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Health for Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit looked like they were heading to the Super Bowl until they had a barrage of injuries. Hutchinson’s return would be a huge boost to the defense.
Green Bay Packers
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 17: Christian Watson #9 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after his team’s 20-19 win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Christian Watson must continue his ascent to becoming one of the top receivers in the game and make big plays in the playoffs.
Houston Texans
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 31: Tank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans reacts against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Diontae Johnson needs to return to the player he was back in 2021 to help offset the injuries to Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.
Indianapolis Colts
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Anthony Richardson needs to become a better passer. He’s certainly athletic enough, but his passing is subpar at the pro level.
Jacksonville Jaguars
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks toward the video board during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jaguars 52-6. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
Fire Doug Pederson and do a complete rehaul of the organization.
Kansas City Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Continued “luck” throughout the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers in a defensive stance during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
More sacks from Joey Bosa. The Chargers pass rush has been MIA recently, and without it, opposing teams are scoring points in droves.
Los Angeles Rams
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
9 to 10. Matthew Stafford needs to throw the ball more to Cooper Kupp, who has been completely overshadowed by Puka Nacua in recent weeks.
Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 24: Owner and managing general partner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders (L) and head coach Antonio Pierce of the Raiders talk before their game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Broncos defeated the Raiders 29-19. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Shadeur Sanders (and a new head coach). The only thing that can save this franchise is a franchise quarterback, and Sanders has the game and charisma to fit the bill.
Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Winning the big games. Mike McDaniel’s offense seems to sputter at the worst times. There’s no way they can surpass the Bills if they don’t win in pressure situations.
Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 20: Aaron Jones #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Another young running back. The signing of Aaron Jones has been tremendous, but the Vikings need a young three-down running back to help their play-action passing attack go to the next level.
New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs with the football during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
A WR1. Drake Maye is the real deal. Now he needs a top-of-the-line wide receiver to pair him with.
New Orleans Saints
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Head Coach Darren Rizzi of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Cleveland Browns at Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
A complete makeover. The Saints were the first team to be shut out this season (Monday night against Green Bay), and the future does not look merry and bright. A new regime change needs to happen ASAP.
New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants on the field following their 7-30 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Stability. Are the Giants going to fire Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll or give them a chance to win? If they fire them, who would want to come to a team that expects to win so quickly?
New York Jets
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: New York Jets owner Woody Johnson looks on prior to an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Woody Johnson selling the team. The Jets dysfunction has been so bad that The Athletic exposed it as a headline article.
Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley breaking Eric Dickerson’s rushing yards record. It’s a long shot, but that’s what Christmas miracles are for.
Pittsburgh Steelers
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 24: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaps for a reception over Natrone Brooks #35 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
George Pickens back on the field. The Steelers offense has been sputtering without Pickens; they need his big-play ability desperately.
San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Good off-season injury news about Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk. CMC and Aiyuk are the cogs of the 49ers offensive engine; they need to be healthy in 2025.
Seattle Seahawks
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 14: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi’s Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 41-23. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
More sacks on defense. Mike McDonald’s defense has been stingy, but they need to pressure the quarterback way more, especially late in games. More consistency from Geno Smith would help, too.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signals at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Return of Chris Godwin. Baker Mayfield has been fantastic, but a healthy Godwin makes them virtually unstoppable.
Tennessee Titans
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
A HUGE step up from Will Levis. There have been moments when Levis looks like a keeper and others when he looks like a career backup. 2025 is his pivotal season.
Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 23: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders and Dax Milne #15 celebrate after a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
A complement to Terry McLaurin. TMC has been spectacular as the WR1, but he needs another top receiver around him to avoid being double-teamed by opposing defenses.
