NFL Season Kickoff Game News 2025 + Final Captains’ Code Insights
Edition #294
Hey all!
The NFL Season BEGINS TODAY. We’ve come a long way from Super Bowl LIX in February, when the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs faced off in New Orleans, Louisiana.
It’s going to be an awesome season, and if you haven’t been following the NFL offseason, you’re going to be pretty surprised when it’s time for kickoff tonight.
I’ll do a more formal preview Sunday morning, but I just wanted to put out some notes and news here.
I’m thinking of beginning a Sunday Storylines series, where I bring you the latest storylines and break down matchups for each NFL team as the season goes by. Just considering it. Nothing big yet.
I’m going to balance NFL content with other sports as well, so that we can get something that everyone likes.
I’ll probably be bringing back the sports news section of the newsletter in every edition. I’m not only writing to sports fans, but also to people who want to know everything that’s happening in the world of sports.
I’ll be adding a lot of stuff to our NFL content this year, including some awesome collaborations as we go throughout the year. We’re going to start slow.
I’ve been publishing content daily for the last month, so after the NFL Week 1 Premier piece on Sunday, I will be taking a one-week break, which does mean no Week 2 content, but I’ll get back to covering everything the week after that.
The complete Captains’ Code series will be linked here. We’ve hit a record amount of views with the Captains’ Code series this month, and indexed at #1 when you search “captains code nfl series”. I really appreciate all the support this month, and thanks so much to Michael Ham, Matt Lombardo, Jack Zucker, RS, and james earl joint for writing a Captains’ Code edition!
Seattle Seahawks (THIS EDITION)
Arizona Cardinals (THIS EDITION)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
The real X-factor here is OC Klint Kubiak. Seattle brought him in to revive a run game that ranked 28th in the league last season, but the bigger test is how he adjusts if things don’t go according to plan. What if the line struggles? What if the wide-zone/play-action scheme isn’t clicking? The Seahawks rebuilt their offensive line with first-rounder Grey Zabel at left guard, a healthy Abraham Lucas at right tackle, and Jalen Sundell stepping in at center. If Kubiak gets this group to mesh, Seattle’s identity could flip fast.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Seattle Seahawks’ offense ranked 18th in points scored with 375. They were 8th in passing yards per game with 236.5, but their rushing offense ranked 28th with 95.7 yards per game. Overall, the Seahawks offense ranked 14th in yards per game with 332.2. Defensively, Seattle allowed 368 points, ranking 17th in points allowed. They were strong against the run in the second half of the season, allowing only 96.2 rushing yards per game over the final 10 weeks. Their pass defense allowed 211.9 opponent passing yards per game. Their turnover differential was -6, ranking tied for 23rd overall.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
RB Kenneth Walker III. Kubiak’s past offenses have leaned heavily on RBs. Dalvin Cook thrived in Minnesota, and Alvin Kamara thrived in New Orleans until injuries hit. Walker has the explosiveness to be the next beneficiary, but consistency has been his issue. If he can stay healthy and trust his new blocking, he could finally put together another 1,000-yard season. Seattle wants to win ugly with defense, but that plan only works if Walker can close out games.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
Seattle enters Year 2 with Mike Macdonald as head coach, still shaping the post-Pete Carroll era. After firing OC Ryan Grubb following a rough 2024, they turned to Klint Kubiak to take over the offense and reshuffled the staff with John Benton, Andrew Janocko, and Rick Dennison in support. On defense, Aden Durde remains at coordinator, while Jay Harbaugh handles special teams.
The Bold Prediction
The Sam Darnold contract flops, and by Thanksgiving, Jalen Milroe takes over as QB1.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
6–11. The defense under Macdonald keeps them in games, but QB instability and an unproven offensive line limit their ceiling.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can the offensive line finally stabilize enough for the run game, and by extension, the offense, to thrive under Kubiak?
My Takeaway
The Seahawks are in the middle of a transition, and that often means growing pains. The defense should be solid again, but unless the offensive line and Walker carry the load, the season could turn quickly. This feels like a bridge year more than a breakthrough.
Arizona Cardinals:
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
Josh Sweat is the real swing piece for Arizona’s defense. His best season came back in 2022 under Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, when he racked up 11 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and over 50 pressures. He’s never been an elite sack artist, but he’s strong against the run and capable of being a steady, three-down player. Now, in Arizona, he’s expected to be the primary edge threat on money downs — if he can get back to that 2022 form, the Cardinals’ pass rush takes a massive step forward.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Arizona Cardinals offense had a respectable performance, ranking 12th in points scored with 400 (23.5/g). They were 18th in passing yards per game with 214.1 and 7th in rushing yards per game with 144.2. Overall, the Cardinals offense ranked 18th in yards per game with 358.2. Defensively, they allowed 379 points (22.3/g), ranking 15th, and allowed 358.2 opponent yards per game. The defense recorded 30 sacks. Their turnover differential was -3, ranking tied for 18th overall.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
With Kyler Murray needing reliable weapons, Trey McBride is set up to be one of the most important players on this roster. He broke out last season as a true go-to tight end, finishing near the top of the league in receptions and yards at his position. In a passing game that’s still sorting out consistency at wide receiver, McBride gives Arizona a mismatch option who can move the chains and stretch defenses in the red zone.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
Arizona shuffled their staff again heading into 2025. They brought in Justin Frye to lead the offensive line, Winston DeLattiboudere III to coach the defensive line, and promoted Connor Senger to pass game specialist. Matt Feeney was hired as the new outside linebackers coach, while Alec Osborne joined as a defensive quality control assistant. These moves follow the loss of offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who left for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Bold Prediction
Arizona sneaks into the playoffs. Gannon has been quietly building a tough, balanced roster, and this feels like the year it all comes together.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
9–8. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough to keep them in the postseason mix.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can Kyler Murray consistently play at a high level and lead this team week to week, especially in close games?
My Takeaway
The Cardinals finally feel like a team with both balance and direction. If Josh Sweat boosts the pass rush and Trey McBride continues his rise as a top target, Arizona has the talent to make Jonathan Gannon’s system click. The only thing holding them back is whether Kyler Murray can string together consistent, high-level play.
Great series of posts. Thank you all for taking the time to share your insights.