Training camp is underway, and NFL games will be kicking off before we know it. Whether your team is a bona fide contender or a long shot, this is the season of hope for everyone. And for way too early power rankings. Let’s do the latter one now.
Tier 5: The Arch Manning Sweepstakes
There are teams that are horrifically run (Cleveland) and teams in a full rebuild (Giants, Titans) here. Either way, it’s going to be a long season for fans of these teams—probably. At least one of them will surprise and be competitive. Which one will it be? I’ll take Indy.
32. Tennessee Titans
31. Cleveland Browns
30. New York Giants
29. Carolina Panthers
28. Indianapolis Colts
27. New Orleans Saints
Tier 4: On The Way Up Or On The Way Down
These teams are mostly in transition. Or, they have question marks and need many things to go right. In some cases, like New England and Atlanta, they’re waiting for the young quarterback to play well consistently. If that happens, they could elevate to the next level. In the Jags’ case, they need stability. Trevor Lawrence has already experienced more coaching changes than Tom Brady did. The Bears? Everything is there for them to be competitive. Now, they need to actually do it.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. New York Jets
24. Chicago Bears
23. Arizona Cardinals
22. Atlanta Falcons
21. New England Patriots
Tier 3: Playoffs!?
These squads have dreams of playing in January. However, they need at least one thing to really go their way. Otherwise, they’ll be watching the playoffs with the rest of us. I’m going to dismiss Vegas as being Vegas until they show me otherwise. Miami has had roster changes, and Tua can’t stay healthy. These teams have issues.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
I’m done overrating teams because they have Aaron Rodgers. Until he shows us differently, his reputation is much bigger than his performance right now, especially on a team with so many questions.
19. Seattle Seahawks
Is Sam Darnold really the answer? The metrics say yes—Darnold rates as a top-10 quarterback in the NFL over the past three seasons. Still, count me skeptical. He doesn’t have quite the weapons in Seattle that he did in Minnesota.
18. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are hoping that Geno Smith will put an end to the revolving door at quarterback that Vegas has experienced over the past few seasons. The defense is rough, though. Vegas will need to score a lot of points.
17. Denver Broncos
When I think of a team that could just as easily make the playoffs as not, Denver is one of the first ones that comes to mind. I’m a Bo-liever. But does Nix have enough around him to make the playoffs in a rugged AFC West?
16. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have the talent to be better than this spot. They also have the uncertainty and track record of underperforming to make 16th look like an ideal season.
15. Dallas Cowboys
Show of hands: how many of you are convinced this is the Cowboys’ year? Exactly. If you have your hand in the air right now, you probably pick them to win every year. Also, I didn’t mean to really raise your hand.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Where you place the Vikings all depends on how you’re feeling about J.J. McCarthy. I’m in wait-and-see mode. Plus, if you’re a Minnesota sports fan, the mushy middle of the rankings just feels right.
13. San Francisco 49ers
If they’re healthy, the 49ers could easily be a contender. If not, they could be much worse than this spot. The return of Robert Saleh should help a lot on defense, though.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I’m a believer in Baker Mayfield. No quarterback has more TD passes in the past two years. The Bucs have a talented team, especially on offense. It seems like the Bucs are always a threat, and I don’t expect that to change in 2025.
Tier 2: The Contenders
All of these teams should make the playoffs. At least, they’re expected to. Like last year’s Bengals, at least one of them will falter and have a disastrous 2025. Which will it be?
11. Los Angeles Chargers
I’m a Justin Herbert fan, but he’s not a young up-and-comer anymore. Herbert still hasn’t won a playoff game in six seasons. With a cap hit over $50 million, it’s not about learning anymore. It’s about results.
10. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are in a group with 2-3 other teams—teams whose ceiling is not entirely clear. Puka Nacua is tremendous and is one of the best fantasy receivers in the league, but Matthew Stafford isn’t getting any younger.
9. Houston Texans
The Texans are the class of what appears to be a weak AFC South, so they should be safe to make the playoffs. C.J. Stroud might be under siege much of the year, though. The offensive line has numerous issues.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
If Joe Burrow is healthy and the offensive line holds up, the Bengals will score a lot of points. The defense is going to be tested again, though. It was a weak spot for Cincinnati last year.
7. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a trendy pick to win the NFC North and be one of the five best teams in the league. I’m not sold quite yet. Until I see otherwise, the Lions are the team to beat in the NFC North.
6. Washington Commanders
The Commanders took many people by surprise in 2024. They won’t do that in 2025—and they’ll have a more demanding schedule. Can Jayden Daniels avoid the sophomore slump?
Tier I: The Super Elite
It’s Super Bowl or bust for this group. From the battle tested Chiefs to the returning champs, expect to see these teams on national TV a lot in 2025.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
We’ll doubt them just a bit again this year. They’ll almost certainly prove us wrong again this year. Is anyone really doubting that Patrick Mahomes will be in the Super Bowl yet again next February? The Chiefs fatigue is real, and some key Kansas City players are getting older, so there’s hope for Bills and Ravens fans.
4. Detroit Lions
I should probably have them lower. I also find it hard to root against Dan Campbell and the Lions. Until the Packers or Vikings unseat them, they’re my pick in the NFC North.
3. Baltimore Ravens
They have Lamar Jackson. That’s reason enough to put them in the Top 5. On top of that, the rest of the team is elite and should challenge for the AFC title.
2. Buffalo Bills
They have to do it eventually, right? Adding Joey Bosa is a nice move and should help on defense.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are such a dynamic team when healthy, it’s hard to take them out of the top spot. My only real question is whether Saquon Barkley will be able to repeat his dominant 2024, or even get close to it.
Published: Jul 23, 2025 05:15 pm