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2025 NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stack Up Entering Training Camp?
Roll up the sleeping bag. Pack up the bug spray. Load up the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows.
It’s time to go camping.
OK, so it’s not that kind of camping. But the opening of training camps across the NFL is almost as fun for fans as a weekend trip to the woods. Plus, no mosquito bites.
OK, enough with that metaphor.
Training camp offers teams their first real chance to get a feel for what their squads will look like in 2025. Everyone (or at least almost everyone) will be there—both new faces and old. The pads will go on for the first time. There will be contact. Even a few dust-ups.
Training camp also offers pundits their best glimpse so far this summer as to how the NFL’s teams stack up against one another. Much can (and will) change between now and Week 1, and once games start to count, there will be surprises—for better and for worse.
But given what we know about the league’s 32 teams as things stand, Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together once again to rank them from worst to first.
The top-ranked team isn’t exactly a stunner. But there is a surprise or two.
32. New Orleans Saints
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To say that expectations are low for the New Orleans Saints this year is an understatement. The team has one of the lowest projected win totals in the NFC. There are questions galore on both sides of the ball and a new head coach in Kellen Moore.
However, while folks on the outside may not be expecting a lot from New Orleans in 2025, veteran safety Justin Reid told reporters that Moore is instilling a winning culture in the Big Easy.
"First and foremost, it’s culture over everything. The culture that’s built here and Coach Kellen, they just won the Super Bowl last year with Philly. He brought his strength staff over and a lot of those guys are familiar with winning. We have a lot of guys here who are familiar with winning. But the great thing, because I’ve been on mediocre teams, I’ve been on bad teams, I’ve been on great teams. And the culture in this locker room is right right now. We’ve got guys that believe in the system, that buy in. We don’t have bad character guys. And that’s the first step that you need in order to build a real team to go out and win."
Analyst’s Take
Tell yourself whatever you need to, Justin.
There are just far too many issues facing the Saints. The starting quarterback will either be a retread who struggled last year or a 26-year-old rookie with a lengthy injury history. Outside running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave, the offensive weapons aren’t scaring anyone. The offensive line may be improved, but it’s still below average. There are problems on all three levels of the defense.
The Saints have needed a ground-up rebuild for several years now.
It looks like it’s coming in 2025. —Davenport
31. Tennessee Titans
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There’s no question what the dominant storyline will be in Titans training camp—the progress and status of 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
The overwhelming belief is that Ward will be the starter when the Titans take on the Broncos in Denver in Week 1. But offensive tackle J.C. Latham told reporters that Ward isn’t just being handed the job.
"Will [Levis is] just not going to sit over here and say 'Oh, we drafted him, go ahead take it’. Cam's not gonna expect it to be just given to him. Throughout the spring, I think that's the one thing all the coaches and players on the team have seen. Both of them taking the challenge of trying to really earn the spot and really fight for the spot. It's made them better."
The Titans can talk up “competition” all they want. But if Ward isn’t the Week 1 starter, a team that already has plenty of problems will have another big one.
Analyst’s Take
The most critical piece of the puzzle is now in place after the Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with this year's No. 1 overall pick. Ward has the natural arm talent and playmaking ability to be a serious candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, depending on how quickly he adapts to the professional game. Odds are in his favor since he played at three different colleges and excelled at all three, while increasing his level of competition each step of the way. However, Tennessee's roster, as a whole, is still somewhat lacking. —Sobleski
30. New York Giants
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It’s the dawn of a new era in New York. Or the end of an old one—it depends on how you look at it.
There isn’t a coach and general manager in the NFL on a hotter seat than Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Another disappointing season will likely mean the end of the line for both.
The Giants brought in a pair of potential cornerstone players in the 2025 draft in edge-rusher Abdul Carter and quarterback Jaxson Dart. But the present on offense belongs to Russell Wilson, who joined the G-Men in free agency.
Schoen told reporters that he’s confident Wilson’s experience will benefit the Giants this year:
"Players know players, and he's done it at a high level for a long time. That's where you start. Sometimes it's hard to lead if your production on the field doesn't match. Again, he's got the skins on the wall. He's had a lot of success in the league. He won a Super Bowl. Some of the production that he had on the field, we haven't had at that position since Eli.”
Analyst’s Take
My opinion of the Giants hasn't changed since our post-draft power rankings. I think defensive additions like Jevon Holland and Abdul Carter will make New York more respectable on that side of the ball, and I feel like Jaxson Dart will make the offense interesting at some point in 2025. However, I don't view the Giants as legitimate playoff contenders. We've seen New York surprise before—it just made the postseason in 2022 and gave Daniel Jones a raise the following offseason—but I'd expect to see Brian Daboll on the hot seat before I see the Giants in the playoffs. —Knox
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29. Cleveland Browns
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You may not have heard, but the Cleveland Browns have some uncertainty at quarterback.
There are four players vying to be Cleveland’s starter this year—veteran Joe Flacco, fourth-year pro Kenny Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Flacco has had far and away the most success of the group, but he’s old and didn’t play well in Indianapolis last year. Gabriel was considered a reach as a third-round pick. Sanders’ slide to Round 5 was one of the draft’s biggest storylines, but it happened for a reason.
That leaves Pickett, who spent last year backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia after two disappointing seasons in Pittsburgh. Lance Reisland of Cleveland.com speculated that Pickett’s combination of youth and at least some NFL experience could give him an edge in this battle royal:
“Pickett is big and athletic, he can throw from different launch points, he is smart and can find advantageous matchups, and he has enough arm strength to stretch the field both horizontally and vertically. Stefanski sees a guy who can thrive in his scheme.”
Analyst’s Take
The Browns are still looking at a four-way camp QB competition involving Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. I thought they might have parted with one of the four by now, and the fact they haven't makes me think they're nowhere close to establishing a Week 1 starter. That's a major issue because Cleveland will only have so many camp reps to go around. And if the Browns can't uncover at least an average starter this season, they'll have no chance of exiting the AFC North basement. —Knox
28. New York Jets
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There’s something of a theme among the teams at the bottom of these rankings—potential problems at quarterback.
Of course, the Jets have been having those for the last half-century. After two years of the Aaron Rodgers fiasco, the Jets have turned the offense over to Justin Fields, who won four of his six starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
The Jets also have a new head coach in Aaron Glenn and a new offensive coordinator in Tanner Engstrand. The latter told reporters that he has been impressed with what he has seen from Fields so far:
"He's obviously a physically talented player. Everybody talks about the running. Well, the guy's got an arm, too, and he does a great job with that. Mentally, he's phenomenal. There's just a lot of things that you can do with that type of player that's going to put stress on a defense and make that defensive coordinator stay up late at night."
Analyst’s Take
Fields is certainly a threat with his legs. The Jets aren’t completely without weapons in the likes of running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson (who played with Fields at Ohio State). The defense has some talent.
But the wide receivers behind Wilson are a question mark. So is New York’s offensive line. Fields has never thrown for even 2,600 yards in a season and is 16 games under .500 as an NFL starter.
Beleaguered Jets fans are desperate for some legitimate reason for optimism. And there’s a path to New York being the second-best team in a bad AFC East. What there isn’t is a realistic chance of ending the team’s long playoff drought in 2025. —Davenport
27. Carolina Panthers
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It has been a while since the Carolina Panthers enjoyed success as a team—the team hasn’t won more than seven games since 2017. But young quarterback Bryce Young showed flashes of considerable potential after returning from last season’s benching, and while addressing the media, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen said Young and the Panthers are on a mission this year to stop the losing:
"Guys are finally sick of being the same ol' Carolina Panthers. We want to get back to what they did here in the past, from '15 and some of those other years where they made deep playoff runs, when they had the crowd involved and the city pumped up. That just shows guys are sick of the same ol', same ol'.''
Head coach Dave Canales has also noticed some fire in his young quarterback:
"He just has a defiance to him. That's just kind of his way of competing. He's not super-animated with it, but he definitely thrives off of that, feeds off that energy. He takes chances when he can, because Jaycee is trying to bait him into throw the ball over there. But it does bring a level of confidence to the guys, 'Hey, we're dangerous when we're out there.'''
Analyst’s Take
If Young takes a step forward in his third season, the Panthers could be sneaky-good offensively—first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan adds some badly-needed juice to the pass-catchers, and Chuba Hubbard is one of the league’s more underrated running backs.
However, the Panthers were the only team in the league last year that surrendered more than 400 yards per game last year, and the Carolina defense doesn’t appear markedly better in 2025. The Panthers may score some points this season, but they are going to give up more than a few points as well. —Davenport
26. New England Patriots
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Given that the New England Patriots won just four games last year, it may seem a little strange to talk about enthusiasm. But there’s more than a little in Beantown this summer.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye had his ups and downs as a rookie, but he had very little passing-game weaponry, a leaky offensive line and still showed some flashes.
Those flashes are the cause of some of that enthusiasm. So is the arrival of head coach Mike Vrabel. But much of the excitement centers on New England’s roster overhaul—on both sides of the ball. The Pats were one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL in free agency, and there was a concerted focus both there and in the draft to improve the offense around Maye.
All that activity has ratcheted up expectations in New England—and Maye told reporters he doesn’t mind that one bit:
"You want high expectations. That's what you want. This city, the Patriots are used to winning, and that's what we're trying to get back to. You want people to expect you to play well. I think that pressure is what fuels us to be out here. It fuels you to get the rep right in practice. It fuels you to work hard in meetings and in the weight room, and not have what happened last year happen again."
Analyst’s Take
Those expectations may actually be a little out of whack. The Patriots appear to have the potential for a big-time turnaround, but that would require quite a few things to all break the right way.
A more likely outcome is New England getting better in 2025 but still coming up short of the postseason in Vrabel’s first year. Still, given what this team looked like in 2024, seven or eight wins would be a sizable step in the right direction. —Davenport
25. Indianapolis Colts
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These are uncertain times in Indianapolis.
Head coach Shane Steichen finds himself on quite a few “hot seat” lists after two straight seasons of missing the postseason. General manager Chris Ballard may well join him after burning a top-five pick on Anthony Richardson in 2023.
That’s because Richardson appears to be on the outside looking in under center—after signing Daniel Jones in the offseason, Jones has already built a “significant lead” over Richardson in the competition to be the team’s starting quarterback.
Steichen talked up “Danny Dimes” while speaking to reporters.
"He's been great," coach Shane Steichen said. "He's done a really nice job for us acclimating to the offense, learning the system. Obviously, a smart guy, [he] understands it. He's picked it up real nice and he's done some good things so far."
It stands to reason that Steichen would do so—he may need Jones to save his job. Because while the Colts have talented players on both sides of the ball, we have seen the past two years how far the team won’t go without a quarterback.
Analyst’s Take
The Colts' season hinges on the quarterback position. It usually does for most teams, but the room for variance between what Indianapolis has behind center is so vast that it might as well be considered a black hole. Anthony Richardson is already dealing with a shoulder issue (again). Daniel Jones very well may lead the Colts offense onto the field during Week 1.
Unless Richardson gets healthy and drastically improves, or Jones looks like a viable starting option for an entire season, the Colts could very well be looking to reset after the 2026 campaign. The fact it's being mentioned already shows how dire this situation actually is. —Sobleski
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
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There’s a new head coach in Jacksonville in Liam Coen. A wildly exciting rookie wide receiver/cornerback in Travis Hunter.
But make no mistake, the Jaguars will go as far in 2025 as their highest-paid player takes them.
After signing a five-year, $275 million extension last year, Lawrence suffered through a miserable season. The fifth-year veteran missed seven games, barely cleared 2,000 passing yards and threw just 11 touchdown passes.
While speaking to the media, Jaguars edge-rusher Josh Hines-Allen said that the whole team needs to step up this year.
"We all got a job to do. But again, what coach Coen is doing, he's not only hyping him up and pushing him, but the offensive line has to be better. The running backs, we are going to have to run this ball effectively, you know, in order for him to do what we need to do."
The veteran pass-rusher has a point. But if the Jags are going to make any noise in the NFC South, Lawrence needs to start playing like a $55 million quarterback.
Analyst’s Take
Is Liam Coen the man to lead the Jaguars? Urban Meyer certainly wasn't. Doug Pederson failed as well. The Jaguars organization went so far as to fire general manager Trent Baalke just to hire Coen. The team became ultra-aggressive to trade up in the draft and select a truly unique talent in Travis Hunter. These moves make it feel like a paradigm shift occurred. Maybe it did. But the team has to prove it on the field first. —Sobleski
23. Miami Dolphins
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South Florida summers can be unbearably hot. But there’s nowhere in the Sunshine State hotter right now than in Miami Gardens.
You name them, they are on the hot seat for the Miami Dolphins. Tyreek Hill has gone from arguably the NFL’s best receiver to potentially washed up. Tua Tagovailoa is the $53 million quarterback who can’t stay on the field. Head coach Mike McDaniel went from an offensive mastermind to a guy the league has figured out.
While speaking to reporters, McDaniel acknowledged that opponents took the Dolphins out of their game a year ago:
“One of the things very clear is defenses spent time trying to... make us perform in all facets. They’ve showed us we have to earn our way out of that. You can easily [do that] as a group. If you’re trying to do it just with passing, it’s going to be difficult, close to impossible. It speaks to what we preach every day -- balance, run affecting pass and vice versa. The point was kind of proven last year. It’s up to us to lean into our philosophical beliefs.... You need to threaten people in multiple ways or they will make you pay.”
Two years ago, the Dolphins were top-five in the league in plays over 20 yards. Last year, they were bottom-five.
It doesn’t take an offensive genius to figure out that has to change in 2025.
Analyst’s Take
There’s a weird vibe coming off this Dolphins team. Hill groused about being traded after the season before walking it back. Veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith were dealt to Pittsburgh. Edge-rusher Bradley Chubb admitted players “lied” about culture issues last year before insisting all is now well. The Dolphins have no shortage of firepower—especially on offense. But this feels like a team that’s a few losses in a row away from completely imploding. —Davenport
22. Las Vegas Raiders
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Fans in Las Vegas aren’t accustomed to success. In five years in Sin City, the Raiders have one winning season. The team went 4-13 last year. The last time the Raiders won a postseason game?
The AFC title game—in 2002.
However, there’s excitement in Raider Nation. The team hired a Super Bowl champion head coach in Pete Carroll. Brought in Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. Traded for quarterback Geno Smith. Drafted Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who nearly broke the FBS single-season rushing record last year.
Kelly told reporters that Carroll has a clear vision of what he wants these Raiders to be.
"[Carroll] believes if you have a crystal-clear vision of what you want to get accomplished, and you can get a group of people to do the same thing, then good things are going to happen," Kelly said. "He's got this team believing."
That’s all well and good. But the Raiders also have issues at wide receiver. And on the offensive line. And on defense. In an AFC West where three teams made the postseason last year, there’s precious little margin for error.
So, turning this team around may not happen overnight.
Analyst’s Take
The Raiders have closed the gap between themselves and their playoff-caliber division rivals.
They hired accomplished head coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who helped the Ohio State Buckeyes win a national title, and acquired two-time Pro Bowler quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.
Yet the Raiders' key offseason moves may not be enough to put the club in playoff contention.
The Raiders have a glaring question mark on the defensive line, as Christian Wilkins recovers from a Jones fracture. Las Vegas has an inexperienced secondary at cornerback and safety, a young receiver group behind Jakobi Meyers and an unsettled offensive line, specifically at guard.
The Raiders will be more competitive than last year's 4-13 squad, but they still have too many roster uncertainties to make a surprising leap in the AFC. —Moton
21. Seattle Seahawks
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The Seattle Seahawks posted a winning record in each of the past three seasons. However, that “success” produced one playoff trip and zero postseason wins, so Seattle went full-snowglobe this offseason.
Geno Smith was shipped to Las Vegas, replaced by free-agent signee Sam Darnold. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was traded to Pittsburgh, replaced by veteran receiver Cooper Kupp.
Darnold is coming off far and away his best professional season, winning 14 games last year with the Minnesota Vikings. Kupp told reporters that he doesn’t feel that Darnold’s massive 2024 season was a fluke:
“He wants to be perfect. He wants to be right. He wants to be good for the guys. That’s the standard he holds himself to, and I love it. The issue has never been whether he can throw the rock or not. I’ve been watching since he was at USC, and it’s like, ‘Man, he can throw the ball.’”
The biggest obstacle to a repeat season from Darnold may be the blockers in front of him—Pro Football Focus ranked Seattle’s offensive line third-worst in the entire league.
Analyst’s Take
Did the Seahawks actually get better this offseason? Sam Darnold replaces Geno Smith at quarterback. Seattle's braintrust is hoping it gets the version of Darnold that showed up last year with the Minnesota Vikings. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are gone as well. Jaxon Smith-Njigba will now be in the spotlight, while complemented by the newly signed Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
As long as the offensive line stays healthy and holds up after the addition of first-rounder Grey Zabel, maybe the team can push past mediocrity. There is plenty of unknown with this group, though. —Sobleski
20. Arizona Cardinals
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There are a number of young NFL quarterbacks who have gotten major extensions but failed to live up to them so far, Unfortunately, Arizona’s Kyler Murray is a member of that club.
In six years in the desert, Murray has been named to a pair of Pro Bowls. He was the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year. But Murray is 36-45-1 as a starter, and his lone playoff start back in 2021 was a disaster.
That has led more than one pundit to proclaim this a “make-or-break” season for Murray. But the 27-year-old told reporters that he's tuning out all that outside noise.
"My Pops groomed me in the sense of when you play this position, this is what it comes with," Murray said. "I think every quarterback knows that. It comes with it. I just try and stay out of the media as much as possible (and) do the right things."
It’s not just Murray. Arizona is 12-22 over Jonathan Gannon’s two years as coach. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was widely considered a disappointment as a rookie. Edge-rusher Josh Sweat has a massive contract to live up to.
There’s plenty of pressure to go around in the Valley of the Sun in 2025.
Analyst’s Take
General manager Monti Ossenfort spent the majority of the offseason making sure that the Cardinals' defensive front fell in line with head coach Jonathan Gannon's philosophies.
The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator had a defensive line that overwhelmed opposing quarterbacks because of its quality of depth. Arizona added Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell and first-rounder Walter Nolen to go along with Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols, Zaven Collins and Darius Robinson.
That concentration alone should help elevate the entire unit after finishing among the league's bottom half last season. —Sobleski
19. Chicago Bears
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Fun fact No. 1: In over a century of existence, the Chicago Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer. Not one.
Fun fact No. 2: Every Bears fan alive knows that stat—and just groaned.
If Caleb Williams doesn’t break that streak in 2025, something will have gone wrong—because the Bears have been laser-focused this offseason on putting Williams in position to be the first, whether it was hiring head coach Ben Johnson, fortifying an offensive line that allowed a whopping 68 sacks a year ago or adding passing-game weapons.
Williams lauded the new staff while speaking to the media:
"Ben Johnson is great and it's not just Ben Johnson. We have a young staff slash old staff and we have a bunch of experience, bunch of new energy provided by the coaches and players. It's been awesome. Ben Johnson, he uses some choice words every day toward me. He's tough and I love him. He's awesome. It's great being around him. We hang out in his office and we just have lunch sometimes, things like that. We're building this bond and relationship to be able to last a while. I know Bears fans, it's year after year typically, or every other year, where coaches and quarterbacks specifically are in and out and our goal is to be here for a while."
Analyst’s Take
The Bears deserve offseason buzz. They hired Ben Johnson, an innovative offensive play-caller and arguably the best head coaching candidate from this year's cycle. His staff can't be worse than the previous regime. In 2024, Chicago's offense finished with the fifth-fewest points and the fewest yards.
Caleb Williams had a decent rookie campaign, considering the circumstances. He finished with 3,541 passing yards (17th) and 20 touchdowns (tied for 15th) despite losing his head coach and offensive coordinator in November. Yet he was 24th in passer rating (87.8) and 31st in QBR (46.7).
Under Johnson, Williams will play in a well-designed system, and the Bears could field a prolific offense. Chicago may go from worst to first in the NFC North. —Moton
18. Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons are one of the NFL’s more puzzling teams this season.
There are reasons for optimism, whether it’s the likes of running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London on offense or linebacker Kaden Elliss and safety Jessie Bates. But there are also major questions—one of the league’s most anemic pass-rushes last year and a relatively unproven quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.
For his part, Penix told reporters that he’s ready to show he can lead the Falcons back into the postseason:
"I'm just trying to clear my mind so I can be ready for the storm. I'm just calm before the storm right now and having fun. I'm somebody that they can have confidence in each and every time that the offense is on the field, we're going to make something happen. I can show you better than I can tell you and I feel like I showed those guys that they have somebody to be confident in."
Analyst’s Take
The Falcons aren’t a terrible team by any stretch—they have won at least seven games in each of the past four seasons. The NFC South is a winnable division. And Atlanta went hard at one of the team’s biggest weaknesses by drafting a pair of first-round edge-rushers back in April.
But Atlanta isn’t an especially great team, either. If Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. struggle adjusting to the NFL, it’s going to put the secondary in a tough spot. And while Penix showed a flash or two a year ago, he’s by no means a sure thing. The Falcons could win 10 games and the division. Or lose the same amount and once again be an afterthought. —Davenport
17. Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys enter every season with the same aspirations, reasonable or not—win the Super Bowl. Last year, Dallas came nowhere close—injuries decimated the team, and Dallas lost double-digit games.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was one of those players felled by injury, although frankly it put him out of his misery as much as anything—the 31-year-old set career-lows in passer rating and QBR and was on pace to post his worst season in terms of interceptions and sacks allowed.
It wasn’t a great look for a player who had just signed a contract worth $60 million a season. While addressing the media, Prescott said he wants a ring just as bad as Jerry Jones—and not just to justify his paycheck:
"Yeah, I want to win a championship. The legacy, the things, whatever comes after I finish playing will take care of itself. I want to win a championship. Be damned if it's just for my legacy, or if it's for this team, for my personal being, for my sanity. Yeah, the legacy will take care of itself. I have to stay where my feet are."
Analyst’s Take
“I like the fact that Dallas finally got itself a No. 2 receiver, even if I don't love how the team went about doing it. Trading for George Pickens in a contract year was a major risk, but, at least, Dak Prescott will have more than one threatening perimeter target—assuming he can stay healthy this season.
I feel better about the Cowboys than I did at the end of the draft, and far better than I felt about them last offseason. However, I still feel like this is a team that is built to stay relevant and not one built to challenge for a championship." —Knox
16. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Cincinnati Bengals were truly a Jekyll-and-Hyde football team a year ago.
Dr. Jekyll was Cincinnati’s explosive offense. Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing yards, while wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase won receiving’s Triple Crown—leading the NFL in receiving yards, receptions and touchdown catches.
Mr. Hyde was Cincinnati’s defense. Despite having the NFL’s sack leader in veteran edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati ranked 25th in the league in both yards allowed and points allowed.
There’s a new defensive coordinator in the Queen City this year in Al Golden, and he told reporters he’s been impressed by the unit has been coming together so far this summer:
"The guys have exceeded expectations in terms of preparation, and the staff has done a great job delivering the message. Goal line and end of game stuff is all that's left for training camp, so that's a pretty remarkable job by everybody. I love the attitude of the players to attack that the way they did."
Analyst’s Take
I still don't love Cincinnati's decision to dump defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for Al Golden this offseason, and I don't think the Bengals have invested nearly enough in their defense or offensive line this offseason. Ongoing contract issues involving Trey Hendrickson and rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart have me even less convinced that we'll see a defensive turnaround in Cincy this year.
That said, the Bengals' passing offense is always potent enough to keep the team in games. I view Cincinnati as a fringe playoff team right now, but I'll be equally unsurprised if the Bengals are back in the Super Bowl or looking for a new head coach in February. —Knox
15. San Francisco 49ers
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What a difference a year makes.
At this point in 2024, the San Francisco 49ers headed into training camp as the defending NFC champions. As a leading contender to represent the conference again in Super Bowl LIX.
What followed was an injury-ravaged six-win last-place faceplant. And now, after handing quarterback Brock Purdy a five-year, $265 million megadeal, the bill came due in Santa Clara. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is gone. So is linebacker Dre Greenlaw. And safety Talanoa Hufanga. And cornerback Charvarius Ward.
Now, the Niners are much like every NFC West team. Sure, there’s potential. But there are also flaws. And new faces. But head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters he feels like his team is attacking the offseason and will be ready to rock in Week 1 in Seattle:
“We are going to have a team that doesn’t know what we’ve done in the past, or how you guys have earned a lot of stuff. We need to show them, and the first meeting when we get back, I expect our whole team to be here and for it to be important to guys. I thought the coolest thing was everyone being there on the first day (of OTAs). We have every guy show up and I didn’t have to call anyone and beg them which said a lot. They all knew what I said on the last day and I wanted to see if it really meant something to them, not to where I had to call and remind them and I didn’t and they all showed up and they’ve all been working and to me that’s been something I really appreciate and I know I got the right guys.”
Analyst’s Take
The Niners always get the benefit of the doubt because of their coaching staff. However, San Francisco experienced significant roster turnover this offseason, as a way to offset the contract extension signed by quarterback Brock Purdy.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, guard Aaron Banks, cornerback Charvarius Ward, offensive tackle Jaylon Moore, safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive linemen Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd are all gone.
The core pieces of Purdy, tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner remain in place--which means the 49ers are still dangerous. —Sobleski
14. Minnesota Vikings
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The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a season that was a dream with a little nightmare mixed in. The Vikings won 14 games a year ago, but their season ended in ignominious fashion in the Wild Card round.
Of course, that was with Sam Darnold under center. Now, after a torn meniscus wiped out his rookie season, J.J. McCarthy will be taking over the reins of Minnesota’s loaded offense.
While speaking to reporters, Vikings head coach Kevin O’ Connell told reporters that McCarthy is progressing well, although the second-year pro has yet to “officially” be named the starter:
"I feel really good about where he's at fundamentally. But it's still those 10,000 reps, those 10,000 hours, and we're not that far into that process, and I challenge him every day to embrace it. [He] can't be too hard on himself, but at the same time, 'What is your standard to get not where you are right now, but where you want to get to?' And he's done a good job of attacking that every day."
McCarthy may not have the title yet, but there’s little question he’ll start the opener. What is in question is a Vikings defense that was among the league’s worst against the pass in 2024.
Analyst’s Take
The Vikings' season outlook is challenging to project due to the uncertainty at quarterback. If J.J. McCarthy has a strong career start, Minnesota will remain a playoff contender after a surprising year with quarterback Sam Darnold.
On the other hand, McCarthy could experience a slow start, which may lead to a significant regression in Minnesota. The second-year signal-caller will have help from Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson in the passing game and a defense that ranked fifth in scoring last year. Still, he must be able to make big-game throws in critical moments.
At the collegiate level, McCarthy demonstrated his ability to lead a dominant team with timely throws; however, he may need to increase his passing volume on the pro level, where the competition is more evenly matched week to week.
The Vikings are the mystery team of the 2025 season. —Moton
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Well, it finally happened. After months of waiting and speculation, quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers said (wait for it) on The Pat McAfee Show that the 2025 season will probably be his final ride:
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is it. That's why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I've had. I played 20 fricking years. It's been a long run. I've enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win."
It’s not the only big move the Steelers have made of late—the team also shipped Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (back) to Miami for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
It’s a major shift in philosophy for a franchise that has usually taken a measured approach to the offseason. And if this move to push Pittsburgh’s chips to the middle of the table doesn’t pan out, it’s fair to wonder what it could mean for head coach Mike Tomlin in 2026.
Analyst’s Take
I've said before that I don't like a Pittsburgh quarterback plan that is centered around 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. At least, Rodgers is finally signed and officially with Pittsburgh for the 2025 season.
I'm only a tad higher on Pittsburgh than I was after the draft, however. If Cincinnati's defense is even respectable, I'll view the Steelers as the third-best team in the AFC North, and I'm not certain that Rodgers can deliver the Steelers' first playoff win since the 2016 season. I also don't think the recent Minkah Fitzpatrick-Jalen Ramsey swap was an overwhelming win for Pittsburgh, though I do like what Jonnu Smith can bring as a second tight end. —Knox
12. Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos were one of the NFL’s surprise success stories last year. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix exceeded expectations. The Broncos led the NFL in total defense. And Denver made the postseason.
Now, however, the Broncos are expected to contend in the AFC West. After adding pieces in the offseason, the defense is expected to among the league’s best. And Nix is expected to come out firing in games.
In fact, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, that’s exactly what head coach Sean Payton wants Nix to do—be more aggressive early in games:
“The Broncos have really urged Bo Nix and the offense to get off to a stronger start. Last two years, slow starts coming out of the gate have plagued the offense a little bit. They want to make sure they're primed and ready for the playoffs in December, not scrambling to get in. Last year, they faced a ton of tough defenses early on. So, they want Nix to come out firing early in the season. But they feel like this offseason he showed more of his personality. He's somewhat of a semi-serious guy, especially coming into the league he wanted the job and to be the guy. Now, he's more personable around the quarterback room. He looks like a quarterback going into Year 2 that is fully confident, knows exactly what he's doing."
Analyst’s Take
Since the draft, the Broncos signed running back J.K. Dobbins to round out their backfield. Coming off his most productive season in terms of rushing yards, he's going to play a key role in the ground game if healthy.
Dobbins and rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey will balance the Broncos offense, and the latter can be an outlet for Bo Nix in the short passing game.
Meanwhile, it's not a stretch to believe tight end Evan Engram leads the team in multiple receiving categories. Though like Dobbins, his durability comes into question after missing eight games last season.
If the Broncos deal with injuries on offense, they can rely on their stout defense to secure a few wins. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and rookie first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron will make the No. 3 scoring defense from last year even better with their playmaking abilities. —Moton
11. Houston Texans
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In each of the past two seasons, the Houston Texans not only won 10 games and the AFC South but won a playoff game. But despite that success, there’s a level of unease surrounding the Texans in 2025.
Much of that uneasiness centers on Houston’s offensive line. C.J. Stroud isn’t exactly known for his mobility, and as Zoltan Buday wrote at PFF, the Texans may well sport the worst O-line in the league:
“The presence of veterans Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason prevented an already shaky Texans' offensive line from being even worse in 2024, and the team cut ties with both this offseason. Now there is very little to suggest that the group isn't deserving of the No. 32 ranking ahead of the 2025 season.”
Texans guard Tytus Howard told reporters that he thinks concerns about the Houston line may be overblown.
"We're going to be more nasty up front. We're going to get more gritty. Guys finishing more plays. We need more guys on the ground when we get done with them. We just got to be a nastier group up front."
If the offensive line is even adequate, the Texans should cruise in a weak division. But that’s far from a certainty.
Analyst’s Take
The question surrounding the Texans is whether they're the team that impressed everyone in 2023 or the squad that took a half-step back last year. Granted, Houston won the AFC South in both instances.
However, expectations shifted, especially with CJ Stroud behind center. By retooling the offensive line, adding significant wide receiver talent via the draft and bringing in someone like Nick Chubb as RB2, the Texans are primed to three-peat in the division. —Sobleski
10. Los Angeles Chargers
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Say what you will about Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. But everywhere Harbaugh has gone, he has won. 2024 was no different—in his first season in Los Angeles, Harbaugh’s Chargers won 11 games and made the playoffs.
Now, it’s about taking the next step. For just the second time in his NFL career, quarterback Justin Herbert enters the season with the same offensive coordinator as the year before. While addressing the media, Herbert said that he expects that continuity under Greg Roman to pay dividends in 2025:
"I think it's just continuing to improve on where we need to and taking what we did well last year and continuing to work on that. Understanding where we fell short, what we need to improve on and taking on that entire body of work from last year and just continuing to improve. I think we've got a lot of great film of stuff that we've done--route concepts, protections--so guys are comfortable with it. It's just continuing to get better at that and moving forward."
Analyst’s Take
Offensively, the Chargers went big this offseason, adding guard Mekhi Becton (6'7", 363 lbs), wideout Mike Williams (6'4", 218 lbs) and rookie receiver Tre Harris (6'3", 210 lbs). Fifth-year veteran Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton will bring physicality to the ground game.
Apparently, the Chargers plan to bully their way back to the playoffs, and they're built to snatch the AFC West crown away from the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won the division for nine consecutive seasons.
In Year 1 under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers won 11 games and went to the playoffs with the No. 1-scoring defense and an offense that ranked 11th in scoring. With the additions on the offensive side of the ball, look for Los Angeles to compete for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. —Moton
9. Green Bay Packers
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has won more games than he has lost under center. Thrown over twice as many touchdown passes as interceptions. And earned a four-year, $220 million extension from the Pack.
But Love has also thrown double-digit interceptions in each of the past two seasons, and after an up-and-down 2024 campaign there are rumblings that Love in entering a “make or break” sixth season.
Love told reporters he’s worried a lot less about how he’s perceived than how many games the Packers win this year:
“Everybody has different opinions, things like that. You’ve got to block that stuff out. It’s all about the goals of the team. At the end of the day, I’d say we won more games than we did the year before. So that’s why I ask people, what is a step back? Everybody has opinions and things like that, you try to block that out and just focus on doing me, being the best player I can be and go forward. At the end of the day, personal stats and things like that, that’s all in the back. You’ve got to focus on goals of the team first and foremost.”
Analyst’s Take
Is Jordan Love a top-tier quarterback or a mediocre one with a high-end offensive play-caller, Matt LaFleur, and a plethora of playmakers?
Last season, the Packers utilized a run-heavy approach, featuring running back Josh Jacobs. Green Bay finished with the third-fewest passing attempts.
If the Packers want to dethrone the Detroit Lions in the NFC North and get into the Super Bowl discussion, Love has to prove he's worth his recent four-year, $220 million contract extension. He has plenty of options in the passing game: Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave.
Forget the need for a wideout to emerge as the go-to target; Love must uplift his pass-catching unit for the Packers to become an elite team. —Moton
8. Los Angeles Rams
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Expectations for the Los Angeles Rams weren’t especially high a year ago. But after winning the NFC West last year and then blasting the 14-win Minnesota Vikings on the road in the Wild Card Round, it’s a different story in 2025.
The Rams made at least one move in the offseason that screams “win now,” swapping out veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams. It marks Adams’ third team since the beginning of the 2024 campaign, but he told reporters that heading to Los Angeles was the best thing that could have happened at this point in his career:
"It's been exactly what I needed, feeling rejuvenated and really, really enjoying the time with the guys, getting to know them, getting on the same page with Matthew (Stafford), and just kind of gelling with the whole team right now. It feels like I've been on this team for a couple years now, just based off of how open and receptive the guys have been to me. I feel like this is what I needed just based off the vibe and the aura of the building. And everybody's in a good mood. It's not like a dark cloud over the building. And I've experienced that quite a bit over the last few years. So, it's a glaring difference when you come into a building like this."
Analyst’s Take
The Rams should be viewed as a darkhorse Super Bowl-caliber squad. Matthew Stafford's return was pivotal, and he agreed to a restructured contract. It's up to the Rams to maximize the quarterback's final years. The team did so by replacing Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams.
The second-round selection of Terrance Ferguson should give the offense a playmaker at tight end. Unfortunately, left tackle Alaric Jackson is dealing with blood clots, but the Rams signed veteran DJ Humphries as an insurance policy. Once the Rams' talented, young defense is thrown into the mix, Los Angeles should have big aspirations. —Sobleski
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Beginning with Tampa’s Tom Brady-led march to victory in Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers have made the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. In each of the past four seasons, the Bucs have won the NFC South. Granted, the team has just one season with more than 10 wins over those four years and hasn’t made it past the Divisional Round, but consistent success isn’t easy to pull off in the NFL.
In fact, on a recent podcast appearance, Yahoo’s Frank Schwab posited that the gap between Tampa and the NFC’s elite isn’t very wide at all:
“I think they are close to being a Super Bowl contender. I think this offense is awesome. I think adding Emeka Egbuka in the first round was a little bit unconventional, but when you look at it, you’re like, ‘Make your strength stronger. We’re just gonna make Baker Mayfield the best quarterback we could possibly make him.’ This is a team that won at Detroit last year. They should have won at Kansas City, if they go for two — just a bad mistake to let Patrick Mahomes win in overtime. But this is a team I think is right there. I think they’re very, very close.”
Tampa has to overcome some early adversity already this summer, however--left tackle Tristan Wirfs is reportedly a candidate to open the season on the PUP list after recent knee surgery.
Analyst’s Take
Tampa’s offense is as loaded as any in the league. Mike Evans. Bucky Irving. Chris Godwin (when healthy). And now Emeka Egbuka. Mayfield has no shortage of weapons, and it’s past time we all admit that Mayfield has become a legitimate top-10 quarterback.
Who knew that would happen?
Tampa’s third-ranked offense isn’t what will stop the Buccaneers from getting past the Eagles and Lions in the postseason. It’s a pass defense that has struggled for some time—including surrendering the fourth-most passing yards in the league a year ago. —Davenport
6. Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders exceeded expectations in a big way last year—led by Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
Now, the team appears to be all-in on building on that success. The team swung a pair of big-time trades in the offseason, bringing in offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Marc Ross of NFL.com wrote that Samuel could experience a career resurgence after declining production in San Francisco:
“Despite his declining production over the last couple seasons in San Francisco, Samuel has been one of the most productive wide receivers since 2021, ranking ninth in scrimmage yards, tied for fifth in scrimmage TDs (35) and first in rush yards (958) and rush TDs (17) among wideouts. Yet, for as good as he was with the 49ers, an argument could be made that the seventh-year veteran is entering the best situation of his career after being traded to Washington this offseason. The change of scenery puts Samuel in an offense that is led by an MVP-caliber quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Also, he'll pair with a true No. 1 receiver in Terry McLaurin to form a dangerous tandem in Kliff Kingsbury's passing attack.”
There’s a ton of excitement in the nation’s capital this year. But there are also a lot of expectations—anything short of a deep playoff run could be viewed as a failure.
Analyst’s Take
I like the direction in which the Commanders are headed, a lot. I don't think Jayden Daniels' rookie season was a mirage, and I believe Washington has a strong coaching staff in place. However, I do think higher expectations could lead to an overall regression in 2025.
I think the Commanders will be back in the postseason, but I'm not convinced they'll be a serious threat to Philly in the NFC East or make it as deep into the playoffs. I'd probably feel a bit better about Washington's chances if it could get things settled with standout receiver Terry McLaurin. —Knox
5. Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions have never had a regular season like the 2024 campaign—Detroit’s 15 regular-season victories were the most in franchise history. But for all that success, the season ended on a sour note when the Lions were upset in the Divisional Round by the Washington Commanders.
Now, the Lions will have to attempt to back up that success with a pair of new coordinators—both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left Motown for head coaching gigs.
There was also a fair amount of personnel turnover—much of it aimed at bettering a pass defense that ranked 30th in the league a season ago. Third-year safety Brian Branch told reporters that he expects that defense to be considerably better in 2025 after being hit hard by injuries a year ago:
“I feel like we’re better than last year. We’re hungry, and I feel that’s going to separate us. Our chemistry is on a whole ’nother level. We went through the ups and downs. We fought together in tough games. We have been in a game where it depended on us to win, so it just makes everybody buy in. Once you have a group that has bought in and has gone through trials and tribulations, we feel invincible. Last year, injuries, they were kind of against us. This year, everybody’s healthy that is coming back. And we’re just hungry. We’ve still got the same mission and the same goals. We’re trying to get that Super Bowl.”
Analyst’s Take
We know the Lions have the player personnel to be a Super Bowl contender, but no one knows if this team will produce optimally with new offensive and defensive coordinators.
John Morton has one year of experience calling offensive plays, and Kelvin Sheppard, the former linebackers coach, is a first-time defensive play-caller.
The Lions must reinvent themselves, like most teams do. However, a play-calling reset on both sides of the ball will likely lead to growing pains, which is concerning in a tough division. —Moton
4. Baltimore Ravens
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Not many teams have had more regular-season success in recent years than the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have won double-digit games in six of the past seven seasons and won 12 or more contests three times, including each of the past two years.
However, over that span the Ravens have advanced as far as the AFC Championship Game just once. Lamar Jackson and Co. just can’t seem to get past the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills and claim the AFC as their own.
No one knows this better than quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has won a pair of MVP awards but been criticized for his inability to win the “big one.”
Still, the Ravens are loaded on paper yet again, and Jackson told reporters he’s ready to do some real damage in 2025:
"As I've been getting older in the league, my mindset has been different, and the game has gotten a lot easier for me. I'm really not outspoken, being vocal with my guys, like 'let's do this and that' with a great motivational speech, I don't have that. I just pretty much lead by example. I'm going to go out there, I'm going to work hard, and I expect that out of you, but as I've been growing in the league it's like 'nah, you got to talk to the guys.'"
Analyst’s Take
The post-draft addition of cornerback Jaire Alexander didn't really change my opinion of the Ravens, though I already had Baltimore as a top-five contender and the team to beat in the AFC North. I like what GM Eric DeCosta did this offseason overall, and I expect the defense to experience fewer early struggles under second-year coordinator Zach Orr. I'd still like to see Lamar Jackson prove he can beat Buffalo, Cincinnati or Kansas City in a playoff game, but if Jackson stays healthy, I expect him to have that chance in January. —Knox
3. Buffalo Bills
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The 2024 season followed an all-too-familiar script for the Buffalo Bills. There was regular season success—13 wins. Another AFC East title. And then a loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. It was the fourth time in the past five years that Kansas City ended Buffalo’s season.
That end to the season put a damper on Bills quarterback Josh Allen being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the first time. While speaking to Sports Illustrated, Allen made it clear that individual accolades aside, the Bills have just one goal in 2025—victory in Santa Clara in Super Bowl LX:
“You know, it is such a great honor, and I do appreciate being honored for my work. But at the same time, I still didn't win a Super Bowl. Didn't win a ring, and that is the only goal. It's the only focus that I've ever had going into this league. The one positive, I will say, about winning an MVP means that your team is in a good position. You're making the playoffs, you're playing well and you're doing whatever you can to help your team win football games. But at the end of the day, you got to make the playoffs and then you got to win three, maybe four games. And that's what we need to do. And we're going to continue to work as hard as we can and myself included. What can we do to find a way over that hump? So that's the only goal going forward.”
Analyst’s Take
Buffalo is absolutely a Super Bowl contender—the team sports an MVP quarterback and the AFC’s highest-scoring offense from a season ago. But a sixth straight AFC East title won’t matter much in Western New York. Neither will more hardware for Josh Allen at the next NFL Honors. Only one thing will afford the Bills a successful season in 2025—finally getting past the Chiefs and back into the Super Bowl. —Davenport
2. Kansas City Chiefs
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Given how thoroughly the Chiefs have dominated the AFC over the past several years, it might seem weird to call Kansas City a flawed team. But that’s what we saw in a lopsided loss to the Philadelphia Eagles—the Chiefs were absolutely dominated in the trenches, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes spending most of the game either on his back or running for his life.
The Chiefs invested heavily in the offensive line in both free agency and the draft, including spending their first draft pick on Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy told reporters that the unit came to OTAs determined to put last February’s failure behind them:
“It was a struggle from the second play of the game on. We never got into a rhythm. I feel like there were a lot of plays where we were one person off, whether it was a missed assignment, below-par fundamentals and technique, or poor play design. Their defensive line set the tone early on and made it tough for us in both the run and pass game. Our offensive line fought the entire game. The beauty of our team is nobody blames. We all stick together and start with ourselves and what I could have done better. We will use this as motivation to take two steps forward.”
Motivation is all well and good. But if there’s one question mark looming over the team entering training camp, it’s whether Kansas City’s new-look line is actually any better than the old one.
Analyst’s Take
The Chiefs want to employ an explosive passing attack in the upcoming season. Xavier Worthy could post eye-popping numbers in that style of offense.
That said, Rashee Rice's return will help pace the passing attack. Hollywood Brown can fill in the gaps between the Chiefs' top two receivers while Travis Kelce picks his spots to come up with big catches.
The Chiefs finished 15th in scoring for back-to-back seasons, but now they have the playmakers to torch defenses. If Rice, Worthy, Brown and Kelce stay healthy, we'll see far fewer drops and missed opportunities to points on the board.
With a stingy defense, the Chiefs won't struggle with a Super Bowl (loss) hangover. —Moton
1. Philadelphia Eagles
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For the second time in three years, the Philadelphia Eagles won 14 games and the NFC Championship in 2024. But while the 2022 campaign ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, last season ended with payback—a 40-22 win in Super Bowl LIX in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score.
Now the Eagles have to do something that is often more difficult than reaching the NFL’s summit—stay there. Every team in the league is now gunning for Philly, and the team suffered more than a little roster turnover—especially on defense.
The last time the Eagles won a Super Bowl, they followed that up with a 9-7 season. But while addressing the media, Eagles GM Howie Roseman said that these Eagles are set up well for both the present and the future:
"You've got to take the lessons we learned from that 2017 team and what we did there, and this is a different group for sure, but also, you know, we're building it a little bit differently. This is a young team. I think we have two players projected on our defense that are over 25 years old. We're extremely young, our core guys, they're all in their twenties, so this isn't like we're just putting the band back together to make one last run, like we feel like we've got an opportunity here to continue to build our core players and keep our core guys together. We've got a lot of picks next year already, expecting comp picks, and we've made two trades to get picks from other teams, so we're looking at a minimum of 12 picks next year, which is huge for us to keep supplementing."
That youth could be a good thing. But if that young defense backslides, teams like Washington and Detroit could be prepared to pounce.
Such is life as the defending champ. From hunter to hunted.
Analyst’s Take
The Eagles were clearly the league's best team by the end of the 2024-25 postseason, and it never seemed particularly close. While I think Philly did take a slight step backward during the offseason—keeping championship teams together is both hard and expensive—I still view it as the top team in the NFL. Nothing that has transpired since the draft has changed my opinion of the Eagles. —Knox
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