B/R Experts Week 1 NFL Power Rankings

Are you ready for some football?

The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys face off in the 2025 NFL season opener on Thursday.

The following night, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers will battle it out in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Here, B/R NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have gathered to rank the league's teams from worst to first entering Week 1 of the regular season.

32. New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints fans should keep the Tankathon tab open on their computer or mobile device. Spencer Rattler may be a slightly better option than rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough at quarterback, but he didn't win the job with dazzling performances.

In three preseason games, Rattler threw one touchdown pass, one interception that resulted in a pick-six and ran for a two-point conversion. The Saints' quarterback situation will take the air out of their offense.

Unless New Orleans ranks near the top of the league in rushing, this is a four-win team at best.

—Moton

31. Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans have a plan and it revolves around this year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward. 

In truth, the Titans haven't had a legitimate franchise QB since Steve McNair.

The franchise has tried multiple times to find a top-notch signal-caller, but the likes of Vince Young, Jake Locker, Marcus Mariota, Will Levis and even Ryan Tannehill all fell short of that designation.

However, Ward has the skill set and demeanor to finally give Tennessee a true field general. 

At this juncture, the setup is less about an immediate turnaround and more about seeing how Ward improves throughout his rookie campaign.

The Titans have built a solid cockpit around their new signal-caller. They brought in veteran wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson to help in the transition, as well as adding a couple more targets via the draft with Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.

Tennessee drafted tight end Gunnar Helm in the fourth round, too. Finally, the front office strengthened the offensive line with the additions of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right guard Kevin Zeitler. 

Tennessee doesn't feature a loaded roster by any means, but Ward should help elevate everyone around him.

—Sobleski

30. Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns shouldn't be as bad as they were during last year's 3-14 campaign. They have some legitimate playmakers on each side of the ball.

They also have a coaching staff that has proved it can get results when it's not being weighed down by a disastrous quarterback situation.

But that opening schedule is brutal.

With six 2024 playoff teams in the first six weeks, Cleveland could have only one or two wins at the Week 9 bye. If the Browns haven't gotten a look at Dillon Gabriel and/or Shedeur Sanders by then, that will probably be the pivot point.

—Knox

29. New York Giants

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Malik Nabers

The New York Giants' entire season will be built around the team's timetable for first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart to enter the starting lineup. 

Team brass has been adamant veteran Russell Wilson is the starter and the coaching staff will continue with Dart's development.

Anyone looking at the situation understands there's no future with Wilson behind center. He's a stopgap that didn't work in Denver with the Broncos or as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Dart thrilled throughout the preseason. He looked far more ready for the pro game than expected. To be fair, preseason is the key word when discussing what's been seen to date. The Giants don't want to rush him into the lineup, which is understandable. 

At the same time, the G-Men now have some exciting young pieces to build around in Malik Nabers, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Abdul Carter. Eventually, they have to see if Dart is worthy of being another building block.

—Sobleski

28. New York Jets

AP Photo/Noah K. Murray

Jets fans remain wary after a string of disappointing seasons, especially after last year's Aaron Rodgers debacle.

However, Aaron Glenn was a good hire as head coach, and we can expect the team to adopt his mentality. The Jets have talent at all three levels of the defense and should be able to run the ball.

If training camp and the preseason are any indication, though, the whole forward pass thing could be an issue. Justin Fields has not looked good as a passer, while New York's pass-catchers are not imposing bar Garrett Wilson.

Are the Jets a last-place team? Not necessarily.

Are they a playoff contender? No.

—Davenport

27. Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Bryce Young

Few experts expect the Carolina Panthers to rise from the bottom of the standings this year.

Bryce Young played well at the end of last year, but he wasn't lighting up defenses, averaging 204 passing yards between Weeks 16 and 18. And Carolina has a young defense with several fringe starters.

As primary starting quarterback for two seasons, Young has led the Panthers to one road win in 13 trips away from Bank of America Stadium. They will be guests in three of their first four games.

Expect this team to stumble out of the gate.

—Moton

26. Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Tyreek Hill

Entering the 2025 season, the Miami Dolphins have the feel of a team that is teetering on the brink.

Two years ago, they were an 11-win playoff team. Head coach Mike McDaniel was being hailed as an offensive guru. Miami led the league in total offense and led the AFC in scoring.

What a difference a year can make.

After last year's 8-9 campaign, McDaniel is now on the hot seat. Miami's once-potent offense was toothless last year, in part because quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can't stay on the field.

There are questions galore on defense, too, with the edge-rushers ravaged by injuries of late. The secondary isn't great, either.

Things could go sideways in a hurry in South Florida this year—and if they do, it's going to get ugly.

—Davenport

25. Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts face a make-or-break season after years of mediocrity under the supervision of general manager Chris Ballard, and they're doing so with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. 

Since Ballard took over the front office in 2017, the franchise owns a 62-69-1 record. Granted, Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement prior to the 2019 season threw everything into upheaval and the organization has yet to fully recover.

The Colts' ongoing quarterback drama is the direct result of not being able to find Luck's replacement at any point over the last six years. 

Maybe Anthony Richardson earns another chance to prove himself this season and does so. Though the Colts are going into the year expecting Jones to start the entire 2025 campaign.

With Jones behind center, the team is striving for average play with a chance of possibly sneaking into the postseason. Even then, it may not be enough for Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen to save their jobs.

—Sobleski

24. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

TreVeyon Henderson

New England head coach Mike Vrabel has wasted no time putting his stamp on the Patriots.

They were one of the most active teams in free agency, spending big money on the likes of defensive tackle Milton Williams and linebacker Robert Spillane.

The offensive line was overhauled with a pair of new starters at tackle in Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Passing-game weapons were added in an effort to help young quarterback Drake Maye take a step forward in Year 2.

The changes carried over into training camp. Multiple defensive starters from a year ago were either relegated to the second team or released outright.

Sunday's season opener against a similarly changed Las Vegas Raiders team may be one of the best matchups of Week 1.

—Davenport

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Brian Thomas Jr.

When will the Jacksonville Jaguars finally take all of the talent they have accumulated over the last few years and put a winning team on the field? 

Really, the 2025 campaign comes down to quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the progress he makes under new head coach Liam Coen.

The Jaguars invested a No. 1 overall pick in Lawrence and gave him a contract extension worth $275 million. But the team has made the postseason only once during his four seasons.

In order for the Jaguars to truly compete in the AFC, Lawrence must level up and place himself among the conference's best, including Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. 

It'll be interesting if the new staff can get the most out of Lawrence and Co., considering they're being led by a first-time head coach and first-time NFL coordinators on both sides of the ball.

—Sobleski

22. Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Jakobi Meyers

The Las Vegas Raiders will be a fun watch this season.

With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, quarterback Geno Smith, All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, they're capable of scoring in bunches.

Battle-tested veteran wideouts Jakobi Meyers—pending his contract situation—and Amari Cooper should mix well with Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tre Tucker and Jack Bech. If the offensive line group is solid, this team can be top-12 in scoring.

On the flip side, head coach Pete Carroll is relying heavily on inexperienced youth in the secondary. Eric Stokes is the lead cornerback, and the team doesn't have a clear-cut No. 2 on the opposite boundary.

The Silver and Black will be in several scoring shootouts this year.

—Moton

21. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

CeeDee Lamb

The Micah Parsons trade placed a damper on the upcoming season for the Dallas Cowboys. No matter what owner Jerry Jones babbled during the press conference after the deal, they are not better off without one of the game's premier defenders. 

Parsons' presence dicates offensive game plans and how opponents want to attack with him on the field. Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku don't do the same, which could expose some of the issues found along the Cowboys' secondary. 

Offensively, Dallas remains good enough to compete. A healthy Dak Prescott, with CeeDee Lamb and now George Pickens out wide, can put up numbers. An improved running back stable featuring Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders should help, too.

However, all-world right guard Zack Martin retired this offseason. First-round rookie Tyler Booker should be good, but he'll inevitably fall short of the previous standard. 

The Cowboys spent this offseason taking one step forward and three steps back, which places them in the race toward mediocrity.

—Sobleski

20. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Colston Loveland

The good news is that Chicago Bears fans are brimming with enthusiasm after an offseason headlined by the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson.

But could this end up being another false dawn?

The Bears have done just about everything they can to help quarterback Caleb Williams improve on an uneven rookie year. An offensive line that led the league in sacks allowed last year should be improved, and there are new passing-game weapons in wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland.

However, the Bears could be considerably better in 2025 and still be a fourth-place team in the NFC North.

The Lions are one of the NFC's best teams, the Vikings won 14 games last year, and the Packers made a massive trade just before the season.

The playoffs are a long shot, but maybe the Bears will finally get a 4,000-yard passer.

—Davenport

19. Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Kyler Murray

The Arizona Cardinals took significant steps to improve their defense this offseason.

We might finally get a glimpse at the sort of unit Jonathan Gannon oversaw with the Eagles, though some early growing pains can probably be expected.

Opening the season with Walter Nolen III on the PUP list certainly doesn't help.

It's fun to think about what Arizona might do offensively with Trey Benson in a larger role and a bigger, better Marvin Harrison Jr. out wide.

However, the season will still hinge on Kyler Murray, who desperately needs to prove this year that he can win something of substance.

—Knox

18. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Drake London

Michael Penix Jr.'s development will be a crucial factor in the Atlanta Falcons' 2025 season outlook.

In place of Kirk Cousins, he sparked the team's offense in the final three weeks of the previous season against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. Big Blue and the Commanders fielded top-eight pass defenses last season.

While everyone waits for Penix to help elevate tight end Kyle Pitts to stardom, Bijan Robinson is still the focal point of the offense. If he's on track for a rushing title, Atlanta could challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South crown.

—Moton

17. Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Sam Darnold

The Seattle Seahawks could be poised for a jump in Year 2 of the Mike Macdonald era. Their defense should be better than it was a year ago, and their offense will be different at least.

Rookie receiver Tory Horton looks promising, but he and Cooper Kupp aren't a clear upgrade over Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Sam Darnold may have a higher upside than Geno Smith, but he also has a much lower floor.

Macdonald and John Schneider gambled on an offensive makeover this offseason, plain and simple. If it pays off, Seattle should be back in the postseason; if it doesn't, the front office will be on the hot seat.

—Knox

16. San Francisco 49ers

AP Foto/Jed Jacobsohn

Christian McCaffrey

Ranking the San Francisco 49ers heading into Week 1 is tricky.

Their offseason defensive overhaul, which included the return of DC Robert Saleh, could pay huge dividends. If Christian McCaffrey is healthy, the offense should be, at worst, average.

However, San Francisco's triage of a receiver room creates early-season concerns.

Brock Purdy might not truly elevate the talent around him, but he's good enough to make the most of it. The question is whether McCaffrey, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle and a collection of new additions are enough to get through three divisional games in the first five weeks.

A slow start could be in order, but so could the sort of rebound the 49ers had after their injury-plagued 2020 campaign.

—Knox

15. Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Matt Krohn

J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL's more interesting teams ahead of the 2025 season.

Last year, they far outperformed expectations. With backup quarterback Sam Darnold under center, they won 14 games.

However, a miserable performance in the playoffs got Darnold the gate, and the Vikings now plan to turn the offense over to J.J. McCarthy.

Therein lies the problem: McCarthy's next NFL start will be his first. That's not all, though.

Wide receiver Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games. Minnesota's pass defense was not good last year. And the NFC North is giving the AFC West a run for its money as the league's toughest division.

The Vikings need a hot start as badly as any team in the NFL. And with a manageable early slate, they may well get one.

—Davenport

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Aaron Rodgers

Between Mike Tomlin and a perennially above-average defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers are always in the playoff mix. Their problem over the past few years has been inefficient quarterback play and uninspired offense in general.

Will a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers be the cure for what ails? At this point, nobody knows.

Heading into Week 1, Pittsburgh appears poised to follow one of two paths this season. Either A.) Rodgers regains some of his MVP form, and the Steelers go deep in the playoffs, or B.) the experiment implodes so spectacularly that Tomlin questions his desire to keep coaching this franchise to first-round exits.

—Knox

13. Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Tee Higgins

It feels strange to rank the Cincinnati Bengals this low when Joe Burrow is at the helm of an offense that features Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Of course, those three were leading the charge a year ago, and the team still missed the playoffs.

The Bengals paid a boatload of money on Chase, Higgins, and pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason, which may distract fans from the fact that Cincinnati did shockingly little to improve its overall roster.

A few promising rookies and a new defensive coordinator aren't going to fix all of the issues this team had in 2024.

This is a team that no longer gets the benefit of the doubt.

If it learns to pass protect and play defense, it could be a Super Bowl contender; if it doesn't, it may be time to consider a new coach and a different approach.

—Knox

12. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

C.J. Stroud

The Houston Texans are back-to-back AFC South champions, but two different sides of the scale exist within that short time period.

In 2023, the Texans were flying high under the direction of new head coach Demeco Ryans and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. They exceeded all expectations and placed themselves among the conference's best.

One season later, expectations were much higher and they didn't play quite as well. 

This year's squad is fascinating based on its offensive makeup. Stroud is still in the place, but the offensive line has been revamped.

Running back Joe Mixon is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list with no timetable for a return. Finally, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is gone, while Tank Dell continues to recover from last year's devastating knee injury. 

The Texans still have enough talent on the roster to three-peat in the AFC South. However, their ability to do so is more of an indictment of the other teams in the division.

—Sobleski

11. Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Courtland Sutton

Offensively, the Denver Broncos have a strong collective group with continuity, but at the skill positions, Courtland Sutton and J.K. Dobbins don't excite. Head coach Sean Payton found his "Joker" in 31-year-old tight end Evan Engram.

That being said, the Broncos returned their entire offensive line from last year, which includes All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz. That unit will enable Payton to maximize the potential of his offense.

Meanwhile, Denver's third-ranked scoring defense from a year ago will be even stingier with the addition of safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and rookie first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron.

Wherever you have the Broncos ranked, it may not be high enough.

—Moton

10. Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Omarion Hampton

The Los Angeles Chargers invested in their offense, signing guard Mekhi Becton, tight end Tyler Conklin and wide receiver Keenan Allen. They also selected running back Omarion Hampton and Tre' Harris in the first two rounds of the draft.

With those moves, the offense looked primed to rank top-10 in scoring and total yards, which would complement the league's No. 1 scoring defense from last season.

However, left tackle Rashawn Slater will miss the entire 2025 season with a torn patellar tendon. Running back Najee Harris may have compromised vision after he suffered an eye injury from a fireworks incident.

The Chargers may be less of a bully than they planned to be this year, which hurts their chances of knocking the Kansas City Chiefs off the AFC West pedestal.

—Moton

9. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Matthew Stafford

Any success or failure the Los Angeles Rams have in 2025 will be linked to two preseason stories: The shuffling of the offensive line and Matthew Stafford's back ailment.

Stafford is experienced enough to skip training camp and still perform in the regular season. He also has a lengthy history of being able to play through injuries. If he can't stay on the field and upright, though, L.A.'s season could be sunk.

The Rams have the coaching and the talent needed to challenge for an NFC Championship, but they're not going to do it with Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett behind center.

—Knox

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Bucky Irving

Baker Mayfield has been unfazed by constant changes in play-calling.

Over the last two years, he has thrown for 69 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, averaging 251 passing yards per game with a 67.9 percent completion rate under two different offensive coordinators.

He won't see much of a drop-off in production with passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard taking over for Liam Coen.

In the short term, Tampa Bay will be without two offensive playmakers, though. Wideout Chris Godwin is coming along slowly from ankle surgery, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs is recovering from offseason knee surgery. They're both on the active roster.

With Bucky Irving emerging as a key playmaker out of the backfield last season, the Buccaneers offense will still be electric despite the injuries.

The defense needs to cut down on allowing explosive plays, having given up the fourth-most passing yards in 2024.

—Moton

7. Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Micah Parsons

Some might say awarding the Lombardi Trophy now is fair with Micah Parsons in Green Bay—but jokes aside, his arrival is a massive boost to the pass rush.

The addition of Parsons was a massive get for a Packers team that had a weakness in its pass rush. Green Bay had a respectable 45 sacks in 2024, but the team struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The flip side of that addition is that it ratchets up the pressure on the rest of the Packers team. Expectations have gone from winning the NFC North to winning it all.

And with the Lions on tap in Week 1 followed by a Thursday night date with the Commanders, a slow start will not be welcomed.

—Davenport

6. Washington Commanders

AP Foto/Derik Hamilton

Terry McLaurin

Jayden Daniels proved to be the revelation of the 2024 campaign.

The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year helped lead the Commanders to heights the franchise hadn't experienced in over 30 years by reaching the NFC Championship Game. Now, it's time to build on that success. 

The Commanders' plan of attack centered on the big trade acquisitions of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil—both of whom should have a significant impact on Daniels' continued development. Terry McLaurin's recent contract extension won't hurt, either. 

The defense is where the some concerns still lie. Yes, Washington should benefit from having a healthy Marshon Lattimore and second-round rookie Trey Amos in its secondary. However, the unit doesn't have anyone to generate much pressure on a consistent basis. Right now, the team is leaning on a 36-year-old Von Miller, who hasn't played a full season in seven years, to get the job done. 

This team is good, but it's not quite there yet.

—Sobleski

5. Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Aidan Hutchinson

You'll have to forgive fans of the Detroit Lions if they aren't sure how to feel entering the season.

On the one hand, there's still the disappointment of how last year's franchise-best 15-2 season ended. On the other, there's the fact that outside the defending champion Eagles, the Lions are probably the top contenders to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX.

The offense is as loaded as any in the NFL from front to back. The defense will get back star edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson and added an upgrade at cornerback in D.J. Reed.

But there is upheaval in the coaching staff this year, with a pair of new coordinators in John Morton (offense) and Kelvin Sheppard (defense). Both were internal promotions to maintain continuity, but both have big shoes to fill.

It won't take long to find out if these Lions are ready to pick up where they left off last year—the team opens the season at Lambeau Field against the Packers in what will be one of the more talked-about games of Week 1.

—Davenport

4. Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

Josh Allen

There's no question what the edict is in Western New York this year: It's Santa Clara or bust.

Winning a sixth straight AFC East title means little. Anything less than a trip to Super Bowl LX will be viewed as a failure.

That means the hype for Sunday night's home opener against the Baltimore Ravens will be intense. But it's still one game.

Could it matter for playoff seeding? Sure. But the sky is hardly falling for the team that loses this weekend.

The Bills are loaded on both sides of the ball with the reigning MVP at quarterback in Josh Allen. They are going to be in the top five of these rankings most of the season.

But that doesn't matter, either.

All that does is getting over the hump in the playoffs.

—Davenport

3. Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Lamar Jackson

The Bills aren't definitively better, and the Chiefs feel more vulnerable than they probably are. Expect the Baltimore Ravens to be popular preseason picks for the AFC's Super Bowl representative—and for good reason.

The defense, which improved down the stretch last year under first-year coordinator Zach Orr, added a few exciting pieces on the back end. DeAndre Hopkins adds another big name to an offense that saw minimal turnover.

Lamar Jackson again played at an MVP level in 2024, and it's hard to envision a regression this year. If he stays healthy, this just might be the year he plays for a title.

—Knox

2. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes will open the season without one of his top pass-catchers, after Rashee Rice was suspended for six games.

However, the Kansas City Chiefs' intention to attack with the deep ball should allow second-year pro Xavier Worthy to blossom into a dynamic playmaker.

Coming off a Super Bowl loss, Kansas City has the motivation to show the doubters its dynasty isn't over. The Chiefs have lost just two games in September over the previous three seasons. They're going to come out swinging and winning.

—Moton

1. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

A.J. Brown

Typically, a Super Bowl-winning squad is plundered for all of its available talent the following offseason.

The Philadelphia Eagles featured such a deep roster last season that even though multiple high-profile free agents left, they remain one of the league's most talented squads. 

Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Mekhi Becton, Avonte Maddox, Kenneth Gainwell and Brandon Graham are gone. That's OK. The Eagles simply reloaded, with the core of the team still intact.

Jalen Hurts remains behind center. Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith still comprise the squad's primary offensive threats. Even with a change at right guard, the Eagles will trot out one of the league's best offensive lines, if not the best. 

Defensively, the younger players now gain an even bigger spotlight, with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and first-round rookie Jihaad Campbell prepared to wreck opposing offenses. 

It's not easy to repeat as Super Bowl champions, but the Eagles sit atop B/R's rankings because the 2025 incarnation has a better-than-passing chance to do so.

—Sobleski