This next NFL season is set to be a wild one. With more than 75% of the league reloading their weapons and looking strong, it’s anyone’s game. Here are my power rankings going into the next season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Though the Eagles lost key defensive players like Darius Slay and Josh Sweat, the Eagles retained Defensive Player of the Year candidate Zack Baun (5th in voting) and have a track record of developing talent “under the radar.” Their strong depth, especially on the lines, keeps them at the top. With one of the top quarterbacks in the league, too arguably the best running back in the league, too one of the top receiving cores in the league, the Eagles are the team to beat.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs secured some decent snags in the 2025 NFL Draft. With notable draft picks such as wide receiver Jalen Royals and running back Brashard Smith, who used to play wide receiver at the University of Miami. I strongly think Smith was one of the biggest steals in the NFL Draft. Smith reminds me much of a younger Deebo Samuel, who could rise to the occasion as a potential “wide-back” for the Chiefs. However, losing All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears is concerning about offensive line stability, and wondering if there will be the same protection for QB Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is likely to go on a “revenge-ark” after the humiliating loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Many speculate he is already in the lab working on his craft and looking to be a major problem in the AFC, looking to retain his crown at the top of the NFL. The young receiving crew for Mahomes is looking to make a statement during the next season.
3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills focused on roster continuity by retaining key players like QB Josh Allen, making him the highest paid quarterback in the league. They also added EDGE Joey Bosa to complement other edge-rusher Greg Rousseau, enhancing their defense. However, they still need additional offensive weapons to support Allen, such as a strong group of receivers. Most of Allen’s receivers are underrated and valuable, however none are able to be consistent and maintain a “WR1” title. The Bills put up a fight against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game and sent home the loaded Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round last year, and look to be the team emerging out of the AFC into the Super Bowl next season. Allen is coming off an MVP statement, looking to make a major statement and solidify himself as one of the greats, though he already might.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens bolstered their offense by acquiring veteran free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and signing LT Ronnie Stanley. These are just 2 moves that provide quarterback Lamar Jackson with more weapons, solidifying their elite status in the league. Jackson has already been playing MVP caliber for the last couple of seasons, or ever since he entered the league. He also has probably the best tight-end duo to help support his wide receiver crew: Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews. Andrews is looking to win back Baltimore fans and NFL fans, after dropping the game tying 2 point conversion in the AFC Divisional game. Likely on the other hand highlights his versatility and had his breakout season this past season. While the air game looks strong, the run game is just as good. With the King running back Derrick Henry returning for the next season, the 31 year old is looking to make a statement yet again in Baltimore. As Henry begins to age, in the 2024 NFL Draft, running back Rasheen Ali from Marshall University, was selected to add depth behind Derrick Henry and will likely see the field much more this upcoming 2025-2026 season.
5. Los Angeles Rams
[This is a hot take]: The Los Angeles Rams are one of the most overlooked teams in the NFL. Their offense is purely loaded with talent and stars. The Rams have arguably the best wide receiver duo in the game with route running specialist Davante Adams and “dawg” Puka Nacua. Their other receivers are also strong, with a potential deep threat Tutu Atwell lurking the corner. They look to solidify their run game this year as star running back Kyren Williams looks to run back another dominant season. But the Rams plans to just run the ball off Williams is not inevitable. The Rams look to utilize either running back Blake Corum or Auburn draftee Jarquez Hunter as a good “partner in crime” for Williams. This would help the Rams establish a strong run game to compliment the passing. The Rams’ dynamic offense, led by Matthew Stafford, is really what keeps them competitive though. Returning for a potential 2 more seasons, the Rams want to help lead Matthew Stafford into the sunset with one more Super Bowl win. Not only is the offense dangerous, but so is the Rams defense. Led by the “conductor” defensive tackle Kobie Turner, the defensive line is the most dangerous group of young pass rushers and run stoppers. Returning next season and looking to win defensive player of the year is 2024-2025 defensive rookie of the year OLB Jared Verse. Complimenting him is defensive rookie of the year finalist defensive end Braden Fiske, 2023-2024 defensive rookie of the year finalist OLB Byron Young, and the new draftees: Michigan OLB Josaiah Stewart and Ohio State DL Ty Hamilton. The only issue for the Rams is their “middle defense” and secondary’s consistency. With these, there is no stopping the Rams from a potential Super Bowl run.
6. Washington Commanders
After taking down the NFC South champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the juggernaut NFC’s #1 seed Detroit Lions in the playoffs, and with 2024-2025 offensive rookie of the year star quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders look to emerge as Super Bowl contenders in the upcoming season. The Commanders made aggressive moves to support Daniels by acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to support their franchise quarterback. With a young and aggressive wide receiver room led by Deebo Samuel Sr. and “scary” Terry McLaurin, Daniels has a wide variety of options for the upcoming season. Their focus on strengthening the defense also contributed to their rise of rankings.
7. Detroit Lions
Despite losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, the Lions retained their core roster. The addition of CB D.J. Reed and the return of Aidan Hutchinson position them as strong contenders for the upcoming season. With the duo of “Sonic and Knuckles,” David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs returning, the Lions look to get atop of the NFC North once again. Quarterback Jared Goff has a lot to prove after choking against the Washington Commanders in last season’s NFC Divisional Round. Can the Lions make a push to the Super Bowl next season?
8. Cincinnati Bengals
With 2024-2025 comeback player of the year, MVP candidate and offensive player of the year candidate quarterback Joe Burrow healthy and a strong draft class, the Bengals are poised to return to form and contend against the Ravens for the top team in the AFC North. Their offensive line improvements are key to their success, and can impact either their success or failure to reach the playoffs again. Last year starting with a losing record, to finishing 9-8 and missing the last wild card spot by 1 spot; to Bengals look to reign atop of the entire NFL. Not only can the offense need to work hard, but so does the defense. The Bengals defense was one of the worst rated last year in the NFL and following this year’s draft, the Bengals had made some significant upgrades to their defense. Securing their top 2 receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase was a crucial key to the Bengals’ offense.
9. Houston Texans
After a surprising 2024 season with ups and downs (multiple injuries), the Texans face challenges in maintaining momentum. The Texans draft picks will be crucial in supporting QB C.J. Stroud. The Texans focused on drafting pieces that help elevate the offense and is very young, this will be the new team to beat in the next couple of years once the offense matures. The defense is already strong and is just getting stronger every season, with a young and dangerous defense, it is a quarterback’s nightmare to play against.
10. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are ranked No. 10 post-2025 NFL Draft due to a promising blend of youth and talent. Quarterback Jordan Love leads an offense bolstered by first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams. The defense features Pro Bowlers Rashan Gary and Xavier McKinney, along with rising stars like Edgerrin Cooper and Lukas Van Ness. While cornerback Jaire Alexander’s future with the Packers is uncertain, the team’s depth and recent draft additions position them as strong contenders in the NFC.
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers improved their defense and running game. Continued support for QB Justin Herbert is essential. First-round pick Omarion Hampton adds power to the backfield, while second-rounder Tre Harris provides a reliable target for Justin Herbert. Tight end Oronde Gadsden II and receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith enhance the passing game. Defensively, Jamaree Caldwell strengthens the interior line, and edge rusher Kyle Kennard offers depth behind Tuli Tuipulotu. Safeties R.J. Mickens and Trikweze Bridges contribute to the secondary. The Chargers are definitely poised for a strong 2025-2026 season.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First round pick Emeka Egbuka adds depth to the receiving corps alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Second and third round selections Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish strengthen the secondary. Edge rushers David Walker and Elijah Roberts bolster the pass rush, while seventh rounder Tez Johnson offers speed and special teams potential. Undrafted free agent Shilo Sanders adds depth at safety. With Coach Todd Bowles leading, Tampa Bay is poised for another competitive season in the NFC South.
13. Chicago Bears
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed promise, throwing for 4,030 yards and 20 touchdowns. Veteran additions like wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back D’Andre Swift provided valuable support. The defense featured standout performances from cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, as well as safety Kevin Byard. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears bolstered their roster with tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, enhancing their offensive weapons. Defensive additions included versatile lineman Shemar Turner and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II. With new head coach Ben Johnson doing the play-calling, the Bears are set to contend as a top team in the NFC North.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys look to rebound from a disappointing 7–10 record in 2024. The team struggled offensively, with quarterback Dak Prescott limited to eight games due to injury, and the offense averaging just 20.6 points per game . Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remained a bright spot despite losing his reliable arm, Dak Prescott. In response to their offensive line issues, the Cowboys used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select guard Tyler Booker from Alabama, aiming to increase protection for Prescott . They also added edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. to strengthen the defense. Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys are focusing on rebuilding their offensive line and enhancing their defense to compete in the loaded NFC East.
15. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 season ranked No. 15 in my power rankings, building on a 10–7 record in 2024 that secured their first playoff berth since 2015 under head coach Sean Payton. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix led the offense with 29 passing touchdowns, while wide receiver Courtland Sutton contributed 8 receiving touchdowns. The defense featured Pro Bowlers Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II, with Bonitto recording 10 sacks. Despite a 31–7 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, the team showed significant improvement. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Broncos addressed key areas by selecting cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round, running back R.J. Harvey in the second, and wide receiver Pat Bryant in the third. They also added edge rushers Sai’vion Jones and Que Robinson, and punter Jeremy Crawshaw.
16. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finished the 2024 season with a 14–3 record, led by quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected offensive lineman Donovan Jackson from Ohio State with the 24th overall pick to bolster their offensive line. Additional picks included wide receiver Tai Felton (No. 102), defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (No. 139), linebacker Kobe King (No. 201), and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (No. 202). Now with quarterback Darnold on the Seahawks, JJ McCarthy is now the new starting quarterback for the Vikings.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers concluded the 2024 season with a 10–7 record. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they focused on defense, selecting five defensive players among their seven picks. Notably, they drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round, a national champion known for his clutch performances.
18. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks ended the 2024 season with a 10–7 record but missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected guard Grey Zabel from North Dakota State with the 18th overall pick. They also added safety Nick Emmanwori, who aims to make an impact in the secondary. The Seahawks also took Jalen Milroe in the 3rd round, who they hope to be a development project. This reminds me of the way Russell Wilson got his chance in the NFL a decade ago.
19. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers finished the 2024 season at 6–11. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected edge rusher Mykel Williams with their first pick. Other key selections included running back Jordan James (No. 147) and safety Marques Sigle (No. 160), aiming to strengthen both offense and defense alongside the other picks. The 49ers were heavily injured last year and lost a some key pieces over the off season. The 49ers look to avoid a drought that seems inevitable. Will Brock Purdy lead the 49ers to the playoffs again?
20. New England Patriots
The Patriots concluded the 2024 season with a 4–13 record. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU with their first-round pick. They also acquired kicker Andres Borregales, long snapper Julian Ashby, and cornerback Kobee Minor through trades initiated during Bill Belichick’s time in New England.
21. New York Jets
The Jets ended the 2024 season with a 5–12 record. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they held eight picks, beginning with the No. 7 selection in the first round. They selected tight end Mason Taylor from LSU with the 42nd overall pick, aiming to bolster their offensive weapons. They were able to give Fields more protection and weapons, as well as strengthen the defense. The Jets look to be above average next season after a failed Rodgers Era in New York.
22. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals improved to an 8–9 record in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected defensive lineman Walter Nolen III from Ole Miss with the 16th overall pick. Other notable picks included cornerback Will Johnson (No. 47) and edge rusher Jordan Burch (No. 78), focusing on strengthening their defense.
23. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons finished the 2024 season with an 8–9 record. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected linebacker Jalon Walker from Georgia with the 15th overall pick, aiming to enhance their defensive unit. They also picked up another defensive stud with the 26th pick of the NFL draft via a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
24. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers posted a 5–12 record in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they focused on building a young, aggressive defense, selecting two edge rushers on Day 2. This strategy indicates a potential shift from veteran players like Jadeveon Clowney, who had 5.5 sacks in 2024. Bryce Young now has all the offensive weapons he needs, selecting 2 receivers and a running back in the draft to help Young. They also picked up route running specialist from the Raiders via free agency.
25. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders concluded the 2024 season with a 4–13 record. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State with the 6th overall pick and wide receiver Jack Bech from TCU in the second round. Both are expected to contribute immediately to the offense.
26. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins ended the 2024 season at 8–9. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected defensive tackle Kenneth Grant from Michigan with the 13th overall pick. They also added running back Ollie Gordon II (No. 179) and quarterback Quinn Ewers (No. 231), aiming to enhance both offense and defense. Keep in mind, the Dolphins have one of the fastest teams in the league, from quarterback and running back to wide receivers.
27. New York Giants
The Giants struggled to a 3–14 record in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State with the 3rd overall pick. Later in the first round, the Giants traded up and made a shocking move to selected Jaxson Dart in the first round. Dart will be the future QB for the Giants as he will learn behind veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. They also drafted offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (No. 154) and tight end Thomas Fidone II (No. 219) to strengthen their roster.
28. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts posted an 8–9 record in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected tight end Tyler Warren from Penn State with the 14th overall pick and defensive end JT Tuimoloau (No. 45) to bolster their offense and defense. Currently, Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson are fighting for the QB1 role on the offense, it is likely that Richardson will start.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars finished the 2024 season with a 4–13 record, struggling defensively. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected cornerback Caleb Ransaw from Tulane (No. 88) to address their secondary issues, as they allowed the most passing yards in franchise history during the 2024-2025 season. They also added CB/WR Travis Hunter by trading up to the number 2 overall pick. The Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence look to bounce back and make the playoffs once again.
30. Cleveland Browns
The Browns concluded the 2024 season at 3–14. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected defensive tackle Mason Graham from Michigan with the 5th overall pick after trading down from No. 2. They also drafted running back Quinshon Judkins in the second round to enhance their offense. But right now the real question is, which way will the Browns go towards for QB.
*Read my previous article on the Cleveland Browns QB Room to learn more.
31. Tennessee Titans
The Titans ended the 2024 season with a 3–14 record. Holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected quarterback Cam Ward to lead their rebuild and revitalize the franchise.
32. New Orleans Saints
The Saints posted a 5–12 record in 2024. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they focused on acquiring offensive playmakers to rejuvenate their scoring capabilities, aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming season. I graded the Saints’ draft picks, and they were quite disappointing. This franchise will likely struggle for the next couple of years.
