NFL Week 1 Power Rankings: Ravens and Eagles open the season on top
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- The Ravens start the season atop the rankings: Baltimore will be looking to move further in the playoffs in 2025. The team is off to a good start at the No. 1 spot in the Week 1 PFF Power Rankings.
- The Bengals land in the top 10: Despite missing the playoffs in 2024, the Bengals open the 2025 season at the No. 8 spot.
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Estimated Reading Time: 32 minutes
The NFL Week 1 NFL power rankings below offer a comprehensive view of team standings and future prospects. All of the information below and more can be found in the PFF Power Rankings tool, which is available with a PFF+ subscription.
It’s important to note that these rankings consider more than just win-loss records and playoff seeding. Factors such as player- and team-level grades, offensive and defensive efficiency, prior performance from past seasons and strength of schedule all play a role. This is why teams with worse records and slimmer playoff hopes may rank higher than those with better records who have managed wins against weaker opponents or delivered inconsistent performances.
1. Baltimore Ravens
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 11%
- Biggest offseason addition: CB Jaire Alexander (77.3)
- Biggest offseason loss: G Patrick Mekari (59.4)
The Ravens are looking to make amends for a disappointing playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills a year ago. That team felt like it had all the momentum in the world, boasting a third-ranked 93.1 PFF overall grade. But this iteration of the roster might be even better. The Ravens didn’t fall prey to major turnover and improved the secondary with the additions of Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, as well as rookie first-round pick Malaki Starks.
As long as Lamar Jackson quarterbacks the Ravens, they’ll live in the realm of perennial Super Bowl contenders. However, Jackson and the rest of the roster need to prove that they are capable of getting over the hump in 2025. They might never have a better chance.
Player to watch in 2025: CornerbackNate Wiggins earned a 72.6 PFF overall grade in his rookie season, and the Ravens will hope the Clemson product can be a major asset on one of the best defenses in the NFL.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 9%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Azeez Ojulari (56.4)
- Biggest offseason loss: DI Milton Williams (76.5)
Despite entering the 2025 season as the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Eagles find themselves second in the PFF Power Rankings. This is still one of the most talented teams in the NFL, but Philadelphia’s defense is weaker than it was a year ago and will feature at least six new starters in Week 1.
The sky isn’t falling in Philadelphia, though, nor should it be. The offense can carry the load and play bully ball while Vic Fangio’s defense finds its groove. Spirits will be high, regardless, and the Eagles will feel confident that they’ll have a serious Super Bowl-caliber defense.
Player to watch in 2025: Interior defender Moro Ojomo earned a 70.4 PFF overall grade across 490 snaps while registering 31 quarterback pressures in 2024. He’ll be expected to play more snaps and fill a hole left behind by Milton Williams in 2025.
3. Buffalo Bills
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 11%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Joey Bosa (61.1)
- Biggest offseason loss: EDGE Von Miller (82.4)
The Bills debuted a meaner, more aggressive offense in 2024, and it worked wonders … until the postseason. Felled by their playoff nemesis, the Kansas City Chiefs, once more, the Bills will be trying to finally get over the hump in a stacked AFC in 2025. They’ve got the talent, and they’ve got Josh Allen, fresh off winning his first MVP award in 2024.
Buffalo made some shrewd moves in free agency and heavily strengthened the defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the offense will retain all of its vigor with Allen under center and an in-your-face rushing game to pair with him.
One player to watch in 2025: Tight end Dalton Kincaid struggled with injuries in his second season in the NFL and was limited to just 13 games. He still earned a strong 71.5 PFF overall grade in 2024 and will be a major part of the Bills’ passing game this season.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 9%
- Biggest offseason addition: CB Kristian Fulton (68.9)
- Biggest offseason loss: G Joe Thuney (80.0)
Dealing with a Super Bowl loss will never be a fun task, but the Chiefs have proven in the past that they have the wherewithal to recover from a beatdown. The fact that they’re now fourth, and the third AFC team, in the power rankings means the tide could slowly be turning on their dominance, but as long as they have Patrick Mahomes on the field and Andy Reid calling plays, they’ll be there or thereabouts.
The Chiefs will be looking for their sixth Super Bowl appearance in the past seven years, and anything less will be viewed as a disappointment. They’ll have to contend with an offensive line that took a hit after the front office traded veteran guard Joe Thuney, but drafting Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons was a coup. Meanwhile, star receiver Rashee Rice is suspended for the first six games of the season. Could there be some early growing pains for the offense?
One player to watch in 2025: The Chiefs will need wide receiver Xavier Worthy to step up in Rice’s absence, and after the former Longhorn earned a 71.8 PFF overall grade in his rookie season, the front office will hope he can be a bigger part of the offense in 2025.
5. Detroit Lions
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 6%
- Biggest offseason addition: CB D.J. Reed (70.7)
- Biggest offseason loss: C Frank Ragnow (85.3)
The Lions boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, a team full of star power but also serious questions. How will the offense look without Ben Johnson calling plays? How will the defense look without Aaron Glenn at the helm? How will the offensive line, without Frank Ragnow at center and three new starters on the interior, hold up?
There are questions, but the overwhelming consensus should be that the Lions are still a regular-season juggernaut capable of winning 14-15 games. Aidan Hutchinson, who logged a 94.9 PFF overall grade in five games in 2024, returns from injury and will be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The offensive and defensive identities of the Lions shouldn’t look too different.
One player to watch in 2025: Guard Christian Mahogany, the team’s sixth-round pick in 2024, earned a 91.5 PFF overall grade in limited action in his rookie season and will now start the season at left guard. The Lions have high hopes for Mahogany, and he’ll have to hit the ground running.
6. Green Bay Packers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 5%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Micah Parsons (90.0)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Jaire Alexander (77.3)
The Packers made the splash of the offseason with one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history just a week before the season, trading two first-round picks and interior defender Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys for edge defender Micah Parsons. Parsons needs no introduction, but he enters the season coming off 70 pressures and 14 sacks in 13 games for the Cowboys and is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Parsons is the icing on the cake for an improving Packers defense, and the offense should once again be a top unit. They’re putting the pieces together for a Super Bowl run, but they need to improve upon a 1-5 record in the NFC North from a year ago.
One player to watch in 2025: Safety Evan Williams earned a 72.3 PFF overall grade in 2024 and will continue to build chemistry with Xavier McKinney as a starting safety.
7. Washington Commanders
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 4%
- Biggest offseason addition: T Laremy Tunsil (77.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: DI Jonathan Allen (56.0)
After notching a 12-5 record, their best since 1991, and a trip to the NFC Championship game, the Commanders believe their time is now — and with that window open, they should do all they can to put the pieces in place. Washington added veterans Laremy Tunsil, Deebo Samuel and Von Miller to an already experienced roster and will hope that Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels can continue to ascend in year two, as opposed to falling prey to the dreaded sophomore slump. He earned a 90.6 PFF overall grade in 2024.
Repeating their success of a year ago is a tough task, and the Commanders also have one of the oldest rosters in the league. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, but confidence in Washington will be high.
One player to watch in 2025: Tackle Josh Conerly Jr. is only a rookie, but hopes are high for the Commanders’ 2025 first-round pick. He enters the season starting at right tackle and earned a 71.3 PFF overall grade in the preseason.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 4%
- Biggest offseason addition: G Lucas Patrick (68.1)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Mike Hilton (75.8)
The Bengals’ placement in the top 10 despite their 2024 woes might outrage some fanbases, but the strength of the offense alone means they should be viewed as contenders … so long as the defense isn’t one of the worst units in the league again.
Locking in Trey Hendrickson for the year, after a tumultuous offseason, is a win for the Bengals. Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and earned an 88.1 PFF overall grade in 2024. But on paper, there are still plenty of concerns about the legitimacy of the team’s defense. That could be what holds back the Bengals, even if Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase continue to be the best quarterback-receiver duo in the league.
One player to watch in 2025: Running back Chase Brown broke out in 2024, earning a 75.7 PFF overall grade and gaining 1,350 yards from scrimmage. He became a feature of the offense once he took over the starting role. He’s in line for a huge year in 2025.
9. Los Angeles Rams
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: WR Davante Adams (75.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: WR Cooper Kupp (71.4)
The Rams have been sweating the offseason, waiting to find out the extent of Matthew Stafford’s back injury, but head coach Sean McVay said he expects the veteran quarterback to start against the Texans in Week 1. Still, Stafford is 37 years old, and the Rams’ offensive line isn’t without its flaws. They’ll have to be at their best to keep Stafford upright.
The positives are that the Rams replaced Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams in the offseason, and he’ll give the offense a true X receiver. With Adams and Puka Nacua, the Rams have two of the best receivers in the league. The ceiling is high for this team, but the floor feels like it could crater at any moment.
One player to watch in 2025: It’s the easy pick, but reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse is poised to become a true household name in 2025. The former Florida State first-round pick earned an 86.2 PFF overall grade and racked up 77 pressures in 2024. He is the face of a young Rams defense looking to make an impact.
10. Minnesota Vikings
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: DI Jonathan Allen (56.0)
- Biggest offseason loss: QB Sam Darnold (80.7)
No team spent more money than the Vikings in free agency as the front office attempted to bolster the trenches. The additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were an improvement to the defensive line, while Will Fries, Ryan Kelly and Donovan Jackson star as a brand-new interior offensive line. Putting J.J. McCarthy in the best position possible to succeed has been the plan.
The roster around McCarthy is one of the best in the NFL, and the Vikings clearly have a deep playoff run on their mind, but McCarthy is still an unknown in the league.
One player to watch in 2025: McCarthy remains the answer here. The Vikings drafted him with the 10th overall pick a year ago, and with an excellent offense around him, he’ll be expected to hit the ground running in 2025.
11. San Francisco 49ers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 4%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Bryce Huff (69.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: LB Dre Greenlaw (73.1 in 2023)
The 49ers endured injury after injury in 2024, watching key players go down each week on their way to a 6-11 record. The bright side for San Francisco is that things can’t be as bad as last season. Running back Christian McCaffrey returns to the offense fully healthy, while George Kittle is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Quarterback Brock Purdy earned an 82.4 PFF overall grade in 2024 and arguably had his best season as a pro. This is still an exciting offense.
The questions about the defense are fair. The 49ers will have three rookies — Mykel Williams, Upton Stout and Marques Sigle — likely starting in Week 1, and the only true star power on the team is with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. They’ll need the offense to do some heavy lifting, but a last-place NFC West schedule means the 49ers are likely playoff-bound.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall missed the start of the 2024 season after being shot in the offseason, but he came back to play in 11 games and earned a 63.9 PFF overall grade. The 49ers need him to step up due to a lack of available starting receivers to open the 2025 campaign.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: G Mekhi Becton (70.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: DI Poona Ford (85.3)
The first season of the Jim Harbaugh era was a roaring success for the Chargers. They finished with an 11-6 record and earned a playoff berth while the defense and offense showed signs of growth. They weren’t major spenders in free agency but had a stellar draft, picking Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris, two offensive stars, in the first two rounds. Their ascent feels like more of a slow burn.
The AFC West is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, and the Chargers currently possess a 51% chance of making the playoffs before Week 1. The season-ending injury to left tackle Rashawn Slater likely limits their ceiling, but they’re still a team in the playoff hunt.
13. Houston Texans
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- Biggest offseason loss: T Laremy Tunsil (77.8)
The Texans made the playoffs and finished with a 10-7 record in 2024, but it was a disappointing season. The offense failed to efficiently move the ball, and second-year star quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled to build on an excellent rookie campaign. The Texans are still comfortably the best team in the AFC South, though, and the offense has arguably improved in the offseason, with a retooled offensive line and additional pass catchers, as well as a new playcaller in Nick Caley.
The defense, led by Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter, is one of the best in the NFL, too. The Texans should be better than they were a year ago, and anything can happen in the playoffs.
One player to watch in 2025: Safety Calen Bullock earned a 47.9 PFF overall grade in his rookie season but looked far more confident once he got his feet under him. He’ll feature in an excellent secondary in 2025.
14. Denver Broncos
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: TE Evan Engram (72.5)
- Biggest offseason loss: RB Javonte Williams (61.7)
The Broncos were one of the surprise outfits of 2024, finally ending their long playoff drought and finishing with a 10-7 record in the regular season — their first-winning season since 2015. The defense earned a 77.9 PFF grade and was one of the best units in the NFL. It only got better this offseason.
Finding the balance between optimism and pragmatism is a fine line, but the Broncos have improved the ecosystem around second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Even in a tough AFC West, they’re heading into the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Troy Franklin had a quiet rookie season, catching just 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 54.3 PFF overall grade. But he’s projected to start in the slot for the Broncos in 2025 and has excellent size and speed to become a true weapon for Nix.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Haason Reddick (53.5)
- Biggest offseason loss: EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (53.1)
The Buccaneers’ offense was one of the best in the NFL last season, and the defense found its feet in the second half of the campaign. Both units will look to retain their excellent status in 2025. However, losing Liam Coen as the team’s offensive play-caller is a big blow. Can Baker Mayfield, who earned a career-high 85.9 PFF overall grade in 2024, maintain his stellar play with Josh Grizzard calling the shots?
If he can, the Buccaneers stand an excellent chance of winning the NFC South again and making a playoff run. They’ve won the division four years in a row and have the sixth-easiest schedule in 2025.
One player to watch in 2025: 2023 third-round pick Yaya Diaby flashed in his second season in the NFL, generating 70 pressures and six sacks with a 76.7 PFF overall grade. Can he be a difference-maker on the edge in 2025?
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 3%
- Biggest offseason addition: QB Aaron Rodgers (77.6)
- Biggest offseason loss: S Minkah Fitzpatrick (65.2)
The Steelers had an uncharacteristically splashy offseason, trading for D.K. Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey while adding Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Do those additions move the needle much in 2025? Maybe not, but the team took a different approach and could reap the rewards.
The major change was to bring in 41-year-old Rodgers. He might not even be an upgrade over Russell Wilson, but, again, Pittsburgh is trying something new. The Steelers could finish in a wild-card spot, or the bottom could fall out by Week 5. It’ll be pure entertainment, regardless.
One player to watch in 2025: Interior defender Keeanu Benton has broken out in the way some anticipated, although his 68.2 PFF overall grade in 2024 leaves room for improvement. Pairing him with first-round pick Derrick Harmon, once he’s healthy, and Cameron Heyward, gives the Steelers an impressive defensive interior. Benton could finally flash as a pass rusher.
17. Arizona Cardinals
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 2%
- Biggest offseason addition: EDGE Josh Sweat (70.3)
- Biggest offseason loss: EDGE Dennis Gardeck (72.0)
The Cardinals left a lot of meat on the bone in 2024. They were 6-4 heading into their Week 11 bye and in control of the NFC West, before losing five of their last seven games and finishing with an 8-9 record. They’ve had a strong offseason, though, and the defense has the potential to be one of the better units in the NFL.
The offense clicked at times, but that group also needs to take a step forward if the Cardinals want to be viewed as serious playoff threats. They’ve got the roster to do so, and are clearly heading in the right direction, but will it all come to fruition in 2025?
One player to watch in 2025: The Cardinals really need 2024 first-round pick Marvin Harrison to step up in year two. Harrison earned a 77.7 PFF overall grade in 2024 but didn’t explode onto the scene in the way that many would have hoped. He’s due for a breakout in 2025.
18. Chicago Bears
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: G Joe Thuney (80.0)
- Biggest offseason loss: G Teven Jenkins (75.4)
The Bears have been offseason darlings for two years in a row, but this time feels different. The addition of Ben Johnson as head coach and the staff he’s brought in should have fans feeling confident. This roster doesn’t possess the star power of the Lions‘ group, but the front office has completely retooled the offensive line, potentially setting the stage for a Caleb Williams breakout in year two.
The defense had its ups and downs in 2024 but should be a strong unit in 2025. While the playoffs might not be guaranteed in a tough NFC North, arguably the toughest division in the NFL, expect improvement from the Bears.
One player to watch in 2025: Quarterback Caleb Williams struggled in poor circumstances in 2024, earning a 67.6 PFF overall grade. With a better offensive line and play-caller in the building, the only way is up.
19. Dallas Cowboys
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: WR George Pickens (78.6)
- Biggest offseason loss: EDGE Micah Parsons (90.0)
The Cowboys have just a 1% chance of winning the Super Bowl following the Micah Parsons trade — a shocking move by the front office in the quest for a championship.
The offense could be better in 2025 with the addition of George Pickens. Pairing him with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott should yield success, but ultimately, the Cowboys are heading toward a reset.
One player to watch in 2025: The Cowboys traded for former Bills first-round pick Kaiir Elam in the offseason, and though it didn’t work out for him in Buffalo, there’s a chance he can flash in a more man-heavy defense like Dallas’.
20. Seattle Seahawks
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 2%
- Biggest offseason addition: QB Sam Darnold (80.7)
- Biggest offseason loss: QB Geno Smith (83.1)
The Seahawks made the tough decision to part ways with Geno Smith in the offseason, trading him to the Raiders and replacing him with Sam Darnold. That move likely makes Seattle worse at quarterback, but the team appears content after securing a better offensive line, a new weapon in Cooper Kupp and a new play-caller in Klint Kubiak.
The offense will teeter on a knife-edge weekly with Darnold, but the defense has the potential to be the best in the league in 2025. The Mike Macdonald plan is coming into effect, and the floor feels considerably higher for this team.
One player to watch in 2025: Interior defender Byron Murphy II was the Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2024 but failed to set the world alight in his rookie season, earning a 57.8 PFF overall grade. His talent is undeniable, though, and Murphy could really have a monster year on a strong Seahawks defense in 2025.
21. Miami Dolphins
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 2%
- Biggest offseason addition: G James Daniels (92.9)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Jalen Ramsey (76.9)
There might be no team with a wider range of potential outcomes in 2025. The Dolphins could just as easily have the No. 1 pick as they could win 11 games, and that in itself is a problem. However, they’ve committed to improving the offensive line and bringing a tougher attitude to the run game and offense in general, which could give them a leg up.
On the flip side, Miami’s defense might be one of the worst in the NFL, and Tua Tagovailoa has dealt with significant health scares in recent seasons.
One player to watch in 2025: Edge defender Chop Robinson has been everyone’s favorite potential breakout star for the Dolphins, and with good reason. The former Penn State edge earned a 70.0 PFF overall grade in his rookie season and will need to be a difference-maker for the defense in 2025.
22. Atlanta Falcons
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: Divine Deablo (56.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: C Drew Dalman (78.8)
The Falcons head into the first full season of the Michael Penix Jr. era, hoping that he can be the quarterback to help lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Penix flashed in three starts in 2024, earning an 87.9 PFF overall grade, and if he gets off to a hot start, Atlanta’s offense could be a threat.
The defense, particularly the pass rush, remains a problem. The front office invested heavily at the position in the draft, selecting pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round for some added juice at edge defender. If the defense is passable, the Falcons will be contenders in the NFC South.
One player to watch in 2025: The easy answer is Michael Penix Jr., so we’re going to stick with it. The offense will go as far as Penix takes it in 2025, and he has the arm talent to give them a real chance of being a great unit.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: WR/CB Travis Hunter (88.2 PFF grade on defense in 2024 for Colorado)
- Biggest offseason loss: G Brandon Scherff (64.7)
The Jaguars were one of the early big winners of the offseason, hiring Liam Coen, one of the top head coaching options available, and trading up for Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter will split his time between cornerback and wide receiver, hoping to make a sizable impact at both positions. And the Jaguars will need it.
The offense has a chance to be a unit that takes a big leap in 2025, as long as quarterback Trevor Lawrence can find his footing in Coen’s offense. Coen’s results in Tampa Bay were excellent, and the Jaguars’ front office will be hoping for more of the same for their former No. 1 overall pick. If it doesn’t work out, Lawrence’s role as the starter could begin to feel tenuous.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Brian Thomas had an incredible rookie season, earning an 82.0 PFF overall grade while catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has a chance to go nuclear in 2025.
24. Indianapolis Colts
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: CB Charvarius Ward (56.2)
- Biggest offseason loss: C Ryan Kelly (67.0)
One of the most underwhelming quarterback battles in recent memory ended with Daniel Jones being named the team’s starting quarterback to open the 2025 campaign. Whether he’ll finish the season as the starter is a different question. The offense, with Jones, doesn’t have a particularly high ceiling but might be able to grind out more wins than the Anthony Richardson rollercoaster.
The playoffs are still the goal for the Colts in the AFC South, and the defense has enough intrigue to keep them in contention. It’s really up to the offense and how the Daniel Jones experiment plays out.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Josh Downs has been the most consistent receiver in a strong room for the Colts over the past two seasons. He earned an 84.8 PFF overall grade in 2024 and could be Jones’ top target in 2025.
25. New England Patriots
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: DI Milton Williams (76.5)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Jonathan Jones (60.7)
The Patriots were major players in free agency, spending aggressively on the defensive line while also adding Stefon Diggs, Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury to improve the offense. The arrival of Mike Vrabel has changed the tone of this team, and it feels like they’re ready to be under-the-radar playoff challengers in 2025.
Drake Maye flashed in his first season under center, and Josh McDaniels’ hiring as the team’s new offensive coordinator gives the quarterback an experienced play-caller with whom to build trust. He, like many of the young quarterbacks from a year ago, could have a stellar year in 2025. It might also be a year too soon for the playoffs, but the Patriots should have far more attitude under Vrabel.
One player to watch in 2025: Maye earned a 70.1 PFF overall grade in 2024 and looked far more assured in the second half of the season. With a wealth of pass catchers and a much better run game, he could take a real step forward in 2025.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: QB Geno Smith (83.1)
- Biggest offseason loss: LB Robert Spillane (68.4)
The Raiders addressed the quarterback position early in the offseason, trading for the Seahawks’ Geno Smith. They paired him with new head coach Pete Carroll, who helped revitalize Smith in Seattle. Carroll, like Mike Vrabel in New England, is helping change the culture of a team that’s struggled for a long time, and the early returns are positive.
While a playoff berth in the AFC feels unlikely, the Raiders are, at the very least, going to be fun to watch. The offense with Smith will be a far-improved unit, and first-round pick Ashton Jeanty will hope to change the fortunes of the worst rushing attack in the NFL from a year ago. Good times are ahead in Las Vegas.
One player to watch in 2025: Guard Jackson Powers-Johnson had a strong end to the 2024 season, earning a 70.4 PFF run-blocking grade. He will look to be a key part of an offensive line that’ll want to set the tone early in 2025.
27. Carolina Panthers
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: 1%
- Biggest offseason addition: DI Tershawn Wharton (60.8)
- Biggest offseason loss: S Xavier Woods (57.0)
After a few years of hardship, things are looking up in Carolina. Former No.1 pick Bryce Young had an excellent end to the 2024 season following his benching after two games, and despite finishing with a 5-12 record, the team was highly competitive against a string of playoff-bound opponents in the second half of the year.
The playoffs might still be a ways away, but the Panthers are in the NFC South with the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL in 2025. Anything could happen. They’ll need the defense not to be historically bad, though, and they made improvements to make sure that doesn’t reoccur.
One player to watch in 2025: Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is going to have a significant impact on the team in 2025. He’ll enter the season as the team’s top target-getter, and his chemistry with Young could be the difference between the Panthers being a top-20 offense or not.
28. New York Giants
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: <1%
- Biggest offseason addition: S Jevon Holland (63.0)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Adoree’ Jackson (69.0)
The Giants’ season may be sliced into two timelines: before and after rookie Jaxson Dart is the team’s starting quarterback. The team traded up to the No. 25 spot in the 2025 NFL Draft after signing Russell Wilson in free agency, and as soon as that move was made, it was only a matter of time. The Giants have the second-hardest schedule in the NFL in 2025, so there’s a good chance a quarterback switch occurs before the second half of the season.
The upside for the team resides in the defense. This could be one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, led by Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. That’s four defenders who can rush the passer at a high level. Look out, opposing quarterbacks.
One player to watch in 2025: Jevon Holland was the Giants’ big signing of the offseason, and after a down year in Miami in 2024, he’ll be looking to remind everyone that he’s still one of the top safeties in the NFL.
29. New York Jets
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: <1%
- Biggest offseason addition: QB Justin Fields (71.0)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB D.J. Reed (70.7)
The Jets were one of a few teams that dipped into the coaching carousel in 2025, hiring former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn will want the team playing with an edge and has already hinted that the run game will be a strong part of the Jets’ identity. Justin Fields has a limited ceiling as a passer, but the idea of a rushing attack led by him, Breece Hall and Braelon Allen — and spurred on by an offensive line that should be far better in 2025 — is tantalizing.
The defense will look to rebuild its reputation as one of the better units in the league, too. It’s a roster full of talent, but one that needs some fine-tuning. Consider this a transitional year, but the needle is pointing up in New York.
One player to watch in 2025: Running back Breece Hall struggled in 2024, earning a 62.0 PFF overall grade. The Jets will likely rely on his dual ability as a rusher and receiver in 2025, though, and he could have a bounce-back year.
30. Tennessee Titans
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: <1%
- Biggest offseason addition: G Kevin Zeitler (86.5)
- Biggest offseason loss: EDGE Harold Landry III (70.5)
The Titans could be an interesting prospect in 2025. After earning the No. 1 pick in 2024 and drafting Miami quarterback Cam Ward, they could be on the verge of a rebound year in 2025. They have the eighth-easiest schedule in the league, play in the AFC South and completely retooled their offensive line.
There might be a sense of wanting to pump the brakes on this team, but the defense always plays hard. Incremental growth in Ward’s first season is probably the goal, though if he impresses in his rookie season, the Titans could be a sneaky playoff candidate come January.
One player to watch in 2025: Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. struggled at times in his rookie season, earning a 59.4 PFF overall grade in 2024, but showed some real promise at times. The Titans are trusting him to start alongside L’Jarius Sneed in the secondary.
31. Cleveland Browns
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: <1%
- Biggest offseason addition: G Teven Jenkins (75.4)
- Biggest offseason loss: DI Dalvin Tomlinson (67.4)
The Browns aren’t expected to make much noise in 2025. They’ve brought back Joe Flacco to be the starting quarterback, though there’s a chance we’ll see Dillon Gabriel and maybe even Shedeur Sanders under center this season. Perhaps the goal this season is to set up the team to draft a quarterback at the top of the draft in 2026.
If that’s the case, let the countdown begin for Browns fans. This could be a long season for the offense, though the defense could assert itself as a top-10 unit if a few things shake out the right way.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Cedric Tillman showed some flashes in 2024, catching 50 passes for 563 yards and three touchdowns on his way to a 63.6 PFF overall grade. The capped ceiling on the Browns’ offense doesn’t bode well for him, but Tillman has proved he can be a useful downfield receiver. He could be a bright spot in 2025.
32. New Orleans Saints
- Chance of winning Super Bowl: <1%
- Biggest offseason addition: S Justin Reid (78.2)
- Biggest offseason loss: CB Paulson Adebo (63.3)
The Saints sit at the bottom of the PFF Power Rankings. Despite that, there is some notable intrigue around the team. How will current starting quarterback Spencer Rattler fare under center? It’s clear that the former fifth-round pick has arm talent, but poor decision-making cursed him in 2024. If that happens again, will we see second-round pick Tyler Shough?
The goal is clear for the Saints. Like the Browns, it’s to identify the young talent they want to keep around and set the table for drafting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
One player to watch in 2025: Wide receiver Chris Olave has suffered several concussions so far in his NFL career, but if he can stay healthy, his ceiling is wildly high. Olave is one of the few standouts for the Saints offense, earning an 82.4 PFF overall grade in 2024.
