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NFL Power Rankings 2025: Ranking playoff teams, offseason outlook for eliminated teams

Anthony Richardson

What is the best team in the NFL? The 2024 NFL regular season has drawn to a close and the NFL playoffs are set with a 14-team battle to win the Lombardi Trophy. Our latest NFL power rankings provide offseason evaluations for eliminated teams and rank the remaining playoff teams.

Related: Early NFL free agency predictions 2025

Let’s dive into our 2024 NFL power rankings after the Divisional Round Round.

NFL power rankings: Worst NFL teams right now

32. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints snag the last spot in our NFL power rankings because of their bleak future. It starts with salary-cap issues, with the Saints projected to be $66 million over the cap right now. New Orleans is also aging defensively – Cam Jordan (36), Tyrann Mathieu (33), Demario Davis (36) – which was apparent with the significant decline on that side of the ball in 2024. The Saints are stuck with Derek Carr and the Alvin Kamara extension rules out a trade. We also have concerns regarding the front office with GM Mickey Loomis whiffing on most of his draft picks since 2020. There’s just very little reason for hope with this franchise right now.

Related: 2025 NFL Draft order, NFL draft picks by team 2025

31. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have backed themselves into a terrible spot. Even after restructuring the Deshaun Watson contract, this team is still $17 million over the NFL salary cap in 2025. Cleveland will either be rolling with a rookie or an aging veteran (Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers) next season and the offensive line isn’t good enough for an unathletic quarterback. The Browns defense also took a significant step backward in 2024 and Myles Garrett doesn’t want to stick around with a non-competitive team. With minimal cap space to work with and a below-average roster, the Browns should be one of the worst NFL teams in 2025.

Related: Cleveland Browns insider reveals likely role for Deshaun Watson in 2025

30. New England Patriots

The most important development from the 2024 NFL season for the New England Patriots is the emergence of Drake Maye. Despite having an awful supporting cast around him, the rookie looked like a franchise quarterback. Now this offseason must be devoted to improving the entire ecosystem around him. That started with the hiring of Mike Vrabel. Next, investing much of the $100 million in cap space on the offensive line and receiver corps. Making the playoffs in 2025 isn’t realistic, but winning 6-7 games is doable if New England surrounds Maye with the right help.

Related: Offseason moves the New England Patriots should make after hiring Mike Vrabel

29. New York Jets

The first moves this offseason are obvious for the New York Jets, cut ties with Aaron Rodgers, Nathaniel Hackett and Davante Adams. It’s only the first step in changing this team’s culture. The Jets coaching search might have to work with a limited pool of candidates due to Woody Johnson, but this is still an NFL head-coaching job. If New York can land a defensive-minded head coach with strong command of a locker room and a general manager who shares a long-term focused vision for this franchise, this can be a successful Jets offseason. The risk is Johnson overstepping and preventing this team from conducting a much-needed reset.

Related: New York Jets coaching candidates 2025

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

We originally had the Jacksonville Jaguars 26th in our NFL power rankings heading into the offseason. Them, contrary to reports, ownership decided to retain general manager Trent Baalke. Unfortunately, it’s a reflection on how poorly this franchise is run with the Khan family seemingly swayed by a general manager whose track record hasn’t warranted a GM job for years now. Baalke’s presence could prove costly in the Jaguars coaching search, too.

Related: NFL coaching candidates 2025

27. New York Giants

Evidently, New York Giants president John Mara is just fine with the on-field results in the last two years and GM Joe Schoen’s desire to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency. If back-to-back seasons with double-digit losses, including a 3-14 record this past season, and Barkley rushing for 2,000 yards with the Eagles isn’t enough for the Giants to make changes, we’re not sure what will. The one evident thing, Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will likely overpay to get a rookie quarterback in a 2025 NFL Draft class that isn’t highly regarded. It’s a reminder of why the Giants have been one of the worst NFL teams since 2017.

Related: NFL coaching predictions 2025

26. Las Vegas Raiders

The smartest thing the Las Vegas Raiders could do this offseason is fire head coach Antonio Pierce and not reach for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Talent is certainly the biggest issue for Las Vegas, but the Raiders coaching staff consistently failed to put this team in a good position to win. With owner Mark Davis giving Tom Brady a prominent voice in football decisions, we could certainly see Las Vegas bringing in a new head coach (Mike Vrabel) and using its first-round pick on another young difference-maker and finding a short-term QB solution. The franchise quarterback can come in 2026.

Related: Worst NFL owners right now

25. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans will presumably either replace Will Levis with the No. 1 pick (Cam Ward/Shedeur Sanders) or roll the dice on a veteran signal-caller (Aaron Rodgers). Either way, TItans head coach Brian Callahan needs to show a lot more in 2025. We do expect the Titans’ offensive line to keep improving and Tennessee had some good stretches under first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. How much of a jump this team takes next season will just come down to Callahan and whatever quarterback he picks to run the offense. As of now, we’re not optimistic.

Related: NFL coaching predictions 2025

24. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts’ process is simply broken. Colts general manager Chris Ballard simply isn’t as strong as a talent evaluator as his reputation suggests and his history of constantly re-signing his own draft picks to lucrative contracts, sometimes overpays, has meant Indianapolis doesn’t really tap into NFL free agency. Indianapolis also botched the Anthony Richardson situation, damaging his development permanently. With the Colts not moving on from Ballard this offseason, there’s no reason to believe Indianapolis will be winning playoff games anytime soon.

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NFL power rankings 2025: Teams with promising futures, questions

23. Carolina Panthers

The second half of the 2024 NFL season changed everything for the Carolina Panthers. Dave Canales brought Bryce Young back from the benching and this offense looked different. Adam Thielen performed like a No. 1 receiver, Ja’Tavion Sanders started to break out and Xavier Legette showed real potential. Most importantly, Young looked like he could develop into being a solid starter. The Panthers defense is still a mess and Young still needs more playmakers, but the final two months of the season changed the long-term outlook for the Panthers entirely.

Related: Regrading NFL coaching hires 2024

22. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins offense imploded without Tua Tagovailoa and even with him, they still had a bottom-three offense. This was already from a team that struggled offensively in December and January, all while largely failing to beat top competition in recent years. Part of that falls on Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, who has really not put together a deep roster and it’s getting worse. However, more blame also has to fall on the shoulders of head coach Mike McDaniel, who right now seems to be far more limited as a coach than realized even a year ago.

Related: Troubling Miami Dolphins rumors regarding potential decision on GM Chris Grier

21. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears still have plenty of good things going for them right now. Caleb Williams can be a franchise-caliber quarterback and the next head coach or play-caller will inherit an offense with Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. There are even some pieces to help generate a defensive turnaround. However, the front office turmoil hangs over this organization and the previous Bears coaching staff did a year of damage to Williams’ development. Those are the biggest issues heading into the offseason and it’s made worse because the NFC North could be great for years.

Related: Active NFL head coach might want Chicago Bears’ job

20. Arizona Cardinals

We have complete confidence in the Arizona Cardinals front office finding more quality starters to help Jonathan Gannon’s defense improve in 2025. Arizona already extended running back James Conner and the tandem of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride can thrive next season and beyond. Kyler Murray is the big question. He’s had MVP moments at times, but there’s far too much inconsistency from a 27-year-old quarterback. Next season rets on Murray’s shoulders and if Arizona isn’t a playoff team, it might be time to make a quarterback change.

Related: NFL defense rankings 2025

19. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are in a fascinating and challenging spot this offseason. For all the discourse over a Brock Purdy contract extension, he’s earned the trust of Kyle Shanahan and that’s all that matters for a deal to get done. However, spending on Purdy means there’s less money to go around for a 49ers roster that has deteriorated over the years. Deebo Samuel won’t be back in 2025 and there’s a chance at least two defensive starters are also gone (Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Javon Hargrave and Talnoa Hufanga). With general manager John Lynch whiffing on top picks in recent years, there’s a chance the 49ers won’t return to their previous status as perennial NFC contenders.

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18. Atlanta Falcons

There’s no going back from the Kirk Cousins investment, but at least the Atlanta Falcons salvaged things with Michael Penix Jr. looking good to end the season. Penix simply opens up this Falcons offense a lot more and with the young core returning, this could be a top-12 offense in 2025. Whether or not Atlanta can win the NFC South and really challenge the top NFC competition will come down to the level of investments made to improve the Falcons’ pass rush this offseason.

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17. Pittsburgh Steelers

From a 10-3 record entering the middle of December, performing like one of the best NFL teams in 2024, to a five-game losing streak. Not only did Pittsburgh get blown out in four of its last five games, this team never had a lead in its last four games. Mike Tomlin is far from the biggest problem in Pittsburgh, but it’s also evident something major needs to change within this franchise after failing to even make the Divisional Round for the seventh consecutive year. The Steelers desperately need a franchise quarterback, but the entire organization seems hellbent on running it back every year and expecting different results. That’s the definition of insanity.

Related: Pittsburgh Steelers coaching candidates 2025

16. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys’ problems will extend well beyond this season’s disappointing record. Micah Parsons will get a contract extension before next season, but that also means this franchise is investing more than $100 million annually in Parsons, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Dallas is also at significant risk of losing one of its top talent evaluators, Will McClay, this offseason. We also can’t ignore the foundational issues – a deteriorating offensive line and weaknesses versus the run – that have only gotten worse in recent years. We see no reason to believe a new head coach will fix that, especially with Jerry Jones making the decision..

Also Read: Best NFL players of all time

15. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins did everything humanly possible to get the Cincinnati Bengals into the playoffs. Unfortunately, three players just can’t overcome the Bengals front office and coaching staff. Cincinnati’s lack of player development and its poor track record of retaining key players led to a rapid deterioration of this defense. Zac Taylor didn’t make things any easier with his in-game decisions. Unfortunately for Burrow and Chase, we’re not all that confident Bengals ownership will spend the money necessary to keep Higgins next season.

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14. Denver Broncos

Heading into the 2024 season, most people outside of Colorado thought the Bo Nix pick was a massive reach and the Denver Broncos wouldn’t win more than 6 games. Making it this far is a smashing success but this level of play from rookie Bo Nix is a sign Denver has its franchise quarterback. What’s also remarkable is that this season came after taking the Russell Wilson dead cap hit, which hamstrung what the Broncos front office could do with this roster. The future is very bright for Denver and Sean Payton is once again proving why he’s one of the best coaches of the modern era.

Related: Offseason moves the Denver Broncos should make

13. Houston Texans

The good news for the Houston Texans is that they reside in the most winnable division in the NFL. We also saw C.J. Stroud look in the playoffs like the quarterback we saw play at an all-time great level during his rookie season. There are also a lot of reasons – DeMeco Ryans, Will Anderson Jr, Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter – to love this Texans defense moving forward. Until Houston fixes its biggest problems – receiving corps and offensive line – this team’s ceiling is losing in the Divisional Round.

12. Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers aren’t ready to be a Super Bowl contender in 2025. Jordan Love, now makign $55 million per season off a short-sample size for success, isn’t remotely good enough of a quarterback. Green Bay also built a receiving corps of No.2 and No.3 receivers. Meanwhile, the same issues – looking flat, mental mistakes, poor play-calling and undisciplined players – are becoming a staple of the Matt LaFleur era. Green Bay isn’t all that different than the Steelers, a good team with glaring problems that will prevent it from competing with elite competition.

Related: Green Bay Packers free agent targets 2025

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers certainly found ways to lose in the Wild Card Round, but that defeat also shows the difference a superstar quarterback can make. Tampa Bay rebuilt its offensive line in 2024 and rookie Bucky Irving was outstanding, but there’s still a lot missing here. Even if the Bucs’ front office can improve the defense this offseason, it’s just hard to see a Baker Mayfield-led team making a deep playoff run in the future.

10. Seattle Seahawks

In his first year as head coach, Mike Macdonald turned the Seattle Seahawks around from a bottom-five unit in the second half of the 2023 season to a top-10 defense in the second half this season. Seattle also experienced a breakout year from Jaxson Smith-Njigba, making it very easy to move on from Tyler Lockett this offseason. For Seattle to make the big leap next season, enough to win the NFC West, the Seahawks offensive line must be fixed. Otherwise, 2025 will be a repeat of this year.

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9. Los Angeles Chargers

A disappointing end to a very promising season for the Los Angeles Chargers. In his first year at the helm, Jim Harbaugh proved why he’s one of the best NFL coaches. Los Angeles delivered a five-win improvement and improved its point differential by 153 points. While Justin Herbert’s performance in the Wild Card loss was underwhelming, this is just the beginning for the franchise. Harbaugh and Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz will have a full offseason to bring in more of their guys and improve the roster.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Picks 2025

8. Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams had a shot at the upset win in the Divisional Round, but issues on the offensive line proved costly. Things will get very interesting this offseason. Matthew Stafford is entering that age where retirement is on the table and if he returns, there have been signs Father Time is impacting him. It’s also worth acknowledging that Cooper Kupp is a potential cap casualty this offseason. Fortunately, the Rams’ defense is young and there’s still a Sean McVay offense with Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. At the very least, the Rams will remain a playoff contender next season.

Related: Love Los Angeles Sports? Check Out LAFBNetwork.com

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Sam Darnold era likely ended thanks to the last two games. As incredible of a season as he had with the Minnesota Vikings, his old demons (decision-making when pressured) haunted him in the two biggest games of the Vikings’ season. The hope for Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota is that J.J. McCarthy won’t have those same problems. McCarthy is walking into a phenomenal situation as the projected Vikings starting quarterback in 2025. If he can play well, the Vikings will be one of the best NFL teams next season.

6. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are actually a difficult team to project heading into 2025. There’s a strong likelihood that both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn bolt for head-coaching jobs. If you want to know what happens when a team loses two great play-callers, look at the 2023 Philadelphia Eagles. That’s the big concern here. We’re confident the Lions roster can be healthier in 2025, it’s almost impossible not to. However, Jared Goff has demonstrated he puts a ceiling on a team and the looming departure of both Glenn and Johnson leaves us questioning if Detroit can make a deep playoff run next season.

Related: Detroit Lions offseason moves to remain Super Bowl contenders

5. Baltimore Ravens

At some point, a team that repeatedly implodes with countless self-inflicted wounds in the biggest games falls on coaching. This year it was Mark Andrews, last year it was Zay Flowers. There are also always other devastating mistakes by a few others. At some point, that blame has to fall on the head coach. Baltimore isn’t going to make any drastic changes, Andrews and John Harbaugh are safe. However, after wasting two championship-caliber teams, there’s no reason to believe Baltimore can win in these big games moving forward. The Ravens are regular-season menaces and they’ll likely stay in that same spot in 2025.

NFL playoff rankings: Best NFL teams right now

4. Washington Commanders

NFL power rankings
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The team with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and one of the lowest playoff odds in the NFL entering the season is now one win away from reaching the Super Bowl. That’s how good Jayden Daniels has been. A rookie quarterback is already playing like an MVP winner who shows the poise of a 10-year veteran in clutch situations. It will take another Superman-like performance for the Commanders to win, but Daniels has already proven he’s capable of it.

Related: Stats to Know for Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles matchup

3. Philadelphia Eagles

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We’ll start with the good news for the Philadelphia Eagles. Saquon Barkley paired with the Eagles’ offensive line and defense is more than capable of carrying this team to the Super Bowl. Our concern, putting Philadelphia in this spot in our NFL power rankings, is Jalen Hurts. He’s been awful as a passer in the playoffs and the knee injury suffered in the Divisional Round will significantly hurt his ability to run the football and evade pressure. Home-field advantage also helps Philadelphia, but the Eagles might need to overcome Hurts to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Related: NFC Championship Game predictions

2. Kansas City Chiefs

NFL power rankings
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The Kansas City Chiefs caught enough breaks that, in combination with avoiding costly mistakes, helped them get past the Houston Texans. However, the margin for error is alarmingly thinner in the AFC Championship Game. If left tackle Joe Thuney struggles again or Kansas City’s run defense performs like it has in the last five games, the Chiefs’ three-peat will end. Then again, this is a team with Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and Travis Kelce, they make up for the mistakes made by others. Ultimately, the winner of the AFC Championship Game probably wins the Super Bowl.

Related: Comparing Patrick Mahomes playoff resume to all-time greats

1. Buffalo Bills

NFL power rankings
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The Buffalo Bills should be the team to beat right now. Winning against the Baltimore Ravens, without needing MVP-caliber play from Josh Allen, speaks volumes about this run game and defense. Buffalo boasts the ground game to exploit a Chiefs’ run defense that has been vulnerable lately. We’ve also seen Allen go throw for throw with Patrick Mahomes in big games. This feels like the year Allen and the Bills finally exercise their demons and beat the Chiefs.

NFL power rankings FAQs

Who is the best NFL team in NFL?

The Buffalo Bills are the best team in the NFL right now, sitting at No. 1 in the NFL power rankings.

Who is the worst team in the NFL?

The New Orleans Saints are the worst team in the NFL, coming in last in our 2025 NFL power rankings.

What are the top 3 worst NFL teams?

The three worst NFL teams in 2024 are the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots are the worst NFL teams right now.

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