In an NFL playoff race, every game matters, and that includes keeping up with the latest power rankings. Being a fan of any of the playoff teams is more significant than just fandom; It’s a tactical advantage for bettors who depend on NFL lines shaping successful strategies. In our “NFL Power Rankings 2025s,” we have put together an original take on team performances, looking at how they stand right now in terms of what they bring to the table and something that could impact the playoffs and the postseason again. The rankings aren’t simply about who’s No. 1; they’re a guide to where all the pieces fit as the playoff season progresses. For fans gauging the competition or bettors narrowing the field, these rankings deliver the window you need in a season rife with surprises.
2025 NFL Power Rankings
1. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills showed off their depth with an impressive win over the Ravens, helped by a dominant run game and a ferocious defense. They appear ready to rise to the challenge of their Kansas City hurdle and push deep into the playoffs with Josh Allen’s ability to shine in the big spot.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Breaking time and the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs grind out a narrow win over the Houston Texans. To stay alive and play the AFC Championship Game, they must address issues with protection and run defense.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowl ambitions rely on a mighty Philadelphia Eagles roster with Saquon Barkley, a dominant offensive line, and a resilient defense. However, Jalen Hurts’ playoff shortcomings and ongoing knee injury are obstacles to clear in getting to the NFC championship.
4. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have amazed the NFL, going from a team that almost nobody expected to have played in the playoffs to one win away from a Super Bowl. This team, proving to be one that can and has exceeded all expectations, is led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and his MVP performances.
5. Baltimore Ravens
In the regular season, perhaps no team is better than the Baltimore Ravens, but the team is haunted by self-inflicted mistakes from key players — like Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers — during key moments. Doubts linger over its postseason potential in 2025, with coaching under scrutiny for these recurring issues.
6. Detroit Lions
The departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn next season could rob the Detroit Lions of their chance and throw a wrench in their momentum. They have a promising roster but serious doubts over whether they can make a deep playoff run with Jared Goff’s limitations.
7. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have turned the page from Sam Darnold, who struggled to take the pressure and cost them in games they needed to win, to J.J. McCarthy as their new quarterback. Optimism is high that the Vikings will be a top contender next season, with McCarthy in a deep, promising roster for the team.
8. Los Angeles Rams
Woes at the offensive line have been a bugbear for the Los Angeles Rams, who are set to head into an offseason of uncertainty over Matthew Stafford’s future and Cooper Kupp’s cap position after missing out in the Divisional Round. Yet, they’re still a playoff team with a young defense and Sean McVay’s explosive offense featuring Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Under Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers also saw improvement, dramatically jumping five wins and improving the point differential. The hope for the franchise’s future is bright, especially with Justin Herbert at the helm and an offseason to add to the roster.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Under Mike Macdonald’s leadership, the Seattle Seahawks became a top-10 defense, and The story of Jaxson Smith-Njigba’s breakout year turned the spotlight on the offensive potential in Seattle. Bolstering the offensive line will be the key if the Cardinals want to claim the NFC West next season.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite their Wild Card loss revealing some key gaps — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed promise with a rebuilt offensive line and a stellar rookie season for Bucky Irving. It’s a tricky proposition with Baker Mayfield under center, but the Browns can make a deep playoff run.
12. Green Bay Packers
With Jordan Love’s inconsistent play and a receiving corps lacking an actual No.1 target, Green Bay Packers face mounting challenges. Despite poor play calling and undisciplined execution, their Super Bowl aspirations remain stalled.
13. Houston Texans
On the strength of C.J. Stroud’s fantastic playoff play, Rising defense led by DeMeco Ryans, Will Anderson Jr., and stellar young stars, Houston Texans bring promise from a weak division. Their ceiling is still capped at the Divisional Round, though, as without upgrades to the receiving corps and offensive line, there isn’t much room for growth.
14. Denver Broncos
Despite the limitations of Russell Wilson’s deadcap hit, rookie Bo Nix emerged as a franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The team’s impending future looks exceedingly brighter under Sean Payton.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins took the Cincinnati Bengals into the playoffs, but the organization let them down. Faced with poor player development, defensive decline, and questions about the future of Higgins, the franchise remains a concern.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Entry-level salaries of Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb force the Dallas Cowboys to mount challenges, with parts of over $100 million per year tied to stars, and one of their key evaluators, Will McClay, could exit. The combination of a crumbling offensive line, run defense problems, and a bleak future under Jerry Jones’ leadership make for a scary picture for the Cowboys.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers lost five straight in 2024 despite leading in their last four games and failing to make the Divisional Round for the third consecutive year. Given that the organization was in dire need of a franchise quarterback and a fresh direction, it blithely continued with the same broken way of doing things year after year.
18. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. lit the spark for the Atlanta Falcons and unlocked the offense’s potential for 2025. This offseason, the only thing that will truly matter in the NFC South is investments in the pass rush.
19. San Francisco 49ers
With a Brock Purdy extension potentially limiting resources in a heady offseason, the San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal offseason; they’re losing key pieces like Deebo Samuel and potentially a pair or more of their defensive starters. Their status as NFC contenders, however, is becoming increasingly uncertain, combined with recent draft troubles.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray’s consistency is the Arizona Cardinals’ future, and the front office believes it can build around talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and James Conner. 2025 could then determine whether this team becomes a contender or requires a quarterback shift, and Murray is the centerpiece.
21. Chicago Bears
With Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet all watching from the Chicago Bears bench, the team has a potential offensive core for the future. But they face front-office turmoil and developmental setbacks, which could loom as big problems, with the NFC North primed to be a battleground league.
22. Miami Dolphins
Without Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ offensive struggles have highlighted a lack of depth and the inability to beat top teams. This franchise has (or will) faced significant leadership challenges, with new General Manager Chris Grier booting his roster construction and asking questions about new head coach Mike McDaniel.
23. Carolina Panthers
After a late-season turnaround, the Carolina Panthers were teased by the potential of Adam Thielen, Bryce Young, and Dave Canales and the positive signs Ja’Tavion Sanders and Xavier Legette put on the offense. But they have yet to overcome defensive struggles and balk at giving up more playmakers to sustain long-term success.
24. Indianapolis Colts
GM Chris Ballard’s questionable talent evaluation and contract strategies have hindered roster improvements, causing mounting concerns for the Indianapolis Colts. The mishandling of Anthony Richardson’s development only fuels doubt over how the team can get there.
25. Tennessee Titans
For the Tennessee Titans, quarterback uncertainty looms large, and shifts are coming, which head coach Brian Callahan must prove this year. The offensive line looks promising, and the defense has flashed at times, but the team’s move forward depends on good leadership and quarterback selection.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
With Tom Brady’s growing influence, the Las Vegas Raiders could attract Mike Vrabel as a new head coach, changing the franchise tremendously. Passing on a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft to try and work the roster and find a short-term QB may lead to success.
27. New York Giants
The New York Giants form an example of questionable management after consecutive losing years and perhaps Saquon Barkley leaving in free agency. With GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll set up to overpay for a rookie QB in a weak 2025 draft group, the direction of this team is questionable.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ continued management issues under the Khan family, headlined by keeping GM Trent Baalke in place despite his questionable history, begs the question, why? It will hamper the team’s coaching search and also limit their possibilities of making meaningful progress.
29. New York Jets
After a disappointing season, the New York Jets recognized they needed significant changes. They were forced to put an aging Aaron Rodgers, Nathaniel Hackett, and Davante Adams behind them to begin anew. If it doesn’t involve landing a defensive-minded head coach and a GM with a similar long-term vision, success hinges on ownership, not complicating things.
30. New England Patriots
Despite little talent around him, rookie quarterback Drake Maye has shown promise that would give the New England Patriots a bright future. Rebuilding the offensive line and receiver corps will be crucial steps toward progress for 2025, and hiring Mike Vrabel is another one.
31. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have a troubled future of $17 million over the 2025 salary cap and a crumbing roster. QB question marks and Myles Garrett’s exit loom on the horizon, and an ignominious season appears likely.
32. New Orleans Saints
A stumbling defense without its edge and a $66 million salary cap deficit burden all but doomed the New Orleans Saints’ future. GM Mickey Loomis had a terrible draft record, compounded by a tough road ahead for the team, which lacked the flexibility to improve.
