The start of the NFL regular season is finally upon us. With the impending return of football comes the return of power rankings. Even though Week 1 hasn’t kicked off yet, it’s always fun to see where all 32 teams stand going into the season.
Star players like Micah Parsons, DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and Minkah Fitzpatrick changed teams this offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles head into the season as the defending champions, but did they retain enough talent to take the top spot in our power rankings?
Using PFSN’s power rating system, here is where every NFL team stands going into Week 1.
32) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns head into 2025 with a major concern at the quarterback position, among many others. Joe Flacco has had a tremendous career, but at this stage, he’s better suited for a backup role than being the starter of an NFL offense. A lack of offensive firepower and concerns up front could make them the lowest-scoring team in the league.
Granted, the Browns have a solid defense led by Myles Garrett up front and a sharp defensive mind in Jim Schwartz. However, that unit doesn’t figure to be elite enough to overcome their lackluster offense. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland competes in games due to its defense but loses most of them due to its offense.
31) New Orleans Saints
Like the Browns, the New Orleans Saints face a quarterback problem. With Derek Carr’s retirement, they’re now starting Spencer Rattler, who went 0-6 with more interceptions than touchdowns as a starter in 2024. Alvin Kamara returns behind a solid offensive line, but the pass-catching weapons are worrisome.
While their defense features some intriguing young players, the Saints’ unit is too unproven to inspire much confidence going into Week 1. The NFC South isn’t projecting to be a gauntlet in 2025, but even with a more manageable divisional schedule, New Orleans feels like a safe bet to finish last.
30) Tennessee Titans
After finishing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans have a little more to look forward to with Cam Ward taking the reins at quarterback this year. His group of offensive weapons doesn’t run all that deep, though the offensive line should give him enough time to stay comfortable in the pocket.
As much attention as their offense gets, their defense could make or break the Titans’ season. There’s some star power between Jeffery Simmons and L’Jarius Sneed, but the unit consists mostly of average starters or younger, unproven talents. That leads Tennessee near the bottom of these power rankings for now.
29) New York Giants
The 2024 season was a disaster for the New York Giants, though they’re running it back with Brian Daboll as their coach. Russell Wilson takes over as their starting quarterback, throwing to star receiver Malik Nabers and an otherwise thin group of weapons. First-round quarterback Jaxson Dart hangs in the waiting in case Wilson struggles.
New York’s pass rush should be dangerous, featuring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie Abdul Carter. The secondary has some questions, though it should be better with additions like Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. Expect the Giants to improve in 2025, but they aren’t ready to stack up in a tough NFC East just yet.
28) Carolina Panthers
There’s reason to believe the Carolina Panthers can stay in the playoff hunt in 2025, but a lot of it is based on projection, as opposed to a large sample size of play. Bryce Young had a rocky sophomore year in the NFL but improved late in the season. The Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to give him a massive receiver to throw to.
Dave Canales on his relationship with #Panthers QB Bryce Young heading into this season. pic.twitter.com/CdVhaxMZ35
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 3, 2025
Perhaps what will be most interesting to watch is Carolina’s front seven. An active free agency and draft period completely overhauled their defensive line with better depth. The roster doesn’t feel like it’s all the way there, but if the additions pan out and Young continues his development, the Panthers could certainly rise up our power rankings.
27) Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones will be the Week 1 starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, which isn’t a very inspiring thought when you consider how poorly 2024 went for him. Granted, he has Jonathan Taylor in the backfield and a decent group of weapons to throw to, but Jones’ instability throwing the ball puts a hard ceiling on his team’s season.
Indianapolis has some solid contributors throughout its defense, and the unit should be competitive enough to keep them in most of their games. The Colts have a balanced roster, but they don’t have many difference-makers who can take over games. That and their quarterback problems could hurt them down the stretch.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars
After two seasons above the .500 mark, the Jacksonville Jaguars collapsed in 2025, falling to 4-13. Trevor Lawrence returns healthy, Liam Coen is the new head coach, and they added Travis Hunter as a potential two-way superstar. With a weak divisional schedule, they could return to competition for the top spot.
However, crowning the Jaguars as a serious threat is far too early. The defense was a primary concern last year, and they head into Week 1 with a thin secondary on paper. There’s talent along the defensive line, but it could be a long season for Jacksonville if they can’t cover well.
25) Seattle Seahawks
Coming off a 10-7 season in 2024, a No. 25 ranking in these power rankings may be a bit harsh to Seattle Seahawks fans. However, there’s reason for concern. Sam Darnold was outstanding last season in Minnesota, but the Seahawks are betting heavily on that year being the norm instead of an outlier in a journeyman backup’s career.
At this stage, Cooper Kupp seems like a downgrade from DK Metcalf, and the offensive line is still a concern. Seattle’s defense should keep them in a lot of games, and they should hardly be a bad team in 2025. With a demanding NFC West schedule and arguably a worse roster than last year, it’s hard to imagine their record improving.
24) Las Vegas Raiders
Pete Carroll enters Week 1 as the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach, and he figures to raise their floor from the 4-13 disaster they experienced in 2024. He brings Geno Smith with him as an upgrade at quarterback, and they have an underrated group of weapons with Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Jakobi Meyers.
Maxx Crosby remains one of the best edge rushers in the league, but the Raiders’ defense is otherwise a lackluster unit on paper. The secondary is very unproven going into the new year, in particular. Those defensive holes could make it tough for Las Vegas to contend in a deep AFC West, but expect an improved season regardless.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers
Could 2025 be the first season that Mike Tomlin finishes under .500 as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers? It’s certainly possible. Though Aaron Rodgers joins as their quarterback, he’s not the MVP-caliber passer he was a few years ago. DK Metcalf provides a solid WR1, but the group of weapons is otherwise unimpressive.
The Steelers usually have at least a solid defense, and that should continue in 2025. Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay are good additions at cornerback, though it’s a concern that most of their key contributors are now 30 or older. There’s star power in Pittsburgh, but a return to the playoffs seems unlikely unless they can fight off Father Time.
22) New England Patriots
An extremely active team in free agency, the New England Patriots’ additions this offseason rank them higher in these Week 1 power rankings than their 4-13 record last year would indicate. Drake Maye showed encouraging flashes as a rookie at quarterback, and his team added Stefon Diggs, Will Campbell, and TreVeyon Henderson to support him in 2025.
The Patriots’ defense intrigues me the most. Additions like Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Carlton Davis should help elevate the unit, as should the presence of new head coach Mike Vrabel. This team has a lot of projection and not a lot of proven play, but there’s sleeper potential out of this bunch in New England.
21) Dallas Cowboys
It’s tough to anticipate how the Dallas Cowboys could perform in 2025, especially after trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay just before the start of the season. Even after bringing in Kenny Clark through the aforementioned trade, their defense looks extremely thin on paper going into Week 1.
That said, Dallas’ offense should keep them in many games. A healthy Dak Prescott throwing to CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson is a good recipe for success. Will that firepower overcome a first-year head coach in Brian Schottenheimer and a lackluster defense? Only time will tell.
20) New York Jets
The New York Jets’ only full year of Aaron Rodgers experience was a bust, prompting them to replace him with Justin Fields as their quarterback. The latter’s superior physical tools elevate their ceiling, but his inconsistency lowers their floor. Their offensive line looks solid, but the weapons behind Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are thin.
The new head coach, Aaron Glenn, should have a sharp mind to elevate the Jets’ defense with a talented defensive line and Sauce Gardner in the secondary. Losing D.J. Reed is a big blow to their defensive back room. Overall, New York is talented enough to stay in games, but its success will only go as far as its quarterback’s play.
19) Miami Dolphins
It’s been a tough offseason for the Miami Dolphins, losing several key defenders in free agency and dealing both Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith in trades. Drama with Tyreek Hill has escalated things, as well. Nonetheless, Mike McDaniel is a bright offensive play caller with a lot of talent to work with if Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy.
Even though the Dolphins acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick in the aforementioned Ramsey-Smith trade, the secondary is a primary concern with an unproven cornerback group. The pass rush should be solid, but it’s not a complete unit overall. Miami seems to be one of the hardest teams to read going into Week 1.
18) Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. takes over as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback this season. The hope is that he’ll recapture that hot start to the 2024 season they had before Kirk Cousins’ play dropped off in the year’s second half. He has a strong group of offensive playmakers to work with, which should help change the guard at quarterback.
The big question about the Falcons is their defense. The hope should be that strong safety play can help offset a questionable cornerback room. While the pass rush was an issue last year, they addressed it with additions like Leonard Floyd, Jalon Walker, and James Pearce Jr. An average slot in these power rankings feels right for the time being.
17) Houston Texans
Even though the Houston Texans had the same record in 2024 as they did in 2023, last year didn’t go as planned for them. C.J. Stroud remains a good starting quarterback, with Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins among his targets. Still, the offensive line was a problem last year and regressed on paper after trading Laremy Tunsil.
That should be the big question for Houston heading into Week 1. The defense looks pretty good, especially with their stellar pass-rushing tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. It’s not a flawless roster by any means, but the Texans have enough talent to place them the highest among all AFC South teams in these power rankings.
16) San Francisco 49ers
After an injury-riddled year in 2024 and a handful of key losses in free agency, the San Francisco 49ers finish right in the middle of our Week 1 power rankings. There’s plenty of star power on both sides of the ball on their roster, but key losses on defense and the offensive line could make a bounce back to their NFC Championship-winning ways tough.
With an offense orchestrated by Kyle Shanahan and led by Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk, the 49ers should be in good shape. However, the secondary and defensive line outside of Nick Bosa projects as an issue. That could hold them back, especially in a tight NFC West.
15) Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals went 8-9 last year and appear much improved on paper heading into Week 1 of the new season. By default, they feel like a strong contender for a Wild Card spot in the NFC. A lot depends on the health of Kyler Murray, who has struggled with availability in recent years but finally stayed healthy in 2024, which paid off for Arizona.
While Arizona’s defense was a weakness last year, they made several additions this offseason, including Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, Walter Nolen, and Will Johnson. We’ll have to see that unit gel together in the regular season, but there’s enough optimism with the Cardinals to rank them in the top half of these power rankings.
14) Chicago Bears
Perhaps no team upgraded this offseason as well as the Chicago Bears did. After Caleb Williams was the most-sacked quarterback in the league last year, they added offensive linemen like All-Pro Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. A deep group of weapons and the hiring of Ben Johnson as their head coach give the offense a high ceiling.
One of the brights spots from Caleb Williams’ rookie season? When he did throw the ball quickly, it looked good. On the pod, @SethWickersham and I discussed how Ben Johnson can get him to pull the trigger quicker. pic.twitter.com/rHuXf0cxlx
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 4, 2025
Chicago’s defense might not be elite due to an inconsistent pass rush, but it should still rank as an above-average unit considering how it can limit big plays through the air. However, an extremely tough NFC North schedule could hurt their playoff chances. It’s entirely possible the Bears finish above .500 and still place last in their division.
13) Minnesota Vikings
Coming off a stellar 14-3 season, the Minnesota Vikings’ placement in these power rankings is difficult. On one hand, they have a great coaching staff, a strong group of offensive weapons, and a talented defensive line that got stronger in free agency through signings like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
That said, there’s reason to question the Vikings because of their quarterback and secondary. The cornerback room is one of the thinnest in the league heading into Week 1. Ultimately, a lot rides on how J.J. McCarthy fares in his first season as a starter. He’s in great hands, which should keep Minnesota in the playoff hunt, regardless.
12) Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers put together a strong first season under Jim Harbaugh, returning most of their key contributors from last year. Omarion Hampton figures to be an upgrade at running back, and they added Tre Harris and a returning Keenan Allen to their group of weapons for Justin Herbert, who should thrive even with Rashawn Slater injured.
Jesse Minter leads a Chargers’ defense that performed much better than how the roster looked on paper last year. Khalil Mack and Derwin James give the unit star power, but the development of young starters like Tarheeb Still, Tuli Tuipulotu, Daiyan Henley, and Cam Hart will be key. Another Wild Card run seems likely for Los Angeles in 2025.
11) Cincinnati Bengals
It’s a tale of two units with the Cincinnati Bengals. Their defense is one of the thinnest in the league on paper, and they didn’t do much in the offseason to improve what was a significant liability in their failed quest to make the playoffs. Trey Hendrickson will carry a lot of the load rushing the passer in 2025.
However, there’s no denying the power of the Bengals’ offense. The trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is a dominant one that makes it difficult for Cincinnati to stop through the air. If Chase Brown can build off of his flashes from last season, that offense alone could be enough to get the Bengals back into the playoffs.
10) Los Angeles Rams
Perhaps lost in the offseason chaos is that the Los Angeles Rams gave the Eagles their most brutal battle in their Super Bowl run last postseason. The Rams retain most of their contributors on both sides of the ball, adding Davante Adams to a high-powered offense with enough talent to perform well, even as Matthew Stafford battles injury.
On defense, Los Angeles has some concerns in the secondary that could hold them back down the stretch. However, their talented defensive line is ascending and should only improve in 2025. They’re worthy of a top-ten positioning in these Week 1 power rankings.
9) Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024, finishing 10-7 and making the Wild Card in Bo Nix’s rookie season. The offense is in good hands with him at quarterback and Sean Payton at head coach, and additions like Evan Engram, J.K. Dobbins, and RJ Harvey should help them stay strong.
I’m most excited about Denver’s defense, though. They already had several impact players like Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. After adding the likes of Jahdae Barron, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga, though, Denver has a well-rounded unit worthy of the No. 9 spot in our power rankings.
8) Green Bay Packers
Even before trading for Micah Parsons, the Green Bay Packers were heading into Week 1 as a top contender in the NFC. They went 11-6 in 2024 and didn’t lose much in the way of key contributors, adding Aaron Banks to help improve their offensive line. They had a perfectly acceptable roster on both sides of the ball, all things considered.
The addition of Parsons helps put Green Bay over the top. He’s an elite pass rusher at the top of his game, which is a massive addition to a defense that was hit or miss in rushing the passer last year. The Packers’ cornerback group stands out as the only primary concern on the roster, but this talented team should push for the NFC crown.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South each of the last five seasons, and they head into Week 1 of 2025 as the heavy favorites to win the division again. They’ll certainly benefit from a weak divisional schedule this season, but the Bucs are more than just a middling team benefiting from easy wins.
Baker Mayfield led an explosive passing attack in 2024 that added first-round receiver Emeka Egbuka, making Tampa Bay’s talented offense even stronger on paper. The defense also retains much of its production from last year, bringing in Haason Reddick as some added pass-rushing juice. The Buccaneers have a rock-solid team.
6) Washington Commanders
Arguably the biggest surprise team in 2024, the Washington Commanders head into Week 1 worthy of a top spot in our initial power rankings. Their offense was spectacular last season, with Jayden Daniels as quarterback and Kliff Kingsbury calling the plays. After adding Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel this offseason, it could be even better in 2025.
Washington’s defense could still use some work, but there’s enough talent to go around between Frankie Luvu, Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Bobby Wagner. If some of their young defensive backs continue to develop, that defense could be good enough to complement the offense in a strong push for the Super Bowl.
5) Kansas City Chiefs
After a brutal Super Bowl loss last season, the Kansas City Chiefs knew they had to address left tackle. Rookie Josh Simmons won the job over Jaylon Moore, and early returns on the youngster are strong. Of course, the Chiefs have plenty of offensive talent, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith.
Andy Reid had nothing but positive things to say about his rookie left tackle ahead of his NFL debut. pic.twitter.com/2CPD8kVBTD
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) September 4, 2025
In times when Kansas City’s offense struggled last year, its defense was there to bail it out. They have an intense pass rush and an underrated secondary, and Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best defensive play callers in the game. The Chiefs are a perennial powerhouse deserving of a top-five spot in our Week 1 power rankings for 2025.
4) Philadelphia Eagles
As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles are very high in these Week 1 power rankings. A loaded offensive line with a great quarterback in Jalen Hurts and stellar offensive weapons will make them a nightmare for any team’s defense to plan for weekly.
The question comes with the Eagles’ defense, which should still be great with a young secondary and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. But after losing players like Darius Slay, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams this offseason, the unit should be thinner in 2025. Philadelphia should still be considered an NFC powerhouse going into the season.
3) Detroit Lions
Despite all the coaching staff turnover this offseason, the Detroit Lions retain head coach Dan Campbell and one of the strongest offensive cores in the NFL today. A good offensive line, a stellar run game, and a dynamic passing attack should continue to make the Lions tough to match up against on offense.
Detroit heads into Week 1 with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson and D.J. Reed now in their secondary. Elite safety play helps their defense tremendously, and there’s developing talent at cornerback to provide reason for optimism. They kick off the season as the highest-rated NFC team in our power rankings.
2) Buffalo Bills
Over the years, the Buffalo Bills have faced constant obstacles in defeating the Chiefs in the playoffs, and their offseason reflected that they’re working to fix that. They used most of their draft picks on defense, providing much-improved defensive line depth heading into Week 1. Christian Benford, Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, and Matt Milano remain key contributors, too.
If the Bills have Josh Allen, their offense will be in good shape. James Cook provides a steady force out of the backfield. If their defense takes their expected leap, and one of their receivers breaks out as a bona fide WR1, this could finally be the season that Buffalo takes the AFC crown.
1) Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are the top team in our Week 1 power rankings for 2025. Looking at how well-rounded their roster is on both sides of the ball, it’s easy to see the argument. Lamar Jackson is arguably the best player in the NFL right now, leading a dynamic passing attack complemented by an elite ground game.
Baltimore’s defense is also stacked. They added Malaki Starks and Jaire Alexander to the secondary and returned all five of their defensive Pro Bowlers from last season. If their core stays healthy, it will be extremely tough to topple the Ravens this year, making them worthy of the top spot in our power rankings.
