NFL Power Rankings: Post-Free Agency 2025

The dust has settled, the contracts have been signed, and the free agency frenzy of 2025 is largely behind us. It’s time to take stock of where each NFL team stands as we look ahead to the upcoming season. While the draft still looms large, the moves made over the past few weeks have significantly reshaped the landscape of the league. Here are our power rankings, reflecting the shifts in power and potential for the 2025 season.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (1): Fresh off their Super Bowl triumph, the Eagles remain the team to beat. The question isn’t whether they were good last year, but how good. Comparisons to the legendary 2013 Seahawks are warranted, and while the "Legion of Boom" never achieved their dynastic aspirations, the Eagles have the potential to sustain their success. Retaining All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun was a critical move, and Howie Roseman’s masterful management ensures a steady influx of talent. Despite the inevitable departures that follow a championship run, the Eagles’ pipeline is strong, and their GM will undoubtedly find more diamonds in the rough during the draft. They are the undisputed kings of the NFL.

2. Buffalo Bills (3): Have the Bills finally overtaken the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC hierarchy? Time will tell, but Buffalo’s dominance in the AFC East seems all but guaranteed for a sixth consecutive year. The extensions for Josh Allen and Greg Rousseau provide stability, while the additions of Joey Bosa and Josh Palmer bolster both sides of the ball. With the AFC East looking weak, securing the coveted No. 1 playoff seed feels like a realistic goal for this talented Bills squad. They are hungry, and they are determined to finally reach the Super Bowl.

3. Baltimore Ravens (4): The AFC North champions are bringing back the core of their team, and rightfully so. Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, continues to evolve, and the addition of DeAndre Hopkins provides him with another weapon. The Ravens looked unstoppable at times last season, and their playoff loss to Buffalo was a heartbreaking "what if" scenario. However, their inconsistency, highlighted by losses to bottom-dwelling teams, remains a concern. They need to eliminate the self-sabotage to truly contend for a championship.

4. Los Angeles Rams (10): While the Eagles soared to the Super Bowl, no team pushed them harder than the Rams, especially during their intense playoff matchup in Philadelphia. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, now 37, and newly acquired wide receiver Davante Adams, 32, bring veteran leadership and Super Bowl aspirations to Los Angeles. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent, the Rams are poised to be a formidable contender in the NFC. Don’t sleep on this team; they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (2): The Chiefs managed to retain key players like Trey Smith, Nick Bolton, Hollywood Brown, and Kareem Hunt, and Rashee Rice is expected to return. However, the loss of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney is a significant blow. The left side of their offensive line, which struggled mightily in the Super Bowl loss, remains a major question mark. While they still possess the magic of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs will need to address their O-line woes to remain a top contender. The road to another Super Bowl will be tougher this year.

6. Washington Commanders (5): The Commanders are going all-in, acquiring established veterans like Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to maximize their chances of winning before Jayden Daniels commands a record-breaking contract. These trades have compromised their draft capital, but the Rams’ recent success proves that draft picks aren’t everything. The Commanders are betting big on their current window, hoping to capitalize on Daniels’ rookie contract before it’s too late.

7. Detroit Lions (6): The Lions, who earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season, will largely remain intact on the field. However, the departures of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, both of whom landed head coaching jobs, will be felt. The Lions need to find replacements who can maintain the momentum and continue to develop their young talent. Can they overcome the coaching changes and remain a dominant force in the NFC?

8. Green Bay Packers (8): The Packers showed significant improvement in 2024 compared to 2023, but their playoff run ended prematurely with a loss to the Eagles. If they can keep their key players healthy and add another offensive weapon, Green Bay could once again be a force to be reckoned with. With Jordan Love settling in as the starter, the Packers are building a strong foundation for the future.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7): The Buccaneers have quietly become a model of consistency in the NFL, consistently winning the NFC South. Chris Godwin’s decision to take a pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay further solidifies their stability. While they may not be flashy, the Buccaneers are a well-coached team that knows how to win. They are a threat to make a playoff run once again.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (11): Despite their playoff embarrassment, it feels like more talent has left the Chargers than has arrived. Wide receiver and cornerback are particular areas of concern. The Chargers need to address these weaknesses in the draft and find ways to improve their overall roster. Can they turn things around and compete for a playoff spot in a tough AFC West?

11. San Francisco 49ers (17): The 49ers face a wide range of potential outcomes this season. They are banking on comeback seasons from Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Brandon Aiyuk. The return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator brings experience and a fresh perspective to the defense. However, Saleh faces the challenge of working with a younger and less talented unit.

12. Seattle Seahawks (15): After a 10-win season, the Seahawks have undergone a significant overhaul, reflecting head coach Mike Macdonald’s vision for the team. Much will depend on quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance. If he can maintain the Pro Bowl level he showed last season, the Seahawks could be a surprise contender.

13. Cincinnati Bengals (12): The question remains: Can Joe Burrow reach his full potential with a top-heavy roster? The Bengals need to find ways to build depth and surround Burrow with a more complete supporting cast.

14. Minnesota Vikings (14): Conversely, can the Vikings capitalize on their loaded roster with their current quarterback situation? They need to find a proven leader to elevate their offense to the next level.

15. Arizona Cardinals (16): The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024 and added Josh Sweat to their defense. They have the potential to continue improving, but face a tough division that could limit their success.

16. Chicago Bears (21): The arrival of a new coach and an upgraded offensive line could finally unlock Caleb Williams’ potential. The Bears are on the rise and could surprise some teams this season.

17. Denver Broncos (13): If their new additions can stay healthy, the Broncos could be a formidable team. Health is key for Denver to turn their fortunes around.

18. Houston Texans (9): Despite potentially still being the AFC South’s best team, concerns are growing about the Texans’ offense. A change in coordinators and the loss of a key offensive lineman could hinder CJ Stroud’s progress.

19. New England Patriots (18): The Patriots have spent heavily in free agency and will have a premium draft pick. The arrival of Mike Vrabel as head coach could accelerate their rebuilding process.

20. Dallas Cowboys (20): Can the Cowboys finally end their playoff drought? Even with their star players performing well, they need more from the rest of the roster to support rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

21-32: The Rest of the Pack:

The remaining teams face significant challenges. The Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets all have question marks at key positions or need to prove they can take the next step. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants are all in various stages of rebuilding and need to find stability at quarterback to have any chance of success. The upcoming draft will be crucial for many of these teams as they look to add talent and build for the future.

The 2025 NFL season promises to be full of excitement and surprises. The power rankings provide a snapshot of where teams stand after free agency, but the draft and the season itself will ultimately determine who emerges as the top contenders.