New Eagles Dynasty Ascends; Postseason Power Rankings
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in recent memory after their decisive victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. Coach Nick Sirianni’s relentless emphasis on collaboration and his team’s multifaceted offense and stifling defense have propelled them to the pinnacle of football.
While the Eagles may face the potential loss of key players in the offseason, their exceptional drafting and reloading capabilities under GM Howie Roseman should enable them to maintain their championship caliber.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite a disappointing Super Bowl performance, the Chiefs remain a formidable force with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. Their perennial presence in the playoffs and their ability to overcome adversity are testaments to their resilience. The offseason will reveal whether HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach can address the team’s apparent issues and limited cap flexibility.
Buffalo Bills
QB Josh Allen’s MVP award notwithstanding, the Bills continue to falter in their pursuit of their first Lombardi Trophy. Their upcoming offseason will be crucial in determining if they can overcome their AFC Championship Game curse.
Baltimore Ravens
If any team could have challenged the Eagles in the Super Bowl, it might have been the Ravens. However, Lamar Jackson’s robbed MVP award and their self-destruction in the divisional round hindered their progress. If they can overcome their self-sabotaging tendencies, they will be a formidable contender.
Washington Commanders
Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels propelled the Commanders to their best season in decades, signaling a promising future for the franchise.
Detroit Lions
Despite their playoff loss, the Lions have a bright outlook with a young and talented roster. However, their depleted defense and the loss of coordinators may necessitate a reset in 2025.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have enjoyed four division titles in four seasons, but they face uncertainty with a new offensive coordinator and the future of QB Matthew Stafford in question.
Green Bay Packers
While the Packers improved defensively in the regular season, they fell short in the playoffs. To challenge the Eagles, they may need to bolster their receiving corps with a topflight wideout.
Houston Texans
The Texans’ playoff performance was far more impressive than their uninspired regular season. Significant work remains to be done, particularly in the trenches and in scheming a more effective offense.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ postseason was a challenge to the Eagles, but they have since indicated their intention to move on from WR Cooper Kupp. The future of QB Matthew Stafford is also uncertain, potentially setting the stage for a seismic offseason.
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite a disappointing playoff loss, the Chargers have made progress under first-year HC Jim Harbaugh.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals need to address their early season inconsistencies and navigate financial challenges involving key players.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ AFC wild-card berth was a surprise, but they were outclassed in the playoffs. The team has made significant strides out of salary cap jail and should be more competitive in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ 14-win season was shocking, but they face uncertainty with multiple free agents and the recovery of QB J.J. McCarthy from injury.
Seattle Seahawks
Despite overachieving in 2024, the Seahawks may face challenges in aligning their offensive philosophy with HC Mike Macdonald.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have made incremental gains and could be a playoff dark horse in 2025.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a history of rebounding after disappointing seasons. With a healthy Christian McCaffrey and QB Brock Purdy’s contract extension, they could be a force in 2025.
New England Patriots
The Patriots’ signing of HC Mike Vrabel and their ample cap space position them for a resurgence. They may need to shed more than WR Deebo Samuel to accommodate Purdy’s contract extension.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ decision to retain HC Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa raises questions about their long-term viability.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys face challenges in balancing their offense under HC Brian Schottenheimer. LB Micah Parsons’ contract extension could present financial constraints.
Chicago Bears
With QB Caleb Williams and HC Ben Johnson, the Bears have key components in place for a turnaround.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ signing of HC Liam Coen and the removal of GM Trent Baalke point to potential improvement.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ collapse in the second half of 2024 and their salary cap issues make their future uncertain.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ lack of a quarterback remains a significant concern.
Carolina Panthers
QB Bryce Young’s progress in the second half of his sophomore season offers hope for the Panthers’ future.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson’s regression in the second half of his sophomore season raises concerns for the Colts.
New York Jets
The Jets have a new regime and questionable quarterback situation.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ acquisition of HC Pete Carroll and their ongoing quarterback uncertainty make their outlook murky.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ first overall draft pick presents them with a choice between the best player and the best quarterback.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns face a similar dilemma, choosing between a Watson replacement or a Garrett successor.
New York Giants
The Giants’ draft position leaves them in a quandary, where they may miss out on a top quarterback prospect.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ dismal cap situation and lack of a first-round draft pick hinder their prospects.
