What team in the NFL is the best? A question that zero NFL fans are really able to agree on. Upsets, injuries, and surprising contenders happen throughout the season every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, making it a must-see product every week for all. In 2025 alone, the NFL has averaged 18.7 million viewers per game throughout all its broadcasts during the week. Taking everything previously into account, it’s time to give my thoughts.

32. Tennessee Titans (3-14-0)

To begin, the list is a team whose ranking wouldn’t shock any NFL fan, as they just wrapped up their fourth losing season. Tennessee entered the year with a good amount of fanfare following selecting No. 1 Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, it became clear very quickly that the talent around Ward was at best below average. Boasting a subpar defense backed up with an offense whose most prominent weapons were No. 0 Calvin Ridley, No. 85 Chig Okonkwo, and No. 20 Tony Pollard, production was little to non-existent when it mattered. Their failures would be further highlighted by the firing of Brian Callahan as head coach in the middle of the season. Although with nowhere to go but up, hopefully the team bounces back next season.

31. New York Jets (3-14-0)

While many weren’t surprised by Callahan’s firing, many were shocked that New York’s head coach, Aaron Glenn, wasn’t relieved of his duties. Their reaction came with good reason as well, as the defensive-minded Glenn’s defense failed to catch an interception the entire season. Play on the other side of the ball wasn’t much better either, as new quarterback No. 7 Justin Fields made virtually no impact. It was evident in the major decrease in numbers from star players No. 20 Breece Hall and No. 5 Garrett Wilson. Nevertheless, with not much wiggle room in terms of their financials, still paying former players no longer with them or traded away, fans of the team are hoping that next season, New York can redeem itself.

30. Arizona Cardinals (3-14-0)

Although a team that looks to be making big changes next year is Arizona. Something you can’t blame the organization for, as there are question marks surrounding almost every position on the field. It doesn’t matter if it’s No. 1 Kyler Murray continuing to be stagnant, the uncertainty on if No. 18 Marvin Harrison Jr. is the future of the franchise, or the aging defense; no one on the team is untouchable, other than the team’s only limelight in star tight end, No. 85 Trey McBride. Fans are on the edge of their seats, whether through a free agency well-spent following some releases made, most notably Murray, or a strong draft showing that the introduction of Mike LeFeur will help usher in a new era of Arizona football.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14-0)

A team that has and will continue to be discussed heavily regarding the draft, though, is Las Vegas. Following their disastrous season under Pete Caroll, there are a few things the team can hang their hat on when looking back. Stars such as No. 89 Brock Bowers were unable to effectively produce this year, as new signing No. 7 Geno Smith led the league in interceptions this year. Frustration from this spread over to the defense as well, as this year was a continuation of the No. 98 Maxx Crosby saga in Las Vegas. Rumors have circulated for years of Crosby wanting out of the team, and this year, maybe boasted more than ever, leading to the organization benching Crosby to close the season as a part of their tanking strategy. An effort that would pay off, as with the first overall pick and all but confirming their selection to be No. 15, Fernando Mendoza, out of the University of Indiana, has an eye towards the future.

28. Washington Commanders (5-12-0)

Speaking of the future, many thought after last year’s playoff run that the future was now for Washington, but after this season, fans are unsure what direction is next. An unfortunate reality, as before the numerous injuries sustained this year to the star players, No. 5 Jayden Daniels and No. 17 Terry McLaurin, many considered the team a potential Super Bowl contender. On top of that, the issue of having the oldest average roster age in the NFL continues to grow, hosting players like No. 1 Deebo Samuel, No. 24 Von Miller, and No. 86 Zach Ertz. Entering the league with a fully healthy team, Washington can either make some minor free agency moves to compete or look to enter a rebuild with a focus on youth.

27. Cleveland Browns (5-12-0)

Oddly enough, one of the NFL’s statistically worst organizations in the league has seemingly begun to focus on younger players, but sadly, it hasn’t reflected on their record. Yet, the team achieved a decent bit of success for a five-win team. After struggling with No. 8 Dillon Gabriel at the starting quarterback spot for most a good portion of the year, many in Cleveland now believe they have their starter in the form of No. 12 Shedeur Sanders. In addition, their multiple-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner, No. 95 Myles Garrett, not only led the NFL in sacks but also broke the single-season sack record. Still far away from being a competitive playoff team, for the first time in a long time, Cleveland seems to be heading in the right direction.

26. New York Giants (4-13-0)

Going in the same direction seems to be New York, as its youth movement has been going strong long before the previous entries. With a roster consisting of talents such as No. 44 Cam Skattebo, No. 6 Jaxson Dart, and No. 1 Malik Nabers, New York has life for the first time in many years. However, injuries haven’t allowed them the opportunity to truly capitalize, with Nabers tearing his ACL in week two and Skattebo dislocating his right ankle in week eight. Nonetheless, the team continues to progress following the firing of former head coach Brian Daboll for John Harbaugh. They look to make a push for a potential playoff appearance.

25. New Orleans Saints (6-11-0)

Another team that could be making a playoff appearance next season could be New Orleans. This mainly comes through the introduction of No. 6 Tyler Shough, who has helped rejuvenate a stagnant offense. However, the team is far from being a contender amongst the other teams. In a case similar to others on the list, injuries have severely hurt this team’s chance of competing in the NFC South. To pile on that, other than No. 41 Alvin Kamara, who isn’t getting any younger himself, the team hardly boasts any top stars. If they can develop their younger players and stay healthy, they might surprise analysts and opponents alike.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11-0)

Unlike the team just mentioned, Cincinnati was a team that failed to meet expectations set by many before the season began. Many still wonder how this was so, as their offense contains three of the league’s best in No. 1 Ja’Marr Chase, No. 9 Joe Burrow, and No. 5 Tee Higgins. Although fans quickly find out that the team’s issues mainly stem from their defensive unit, which statistically became one of the worst defenses in NFL history. Not to forget, their only saving grace in defensive end No. 91, Trey Hendrickson, has been looking to leave the franchise for years. Most would agree this is a far cry from their Super Bowl appearance only four years ago. With head coach Zach Taylor on the chopping block heading into next season, fans are eager to see the changes Cincinnati makes to compete with others in the conference.

23. Miami Dolphins (7-10-0)

Similarly, when fans think of offensive-heavy teams, if they think of the last entrant first, Miami is surely next. However, maybe that shouldn’t be so, as ignoring No. 28 De’Von Achane, who ranked in the top five in rushing yards, No. 20 Jordyn Brooks led the NFL in solo tackles this season. It seems as if the team’s troubles lie with quarterback No. 1 Tua Tagovailoa, whose combination of interceptions and near career-ending injuries has made him a liability for the franchise. Despite all of this, management actually looks to be making changes. In the first month of the offseason, the organization has already made a change in the head coach position, firing Mike McDaniel and hiring Jeff Hafley. On top of that, they made the bold choice of releasing No. 10 Tyreek Hill, a move that will hopefully allow No. 17 Jaylen Waddle to unlock his full potential and guide the team into a new era.

22. Atlanta Falcons (8-9-0)

A new era also looks to be what’s next for Atlanta. Moving on from No. 18 Kirk Cousins, as well as bringing in Kevin Stefanski and his offense-focused mind as their new head coach, fans alike believe they’re making a push to win the NFC South and make their first playoff appearance since 2017. Their only issues come within the quarterback position, similarly to other teams, as people are unsure whether No. 9 Michael Penix Jr. is their face of the future. Will he be able to distribute the ball to their weapons available to them, like No. 7 Bijan Robinson and No. 5 Drake London? Or will Penix fall into obscurity, leaving Atlanta once again directionless?

21. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11-0)

A team that, to the surprise of many, lacks direction at the moment would be Kansas City. Star player and perennial MVP candidate No. 15 Patrick Mahomes has continued to put up impressive statistics, but with his recent ACL and LCL tear, no one knows what’s at the end of the tunnel for the team. An aging No. 87 Travis Kelce, leading an offense that has a subpar receiving corps in its last three games, has shown that, considering the absence of Mahomes, Kansas City has no future. The only reason that leaves their fanbase hope is the pool of talent available to them this offseason to find a co-star for the offense. Defensively, they remain competitive, but high salaries have made it difficult for them to make any significant changes. With Andy Reid still at the helm, hopefully, Kansas City will be able to return to Super Bowl glory.

20. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)

Super Bowl glory is also something that has been chased by Dallas for seemingly decades at this point. However, with the dynamic duo of No. 88 CeeDee Lamb and No. 3 George Pickens catching passes from No. 4 Dak Prescott, and a defense flagged by No. 92 Quinnen Williams, their dreams may not be far away. Ironically, the only thing seemingly preventing postseason success is their management, as questionable moves have been made as of late that have angered their past and present star players. The most recent would be franchise tagging Pickens, the same man who ranked third in receiving yards this year, rather than signing him to a new contract. If changes are made, Dallas could return to their previous status and become a real threat in the NFL.

19. Minnesota Vikings (9-8-0)

A real threat is something Minnesota won’t be anytime soon, either, unless they make a change, as anyone who has been an active viewer of the team this year knows where their issues stem. Due to the play of No. 9 J.J. McCarthy, production from once top players in the league has severely gone down, the worst of all being No. 18 Justin Jefferson, who this season barely cracked one thousand yards. Nevertheless, they still managed somehow to compete and earn a winning record, a demonstration of the depth within their roster. If able to maintain everyone this offseason and make a change at the quarterback spot, Minnesota could contend once again.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9-0)

Expectations were something that was unknown for the last entry, yet Tampa Bay arguably took the title of this year’s most disappointing team. Although, for the most part, the team can’t be blamed. No. 7 Bucky Irving and No. 13 Mike Evans dislocated their shoulder and broke their clavicle, respectively. This left No. 6 Baker Mayfield with hardly any options on offense other than the emerging No. 2 Emeka Egbuka. Especially during their later games, it became evident. Tampa Bay has the right pieces to make a legitimate run in the playoffs; it simply comes down to whether they can stay healthy and if their players can continue to develop in the right direction.

17. Carolina Panthers (8-9-0)

An example of true development is for all to see, even in their division, as Carolina’s growth came to the surprise of many fans. For his first couple of years, No. 9 Bryce Young was scrutinized in the media as one of the worst prospects in recent memory, but practice made perfect as the former first-overall draft pick led his team to a division title and a playoff appearance for the first time in many years. To pile on that, No. 5 Rico Dowdle blew away any doubters he had from last year, having another one-thousand-yard rushing season. Carolina even boasted the 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, in No. 4 Tetairoa McMillan. If this streak continues for Carolina, in a few years, they could raise their first Vince Lombardi trophy.

16. Indianapolis Colts (8-9-0)

An even more shocking quarterback success story occurred up North, as for the first half season, No. 17 Daniel Jones guided Indianapolis to heights they hadn’t seen in years. To further the production of the offense was No. 28 Johnathan Taylor, who debatably was the best running back in the NFL this year. Where things went south for the once number one-ranked team was injuries sustained in their receiving corps, and to the previously mentioned Jones, who ruptured his Achilles tendon. This led to the unforeseen comeback of No. 17 Philip Rivers, who performed better than expected but didn’t help maintain their spot on top of the AFC South. A disappointing end to a season with such a hot start. Although if they’re able to maintain their free agents alongside the transition tag they placed on Jones, hopefully, success can be replicated.

15. Baltimore Ravens (8-9-0)

A team that wouldn’t want to have a repeat of their most recent season, though, is Baltimore. Whether it was their heartbreaking ending or uncertainty about their head coach position, this year could be viewed as disastrous for a team many had considered a Super Bowl contender. However, their biggest issues this year seemed to have come from the quarterback position. Week five, star quarterback No. 8 Lamar Jackson was put out of action for a good portion of the season. In his place, No. 15 Cooper Rush was unable to distribute the ball to the weapons of their offense like No. 22 Derrick Henry and No. 4 Zay Flowers. Yet, when Jackson returned, while the team continued to win, he did not look to be the same player. Many assume he wasn’t fully healthy, but it was on display for the world to see. With Jesse Minter usurping longtime head coach John Harbaugh’s role with the team, hopefully Jackson can bounce back.

14. Detroit Lions (9-8-0)

Another team fans expected to make at least a Super Bowl appearance that did not was Detroit; sadly, in their case, they didn’t even make the playoffs. Surprising when looking at their all-star-filled roster with talents like No. 97 Aidan Hutchinson, No. 14 Amon-Ra St. Brown, and No. 0 Jahmyr Gibbs. Potentially, the only thing that held them back was the competitive NFC North. To counteract this, it looks like the organization is making changes for the future, exemplified by moving on from No. 14 David Montgomery. This could indicate a move to bolster their roster is coming to hang with their rivals.

13. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6-0)

A team that, for now, looks to be sticking with their roster if Los Angeles. One can’t blame them either, as each year the team comes so close. Whether it’s No. 10 Justin Herbert’s playoff struggles or questions around Jim Harbaugh’s credibility as a head coach, Los Angeles looks as if it’s one big trade or signing away from becoming a legitimate threat. Although, with all of those issues, one thing the franchise can hang their hat on is their young core. No. 76 Joe Alt, No. 15 Ladd McConkey, No. 8 Omarion Hampton, and others have greatly helped to revitalize a once stagnant team. If management makes the necessary changes, Los Angeles could be a problem in the AFC next season.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7-0)

Stagnant, a word that once described the previous entrant, is a word many associate with Pittsburgh. Certainly fitting for a team that has refused to rebuild. Pittsburgh has not shown any interest in developing talent in recent history, especially when it comes to its quarterback spot. The constant rotating door of players in the position has made it nearly impossible for any chemistry to be built on offense. Sad when looking at their running back room of No. 30 Jaylen Warren and No. 14 Kenneth Gainwell, and star wide receiver No. 4 DK Metcalf. Defensively, they have one of the most star-studded rosters in the NFL, but have been inconsistent as of late. All of this has contributed to Pittsburgh not even winning a playoff game since 2017. Now under the leadership of Mike McCarthy and a whole new assortment of coordinators, in a move that looks to be made to please No. 8 Aaron Rodgers, maybe things will change to introduce a brand new era of Pittsburgh football.

11. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)

Speaking of teams associated with McCarthy, Green Bay has done a much better job in comparison when it comes to developing its future. Flagged by No. 10 Jordan Love, Green Bay has become one of the top teams in the NFC. Their status in the conference was furthered by the acquisition of No. 1 Micah Parsons midway through this season. The only thing holding them back is their less-than-stellar receiving corps, which was not helped by rookie No. 0 Matthew Golden. Especially with the rumors of No. 87 Romeo Doubs’ departure, Green Bay may be in trouble. Hopefully, if healthy, they’ll be able to rely on players like No. 8 Josh Jacobs and No. 85 Tucker Kraft in order to win their first Vince Lombardi trophy in fifteen years.

10. Chicago Bears (11-6-0)

It only seems fitting to mention the team that eliminated the previous entry from the playoffs, ironic, knowing their history with one another. However, this season was the first in a long time where Chicago was superior. Mostly due to their second-year quarterback, No. 18 Caleb Williams, who has brought life back to Chicago sports under the tutelage of Ben Johnson. Taking the team all the way to overtime in the divisional round of the playoffs. Great experience for a young offense. As the years go on, fans believe Chicago has a chance to truly be the best team in the league if everything continues on its current trajectory.

9. Houston Texans (12-5-0)

While every transition thus far has been seamless, it would be hard to compare any other team’s season to that of Houston’s. Going winless until week four, many thought the wave of momentum for the team was over. An injury sustained by No. 7 C.J. Stroud shortly after wouldn’t be of much help either. Now, without Stroud, as well as No. 12 Nico Collins and No. 3 Tank Dell, the only place Houston could go is up. They would win their next eight games straight. Even with their disappointing playoff elimination, it seems that with the backing of their defense, Houston is in a good spot for the future.

8. New England Patriots (14-3-0)

The future also seems to be now in New England as their MVP candidate quarterback, No. 10 Drake Maye, guided them to a Super Bowl appearance. Ignoring the fashion in which they lost, the season was still very successful for the franchise. New England secured fourteen wins this year, nine more wins compared to their season last year. Under the leadership of Mike Vrabel, both sides of the ball surpassed expectations. Although with the recent release of No. 8 Stefon Diggs, the only thing that is preventing New England from taking things to the next level is whether they find a number-one target for their offense.

7. Buffalo Bills (12-5-0)

It’s the same issue that Buffalo has attempted to address in the recent signing of No. 2 D.J. Moore. A good move as throughout the entire season, no receiver matched the intensity of their quarterback, No. 17 Josh Allen. Allen’s lack of options on his offense cost him many wins that could have brought him to the top of the AFC East. Luckily, No. 4 James Cook III picked up the slack for the offense, leading the entire NFL in rushing yards this season. The main question surrounding Buffalo is if they can finish the job on their Super Bowl push they’ve been trying for since the beginning of the 2020s. Firing Sean McDermott and promoting Joe Brady to head coach seems to be their way of doing this, but only time can tell if it will be effective.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-0)

A team whose head coach arguably should’ve been fired after this season is Philadelphia. One may ask, “Why is this so?” until they see how poorly the offense was run this year. The organization took partial blame, firing offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, but Nick Sirianni has still faced heavy criticism. Nonetheless, boasting potentially the most talented roster in the NFL, the team will continue to at the very least compete. No. 1 Jalen Hurts, No. 65 Lane Johnson, and No. 26 Saquon Barkley, amongst many others, have made it near impossible for Philadelphia not to be a contender. Their fate will only be within the choices made by management in the upcoming months.

5. San Francisco 49ers (12-5-0)

Top to bottom, when it comes to a talented roster, the only team that realistically could give the last entrant a run for their money is San Francisco. However, the main factor that held them back from achieving more this year was the plethora of injuries sustained by their top stars. No. 13 Brock Purdy, No. 11 Brandon Aiyuk, No. 54 Fred Warner, No. 85 George Kittle, and No. 71 Trent Williams all received minor to major injuries throughout the season. Ironically, the often called “injury-prone” No. 23 Christian McCaffery seemed to be the only consistent healthy key player on the depth chart. In spite of their setbacks, San Francisco remained a contender in the playoffs, making it to the divisional round before being eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champions. If able to maintain their talent pool in the offseason, there is no doubt they’ll be discussed as a team to watch out for next year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4-0)

Shockingly, a team that would become one to watch out for by the end of the season was Jacksonville. The introduction of new head coach Liam Coen seemed to inject life into a bottom-of-the-barrel team just the previous year. Quarterback No. 16 Trevor Lawrence had by far the best year of his career, which helped Jacksonville climb to the top of a competitive AFC South. Not to mention No. 39 Cam Little, who broke records with his kicking abilities this year that complemented a strong offense. Now with a solid defense to back it up, many wonder if Jacksonville can continue its hot streak into the next season.

3. Denver Broncos (14-3-0)

The entry’s defense may be solid, but few teams had anything of the defensive powerhouse that Denver was this season. Flagged by No. 2 Patrick Surtain II, they were statistically the best defense in the NFL this year, going all the way to the conference championship before No. 10 Bo Nix fractured his right ankle, putting an end to their title hopes. While their offense does have its issues, notably inconsistency regarding Nix, they can be easily fixed. If proper adjustments are made heading into next season, expect Denver to appear in the conference championship and this time finish the job.

2. Los Angeles Rams (12-5-0)

A team many thought would finish the job in the conference championship and win the Super Bowl was Los Angeles. In hindsight, those people can’t be blamed either. Having the league MVP on their team, No. 9 Matthew Stafford, throwing to the most dynamic receiving duo in the league with No. 17 Davante Adams and No. 12 Puka Nacua, could simply be an argument in itself. Yet also, having a defense with No. 8 Jared Verse, who will be joined by No. 22 Trent McDuffie next season. If their roster remains the same at the beginning of next year, expect them to once again make a push for a Super Bowl title.

1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3-0)

Whilst the last few entries have certainly been impressive, all fail to match the all-around superb roster of another NFC West team. Without even taking their Super Bowl victory into consideration, Seattle achieved great feats. No. 11 Jaxon Smith-Njigba beat out every other wide receiver in the NFL and led the league in receiving yards this season, not to overshadow No. 14 Sam Darnold, who ranked fourth in passing yards in his own right. Their dominant season would go on display for the entire world to see, referring back to the Super Bowl, where they put up twenty nine points over an opposing team that had only lost three games the entire year, in the process breaking records. This display of talent amongst their roster simply underscores the fact that when fans remember the 2025-26 NFL season, Seattle will be the first team that comes to mind.