The NFL season is finally here, and with week one coming to an end, it’s time to break down the top contenders heading into the new year. While some teams are still finding their footing, a few have already separated themselves on paper with strong rosters, smart offseason moves, and growing expectations from fanbases. Here are the top five teams to watch as the 2025 NFL season kicks off!
The number-five spot belongs to the Green Bay Packers. With a record of 11-6 and the youngest NFL roster in the league, the Packers had a standout 2024-2025 regular season. Injuries were their main concern during their short-lived playoff run, but they intend to hit the ground running and beat the team that swept them last year: their division rivals, the Detroit Lions. The Packers arguably had the best offseason, trading two future first-round draft picks and veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark for star edge rusher and projected Defensive-Player-of-the-Year candidate Micah Parsons (who previously played for the Cowboys). To put Parson’s greatness into perspective, only he and Hall of Famer Reggie White have recorded 12 or more sacks in their first four seasons. Parsons has also led the NFL in pressures and pressure rate for three straight seasons. On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers drafted wide receiver Matthew Golden, who at Texas only had four drops on over 80 targets, to address the fact that the Packers led in drops in the 2024-2025 season.
At number four, I have the Kansas City Chiefs. In the 2024-2025 season, they had a record of 15-2 and went all the way to the Super Bowl but were embarrassed in front of millions when they lost 40-22 to the Philadelphia Eagles. The most evident problem with the Chiefs was their lackluster offensive line, which ranked 20th in the NFL. They addressed this in the last draft, though, as they took two linemen in the first and second rounds who will hopefully give Patrick Mahomes more time to throw. The Chiefs did not have a very flashy offseason, as they only re-signed key pieces (such as veteran receiver Hollywood Brown) and traded away 32-year-old All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears due to salary cap issues. My biggest concern with the Chiefs going forward is their wide receiver room, as their best receiver, Rashee Rice, will be suspended for six games due to off-field issues. In addition, receiver Xavier Worthy sustained a shoulder injury after being blindsided by his own tight end while playing the Chargers in week one. This leaves them with a very mediocre receiving corps with no true superstar to lead the way. Also, I believe that as more teams get film on the Chiefs, they will be able to tailor their defenses to hinder Andy Reid’s creative coaching, along with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the rest of the Chiefs’ offense.
Coming in at number three, I have the Buffalo Bills. The Bills went 13-4 last year and went to the AFC championship. The biggest X factor for the Bills is reigning MVP Josh Allen, who finished last season with 4,268 all-purpose yards along with 28 passing touchdowns (putting him at #8 in TDs in the NFL) and 12 rushing touchdowns (9th in the NFL). Additionally, on the other side of the ball, the Bills signed Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Bosa and re-signed starting running back James Cook and their top wide receiver, Khalil Shakir. If the Bills can be firing on all cylinders come playoff time, they will be a scary team for anyone to go up against.
As runner-up for the best team this year, I have the Baltimore Ravens. With a 2024-2025 record of 12-5, the Ravens made it to the divisional round. During the off-season, they drafted safety Malaki Starks in Round 1 to pair with Kyle Hamilton, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension. Baltimore also added pass rusher Mike Green, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and cornerback Jaire Alexander. Statistically, they led the NFL in total offense (426.5 yards per game ) and rushing (192.8 yards per game) while ranking top 3 in scoring (30.1 ppg). The defense remains strong, too, as they were in the top 10 in both yards and points allowed last year and have kept their core of a strong secondary and above-average pass rush intact. Lamar Jackson is playing consistently at an MVP level, and Baltimore is built for a deep playoff push.
Finally, taking the crown for best team going into the 2025-2026 NFL season are the Philadelphia Eagles. With their previous record of 12-5 and dominant Super Bowl run, it is hard not to put the Philadelphia Eagles at the top of this list. They only got better this offseason, re-signing breakout linebacker Zach Baun along with drafting Alabama star edge rusher Jihaad Campbell. With the core of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and AJ Brown, along with an easy schedule, the Eagles are destined for another Super Bowl run.
While anything can happen over the course of the season, such as trades and injuries, these five teams look the most dangerous on paper. If they stay healthy and live up to the hype, you’ll see all of them along the road to the Super Bowl.
