The Kansas City Chiefs era came to an end in the 2024 NFL season, at least for a year, as the Philadelphia Eagles bossed them from start to finish in New Orleans back in February to lift the Super Bowl LIX trophy and ultimately stop the Chiefs from achieving the three-peat.
Every season of the NFL seems to throw out some surprises, and 2024 was no different. We had teams with elite players, like the 49ers, struggle all season to field their strongest possible team. We saw QB Sam Darnold, who is a career journeyman, shine with the Vikings to everyone's shock. We also saw an outstanding rookie season from Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who completely elevated the entire franchise in 2024 and showed guts in the playoffs despite defeat.
Here at GiveMeSport, we have provided a comprehensive breakdown of the top ten NFL teams ranked heading into the 2025 season, where we highlight the biggest threats and question marks surrounding each team.
Ranking Factors
NFL_Top 10 After 2025 NFL Draft
We have determined the order based on the following:
Last season's record
How far each team went in the 2024 season (e.g. getting to the divisional play-off round or beyond)
How exciting the team was to watch in 2024
What players have they lost in the off-season
Which team had a strong 2025 NFL Draft
What players have the teams picked up in free agency
Any coaching staff changes in the off-season
Ranking Team Last Season's Record
1. Philadelphia Eagles 14-3
2. Kansas City Chiefs 15-2
3. Baltimore Ravens 12-5
4. Buffalo Bills 13-4
5. Detroit Lions 15-2
6. Washington Commanders 12-5
7. San Francisco 49ers 6-11
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7
9. Los Angeles Rams 10-7
10. Minnesota Vikings 14-3
10 Minnesota Vikings
2024 Record: 14-3
Justin Jefferson Minnesota Vikings WR
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
In 10th, we have the Vikings. The Minnesota Vikings were extremely fun to watch last year. Sam Darnold had a surprisingly outstanding year. For years, Darnold was deemed not good enough for a starting QB role in the NFL, yet he registered 35 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, with a passer rating of 102.5. Despite this, Darnold was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
Of course, it massively helped to have arguably the best WR in the league to throw to, Justin Jefferson, but Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor also proved to be huge threats vertically. Add in veteran running-back Aaron Jones, who can also get involved in the passing game, and you have a very strong offense.
The huge weakness of Kevin O'Connell's offense was the interior OL, but they've improved on that this off-season by spending $106m on center Ryan Kelly and right-guard Will Fries, former Colts teammates. And then they used their first-round draft pick on Donovan Jackson, who looks to be their left-guard for the future. It remains to be seen whether J.J. McCarthy or Sam Howell will be the starting quarterback in 2025, but they'll surely be protected much better up the middle.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
14-3 432 332
9 Los Angeles Rams
2024 Record: 10-7
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and QB Matthew Stafford
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In ninth, we have the Los Angeles Rams. Under the tutelage of Sean McVay, the Rams are always a team to watch out for. His offensive play-calling is one of the best in the league, and it helps to have elite wide receivers like Puka Nacua. Veteran WR Cooper Kupp was released recently as they couldn't sort out a deal for him.
One of the main reasons for the Rams’ slow start last year (starting 1-4) was due to injuries to Nacua and Kupp. But, they added to that room with Davante Adams, as well as re-signing Tutu Atwell, so Matthew Stafford still has some great targets to aim at providing they stay injury-free.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
10-7 367 386
8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 Record: 10-7
© Junfu Han \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n""> © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ranked eighth on our list. The Bucs had a very strong showing in 2024 under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who had a scheme that perfectly suited QB Baker Mayfield. But with Coen becoming the Jacksonville Jaguars HC, there is now a lot of pressure on Josh Grizzard to step up to the role.
Grizzard was the one who designed the passing plays last year, so you do expect some continuity in terms of spacing and concepts. However, can he dial up the right plays at the right time like Coen did? Mike Evans, Chris Goodwin and Cade Otton certainly hope so.
Defensively, Todd Bowles will always have his exotic packages ready to dial up when he needs pressure, but every defensive play-caller always hope to be able to get home with a four-man pressure. Drafting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish won't do any harm to those hopes.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
10-7 502 385
7 San Francisco 49ers
2024 Record: 6-11
49ers Brock Purdy CMC
We ranked the San Francisco 49ers seventh on our list. Although the 49ers had a losing record last year, we can't forget that this team carries elite playmakers in Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and even Juaun Jennings. With Kyle Shanahan still at the helm, they'll have a creative offense, but the issue over the last 12 months has been getting their star players on the same field due to injuries.
The 49ers’ defence struggled for consistency last year, but part of this was due to injuries to star players such as Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, who played most of the season with a fractured ankle. They did add some much-needed new blood on the defensive line in the draft though, so get ready for a big bounce-back year for the 49ers.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
6-11 389 436
6 Washington Commanders
2024 Record: 12-5
Jayden Daniels
Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images
Jayden Daniels was simply outstanding in his rookie season for the Commanders. He showed that he certainly has what it takes to be a successful QB in the NFL. Similar to Lamar Jackson, he is very nimble and quick, and also has a good arm. With Deebo Samuel recently joining Terry McLaurin in the receiver room, and with Brian Robinson Jr in the backfield, the Commanders are continuing to build up their offensive weapons, and this is why we have them ranked sixth on our list.
The Commanders ultimately fell short in 2024 because of their lack of quality in coverage. Drafting Ole Miss CB Trey Amos in round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft was an absolute steal to pair up with Marshon Lattimore, and whilst it's a start, their secondary still needs improvement.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
12-5 485 391
5 Detroit Lions
2024 Record: 15-2
Detroit Lions Jared Goff Dan Campbell
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
In fifth, we have the Detroit Lions. For large parts of the 2024 season, the Lions looked like the biggest threats to the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat. But it all fell apart at the first hurdle in the play-offs, against the Washington Commanders, after securing the first-round bye.
Sonic and Knuckles in the backfield (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery) were a force to be reckoned with, both showing their versatility. The Lions had an outstanding offensive line, which not only bullied people at the line of scrimmage, they were athletically great too.
This allowed the then-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to scheme in plenty of trickery and creativity into the passing game due to defenders biting on the play-action. But the mastermind OC is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, so it will be interesting to see if their offense is still as powerful in 2025.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
15-2 564 342
4 Buffalo Bills
2024 Record: 13-4
Josh Allen
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Ranking fourth on our list, the Buffalo Bills perhaps surprised a lot of people last year because of how far they got in the postseason, despite having no real star players at wide receiver. Josh Allen won the MVP more so because of the grit and tenacity he showed rather than any finesse plays or eye-catching stats.
James Cook truly emerged as a star running-back, putting up 16 touchdowns, and it was this formidable running attack with Cook and Allen which made up the Bills’ offensive identity.
Buffalo statistically didn't have a great defensive showing last year, so it's no wonder they used six of their nine draft picks for the defensive side of the ball. But, they came up with big stops and turnovers when they needed to, especially against the Ravens in the AFC Divisional play-off round. Adding fresh and hungry players to the secondary is exactly what the doctor ordered.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
13-4 525 368
3 Baltimore Ravens
2024 Record: 12-5
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson attempts a pass
Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
In third, we have the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson continues to silence critics, and many fans and analysts were left scratching their heads when the Ravens QB somehow didn't pick up his third MVP award despite having a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 41-4 and a passer rating of 119.
Rashod Bateman and Isiah Likely are coming off career-best seasons. Zay Flowers is electric whenever he touches the ball. The free signing of the veteran, sure-handed DeAndre Hopkins, adds something that was missing in last year's receiver room. Derrick Henry, of course, will always be a beast. The only question mark on offense is the OL (outside of Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum).
Their defence is loaded with studs; players like Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey spring to mind. Nate Wiggins endured a good rookie season at corner, and the Ravens' secondary got even stronger after the addition of safety Malaki Starks in the recent draft. Mike Green was also a great pick-up to bolster their pass rush.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
12-5 518 361
2 Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Record: 15-2
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes vs. Baltimore Ravens
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Despite falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs are primed to reclaim the NFL throne in 2025. They still have elite players in key positions, and they still arguably have the best head coach and offensive mastermind in the entire league in the form of Andy Reid. This is why we have the Chiefs second on our NFL Power Rankings list.
While Patrick Mahomes had a poor Super Bowl by his standards - three passing touchdowns, two interceptions and went 21-32 for 257 yards through the air - there is huge optimism for this coming season because of his weapons on the outside. Travis Kelce's best days are far behind him, but with Rashee Rice and deep threats like Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, the Chiefs’ offense will be explosive downfield.
Defensively, the Chiefs still have a genius in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, whose aggressive schemes and knack for timely adjustments always keep them competitive, even when the offense isn't clicking. Players like Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie will always draw attention from the opposition.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
15-2 385 326
1 Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Record: 14-3
Eagles vs Chiefs
Of course, the 2024 champions rank at number one on our list. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has proven himself as a dual-threat, capable of dismantling defences with his arm and legs. Once upon a time, there were huge doubts over whether or not he could deliver success with the Eagles. However, two Super Bowl appearances in three years, as well as a ring, have silenced the critics. Add in weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a versatile backfield led by Saquon Barkley, and the Eagles’ offense is a nightmare for opposing coordinators.
Defensively, the Eagles are equally formidable. They have a secondary that’s only getting better. Under head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the team has embraced a very physical and adaptable style with the potential to grow even further. And I think someone like Cooper DeJean epitomised that last season.
However, they have seen several departures at edge rusher with Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Cornerback Darius Slay Jr. and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson have also left this offseason.
2024 Record Points Scored Points Allowed
14-3 463 303
The 2024 NFL season is well and truly in the books, and with the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up a few weeks ago, teams have begun reshaping their rosters, coaches and schemes ready for the 2025 season.
While some franchises are entering huge rebuilding periods, others are trying to refine and fine-tune their squads to potentially get to that next level.
All stats taken from Pro Football Reference - correct as of 20/06/2025.