10. Seattle Seahawks
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Oct 6, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) carries the ball after a catch against the New York Giants during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks have felt overlooked and undervalued throughout the offseason. FanDuel currently gives them worse odds to win the Super Bowl than the Cowboys and Jaguars despite going 10-7 last season. As long as Sam Darnold remains close to the level we saw him play at last year in Minnesota, he will be an upgrade over Geno Smith. Seattle’s offensive talent is not that far behind what Darnold had with the Vikings. He has a solid group of receivers, two capable running backs, and a smart, young head coach. There is no reason why Seattle shouldn’t be good.
9. Denver Broncos
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Sep 19, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Broncos have debatably the best defense in the NFL. Denver led the NFL in sacks last season with 63, while also having the Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain, leading their secondary. On offense, the Broncos addressed several key question marks by bringing in multiple running backs and re-signing WR Courtland Sutton to a four-year extension. Bo Nix is in a strong position to build on the success he had during his rookie season.
8. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to center Frank Ragnow (77) before a snap against Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Despite losing both of their coordinators, the Lions’ roster remains mostly intact. They still have elite weapons on offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, while Sam LaPorta is a top 10 tight end in the NFL. There is no reason to think that Detroit will suddenly fall off a cliff. Over the past two seasons, the Lions have a 27-7 record in the regular season—the best in the NFL during that span.
7. Washington Commanders
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Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) celebrate after winning a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Washington’s running game, or lack thereof, is a bit concerning. After parting ways with Brian Robinson, there is a serious question as to who will carry the workload at running back. With that being said, the Commanders remain in good shape at most other positions. They even managed to beef up their offense by adding WR Deebo Samuel and OT Laremy Tunsil.
6. Los Angeles Rams
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs the ball against Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
If there was a greater degree of certainty surrounding Matthew Stafford’s health, the Rams would be higher. The WR duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is one of the best in the league, while Kyren Williams has proven himself to be an elite running back. Their offensive line, however, isn’t great. That fact combined with an aging quarterback prevents me from placing them any higher.
5. Green Bay Packers
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Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons speaks during an introductory press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 28 to acquire Parsons in exchange for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round picks.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay has the youngest roster in the NFL with an average age of 25.2 years. The addition of Micah Parsons provides their young defense with a gifted playmaker—something that they have been missing as of late. As of right now, is it a stretch to suggest that the Packers are Philadelphia’s biggest threat in the NFC?
4. Kansas City Chiefs
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Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) watch play against the Chicago Bears during the second half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
As long as the Chiefs have an all-time great quarterback and an all-time great head coach, they will be in the mix. This was on full display last season when the team still managed to go 15-2 despite down years from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. I can’t confidently say that Kansas City improved over the offseason, but does that really matter? They can still go 11-6, win the AFC West yet again, and be a thorn in everyone else’s side come January.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson directs his teammates before the snap.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson directs his teammates before the snap.
Despite not winning MVP, I can argue that Lamar Jackson is coming off his best season as a pro—one that saw him set single-season career-highs in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passer rating. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry had one of his best seasons in 2024 as well, rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. Baltimore has a loaded roster on both sides of the ball, placing them among the Super Bowl favorites once again.
2. Buffalo Bills
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Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) enters the field before a game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
2025 might be Buffalo’s best chance to get over the hump and make the Super Bowl for the first time in over 30 years. Josh Allen is playing the best football of his career, and he arguably has the deepest collection of offensive weapons that he has ever had. The Bills’ defense also remains strong, and the addition of Joey Bosa brings an extra dimension to their pass rush. Overall, Buffalo matches up well with both Kansas City and Baltimore.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
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Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles are currently the prime organization in the sport. They have the best roster in the league, as well as the best front office. As much as we might question Nick Sirianni at times, the organization around him is so solid that it sufficiently masks any of his faults. The Eagles have to be number one until proven otherwise.