With the NFL season kicking off and the Eagles set to defend their title against the Dallas Cowboys, Pro Football Focus has released its first set of power rankings for the 2025 season.
PFF writer Thomas Valentine currently ranks the Eagles second, behind the Baltimore Ravens, as the season gets underway. Valentine gave the Eagles a 9% chance of repeating as Super Bowl champions (the Ravens had an 11% chance). While many consider the Eagles one of the NFL's best teams, questions about their defense persist.
"Despite entering the 2025 season as the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Eagles find themselves second in the PFF Power Rankings," Valentine said. "This is still one of the most talented teams in the NFL, but Philadelphia's defense is weaker than it was a year ago and will feature at least six new starters in Week 1.
The sky isn’t falling in Philadelphia, though, nor should it be. The offense can carry the load and play bully ball while Vic Fangio’s defense finds its groove. Spirits will be high, regardless, and the Eagles will feel confident that they’ll have a serious Super Bowl-caliber defense."
Is that second ranking justified for the defending Super Bowl champions?
Philadelphia goes into the season with a youth movement, in addition to finding a way to replace over 20 sacks lost due to retirement and free agency. While the team did not make any significant strides in free agency, it drafted extremely well and deep on the defensive side of the ball, which could lead to plenty of upside as their younger players develop.
While the defense isn't anything to lose sleep over, the team will lean heavily on the offense to carry the load and utilize a dominating rushing attack to control the clock, while bullying their opponents. With another year under his belt, the team may need Jalen Hurts to expand the offense, especially if teams continue to load the front against Saquon Barkley and the Eagles' running backs.
While the Eagles will continue to be "doubted," there are question marks around the defending champions. With the team extremely young, there is plenty of veteran leadership in the building to get the team through the "tough times". The Eagles will lean on Vic Fangio to put the defense, specifically in the secondary, in positions to succeed, while first-time offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo will make his debut calling plays.
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Now, with the season about to kick off in less than 24 hours, all the preseason discussions will be put to rest, and the actions on the field will be the real test to see how all the work in the offseason comes together.