The 2025 NFL season has highlighted a notable lack of dominance among teams, leading Richard Sherman to question the nature of parity in the league. No team has achieved a record of 5-0, marking the first time since 2014 that even a 4-0 start has eluded the league.
With just four teams boasting records of 4-1 or better, and numerous teams hovering around .500, analysts are left pondering whether this reflects a competitive balance or simply poor football. Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured the top position in the latest power rankings, demonstrating resilience despite injuries to key receivers.
Oct 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The team is managing to win while contending with a depleted roster, but concerns linger about their ability to maintain this level of performance. The Buccaneers’ success, combined with fluctuating results from other contenders, underscores the unpredictable nature of the current season.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, once considered formidable, have shown vulnerabilities that have contributed to their struggles. The Chiefs, now sitting at 3-3, recently defeated the Lions but are still searching for consistency. Meanwhile, the Bills are grappling with a two-game losing streak, highlighting the challenges even elite teams face in a season characterized by tight matchups and unexpected outcomes.
As the NFL approaches the midpoint of the season, ratings are soaring, fueled by the excitement of close games and late-game heroics. Viewership for Thursday and Monday night games has reached new heights, suggesting that fans are captivated by the drama unfolding week to week. This perceived parity is a double-edged sword, as it creates engaging television but also raises concerns about the overall quality of play.
Richard Sherman Shares Major Observation About 2025 NFL Season
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football analyst Richard Sherman performs the pre-game show before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sherman shared his observation about no single team being the best in the league this season. This can be seen in a post shared on his official X account.
“The NFL has the ultimate parity right now! Anyone can be beat by any team. There is no clear cut best team on either side,” Sherman tweeted.
Critics argue that the current landscape reveals not only competitive balance but also systemic issues within several franchises. Teams like the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons have struggled for years, underscoring that not all teams are benefiting from the league’s parity. This disarray among certain clubs raises questions about how truly competitive the league is at its core.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets the crowd hyped before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The 2025 NFL season presents a complex picture of parity versus dysfunction. While fans enjoy the thrill of close contests, the underlying issues faced by many teams suggest that the league’s competitiveness may not be as robust as it appears. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this season will lead to meaningful change or simply reinforce existing disparities.
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) takes the field fro a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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