Is there a truly great NFL team in 2025?
The league’s wins leaders, New England (11) and Denver (10), are a fascinating study in contrasts — and wouldn’t it be fun if they were to meet in the playoffs? Both are compelling, emerging teams, but it’s been hard to judge them individually, with greatness as the barometer. The Patriots, admittedly, have played a softer schedule, but their high notes are high. The Broncos’ late-game heroics have been tremendous — and consistent — but like I ask my kids all the time: Why does everything have to be so difficult?
Over the past three months in this league pecking order, we’ve seen a number of different teams at No. 1. My most recent elevation to the top spot, the Rams, couldn’t even make it a few weeks without losing, falling to a spirited Panthers team on Sunday. But I am keeping firm on my support of Los Angeles because there’s little shame in a close road loss to a scrappy, desperate team.
The rest of the field is a big pile of Who the heck knows? Thanksgiving chewed up the Lions, Chiefs and Ravens, and it’s possible all three miss the playoffs. Black Friday shockingly shifted the NFC sands toward the upstart Bears and away from the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles.
This has been my toughest year — by far — ranking the powers. Inherently, it’s also been my favorite season of handling this duty. It’s anyone’s Super Bowl, and a lot of new faces are gunning for it.