With Week 18 of the 2025 NFL common season upon us, we have hit the ultimate version of our NFL Energy Rankings for the yr. Our weekly ballot featured loads of selection up high in 2025, together with 9 totally different groups within the No. 1 spot: the Payments, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Colts, Eagles, Lions, Patriots, Rams and Seahawks.
Which of these 9 made the highest spot in our final ballot of the common season? Let’s stack all of the groups yet one more time. Along with the 1-32 rankings, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to look again and provides their high takeaway from every workforce’s season. Who’s feeling sturdy about their rookie class? Which rosters may see an enormous overhaul on one aspect of the ball this offseason? And did sure star gamers or models reside as much as their preseason hype?
Let’s check out our last rating till after Tremendous Bowl LX. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Bounce to a workforce:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 17 end result: Beat the Panthers 27-10Week 17 rating: 1
What we discovered this season: Common supervisor John Schneider is without doubt one of the finest within the enterprise.
A collection of residence run strikes by their longtime GM put the Seahawks in place to probably win the NFC West and declare the convention’s high seed. Schneider traded quarterback Geno Smith for a third-round choose and changed him for much less cash with Sam Darnold, who made the Professional Bowl. Schneider’s sturdy class of free agent acquisitions included outdoors linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, one other Professional Bowl choice. The GM’s first two draft picks in 2025 — left guard Gray Zabel and nickelback Nick Emmanwori — have been difference-makers. To cap it off, Schneider pulled off a midseason commerce for vast receiver Rashid Shaheed, who made the Professional Bowl as a kick returner. — Brady Henderson
Editor’s Picks
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Week 17 end result: Beat the Jets 42-10Week 17 rating: 4
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Drake Maye is “him.”
Maye is second behind Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in MVP odds, based on DraftKings, and leads the NFL in completion share (71.7%) and QBR (76.5). Undrafted rookie vast receiver Efton Chism III was the recipient of Maye’s fifth landing move Sunday and pointed at him in celebration. “I stated, ‘You are him!’ in all probability three or 4 occasions,” Chism relayed. “I feel everybody sees how nice he’s and the way properly he is taking part in, however he’ll in all probability by no means say it about himself. He is a humble man, and I respect and respect that about him, so if I get a possibility to inform him, I need to in that second.” — Mike Reiss
Week 17 end result: Beat the Chiefs 20-13Week 17 rating: 3
What we discovered this season: These Broncos can stroll the excessive wire.
Logic and the swirl of numbers via the years at all times appear to indicate that shut, one-score win potential will not be a sustainable factor every season. However these Broncos do not care a lot about all that — as linebacker Alex Singleton stated, “At this level, let’s simply play all one-score video games.” The 2025 Broncos, with a title-worthy protection, are 11-2 in one-score video games together with 3-2 in these selected the ultimate play (4 on area objectives and one when linebacker Nik Bonitto swatted away a 2-point conversion try in an extra time win in Week 13). That mojo is not more likely to carry over to subsequent season, however the Broncos actually imagine it may final into January and, they hope, February. — Jeff Legwold
Week 17 end result: Beat the Bears 42-38Week 17 rating: 6
What we discovered this season: Kyle Shanahan is lengthy overdue to be NFL Coach of the 12 months.
Shanahan has almost gained the award twice — ending second in 2019 and 2022 — however that is his finest work but. After an enormous offseason roster reset, the Niners seen 2025 as an opportunity to develop with younger gamers in hopes of sneaking again into the playoffs. As an alternative, Shanahan has the Niners one win away from the NFC’s No. 1 seed regardless of accidents to a number of stars. Rehiring defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was an enormous offseason transfer for which Shanahan deserves credit score, however he additionally has San Francisco’s offense taking part in just like the NFL’s finest down the stretch. He has proved as soon as once more that he is nearly as good as any coach at designing an offense whereas motivating all the workforce. — Nick Wagoner
1:49
Orlovsky: Kyle Shanahan is Coach of the 12 months
Adam Schefter and Dan Orlovsky reward Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers for his or her resilience within the face of accidents this season.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Falcons 27-24Week 17 rating: 2
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Matthew Stafford must be a Corridor of Famer.
Regardless of taking part in his worst sport of the season on Monday evening, Stafford has performed at an MVP stage total this season. Final week, coach Sean McVay stated “once you discuss to the true soccer folks,” Stafford is “seen as a man that is among the best to ever do it.” However this season may be the one which has proved to everybody else that he must be within the Corridor of Fame. Stafford has thrown for 4,448 yards with 42 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His 42 touchdowns leads the league, 9 greater than Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who’s second on that checklist. — Sarah Barshop
Week 17 end result: Beat the Colts 23-17Week 17 rating: 5
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is lastly the participant the Jaguars thought they have been getting with the 2021 No. 1 choose.
Lawrence had performed superb soccer in spurts, however by no means earlier than on the stage that coach Liam Coen has unlocked this season. Since Week 11, Lawrence ranks fourth in QBR (76.8), passing yards (1,754) and yards per try (8.2) — and he is tied for the NFL lead with 16 TD passes. The Jags are 7-0 in that stretch. Blitzing Lawrence was the best way to go, however over the previous three video games, he is finishing no less than 70% of his passes in opposition to the blitz, with eight TDs and just one interception. — Mike DiRocco
Week 17 end result: Beat the Payments 13-12Week 17 rating: 10
What we discovered this season: The Eagles have a Tremendous Bowl-caliber protection, once more.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been downright dominant since being employed by the Eagles in 2024. He orchestrated the No. 1 protection in soccer final season en path to Philadelphia’s second Lombardi Trophy and can deserve a lot of the credit score ought to it snag a 3rd this season. The unit ranks third in factors allowed (18.8 per sport) and ninth in opposition to the move (193.4 yards per sport). The Eagles confirmed in opposition to the Payments that they are able to quieting the most effective quarterbacks within the enterprise. — Tim McManus
Week 17 end result: Beat the Chargers 20-16Week 17 rating: 13
What we discovered this season: The Texans have the most effective protection within the NFL.
After Saturday’s win, security Jalen Pitre stated: “God is the best. The Texans’ protection is perhaps second.” Houston’s protection has allowed the fewest factors per sport within the NFL (16.6) and the fourth-lowest yards per play (4.7). Nevertheless it’s not as if the Texans have performed solely bottom-feeders. They’ve seen 5 (Colts, 49ers, Rams, Payments and Jaguars) of the highest 10 scoring offenses this season. In order that they have proven sufficient to earn the title because the NFL’s finest protection. — DJ Bien-Aime
2:27
Newton, Orlovsky debate whether or not they’d moderately have Stroud or Lawrence in playoffs
Cam Newton and Dan Orlovsky debate which quarterback they’d moderately have within the playoffs between Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the 49ers 42-38Week 17 rating: 8
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson are an ideal match.
Johnson selected the Bears largely due to his perception in Williams and that he may flip the 2024 No. 1 choose right into a franchise quarterback. The 24-year-old quarterback’s development has helped Chicago win the NFC North this season and will pay dividends for years to come back. The Bears of outdated would by no means have been capable of compete in a shootout like Sunday evening’s loss, however Williams is supplied to ship in these video games due to Chicago’s scheme, personnel and offensive playcaller. — Courtney Cronin
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Eagles 13-12Week 17 rating: 7
What we discovered this season: Bringing in additional vast receiver expertise is important.
In some ways, this was recognized earlier than the season started. Final yr, with a stable however not nice group of receivers, the Payments set a franchise report in factors (525) and completed a sport away from the Tremendous Bowl. However coach Sean McDermott admitted final week that the workforce continues to be attempting to determine the proper mixture of receivers, and that is a difficulty with the playoffs beginning. This offense modifications drastically when tight finish Dalton Kincaid is not taking part in, and whereas quarterback Josh Allen is great sufficient to hold the workforce, 2025 proved that higher move catchers are wanted. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Texans 20-16Week 17 rating: 9
What we discovered this season: Perhaps they’re cursed?
Heartbreak has turn out to be acquainted sufficient for this franchise that followers have given it a reputation: “Chargering.” This season has adopted script because it has been marred by a run of just about comically poor luck. Each star tackles suffered season-ending accidents, and their first-round rookie spent seven weeks on IR. In Saturday’s loss — a sport that would have put Los Angeles in place to win the AFC West for the primary time in 16 seasons — Cameron Dicker, essentially the most correct kicker in NFL historical past, missed a area aim and an additional level. The Chargers misplaced by 4. Moments like that make the query unavoidable. — Kris Rhim
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Ravens 41-24Week 17 rating: 11
What we discovered this season: They wanted edge rusher Micah Parsons.
It might be shortsighted to say Parsons’ Week 15 knee damage modifications the outlook on that commerce. He’s the star the Packers wanted — and can want in future years — on protection. They’d a number of good gamers however no standouts, as proved by Parsons being the workforce’s solely Professional Bowl choice. He modified video games and can achieve this sooner or later. — Rob Demovsky
0:51
Moody: Willis’ dual-threat upside makes him a reputation to observe for fantasy
Eric Moody particulars Malik Willis’ terrific efficiency in Week 17 and why he could possibly be fantasy-relevant subsequent season.
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Browns 13-6Week 17 rating: 12
What we discovered this season: Cash cannot purchase the most effective protection.
The Steelers have the highest-paid protection within the NFL, however they have been inconsistent and outschemed too typically this season. They rank twenty eighth in yards allowed (357.9), thirtieth in passing yards allowed (246.4) and twenty fifth in opponent third-down conversion share (41.96%). Even earlier than his partially collapsed lung damage Dec. 10, edge rusher T.J. Watt wasn’t producing at his normal charge. Going into Week 18, Watt, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension in March, has 7.0 sacks. That is his lowest output since recording 5.5 in 10 video games in 2022. — Brooke Pryor
Week 17 end result: Beat the Packers 41-24Week 17 rating: 18
What we discovered this season: The Ravens can win with out quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Let’s make it clear: Baltimore is not a Tremendous Bowl contender with out a wholesome Jackson. However the Ravens proved they will win when the two-time NFL Most Invaluable Participant is sidelined within the common season. Baltimore’s two largest wins of 2025 — in opposition to the Bears and Packers — got here with Tyler Huntley because the beginning quarterback. In these two begins, he accomplished 78.6% of his passes for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions (90.1 QBR). He additionally ran for 113 yards. “He is stone chilly, and we acquired a variety of belief in him,” tight finish Mark Andrews stated of Huntley. “We have seen it time and time once more. The dude’s a fighter.” — Jamison Hensley
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Vikings 23-10Week 17 rating: 14
What we discovered this season: The dashing assault is not unstoppable.
The backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery — aka “Sonic and Knuckles” — acquired off to a record-setting begin collectively in 2023 and 2024. Whereas almost splitting carries, they grew to become the primary pair of teammates in NFL historical past to achieve no less than 2,000 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns of their first 25 video games collectively. Nevertheless, as Gibbs took on a much bigger snap rely in 2025 (661 snaps in contrast with Montgomery’s 366), there was a stark distinction to their dashing assault in wins versus losses. In wins, they’ve averaged north of 170 dashing yards and 5.8 yards per rush. In losses, these averages drop to 69.4 and three.1, respectively. — Eric Woodyard
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Jaguars 23-17Week 17 rating: 15
What we discovered this season: The protection wants to usher in extra assist this offseason.
The Colts poured loads of assets into their secondary, signing cornerback Charvarius Ward and security Cam Bynum in free company earlier than buying and selling for cornerback Sauce Gardner on the deadline. However accidents in that unit left the entrance seven answerable for limiting opposing quarterbacks, and that simply did not occur. Throughout their present six-game shedding streak, the Colts rank twenty third with 10 sacks, twenty fourth in third-down conversions (43.9%) and twenty ninth in opponent QBR (66.2). Offseason personnel modifications appear possible. — Stephen Holder
2:22
Dan Orlovsky can not imagine Cam Newton’s Myles Garrett MVP take
Cam Newton stuns Dan Orlovsky by saying Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett must be the NFL’s MVP this season.
Week 17 end result: Beat the Lions 23-10Week 17 rating: 19
What we discovered this season: Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was not able to be an NFL starter.
McCarthy has struggled along with his accuracy, a difficulty precipitated partly by mechanics that have been so out of whack that the Vikings put him via remedial throwing periods throughout their Week 6 bye. He has additionally proved sluggish to course of his reads in Minnesota’s pure development system, which throws off the timing on lots of his passes. Consequently, his play has been beneath NFL normal for many of his 9 begins and is the first purpose the Vikings missed the playoffs. It’s comprehensible, although. McCarthy was the youngest and least skilled member of final yr’s QB draft class. — Kevin Seifert
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Seahawks 27-10Week 17 rating: 16
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Bryce Younger continues to be TBD.
As a lot enchancment as Younger has proven this season in serving to put Carolina in place to make the playoffs, he has possible been too inconsistent for the group to decide to him long run. He had a franchise-record 448 passing yards in Week 11 in opposition to the Falcons. He had a career-low 54 in Week 17. Younger ranks twenty second in QBR (47.9) and completion share (63.2%, tied with the Giants’ Jaxson Dart). The 2023 No. 1 choose has yet one more yr left on his rookie deal, not together with a possible fifth-year possibility. — David Newton
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Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Dolphins 20-17Week 17 rating: 17
What we discovered this season: Sooner or later, profitable by razor-thin margins will catch as much as you.
The Bucs gutted out shut wins initially of the season en path to a 6-2 report, with 4 of their first 5 video games determined by a complete of 9 factors. Then they dropped seven of the previous eight video games, together with 4 determined by 4 or fewer factors. Even the return of injured stars comparable to vast receiver Mike Evans (damaged collarbone) and operating again Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) hasn’t been sufficient. Now, they could possibly be out of the playoffs for the primary time since 2019. — Jenna Laine
Week 17 end result: Beat the Commanders 30-23Week 17 rating: 20
What we discovered this season: A high-scoring offense will not be sufficient.
The Cowboys have a 4,000-yard passer (Dak Prescott), a 1,000-yard rusher (Javonte Williams), and two 1,000-yard receivers (CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens), however they have been eradicated from the playoffs with three video games to play. Had the protection been common or near it, maybe Dallas could be within the postseason. Other than a three-game profitable streak, the unit underperformed in each space, which may result in a fourth defensive coordinator in 4 seasons. Blame the Micah Parsons commerce, however the Cowboys have simply 31 sacks (their fewest since 2020) and 11 takeaways (their fewest since 2015), they usually’ve given up 30-plus factors eight occasions. — Todd Archer
Week 17 end result: Beat the Rams 27-24Week 17 rating: 21
What we discovered this season: The Falcons weren’t as prepared as they thought.
Lots of the Falcons’ strikes over the previous two seasons have indicated a “win now” strategy, bordering on the sensation that they may be solely a participant or two from rivalry. That is the message when a workforce trades a 2026 first-round choose to maneuver again into the primary spherical in 2025. It was the identical message a summer time earlier when Atlanta traded a third-round choose for declining edge rusher Matthew Judon. However the Falcons missed the postseason in each years. It has now been eight seasons since Atlanta has had a profitable report or made the playoffs. — Marc Raimondi
Week 17 end result: Beat the Buccaneers 20-17Week 17 rating: 23
What we discovered this season: A quarterback change is probably going.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa underwhelmed within the first yr of his four-year, $212.1 million extension and was benched for rookie Quinn Ewers as soon as the Dolphins have been knocked out of playoff rivalry. It is in all probability a stretch to say Ewers has completed sufficient to earn the beginning job subsequent season, however he has completed sufficient to no less than compete for it. With a brand new basic supervisor and presumably a brand new coach coming in 2026, Tagovailoa’s time as Miami’s starter could possibly be over after six seasons. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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Week 17 end result: Beat the Cardinals 37-14Week 17 rating: 25
What we discovered this season: The younger defenders are turning the nook.
Cincinnati is lastly getting improved play from younger gamers comparable to defensive finish Myles Murphy and cornerback DJ Turner II. Murphy leads the workforce with 5.5 sacks and has earned reward from coaches and gamers for a robust season. Turner, with a Professional Bowl-worthy résumé, is having his finest season to this point. That’s notable for a protection that wants its former top-100 draft picks to carry out at a excessive stage. A powerful protection is essential for the Bengals to reopen their championship window. — Ben Child
Week 17 end result: Beat the Titans 34-26Week 17 rating: 24
What we discovered this season: They’ve a quarterback to construct round.
There have been a variety of modifications at quarterback for the Saints in 2025. One yr in the past it appeared that Derek Carr was the presumed starter, and a number of other months in the past Spencer Rattler gained the coaching camp competitors over rookie Tyler Shough. However since New Orleans switched to Shough, issues have regarded up for a workforce that struggled early. He has greater than proved himself within the second half of the season and is within the operating for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. Now, the Saints can go into the offseason with the aim of constructing round him. — Katherine Terrell
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Broncos 20-13Week 17 rating: 22
What we discovered this season: The roster wasn’t as sturdy because the Chiefs believed in all three aspects.
This was presupposed to be the season that the Chiefs’ offense returned to being an elite unit. As an alternative, the group surrounding quarterback Patrick Mahomes could not correctly help him. Kansas Metropolis’s dashing assault was traditionally unhealthy, whereas the younger receivers (Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy) did not progress a lot. On protection, the move rush lacked manufacturing round defensive sort out Chris Jones. Even the particular groups unit took a step again with kicker Harrison Butker lacking 9 whole kicks (area objectives and further factors). — Nate Taylor
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Cowboys 30-23Week 17 rating: 26
What we discovered this season: Their protection wants an overhaul, pronto.
In coaching camp, Washington’s protection typically outplayed an offense with out vast receiver Terry McLaurin, amongst different gamers. The protection gave the impression to be sound. Seems, that was a mirage. The Commanders’ D enters the season finale ranked thirty first in takeaways, twenty seventh in factors allowed, twenty ninth within the purple zone, thirtieth versus the run and thirtieth in yards allowed per play. Coach Dan Quinn took over playcalling duties from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in Week 11. The Commanders might want to settle the coordinator duties whereas looking for upgrades to each stage of their protection. — John Keim
Week 17 end result: Beat the Steelers 13-6Week 17 rating: 29
What we discovered this season: The Browns’ offense is due for main modifications.
Cleveland produced the league’s lowest-scoring offense final season and opted for only some renovations. The workforce promoted Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator and made most of its additions via the draft, hoping a return to teach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system would produce higher outcomes. As an alternative, the Browns cycled via three quarterbacks as widespread points, from safety to lack of playmakers, have been as soon as once more uncovered for what’s now the league’s second-lowest-scoring offense. That is a serious purpose the Browns are possible headed for a radical makeover on offense. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Bengals 37-14Week 17 rating: 28
What we discovered this season: Michael Wilson is a succesful WR1.
It solely took three years and a quarterback change for the NFL world to see that Wilson has what it takes to be the centerpiece of Arizona’s passing sport. With Marvin Harrison Jr. on the shelf and coping with accidents over the previous seven weeks, Wilson confirmed what he may do: three 100-plus-yard video games, double-digit catches on double-digit targets and clutch performs. He was stifled in his first 2½ seasons in Arizona, however he has been unleashed and is displaying he could make an affect. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Saints 34-26Week 17 rating: 27
What we discovered this season: The Titans’ rookies supply hope for the long run.
Cam Ward has proven he will be the long-term reply at quarterback and is seeking to shut out along with his fourth consecutive sport of two-plus landing passes. Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor and Gunnar Helm have proved to be succesful move catchers in several methods. Dike is a legit deep risk, whereas Ayomanor makes performs in the midst of the sphere. The 2 rookie receivers every have a team-leading 4 landing receptions. Helm is a constant possibility who has caught 44 of 55 targets. Defensively, Kevin Winston Jr. and Marcus Harris every held down a number of roles within the secondary. Oluwafemi Oladejo will likely be a part of the pass-rush rotation. — Turron Davenport
Week 17 end result: Beat the Raiders 34-10Week 17 rating: 31
What we discovered this season: Quarterback Jaxson Dart is the man.
Dart got here in and established himself properly. He’s fifteenth with a QBR of 58.1. That places him proper behind Denver’s Bo Nix, tied with Chicago’s Caleb Williams and forward of Detroit’s Jared Goff. Not unhealthy for a rookie. And his 9 dashing touchdowns is the second most ever for a rookie, behind solely Cam Newton. These contained in the Giants’ constructing are offered on Dart. Interim coach Mike Kafka stated he has “no doubts” about Dart being a franchise quarterback. A number of gamers instructed ESPN that Dart is a promoting level for them to return as they head to free company this offseason. — Jordan Raanan
Look forward to the 2026 NFL draft
• Early mock drafts: Yates | Miller | Reid• Early rankings: Kiper | Miller | Reid• 30 questions | CFB notes | QB Board• Greatest by place | Draft order | Extra
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Patriots 42-10Week 17 rating: 30
What we discovered this season: The Jets are greater than only a quarterback away.
The concept the roster is sweet sufficient, that each one they want is a reliable quarterback … properly, that was blown to smithereens this season. The Jets have been horrible on either side of the ball, evidenced by their minus-176 level differential — fourth worst in franchise historical past. With eight returning starters on protection and a number of other key contributors on offense, the Jets anticipated to be aggressive this season underneath first-year coach Aaron Glenn. Sure, quarterback Justin Fields was a flop, however just about every thing else fell aside, too. And now they’re beginning over. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 17 end result: Misplaced to the Giants 34-10Week 17 rating: 32
What we discovered this season: The Raiders must embrace a full rebuild.
Coach Pete Carroll was introduced in to vary the tradition inside the group and make the workforce aggressive instantly. The reality is that the Raiders are removed from being aggressive and will quickly be looking for a brand new head coach for the third straight season. Sunday marked their tenth double-digit loss in 2025, and quarterback Geno Smith threw a number of interceptions but once more. It is time they embrace a full rebuild via the draft and improvement. This offseason will present a possibility to take action, as ESPN Analytics offers them an 80% shot on the No. 1 choose. On the identical time, it may be price it to discover buying and selling star defensive finish Maxx Crosby, who’s 28 with aspirations of profitable. The Raiders have gained a mixed six video games previously two seasons. — Ryan McFadden
