NFL Power Rankings 2025: Which Teams Are Poised for a Breakout Season?

By Jason Bolton June 15, 2025 10:40

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, excitement builds around which teams are poised for breakout campaigns. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) and other expert analyses, several franchises sit on the cusp of significant improvement, ready to challenge the league’s established elite. Here’s a look at the teams most likely to make a leap in 2025, backed by data, expert commentary, and key offseason moves.

The Established Oligarchy and the Challengers

ESPN’s FPI identifies a clear top tier of contenders: the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills. These teams are separated by less than a single point in FPI rating, signaling a tightly contested race at the summit. The Eagles, defending Super Bowl champions, lead the pack with a 12% chance to repeat, though this is the lowest preseason favorite probability since the model’s inception in 2015.

Yet, beyond this elite group lies a notable drop-off, with the Washington Commanders ranked sixth but trailing the Bills by nearly two points. This gap opens the door for several teams outside the oligarchy to break through and challenge the status quo.

Detroit Lions: From Dark Horse to Legitimate Contender

The Detroit Lions have emerged as a surprising powerhouse, ranked fifth in ESPN’s FPI and sixth in betting-based power rankings. Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a bolstered receiving corps, ranks among the league’s best. Their defense, while still a work in progress, has shown marked improvement with key offseason additions.

Analyst Seth Walder notes, “The Lions’ offensive consistency and improved defense make them a sleeper pick to disrupt the NFC landscape.” Detroit’s schedule is also favorable, increasing their chances to capitalize on momentum and secure a playoff berth.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Poised for a Resurgence

After a middling 2024 season, the Buccaneers rank seventh in power rankings and are viewed as a team with high upside. With Tom Brady’s retirement behind them, Tampa Bay’s offense has transitioned to younger talent, including rising star wide receiver Mike Evans. The addition of veteran leadership on defense and strategic draft picks have positioned them for a bounce-back.

CBS Sports highlights the Buccaneers’ best-case scenario as a return to playoff contention, emphasizing the importance of quarterback stability and defensive cohesion.

Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams: Rebuilding with Purpose

Both the Broncos and Rams sit in the top ten of power rankings and have made significant offseason moves to improve their rosters. Denver’s acquisition of key defensive players and a revamped coaching staff aims to address last year’s shortcomings. Meanwhile, the Rams, despite injuries to star players, have maintained optimism through draft capital and veteran depth.

NFL insiders suggest these teams could surprise skeptics if their young cores develop as expected, especially in a division with fluctuating competitiveness.

Teams on the Rise: Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, ranked 19th and 11th respectively in betting-based power rankings, are also candidates for breakout seasons. The Bears, with a revamped offense and promising defensive draft picks, seek to end a playoff drought. The Packers, led by a healthy Aaron Rodgers and emerging playmakers, aim to reclaim NFC North dominance.

Challenges Remain for Others

Conversely, teams like the New York Giants (30th) and New Orleans Saints (31st) face uphill battles, with roster instability and tough schedules tempering expectations. However, the NFL’s parity means surprises are always possible.

The 2025 NFL season promises a compelling mix of established powerhouses and hungry challengers. While the Eagles, Chiefs, Ravens, Lions, and Bills form the league’s elite cluster, teams like the Buccaneers, Broncos, Rams, Bears, and Packers are well-positioned to break out and shake up the playoff picture.

As ESPN’s FPI and betting markets suggest, offense will be a critical driver of success, with teams boasting strong quarterback play and dynamic scoring threats favored. With a 50% chance that the Super Bowl winner will come from the top five teams, the race is tight but open.

Fans should watch closely as the season unfolds, as breakout performances and strategic adjustments could redefine the NFL landscape in 2025.