The 2025 NFL season concluded with unexpected outcomes and dramatic storylines affecting teams across the league. As the dust settles on Super Bowl LX, where the Seattle Seahawks claimed the Lombardi Trophy, it’s time to evaluate the performances of all 32 teams based on their on-field results, injuries, coaching decisions, and future outlooks. These NFL 2025 team grades reflect not only final standings but also preseason expectations and potential for growth moving into 2026.
Breakdown of the Most Disappointing Performances
The Arizona Cardinals began the year with optimism, winning their first two games, but their season quickly unraveled after quarterback Kyler Murray’s injury and a collapse of defensive effort. They won just one of their last 15 games, resulting in a D grade. A bright spot emerged with rookie Michael Wilson’s emergence, but the franchise’s decision to move on from Murray and head coach Jonathan Gannon signals a critical rebuilding phase.
Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens earned a disappointing D+ after a campaign marked by injury setbacks, including a bruising blow to their Super Bowl hopes when Lamar Jackson went down early in the season. Falling to 1-5 at one point, their late surge was undone by a last-second missed field goal in Week 18, keeping them out of the playoffs. The Ravens’ delayed coaching change has been questioned, especially considering the success of the coach they might have hired instead.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a catastrophic drop-off, plummeting to a D- grade after winning only six games. Despite Patrick Mahomes’ continued strong play, a subpar supporting cast and looming injury concerns have clouded the team’s near-term future. Kansas City’s steep decline following their previous Super Bowl appearance has stunned fans and analysts alike.
Las Vegas Raiders were one of the season’s biggest failures, earning an F grade. Pete Carroll’s ill-fated one-year coaching stint ended in firing, and their $75 million investment in quarterback Geno Smith failed to pay dividends. Questionable draft decisions and a porous defense compounded the woes. Despite securing Klint Kubiak as their new leader, the Raiders face an uphill battle to restore credibility.
The Cleveland Browns endured a disastrous season warranting a D- grade. Their rookie quarterbacks failed to live up to expectations, while offensive weapons remain sparse beyond standout running backs Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin. A coaching misstep, firing their two-time Coach of the Year, only intensified the turmoil. Notable individual achievements, such as Myles Garrett’s sack record and Carson Schwesinger’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award, are rare highlights in an otherwise bleak year.
Teams Falling Short of Expectations Despite Talent
The Dallas Cowboys earned a C- after a season marked by offensive success overshadowed by defensive breakdowns. Dak Prescott and top additions George Pickens and Javonte Williams delivered strong performances, but the porous defense ultimately kept them out of the postseason, marking a disappointing finish by Dallas standards.
Philadelphia Eagles received a similar C- grade after an underwhelming season. Once considered dominant, the team struggled with an offense that regressed and an almost nonexistent pass rush. Jalen Hurts‘ failures to replicate past form and defensive shortcomings left the Eagles unable to contend for a repeat championship.
The Detroit Lions, despite high hopes, settled for a C- after being unable to capitalize on their talent. Injuries to key defenders hampered their season, and missing defensive figures like Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn left the team vulnerable. Their playoff window seems uncertain as they rebuild from setbacks.
Green Bay Packers maintained their reputation as perennial playoff participants but nothing more, earning a C- grade. Another early postseason exit disappointed fans yearning for a breakthrough. The lack of significant progress after years of promise and the loss of draft picks due to previous trades indicate challenges ahead.
Progress and Emerging Bright Spots Among Teams
The Carolina Panthers impressed with an A- grade after winning the NFC South for the first time since 2015. Quarterback Bryce Young‘s development and defensive improvements marked a resurgence. Although their Wild Card playoff loss raised sustainability questions, the Panthers showed definite signs of growth.
Chicago Bears earned an A for their best season in a decade, boosted by local favorite Caleb Williams‘ rise and a high-powered offense under head coach Ben Johnson. Though their defense lagged, they pushed the Los Angeles Rams hard in the Divisional Round, signaling potential for deeper postseason runs.
The Denver Broncos surprised many by securing the AFC’s top seed and just narrowly missing the Super Bowl. An A grade reflects their strong play, despite suffering key injuries such as to Bo Nix. Consistently competing against the Chiefs in close contests displayed Denver’s emergence as a force in the AFC West.
Indianapolis Colts garnered a B- after an unpredictable season. Their strong rushing attack and solid play from Daniel Jones helped propel them early, though injuries and inconsistent backup Philip Rivers’ performances were setbacks. The hiring of Shane Steichen offers hope for sustained competitiveness.
Houston Texans finished with a B, thanks largely to a remarkable nine-game winning streak to close the regular season. Their defense was exceptional, yet quarterback C.J. Stroud‘s regression raised concerns. The Texans’ future hinges on finding stability at quarterback to capitalize on emerging talent.
Los Angeles Rams achieved a B+ after living up to preseason expectations by reaching the NFC Championship. Offensive stars Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua made significant impacts, though defensive inconsistencies late in the year prevented a deeper run.
Jacksonville Jaguars impressed with an A- grade after soaring from four wins in 2024 to 13 in 2025. Coach Liam Coen revitalized Trevor Lawrence and helped Travis Etienne re-establish his career, while the defense stood tall. While an early playoff exit was disappointing, the Jaguars demonstrated clear trajectory toward contention.
San Francisco 49ers secured a solid B as injuries limited their postseason progression. Despite missing key players, they made it to the Divisional Round and showcased resilience. However, repeated playoff frustrations remain a hurdle under Kyle Shanahan’s leadership.
Teams Exceeding Expectations and Championship Contenders
The New England Patriots stunned critics with a meteoric rise from four wins in 2024 to 17 this season, earning an A grade. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye rose as a legitimate MVP candidate and the team dominated during the regular season. Despite a less convincing playoff performance, the Patriots’ turnaround is remarkable given their low preseason forecast.
Seattle Seahawks claimed an undisputed A+ by winning Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. With Sam Darnold leading the offense and running back Kenneth Walker III earning MVP honors, they excelled on both sides of the ball. Their defense was heralded as one of the best of the century, culminating in a championship season that few could have predicted.
Mid-Tier Teams and Disappointing Middling Seasons
New Orleans Saints earned a C+ grade, salvaged from a rough start by quarterback Tyler Shough’s surprising playmaking. Despite limited offensive support, Shough’s leadership has injected hope that the team can finally end its long rebuild and push toward the playoffs in the near future.
New York Giants wrapped up a mediocre C+ season after finishing 4-13. However, the emergence of Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo provides optimistic building blocks. Replacing Brian Daboll with John Harbaugh and securing a top draft pick hint at positive changes ahead.
Miami Dolphins posted a lukewarm C grade with a disappointing year punctuated by a late rally. The decision to replace Mike McDaniel with Jeff Hafley remains controversial, and uncertainty about future quarterback Tua Tagovailoa clouds their outlook. Still, the Dolphins avoided a total collapse and made progress amid adversity.
Pittsburgh Steelers ended with a C grade marked by yet another underwhelming playoff result. Mike Tomlin’s legacy faces scrutiny as the Steelers continue their playoff struggles. The recent step to hire Mike McCarthy indicates a desire to shake up stagnant patterns.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers also received a C- grade after a promising start deteriorated into a collapse, costing them the NFC South title. Healthy earlier in the year, they failed to maintain consistency, finishing with a disappointing losing streak that undermined their playoff hopes.
Teams Struggling to Find Direction
The Washington Commanders fell precipitously to a D- grade after sliding from NFC Championship runners-up to a 5-12 record. Injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels and poor off-season decisions contributed to their dramatic decline. Rebuilding won’t be easy for the Commanders in 2026.
New York Jets earned a D grade as a demoralizing season plagued them. The team played without passion, as if merely going through the motions. Despite a small spark late in the year, the Jets have much work ahead to build a competitive roster.
Minnesota Vikings dropped to a D+ after trading away Sam Darnold, who went on to win a Super Bowl, in favor of underperforming J.J. McCarthy. The disappointment of missing the playoffs after a 14-3 previous season only compounds questions about team management and decision-making.
Tennessee Titans finished with a D+ after firing their head coach early and failing to contend. While rookie Cam Ward showed potential, the overall lack of competitiveness underperformed even modest expectations.
Cincinnati Bengals struggled mightily to a D+ grade in a year without a playoff berth. Joe Burrow remains a key asset, but the accumulation of injuries and coaching stagnation have fans worried about his longevity and the team’s future playoff chances. Zac Taylor’s continued tenure despite apparent failure raises questions of accountability.
Summary and Looking Forward to 2026
The 2025 NFL season exposed stark contrasts among franchises, with some teams firmly cementing themselves as contenders while others face painful rebuilds. The Seattle Seahawks’ championship cements their status at the top, but teams like the Patriots and Jaguars are quickly closing the gap. Conversely, storied franchises such as the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns are grappling with alarming declines that demand urgent solutions.
As players recover from injuries, coaches reassess strategies, and teams recalibrate rosters, the offseason promises high stakes with drafts, trades, and free agency shaping what lies ahead. Fans expecting change will watch closely as teams strive to avoid repeating failures and aim to rise in the next NFL 2025 team grades assessment.
