As we reach the four-week mark of the 2025 NFL season, fans and analysts alike are beginning to make sense of the league's landscape. While it may seem like the season just kicked off, we are already a quarter of the way through, and teams are starting to show their true colors. With each team having played enough games, we can categorize them into distinct tiers based on their performances, potential, and upcoming challenges.
The teams in Tier 5—Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans—are struggling significantly. The Carolina Panthers have had a dismal showing in three of their four games, with their only win being a shocking 30-0 blowout against the Falcons. This performance seems more like an anomaly than a trend. Similarly, the Cleveland Browns have had a rough start, managing to scrape by with a defensive win against the Packers but otherwise looking lackluster. The situation is dire for the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans, all of whom are sitting at 0-4 with little hope for recovery. The Jets had moments of promise but have faltered in critical situations. As for the Bengals, their struggles without Joe Burrow have led them to two consecutive losses, and they face tough opponents ahead.
In Tier 4, we find the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, and New York Giants. The Raiders have lost three straight games, showing a lack of offensive firepower, especially against backup quarterbacks. The Miami Dolphins have shown some competence but lost key player Tyreek Hill for the season, which could severely hinder their progress moving forward. The New York Giants pulled off a surprising upset against the Chargers, but with the loss of top playmaker Malik Nabers to a torn ACL, their offensive prospects look grim. Unless their defensive line continues to dominate, this season could be a long one for them.
This tier, dubbed "possibly frisky," includes a wide array of teams: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders. The diversity in this group reflects the uncertainty that still permeates the early season. The Cardinals have shown strength against weaker teams but faltered against stronger ones. The Ravens are riddled with injuries but possess considerable talent. The Bears have shown improvement, though their victories have come against less formidable defenses. Meanwhile, the Cowboys and Broncos have demonstrated potential but also exhibit glaring weaknesses. The Texans and Colts are off to surprising starts, and the Jaguars are attempting to maintain momentum despite some setbacks. Overall, this tier reflects the uncertainty and evolving nature of these teams.
In Tier 2, we classify the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each of these teams has shown glimpses of their talent, starting the season at 3-1 or better. The Chiefs finally showcased their offensive capabilities against the Ravens, but their defense remains a concern. The Chargers are facing injury challenges, particularly on the offensive line, yet their defense remains strong. The 49ers are grappling with injuries across the roster, which could impact their performance. The Seahawks boast one of the league's best defenses, keeping them competitive. The Bucs have also found success but are battling injuries that could hinder their progress as the season unfolds.
Finally, we arrive at Tier 1, featuring the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles and Bills stand at 4-0, continuing to prove themselves as elite teams. While the Eagles have faced some offensive hiccups, their overall talent shines through. The Buffalo Bills have shown no signs of slowing down, delivering impressive performances throughout the season, including a comeback victory against the Ravens. These teams have established themselves as inner-circle contenders and are poised for a strong finish to the season.
As we move further into the 2025 NFL season, the dynamics will continue to evolve. Observations from the first four weeks provide a foundation for understanding which teams are likely to thrive and which may struggle. With each game, the picture will become clearer, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.
