Ranking all 32 NFL teams from most to least entertaining

The Herald Scotland

5 days ago

But maybe that whole "No Fun League" thing is a misnomer, as many of the league's most successful outfits have a knack for standing apart from the competition in more than just the standings.
What qualifies as entertaining in the NFL isn't always clear. But there's a clear disparity between each organization in top talent, propensity for big plays and unique schematic elements that add a level of distinction.
With that in mind, here's our early - and entirely unscientific - ranking of all 32 teams from most to least entertaining based on where they stand ahead of training camps:
1. Baltimore Ravens
On its face, stability might not seem like the most enthralling trait for a team to boast. For the Ravens, however, continuity could mean the start of something special. An offense that by many measures was the NFL's most prolific and explosive attack returns all but one of its starters. The formidable defense also returns the overwhelming bulk of its core, while also adding Jaire Alexander to a secondary that will gladly welcome another starting-caliber cornerback. Lamar Jackson - one of the elite few players who keeps fans on their toes on any given snap - continues to reach new heights after nearly earning his third career NFL MVP in seven seasons, and Derrick Henry hasn't shown any signs of slowing down from his torrid pace. With some good fortune in staying healthy, Baltimore could see things click in a way that will set it apart from much of the rest of the league.
Falling just short of the mountaintop has become an uncomfortable throughline for Buffalo in many ways. At least that's not the case in MVP voting, where Josh Allen seized the award for the organization for the first time since 1991. Allen's place as one of the most exciting catalysts in the NFL isn't in question even as he enters the final season of his 20s. But for a true Super Bowl breakthrough, Buffalo might need someone from a receiving corps that has been merely good enough to emerge as great, and there's not one figure who appears to be a natural candidate to do so.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Perhaps the Tush Push vote was a harbinger of things to come, as the Eagles don't look prone to relinquishing their perch atop the league anytime soon. The franchise that set the bar for aggressiveness, both on the field and in roster construction, should remain one of the most fascinating collections of talent, even as new pieces are worked in after a handful of noteworthy departures. Perhaps the weightiest subplot: How will new offensive coordinator maintain what Kellen Moore set in place while building on it as a first-time play caller?
4. Detroit Lions
The No. 1 scoring offense is a finely tuned machine, and the injury-ravaged defense should have more bite with the return of Aidan Hutchinson. Still, losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to top posts elsewhere is bound to send ripples through the respective units. Dan Campbell - quite possibly the league's most intriguing and entertaining head coach - has built his contender on a solid foundation, so don't expect the entire operation to topple. But some wobbling could be ahead, especially with the tone-setting offensive line suffering two major blows in Kevin Zeitler's exit and Frank Ragnow's retirement.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
With the explosive plays running dry and "Chiefs fatigue" setting in for some, there's only so high that the defining franchise of the last decade can rank on this list. But Kansas City is still appointment viewing for many, and that's not merely a matter of branding. Regardless of how often he is able to pull off the otherworldly plays he became synonymous with, Patrick Mahomes remains on a singular plane in the NFL when it comes to tilting games in his favor. Travis Kelce, meanwhile, shouldn't be expected to merely fade away in the twilight of his career despite last year's relatively modest statistical output. More importantly, the return of Rashee Rice and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown unquestionably will alter the complexion of the offense for the better, even if protection questions remain after a reshuffling of the left side of the offensive line.
More: Worst to first? Ranking 8 NFL teams' chances to jump to top of division in 2025
6. Los Angeles Rams
A rejuvenated Davante Adams should be a scary proposition for the rest of the NFC, as Matthew Stafford could help the three-time All-Pro recapture the top form that other quarterbacks couldn't unleash since the receiver left Green Bay. But Alaric Jackson's availability could be a potential stumbling block for an otherwise high-powered outfit. The left tackle didn't travel with the team to Maui for minicamp due to blood clots in his lower leg, and he missed the final nine games of the 2022 season due to the condition.
7. Washington Commanders
Arriving much faster to the contender class than anyone could have expected, Washington is no longer playing with house money - and its offseason moves reflected as much. The Commanders looked to capitalize on Jayden Daniels' dazzling debut by surrounding the Offensive Rookie of the Year with much more support, namely five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, first-round right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and versatile veteran receiver Deebo Samuel. So long as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury keeps up the work that put him back on the head-coaching radar, all of the new additions should combine to be major assets in one of the most noteworthy sophomore follow-ups in some time.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow knows the deal, and so does everyone else. Cincinnati loads massive responsibilities on the plate of its signal-caller, who somehow steadily delivers on the outsized expectations. With Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase hauling in big bucks this offseason, the No. 6 scoring offense shouldn't falter. But after setting an NFL record by losing four games in which it scored 33 or more points, Cincinnati could be even more prone to shootouts in 2025 as bitter contractual disputes with NFL sack king Trey Hendrickson and first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart linger well into the summer with no immediate sign of resolution.
Maybe it's the lackluster division. Maybe it's operating in the shadow of the Tom Brady era. But the four-time defending NFC South champs still haven't received their rightful recognition on a national level. Last year's group established an offensive balance seldom seen in today's NFL, becoming the first unit in league history to complete at least 70% of its passes while averaging 5.0 or more yards per rush. But even if new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard keeps everything humming, a little something extra is needed to push this group into the NFC's top tier.
10. Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur has been a master of concocting chunk gains, but a lot is riding on Matthew Golden finding his footing right away. In a receiving corps that too often failed to stretch the field and routinely let down Jordan Love with the NFL's highest drop rate, according to ESPN, the franchise's ultra-rare first round pass catcher will be called on to invigorate an aerial attack that faltered late last season. With designated deep threat Christian Watson still possibly facing an extended timeline for a return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the regular-season finale, it might take some time before Green Bay's offense settles in.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan's singular play-calling acumen was on full display last season, with the 49ers generating more pass plays of 20-plus yards (66) than any other team despite major injury hits to Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, among others. If all three return to top form, this team could easily rank in the top three of this list. But the reset isn't a foregone conclusion given the many exchanged parts, so San Francisco slots in behind some more established entities.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
Fool me once? Given how the Jets debacle went down, any football fan might be wary of investing too much energy in following how Aaron Rodgers will mesh with yet another team looking for a quick fix behind center. Yet there's something unquestionably delectable in seeing how master chemist Mike Tomlin will handle his most volatile concoction yet, with the four-time NFL MVP making for a strange fit at quarterback alongside fellow marquee offseason addition DK Metcalf in Arthur Smith's typically rigid offense. Something eventually has to give, and swarms of people will be waiting to see what it will be.
13. Minnesota Vikings
Handing over a 14-win team to a quarterback who hasn't taken a regular-season snap is quite the move, even if Kevin O'Connell and Co. have plenty of reason to believe in J.J. McCarthy as the 2024 first-rounder returns from last August's torn meniscus. But will Minnesota keep the training wheels on for a little while as he acclimates? With a high-flying receiving corps powered by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison along with a capable offensive line buoyed by the return of Christian Darrisaw and a remade interior, McCarthy might not be boxed in for too long. Brian Flores' defense, meanwhile, should remain as vexing and captivating as ever.
It's not often that a division winner detonates a sizable part of its operation, but Houston did just that in firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and reconfiguring the offensive line. The former move might pay immediate dividends, with Nick Caley installing a system that will empower C.J. Stroud with what the quarterback has said is "full ownership" of the offense. The latter might be dicier, as none of the replacement parts are particularly inspiring, and the whole front probably will require time to jell.
15. Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh's teams tend to be as subtle and surprising as a battering ram, which also seems to be Greg Roman's vision for the offense. But there's room for this group to grow beyond its punishing identity if rookies Tre Harris and Oronde Gadsden II - as well as a familiar figure in Mike Williams - can open up a passing attack that has to ease its reliance on Ladd McConkey.
16. Miami Dolphins
No other team can match Miami in its range of potential outcomes on this list. If everything breaks right, the Dolphins have demonstrated they can reel off big gains as easily as anyone, with Mike McDaniel routinely positioning elite speedsters Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane to outrace the competition. But between Tua Tagovailoa's health, the offensive line holding up and the secondary needing to produce a capable starter once a long-awaited Jalen Ramsey trade becomes complete, there are too many X-factors at play to feel confident in the rosiest scenario coming to fruition.
17. Denver Broncos
Sean Payton's crew might be the embodiment of a team with a dichotomy between its widespread appeal and its competitive credentials. Bo Nix very well could continue the steady ascent he began in his rookie season, but a shortage of skill-position difference-makers could put somewhat of a ceiling on his short-term growth.
18. Chicago Bears
This is the Ben Johnson boost at work. The offensive mastermind has stirred as much excitement as there's been for the Bears in nearly two decades, and his pairing with Caleb Williams will assuredly be one of the NFL's most fascinating partnerships to watch this season. Still, with so many new elements that need to coalesce and a downright diabolical division, there could be a lot of headwinds in the Windy City.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones might not enjoy it, but a Brian Schottenheimer offense likely to be rooted in the run game and play-action passes might give Dallas a somewhat dull vibe. But the George Pickens trade guaranteed some sparks - for better or worse.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Putting Sam Darnold behind a shaky offensive front seems like a dangerous setup. But between coach Mike Macdonald demanding the offense be centered on the ground game and the receiving corps swapping in Cooper Kupp for DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Seattle seems to be actively embracing a more vanilla identity, though Macdonald's complex defense will remain.
21. Atlanta Falcons
If Michael Penix Jr. can properly harness his aggressive downfield mentality and fire the deep strikes that helped him become the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Atlanta will be a significant draw. But his accuracy can come and go, and some growing pains seem inevitable for a passer who still has a ways to go in making full-field reads and handling pressure.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
First-year head coach Liam Coen's savvy play designs could unlock something special for Trevor Lawrence, burgeoning superstar Brian Thomas Jr. and two-way standout Travis Hunter. Meanwhile, new general manager James Gladstone has vowed to assemble a defense that's "urgent and explosive." Rapid change seems within reach for a team that had 10 losses in one-score games - setting a record in the Super Bowl era - but there might not be enough along either line for the vision to truly take hold in Year 1 of the new regime.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Shouldn't a team with Kyler Murray, a rugged run game and some stellar options in the receiving corps be ranked higher? After a serious talent infusion on defense, maybe Arizona's breakout season will be just a year later than most expected. Still, until offensive coordinator Drew Petzing finds a way to utilize Marvin Harrison Jr. more creatively, this feels like a team that might be stuck in the middle of the pack in several respects.
24. Las Vegas Raiders
The Silver and Black began last season as one of the league's most unwatchable outfits. After dumping Davante Adams and trying out three uninspiring starting quarterbacks, the Raiders ended the campaign as essentially irrelevant - Brock Bowers' historic debut notwithstanding. Geno Smith, Pete Carroll and Ashton Jeanty give the franchise one of its first glimmers of hope since the team arrived in Las Vegas five years ago, but the early portion of the climb back to functionality might not be particularly captivating.
Maybe this seems high for a group that seemingly couldn't muster a reason for fans outside of the Northeast to tune in last season. But it's probably time to buy low on Drake Maye, at least from this perspective. The No. 3 overall pick in 2024 navigated his trying rookie season with aplomb, and his scintillating playmaking skills should shine through more often now that he's equipped with better support.
26. Carolina Panthers
No team has embodied NFL anonymity more in recent years than the Panthers, who were the only team held out of prime time in last season's initial schedule release. But not only has the franchise shaken some of the pervasive dysfunction, it also is giving outsiders a reason to follow along thanks to the resurgence of Bryce Young and a receiving corps on the upswing. Still, the gains here might be incremental.
27. Tennessee Titans
No one will accuse Cam Ward of being boring, and the No. 1 overall pick could be the right steadying force for an offense that reached its breaking point with Will Levis' myriad blunders. Yet it's entirely too early to put Ward on the Jayden Daniels or C.J. Stroud trajectory, and Tennessee might not have sufficient help around him to make this team compelling in the short term.
28. Indianapolis Colts
The Anthony Richardson rollercoaster was certainly wild, as the Colts chucked the ball deep so frequently that they averaged an astonishing 10.58 average depth of target, according to SumerSports, yet completed a league-worst 56.3% of their passes. That experience seems to have given the stakeholders some indigestion, however, and it seems likely that a blander brand of football could be in store with Daniel Jones threatening to seize the starting reins.
Owner Woody Johnson attempted to microwave a contender by adding Aaron Rodgers and instead set his franchise on fire. Now Aaron Glenn has been tasked with cleaning up the mess. But even with a more viable blueprint, this year's iteration of Gang Green will likely serve a reminder that the right way of building isn't always the fun way - at least at first.
30. New York Giants
Yes, Russell Wilson's installation as starer means more deep shots are surely ahead for Big Blue, which tied for the fewest pass plays of 20-plus yards with 34. But the 13-year veteran also posted an NFL-high checkdown rate of 19.2% percent last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and a highly suspect offensive line could make dumpoffs the defining play of the Giants' season.
31. New Orleans Saints
The Saints and Titans are the only two teams not given an exclusive broadcast window this season. It's easy to see why the NFL had trouble buying into New Orleans, one of the few teams in the league lacking much momentum for improvement. Second-round quarterback Tyler Shough can uncork some surprising throws, but the notion of watching him - or second-year passer Spencer Rattler - try to figure things out alongside an overall subpar collection of talent isn't exactly enticing.
32. Cleveland Browns
A cringeworthy quarterback competition might be the only facet of the Browns worth wider attention. Once that gets settled over the summer, Cleveland will seemingly try to minimize its shortcomings behind center by emphasizing a ground-and-pound approach that might grow dull before the leaves turn. Having dealt away a shot at Travis Hunter to acquire an additional first-round pick in 2026, even the team itself seems to be letting everyone know to check back next year.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.