2025 NFL Report Card: Grading All 32 Teams Before Week 16

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2025 NFL Report Card: Grading All 32 Teams Before Week 16

Andrew Buller-Russ · Sportsnaut

Tue, Dec 16, 2025 ·

13 min read

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Teams are jockeying for draft positions and playoff spots with all 32 teams having just three games left to play. With most of the season already decided, it's time to evaluate each team's performance. Some teams have earned an A+, while others are flunking their way to an F. How does your team's NFL report card look before Week 16?

Arizona Cardinals : F

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys — Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Oddly, no team has attempted more passes than the Cardinals this season. It's been trending that way since Jacoby Brissett took over as Arizona's starting quarterback nine weeks ago. But he's only led them to one win and eight losses. After six losses in a row, we can't help but wonder whether Jonathan Gannon will get another bite at the apple next season.

Atlanta Falcons : D-

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints — Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

While they've gotten two wins in their past four games, the Falcons have still vastly underperformed this season. They expected to be competing for the NFC South divisional crown. Instead, the Falcons are competing for draft picks. Yet, they won't even have their first-round pick, which makes their failures this season an even bigger problem.

Baltimore Ravens : B-

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals — Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

A 1-5 start made the playoffs seem impossible, but going 6-2 over their next eight games still has the Ravens in play, possibly even to win the AFC North. Lamar Jackson hasn't played at an MVP level, but the Ravens' defense has been much better lately, even shutting out Burrow's Bengals on Sunday.

Buffalo Bills : A-

The Bills have been bouncing back and forth between an A and a B all season. A win over the Patriots , which keeps the AFC East crown in play, gets the Bills back to an A grade. Not only have the Bills won three games in a row, they've scored more than 25 points in each contest. Usually, offenses cool off with colder temperatures, but not in Buffalo with Josh Allen leading the charge.

Carolina Panthers : A-

The Panthers have turned a huge corner under Dave Canales this season. Yet, there are still a few moments when Carolina reminds us they're not ready for the playoffs, like losing to the Saints twice in the past five games. Still, the Panthers have to be thrilled with the progress they've seen, from Bryce Young and especially the defense.

Chicago Bears : A

The Bears have reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2018. While there was hope that Ben Johnson could lead a quick turnaround, it wasn't guaranteed. But he's been able to lead a top-ten scoring offense thus far, and it's not because Caleb Williams has suddenly become a polished pro, yet there have been immense signs of growth along the way.

Cincinnati Bengals: F

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens — Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

It doesn't get any worse than being shut out. Those are the performances we expected without Joe Burrow , but not when making his third start back from the turf toe injury. After all, the Bengals' previous season-low came with Jake Browning , when they scored just three points in Week 4 against the Broncos . Now eliminated from playoff contention, this season has been an all-out disaster in Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns : F

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns — Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Browns entered the season with very low expectations with Joe Flacco beginning the year as the starting QB. It hasn't gotten any better since trading him to their division rivals. However, the Browns have to be happy with the progress they've seen from an extremely talented rookie class. Even Shedeur Sanders looks like he has a chance to be their QB of the future, but more competition is surely coming in 2026.

Dallas Cowboys : C-

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions — Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

A top-five offense has kept the Cowboys in a lot of games, but having the NFL's second-worst defense has caused a lot of turmoil in Dallas. Now eliminated from playoff contention, the Cowboys have nothing to play for. Though, at least they'll have some extra draft picks coming their way.

Denver Broncos: A+

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos — Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The hottest team in the NFL seems like they can't be stopped, especially when Bo Nix is playing so efficiently. He leads the NFL in fourth quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. Boasting a top-five defense, Denver has everything it needs to go on a deep playoff run.

Detroit Lions : B-

Syndication: Detroit Free Press — Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ben Johnson may be gone, but the Lions still have the NFL's highest-scoring offense. It's the defense that has slipped to a bottom-tier unit without Aaron Glenn's guidance. Coming off a tough one-possession loss to the Rams , the Lions obviously aren't happy with being 8-6, but winning out could still snatch them a playoff spot.

Green Bay Packers : A+

Losing Micah Parsons for the rest of the season is a huge blow. It hurts even more, knowing he'll likely miss the majority of next season too. It could take the Super Bowl out of the question in Green Bay , but their offense, which ranks 10th in scoring, should help keep them in a lot of ballgames. Plus, perhaps the rest of their defense, which ranks 8th in points allowed, will rally around their fallen soldier.

Houston Texans : B+

NFL: Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Houston had one of the roughest starts to the season, losing their first three games of the year. Yet, they've rallied in a big way ever since, winning 9 of their last 11 games. Of course, it helps that the Texans have the NFL's best scoring defense, allowing just 16.3 points per game. Plus, C.J. Stroud has been much better lately, and it's all coming together at the perfect time for a team that's won six in a row.

Indianapolis Colts : C+

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars — Travis Register-Imagn Images

No matter how this season ends, the Colts have been exponentially better than anyone expected. Of course, the magic is gone now that Daniel Jones has been lost for the season with an Achilles tear, and it hurts even more after trading two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner . How much does a 44-year-old Philip Rivers have left in the tank? We didn't see much in his first start, but most grandpas would struggle three days after coming off the couch.

Jacksonville Jaguars : A+

Syndication: Florida Times-Union — Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Liam Coen's first season as the Jaguars' head coach has gone better than anyone could have ever imagined. Winners of five in a row, the Jaguars are in prime position to capture the AFC South divisional title. They've even done so while working through some serious injuries, including to Travis Hunter . The playoffs seem like a sure shot, but can Jacksonville do any damage in the postseason?

Kansas City Chiefs : D-

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs — Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce won't be in the postseason for the first time since the superstar QB arrived in the NFL back in 2017. It's even worse now that Mahomes may be forced to miss the entirety of next season while he recovers from a torn ACL. The thing is, Kansas City's defense is still a top-five unit, but offensively, they just never lived up to the billing.

Las Vegas Raiders : F

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs — Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

No one thought a Raiders team led by Pete Carroll, Geno Smith , Ashton Jeanty , and Brock Bowers could rank dead-last in scoring, but here we are. Las Vegas isn't just bad on offense; they can't stop their opponents either, ranking 25th in points allowed. We imagine a full rebuild is coming this offseason.

Los Angeles Chargers : A-

It has to feel good, eliminating the Chiefs from playoff contention with the Chargers rattling off their third win in a row. All teams have excuses for poor play, but the Chargers have successfully navigated several serious injuries, including to both of their starting tackles. Yet, they're still on track to reach the playoffs and potentially do some damage when they get there.

Los Angeles Rams: A+

NFL: Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams — Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Puka Nacua has been dominant all season long. So have the Rams, especially MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford . Yet, the Rams have been elite on both sides of the ball, ranking second in scoring and third in points allowed. They just might be one of the most legitimate Super Bowl contenders we've seen this season.

Miami Dolphins : C-

NFL: Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons — Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Tagovailoa now leads the NFL with 15 interceptions and the Dolphins are eliminated from playoff contention. We have to give them some credit for not completely quitting after a 1-6 start. Yet, all anyone will remember is that the Dolphins' once-great offense has fallen off a cliff in the past two seasons. Can Mike McDaniel fix things this offseason? Will he even get a chance?

Minnesota Vikings : D+

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Finally, the Vikings are starting to see some concrete progress from J.J. McCarthy , who's still just 22 years old. If nothing else, they're setting the table for next season, after which McCarthy will have to spend the offseason refining his mechanics. Otherwise, the Vikings have been excellent defensively, largely thanks to the confusing pre-snap looks Brian Flores comes up with.

New England Patriots: A+

NFL: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots — Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Patriots finally lost a game again, but even being in position to reach the playoffs is a huge win in Mike Vrabel's first season back in New England. Drake Maye has rapidly developed into one of the NFL's best quarterbacks , and the defense is a top-ten unit. We might be seeing another Super Bowl team grow up right before our eyes in Boston.

New Orleans Saints : C-

NFL: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints — Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Saints still have a terrible record (4-10), but they have been much better as of late, even winning their past two games. At this point, we don't imagine Tyler Shough will face too stiff of competition for the starting QB job in New Orleans next year. The question is, how quickly can the rest of the offense come together?

New York Giants : F

NFL: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles — Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The good news is, the Giants are in position to land the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. No matter who the top prospect is, that will be a coveted draft slot, and since they don't need a left tackle, pass-rusher, or a QB, the Giants might be able to trade it for a king's ransom. As far as their on-field performance, well, the whole thing needs to be blown up, but we knew that since Joe Schoen deemed Saquon Barkley expendable.

New York Jets : F

NFL: New York Jets at New England Patriots — David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Jets had been showing some signs of growth, but with undrafted rookie Brady Cook playing the majority of the past two games, it's no surprise they've lost by more than two possessions each time. Yet, this isn't all on the QB play. The Jets' 30th-ranked scoring defense has been a big problem too, but that's why they've just fired Steve Wilks .

Philadelphia Eagles : B-

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Still in first place of the NFC East after three consecutive losses, the Eagles finally returned to the win column this week. They did so with a commanding shutout victory over the Raiders, and Philadelphia has two more easy matchups against Washington in the final three weeks of the season. The Eagles will be back in the playoffs, but this isn't the same Super Bowl contender we witnessed last year.

Pittsburgh Steelers : B

Syndication: Beaver County Times — Michael Longo / For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After already beating the Ravens once, the Steelers practically have a two-game lead in the AFC North, but they can't afford to slip up now. The good news is Aaron Rodgers appears laser-focused heading into the final stretch, and we know Mike Tomlin will have his players ready to go for the last three games.

San Francisco 49ers : A-

There was a time when it looked like the 49ers' season could go either way, but they've won four games in a row now and are getting hot at the right time. Brock Purdy is coming off his best game of the season. They've been a borderline top-ten offense and defense all season long, and now they just need to finish the year on a high note to carry that confidence into the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks : A+

A top-five offense and defense have the Seahawks performing as one of the NFL's best teams this season. Few saw that coming for a team that changed starting quarterbacks this offseason. Yet, Mike Macdonald has both sides of the ball playing even better than the version that won ten games a season ago. They missed the postseason in 2024, but that won't be the case this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers : C-

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints — Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

What happened to the Buccaneers? Injuries would be a fair response, but Baker Mayfield has been able to will his teams to victory in the past. That hasn't been in the cards this year for a Bucs team that still ranks first in the division, but after losing five of their past six games, there's a lot of pessimism in the Tampa Bay air.

Tennessee Titans : F

Syndication: The Tennessean — Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Two weeks ago, Cam Ward had his first multi-touchdown game. He followed it up with another one this week, showing that the No. 1 pick is slowly growing his game. It's too little, too late for this season, but Ward's development should make the head coaching interview process go a bit smoother this offseason.

Washington Commanders : F

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels ' season is over after an injury-riddled year, but even when he was healthy, the Commanders weren't playing well. Dan Quinn's team ranks in the bottom tier of points scored and points allowed, which is usually what the NFL's worst teams on the verge of a rebuild do. Yet, this team was just playing in the NFC Conference Championship last season. In other words, they fell very short of expectations.

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