2025 NFL Future Power Rankings

[Sold My Soul]

Of course, the goal for every NFL team is to win now. But a few franchises are also focused on the long term. In our annual Future Power Rankings, we ranked which teams are primed to be among the league's best over the next three seasons (2025 through 2027).

To do so, we asked our panel of experts -- analysts Ben Solak, Louis Riddick, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder -- to rate each team's quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office and coaching staff using this scale:

100: A+ (elite)

90-99: A (great)

80-89: B (very good)

70-79: C (average)

51-69: D (very bad)

50 and below: F (disastrous)

After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the four categories was weighted to create the overall score: quarterback (20%), roster (30%), front office (25%) and coaching (25%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future. Our experts then picked out reasons for optimism, reasons to worry, crucial stats/nuggets to know and one bold prediction for all 32 franchises.

16. Las Vegas Raiders
Overall score: 77.9

Reason for hope: The Raiders have a veteran duo at coach (Pete Carroll) and quarterback (Geno Smith), but there should still be a few good years there. More significantly, they have tight end Brock Bowers, and no other team has Bowers. If running back Ashton Jeanty delivers on his draft promise, the Raiders should have one of the most dangerous young cores of offensive playmakers by this time next year. -- Solak

Reason for concern: Did the new front office do enough to upgrade a pass defense that ranked 23rd in QBR allowed (57.6), struggled with allowing explosive plays of 20-plus yards during the second half of the season and was 29th in turnovers (13) in 2024? I have concerns about who the playmakers will be in the secondary, although I like rookie corner Darien Porter. Additionally, I have concerns about who else is going to be a force on the defensive line in addition to Maxx Crosby. -- Riddick

Nugget to know: The Raiders lead the NFL in projected cap space for the 2026 season, per OverTheCap.com. But they'll have some important free agents to re-sign, including wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. -- Schatz

Bold prediction: Bowers will break Travis Kelce's single-season receiving yards record by a tight end (1,416). The start to his career needs no introduction: He had 1,194 receiving yards as a rookie, meaning his upside is literally record-breaking potential. -

FULL:




https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/459 ... terback#LV

[Oaktown Superman]

Jeanty and Bowers will be the straws that stir the drink. But the OL MUST open running lanes and keep Geno upright.

[rich72]

Thats a pretty acceptable rating based on the 1st preseason game. I would say even lower like 72% but still in the 70's.

[BoKnows81]

Thats a pretty acceptable rating based on the 1st preseason game. I would say even lower like 72% but still in the 70's.

We didn't need the first person game to determine that rating. This is a 5-6 win team.

[Attyla]

Using the first preseason game as a barometer of future events is sadly wrong. Lot of stuff to iron out but that was just the first round of a very long fight. Team will get better with more game experience.

[SkullCrusher]

Jeanty and Bowers will be the straws that stir the drink. But the OL MUST open running lanes and keep Geno upright.

The Oline is the drink itself? If so, I agree.

[heavyD]

Pretty generous ranking for ESPN who haven’t been overly kind to the Raiders over the years.

[Corleone]

Jeanty and Bowers will be the straws that stir the drink. But the OL MUST open running lanes and keep Geno upright.

Or better yet, Carroll finds his next Russell Wilson and Cam Miller beats him out by midseason.

(We can dream)

[SuperRaider]

I think the raiders are going to score a lot of points in the games they play; but do think the defense is going to give up a lot points also so there will improvement but I still think we are a year away ….nice review by ESPN

Unless Tyree Wilson put his Superman cape on and wreck havoc on all the NFL QB’s he meets; could be a different story..