NFL midseason team grades: Three A's and an F for this team
The NFL season has reached its halfway point, and it's time to hand out midterm grades. Which teams earned top marks, and who still has work to do?
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The NFL season has reached its halfway point, and it's time to hand out midterm grades. Which teams earned top marks, and who still has work to do?

The NFL season has reached its midpoint in 2025, offering a moment to evaluate the performance of all 32 teams based on their progress and challenges through the first half. With every team recording at least two losses, the league demonstrates a high level of competitive balance, making assessments more complex. Performances have varied week to week, yet the data accumulated over these initial games provides a foundation to measure teams against their preseason outlooks. Below is an overview of each franchise's standing at this stage of the campaign.
For the Indianapolis Colts, the season has shown a strong offensive output, leading the league with a 50% success rate in plays. A notable exception came in a game against Pittsburgh with six turnovers, but overall, their consistency has been evident. A midseason acquisition of a skilled cornerback has added depth to the defensive unit, potentially enhancing coverage strategies. The New England Patriots, under new leadership, have exceeded expectations with a promising quarterback leading the offense. Despite a less effective running game, their position atop the AFC East reflects a favorable early schedule, positioning them well for postseason contention.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Seahawks have adapted their offensive approach, yielding positive results through an aggressive passing game. Challenges remain with a ground game ranked near the bottom in efficiency, yet their defensive complexity and ability to perform away from home make them a notable playoff contender. The Los Angeles Rams have seen a resurgence in their passing attack, supported by a defense allowing an average of 20 points over recent games. However, inconsistencies in secondary coverage and special teams remain areas of concern.
The Philadelphia Eagles, holding the top seed in the NFC, have navigated early disruptions with adjustments to their defensive lineup and a renewed focus on running plays. Health remains a key factor for their continued progress. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, despite sitting second in their division, have shown defensive improvement in recent matchups, particularly against tough opponents. Their home record of 14-1 since last season suggests a strong chance to host playoff games, though past postseason results add uncertainty.
In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have maintained a leading position despite injuries impacting key players. Losses to top conference teams highlight questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The San Francisco 49ers, dealing with multiple injuries to prominent players, have managed to stay competitive in their division, showcasing organizational depth. Their ability to sustain this pace remains unclear given the ongoing health challenges.
The Detroit Lions have displayed offensive resilience despite struggles with their line and run game, while their defense has provided stability. The Denver Broncos have developed a pattern of strong fourth-quarter performances, reflected in a point differential far ahead of other teams. This adaptability in close games points to a team capable of varied approaches to secure wins. The Carolina Panthers have established a more consistent foundation, with a robust running game supporting their quarterback and a defense that holds firm under pressure.
Further down the standings, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have benefited from steady quarterback play, though defensive vulnerabilities in pass coverage persist. The Los Angeles Chargers, hampered by injuries along their offensive line, still hold a mid-tier playoff spot, though a tougher remaining schedule poses challenges. The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a balanced win-loss record, have seen improvement under new coordination, even as their passing game continues to develop.
At the lower end, teams such as the Tennessee Titans face substantial hurdles, with changes in coaching staff and limited progress in player development. The New York Jets have shifted focus toward future seasons, making strategic trades to build assets for upcoming drafts. Across the league, the midpoint of the 2025 season reveals a landscape of varied performances, with teams navigating injuries, strategic shifts, and competitive parity as they aim for postseason opportunities.
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