LitZone Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: Teams 32–17

The first week of the 2025 NFL season gave us drama, big plays, and a few shocking results. Some teams showed promise, while others stumbled out of the gate. Here’s how the bottom half of the league stacks up heading into Week 2.

32. New Orleans Saints (–)

The Saints fall to the bottom after a tough opener against Arizona. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler still looks raw, finishing without a win once again. While Alvin Kamara flashed with a long touchdown run, missed opportunities and shaky line play define this squad. Until Rattler grows into the role, New Orleans will stay grounded.

31. Tennessee Titans (▼)

Rookie QB Cam Ward got a rough NFL debut against Denver’s ferocious pass rush, taking six sacks. Tony Pollard provided a spark with 89 total yards, but the offense couldn’t finish drives. This young Titans squad will take its lumps until the line stabilizes and Ward gains experience.

30. New York Giants (–)

Russell Wilson’s debut in blue was spoiled by Washington’s defense. The veteran quarterback struggled to connect with star rookie Malik Nabers, and the Giants must get their run game going to take pressure off Wilson. The potential is there, but Week 1 showed this will take time.

29. Miami Dolphins (▼)

Miami was blown out 33-8 by the Colts, a brutal reminder that this team is still finding its rhythm. Tua Tagovailoa tossed multiple turnovers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were limited, and the offensive line folded. Until the offense regains its 2022 explosiveness, Miami sits near the bottom.

28. Cleveland Browns (▲)

The Browns nearly upset the Bengals, showing surprising fight under veteran QB Joe Flacco. Cedric Tillman made plays, and the defense, led by Myles Garrett, gave Joe Burrow headaches. A missed field goal cost them late, but moving slightly up shows they’re not the league’s worst.

27. Carolina Panthers (–)

Bryce Young and the Panthers showed glimpses of growth under Dave Canales, but costly turnovers and a blocked field goal doomed them against Jacksonville. Rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan flashed potential, and Chuba Hubbard scored late, but consistency is still missing.

26. New England Patriots (▼)

Drake Maye showed flashes, especially with newcomer Stefon Diggs, but a key interception and poor red-zone efficiency buried New England in a loss to Las Vegas. The offensive line is improved, yet the running game remains inconsistent. This team isn’t hopeless, but execution must tighten.

25. Las Vegas Raiders (▲)

Pete Carroll’s debut with the Raiders ended in a gritty road win over New England. Geno Smith threw for 362 yards, Brock Bowers looked like a future star, and rookie RB Ashton Jeanty powered in for a score. Defense still leaks, but the new identity brings optimism.

24. Chicago Bears (▼)

Caleb Williams topped 300 yards in his debut, but turnovers and a pick-six proved costly in a narrow loss to Minnesota. Rome Odunze emerged as a trusted target, yet the Bears still need to prove they can close games. The drop reflects growing pains under new coach Ben Johnson.

23. Seattle Seahawks (–)

Seattle’s new ground-heavy offense under Klint Kubiak looked competitive, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s fumbles and a costly late turnover spoiled their upset bid against San Francisco. Sam Darnold was efficient, but this team must limit mistakes to rise higher.

22. Indianapolis Colts (▲)

Daniel Jones shocked Miami with a poised performance, throwing a touchdown and adding two rushing scores. Rookie TE Tyler Warren impressed, and Jonathan Taylor ran strong. This dominant 33-8 win puts Indy firmly on the upswing and validates their decision to start Jones.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (▼)

Trevor Lawrence played steady football, and Travis Etienne ripped off a highlight 71-yard touchdown, but sloppy mistakes, including a lightning delay letdown, made the win over Carolina less convincing. The Jaguars have talent but need cleaner execution to rise.

20. Atlanta Falcons (▲)

Michael Penix Jr. threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns in a near-upset against Tampa Bay. Bijan Robinson looked electric with 124 scrimmage yards. A missed field goal at the end kept them from victory, but the young core suggests this offense could become dangerous quickly.

19. Houston Texans (▼)

The Texans’ new-look offense under Nick Caley sputtered in a 14-9 loss to the Rams. C.J. Stroud was efficient at times, but protection issues and limited production from Nico Collins highlighted their weaknesses. The defense held tough, but without offensive balance, they slide.

18. New York Jets (▲)

Justin Fields’ debut brought excitement, with two rushing TDs and a deep strike to Garrett Wilson, but missed extra points and a failed two-point conversion doomed them against Pittsburgh. Breece Hall dominated on the ground. Despite the loss, the Jets clearly have life and jump up.

17. Arizona Cardinals (▲)

Kyler Murray looked fully healthy, spreading the ball to Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. in a 20-13 win over New Orleans. The defense made clutch stops late, and James Conner contributed on the ground. With Murray back, Arizona climbs out of the basement.

These 16 teams make up the bottom half of the league after Week 1. Some are trending upward with new energy, while others are stuck in familiar struggles. The question heading into Week 2: who can build momentum and start climbing toward playoff contention?