Training camps are open, shaky videos of practice interceptions are flooding your social media timelines, and injuries are already being reported.
The NFL is back.
That means it is ranking season. As Week 1 quickly approaches, it is time for everyone to fire off their takes for the year ahead. Ranking potential award winners, Super Bowl teams, coaches on the hot seat, and everything in between.
And now we need your help.
In a moment a few of the writers here at SB Nation will list their training camp top-five teams, but we want to hear from you. Drop your top five into the comments for … let’s say science. We’ll take care of the rest early next week.
Mark Schofield
I am really excited about what the Washington Commanders did this offseason, and they get an added bonus thanks to the team at the top of the list. While Washington’s incredible run last year landed them in the NFC Championship Game the team they lost to, the Philadelphia Eagles, won the division. That means Washington does not have to adapt to a first-place schedule this year.
As for the Eagles, perhaps I’m old school but if you win a title, you start at the top.
James Dator
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Baltimore Ravens
- Washington Commanders
- Buffalo Bills
- Los Angeles Chargers
Let’s talk about the Chargers, because I feel like they’re going to be the wild card on my list. Jim Harbaugh proved that his brand of football is still relevant in the NFL, and last year was the litmus test season, with the team still managing to finish 11-6. This season the team is even better, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them take another step and win the AFC West. Their free agency moves were sensible and considered, with Mekhi Becton, Tyler Conklin, and Najee Harris representing major talent upgrades — and I love the addition of Omarion Hampton at RB through the draft.
Like Mark said, to be the man you gotta beat the man, and the Eagles are the man in the NFL.
JP Acosta
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
I hate to sound like a broken record, but to be the man, you gotta beat the man, and the Eagles are the top dog in the NFL right now. They have the most talented roster in the NFL, and still present so many questions for opponents to answer on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Two and three and really close, but I think going into 2025 I have more faith in the Ravens’ roster. They’re getting a second year of DC Zach Orr after finishing 2024 strong, and have added to the secondary in big ways. Perhaps the most interesting inclusion on the list is the Los Angeles Rams at 5, and I have them here for a few reasons. First, I think any offense with Sean McVay calling plays, then Matthew Stafford throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is going to be absolutely disgusting. Despite the offensive fireworks last season, the Rams’ receiving core finished 19th in Yards per Route Run vs man coverage (compared to 6th against zone). Adams might not have the same burst, but he’s still one of the elite separators in the NFL. Plus, if we’ve learned anything in the NFL, it’s that if you can win with pass rush, you can go far. The Rams have a monster group of pass rushers and added DT Poona Ford to help them get into pass rush situations. I’m excited to see what this version of the Rams can be.
