Aug 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts following a rushing touchdown by a teammate against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Most Overrated NFL Teams Entering The 2025 Season

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Drew Palmer | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 11:38 AM ET

The 2025 NFL season is finally here, and everybody is ready for opening night on September 4th. The NFL is full of teams that are massively overrated and underrated, but the cream always rises to the top. These teams are getting too much hype heading into the 2025 NFL season. It’s time to be realistic.

5. Seattle Seahawks

The NFC West is wide open in 2025, but the Seattle Seahawks won’t be the ones to take it. Replacing Geno Smith and DK Metcalf with Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp is a downgrade. Darnold was good in Minnesota last season, but it’s hard to trust him away from Kevin O’Connell’s perfect ecosystem. Seattle went 10-7 last season, but they only have a positive point differential of seven points. Don’t buy the hype.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

Aug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll reacts to a fan while his team prepares for a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders made improvements over the offseason. Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and Ashton Jeanty are great additions, but it won’t be enough in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers will be better than the Raiders. The defense is a question mark. The offense will be improved, but it won’t matter. Don’t expect much out of Las Vegas in 2025.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys offense will be lethal in 2025. The addition of George Pickens makes the offense explosive. Unfortunately, the defense won’t be able to match their energy, especially if the Micah Parsons situation doesn’t get worked out. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders will be the best teams in the NFC East unless first-year head coach Brian Shottenheimer has something crazy up his sleeve.

2. New York Giants

Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

The New York Giants’ hype train has gained too much steam. Jaxson Dart appears to be the future, but it’s Russell Wilson’s team right now. New York’s defense will be good, but it’s hard to imagine the offense putting up enough points to supply wins regularly. The future is bright in the Big Apple, but they will be the NFC East’s little brother again in 2025. Give it one more year, Giants fans.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Jun 10, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) takes a carry from quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during practice at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

2025 will be the same story as 2024 for the Cincinnati Bengals. The offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins will be electric again, but the defense will be terrible. They have a chance to score 30 points a game, but the defense could surrender 35. It’s scary on the defensive side of the ball for the Bengals, especially if the Trey Hendrickson situation doesn’t get resolved.

End Of My NFL Rant

Jul 26, 2023; Irvine, CA, USA; A Wilson official NFL Duke football game ball on the field at Los Angeles Rams training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

None of these teams will be at the bottom of the NFL standings in 2025, but they won’t be at the top. They still have work to do before they are true contenders in the greatest league on earth. Another year of building can lead them in the right direction, but for now, they have a better chance of staying afloat in the middle than rising to the top.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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