Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches the replay on the monitor against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Most Underrated NFL Teams Entering The 2025 Season

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Drew Palmer | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 12:46 PM ET

The NFL is a tough league. One season can make or break a team’s future. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, these teams are flying under the radar. They have an opportunity to surprise people who are counting them out before the ball is kicked off. Those people should be ready to eat their words.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Once again, everybody is counting the Pittsburgh Steelers out. Every season, they say that this is the year that Pittsburgh falls off, and every year, Mike Tomlin shoves it back down their throat. This is the best roster that the Steelers have had in years. Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback they have had since Ben Roethlisberger. Counting out the Steelers has gotten old. Don’t be surprised when they are good in 2025.

4. Denver Broncos

Aug 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton calls out during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs will win the AFC West again in 2025, but the Denver Broncos will make them look over their shoulder. Last season, Sean Payton reminded the world that he is one of the best coaches in the NFL. This year, the Broncos will take another step in the right direction. Denver’s defense will be great again, and they should be excited about year two of the Bo Nix experiment. Watch out for the Broncos in 2025.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) alongside quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals are an odd team heading into the 2025 NFL season, but they will be better than expected. Kyler Murray’s connection with Marvin Harrison Jr will improve in year two. Trey McBride is a great tight end. The defense is underrated, and they will be good. Head coach Jonathan Gannon is coaching for his job in 2025. If things don’t improve, he’s out. The NFC West is up for grabs, and the Cardinals will sneak into the conversation.

2. Houston Texans

Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Don’t forget about the Houston Texans in 2025. They will easily win the AFC South and clinch a playoff berth. CJ Stroud was underwhelming last season, but he’s looking to have a bounce-back year. His connection with Nico Collins will never be in doubt. DeMeco Ryans is an incredible head coach. The defense will be solid as long as he is there. The Texans are currently flying under the radar, but they can ruffle some feathers in 2025.

1. New England Patriots

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots won’t win the AFC East in 2025, but they have made massive improvements over the offseason. New England will be the second-best team in the division this season. Mike Vrabel is the new head coach, and he has the boys fired up and ready to go. They have their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, and now he has Stefon Diggs. They invested money into the defense, and they will be better than people expect in 2025.

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

These teams aren’t likely to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025, but they will be better than people think. All five teams will flirt with or exceed double-digit wins and compete for a division title during the 2025 NFL season. It’s going to be a fun season. Buckle up.

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

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