We’re over a quarter of the way through the 2025 NFL season, and things are starting to take shape. We’re beginning to get an idea of who the true contenders are and which teams are playing for a better draft pick in April.

There have been quite a few teams that have underperformed so far. The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns have all disappointed, but can they turn things around before the postseason gets here?

I went through all 32 NFL teams and gave them a grade from 1-10 on how worried I am that they’ll miss the playoffs.

Here’s our EssentiallySports NFL Panic Meter!

Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

Playoff Panic Meter: 9

Key Injuries: BJ Ojulari, Walter Nolan, James Conner, Trey Benson, Will Johnson

The Arizona Cardinals didn’t exactly enter the season with high expectations, but it feels like this year’s been a bit of a letdown. They just lost to the Tennessee Titans after leading 21-3 in the second quarter, and now their head coach, Jonathan Gannon, has been fined for hitting a player.

It’s starting to feel like the Cardinals have more of a shot of losing their head coach midseason than making the playoffs at this point, so I’m definitely worried.

Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 7

Key Injuries: Darnell Mooney, AJ Terrell

The Atlanta Falcons had high hopes entering the 2025 season. The NFC South was viewed as wide open, and with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers struggling, all they had to do was beat out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Well, through five weeks they’re 2-2, and have been very inconsistent.

The Falcons have two big wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders, but lost by 30 to the Panthers. Michael Penix has been way too inconsistent for them to be a real playoff threat, so I’m starting to become worried about the Falcons’ playoff chances.

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 7

Key Injuries: Ronnie Staley, Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Lamar Jackson, Kyle Hamilton

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most surprising teams in the league this year. They’ve been plagued by injuries, which has been a big factor in their 1-4 record, but their defense is just horrible. They were one of the best units in the league last year, but now are one of, if not the, worst in the league.

If Lamar Jackson doesn’t make a comeback fast, I’m very concerned about the Ravens. And even when he does comeback, the defense is still a massive, massive concern. Luckily, the AFC North is as weak as it’s ever been this year, so there’s still a semi-decent chance they can win their division and sneak in if they can get to nine wins.

Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Tyler Bass, Matt Milano, Dorian Strong, Ed Oliver,

Some people out there are worried about the Buffalo Bills after their loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night, but I’m not. They didn’t play well, and the Patriots are an up-and-coming team in the league. As long as Josh Allen is under center, this team is a threat to win it all, so I’m nowhere near concerned about their playoff chances.

Carolina Panthers (2-3)

Playoff Panic Meter: 9

Key Injuries: Jalen Coker, Chuba Hubbard, David Moore, Chandler Zavala, Jonathan Brooks

The Panthers didn’t have any playoff expectations coming into the year, and after five weeks, that hasn’t changed much. They just got a nice comeback win over the Miami Dolphins last weekend, but they’re 2-3 and likely won’t sniff the playoffs. I do think Bryce Young has improved and I like what Dave Canales is doing offensively. They just need a few more pieces on defense before they contend for a playoff spot.

Chicago Bears (2-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 5

Key Injuries: Colston Loveland, Kyler Gordon, TJ Edwards

The Chicago Bears got beat up on by a couple of NFC North opponents in the first two weeks, but bounced back with two consecutive wins to go into their Week 5 bye with a 2-2 record. Caleb Williams has taken obvious steps forward, and their offense just looks so much better under Ben Johnson.

Defensively, though, there are still concerns. They gave up 52 to the Detroit Lions and 24 to the Las Vegas Raiders. The did hold the Dallas Cowboys to 14, though, so they’re a bit tricky to figure out. If they weren’t 0-2 in the NFC North, the panic meter would be a bit lower, but right now it seems like they’re battling for a Wild Card spot.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

Playoff Panic Meter: 8

Key Injuries: Joe Burrow, Shemar Stewart, Erick All Jr., Lucas Patrick

At first, I loved the Joe Flacco trade, and while I still think he’s an upgrade over what they had, I’m a bit worried about how much he can improve this offense. There’s no doubt he’s a better passer than Jake Browning, but he is as mobile as a melting stick of butter, and the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line is horrible. If they can’t protect him, he’s going to get sacked A LOT, and it’s going to limit how effective he can be.

Then there are also massive concerns about the defense, which has given up 28+ every week since Week 2. They’re going to have to score 28+ to win every week, and I’m just not sure they can do that without Joe Burrow.

Cleveland Browns (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 10

Key Injuries: Denzel Ward, Myles Garrett, Cedric Tillman, Dawand Jones, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

The Cleveland Browns just traded away their starting quarterback to their division rival, so it appears they will move forward with Dillon Gabriel as the starter. They’re still dodging questions about whether or not Shedeur Sanders will be the backup, but either way, they’re all-in on the future.

What sucks about the Browns is that they have one of the best defenses in football. They are a Super Bowl-caliber defense, but their offense is just atrocious. If they had just an average offense, they’d be a playoff lock, but they don’t, and so they’re virtually already eliminated from playoff contention.

Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 4

Key Injuries: CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland

The Cowboys are the exact opposite of the Browns. They have an elite offense that’s one of the best in the league, but their defense can’t stop a nosebleed. They’re sitting at 2-2-1 through five weeks, and have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive through a pretty tough stretch of their schedule.

If Dallas’ defense can improve even slightly, they’re a playoff lock. Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level right now, but with a pretty favorable remaining schedule, I think the can sneak in.

Denver Broncos (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 2

Key Injuries: Dre Greenlaw

A week ago, I was very concerned about the Denver Broncos. While their defense lived up to the preseason hype, Bo Nix and the offense hadn’t looked good, and halfway through their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, they looked dead in the water.

But then the second half happened.

Nix went 13-for-16 for 160+ yards and a touchdown to help the Broncos comeback and beat the undefeated Eagles. They looked like a completely different team, and I know I’ve said it a lot, but I think this will be the turning point for Nix. They have a fairly easy stretch coming up, so they should rattle off some wins and be in the thick of the AFC race.

Detroit Lions (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Alim McNeill, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

I have absolutely no reservations about the Lions. Their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers was a bit worrisome, but they’ve responded with four straight wins and have been pretty dominant. They don’t seem to be missing Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn too much.

Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Zach Tom, Devonte Wyatt, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Brandon McManus

The Packers got off to a hot start to the season, but have cooled off quite drastically since. They were embarrassed by the Browns in Week 3 before tying the Cowboys the week before their bye. They’re 2-1-1 after starting 2-0, but I’m still not that concerned for their playoff chances moving forward.

The Packers’ offense has proven it’s one of the best in the NFC, and while their defense isn’t perfect, it’s still one of the better units in the conference. I expect them to get hot with games against the Bengals and Cardinals coming up. By the time we reach Thanksgiving, we’ll be talking about them as Super Bowl candidates.

Houston Texans (2-3)

Playoff Panic Meter: 7

Key Injuries: Joe Mixon, Tank Dell

The Houston Texans have been a hard team to judge. They started 0-3, but played the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars, who will all be playoff teams in a couple of months. Since then, they’ve gone 2-0, but have played two of the worst teams in the league in the Titans and Lamar Jackson-less Ravens.

The Texans have one of the best defenses in the league that is certainly capable of making the playoffs, but there are still big concerns about the offense. Their offensive line is one of the worst in the league, and CJ Stroud has significantly regressed since his rookie year.

Some people think these last two weeks are proof they’re a playoff team, but I think it was an average team beating up on two of the worst teams in the league.

Indianapolis Colts (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 2

Key Injuries: Kenny Moore II, Spencer Shrader

The Indianapolis Colts have been a welcome surprise this year. When Daniel Jones was named the starter in the preseason, nobody expected much from them, but Shane Steichen has done a wonderful job building an offense around him. I also have to give credit to Indy’s defense, which has been one of the best in the league in 2025.

The only concern I have is, will they be able to sustain this offensive success all year? I wonder how efficient Jones will be now that teams have a good bit of tape on him in this offense, but they should still be able to make it to the playoffs after starting 4-1.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 2

Key Injuries: Brenton Strange

Another team that’s been a bit surprising (though not as much as the Colts) to start the year is the Jaguars. They’re 4-1 with their only loss coming to the Bengals in Week 2, and just beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. Trevor Lawrence looks like a completely different player in Liam Coen’s system, and defensively they’ve been pretty stout. There are things to clean up, but overall, they look like a playoff team.

My only concern is their schedule. They still have to play the Seahawks, Rams, Texans, Chargers, Broncos and Colts (twice). That’s over half their remaining games coming against potential playoff teams. With their 4-1 start, it would be hard to miss the playoffs, especially because they play the Jets, Raiders and Titans (twice), but it’s still a reason for some concern.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Rashee Rice (suspension)

There are a lot of people out there hoping this is finally the year the Chiefs fall apart, but I’m not so sure it is. They’re still a very good football team that’s played some really good teams out of the gate. They’ve also been missing Rashee Rice for the whole year, and Xavier Worthy for part of it. This offense is about to start clicking again, and when they do, they’ll be right back in the Super Bowl picture.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 10

Key Injuries: Brock Bowers, Eric Stokes, AJ Cole, Lonnie Johnson Jr.

There is nothing but panic going on in the Raiders’ building right now. Despite having a win on the year, they’re playing like one of the worst teams in football. Geno Smith looks like he hasn’t played football in a decade, their offensive line isn’t very good and their defense is right up there with the Ravens for one of the worst in the league.

I’d rather go to one of the neighboring casinos and hand them $100 as a donation then pay to go to one of their games and watch them get their butts kicked for four quarters.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 5

Key Injuries: Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Khalil Mack, Mekhi Becton

I’ll admit it, I am a bit concerned about the Los Angeles Chargers. They looked great in the first three weeks, but losses to the Giants and Commanders in back-to-back weeks doesn’t look great. They’re very banged up, especially on the offensive line and at running back, but they’re hopefully going to get a few guys back this week.

If they can get healthy, they’re definitely a playoff team, but the injuries are very, very concerning.

Los Angeles Rams (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Omar Speights

Even though the Rams are 3-2, I have no concerns about them making the playoffs. Their offense is electric with Matthew Stafford under center, and their defense is good enough to keep them in most games. If they stay relatively healthy, there’s nothing that should stop them from making the playoffs, either as a division winner or wild card.

Miami Dolphins (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 9

Key Injuries: Jason Sanders, Liam Eichenberg, Tyreek Hill, Artie Burns, Alexander Mattison

The Dolphins have a whole lot of dysfunction going on inside their building. Mike McDaniel’s nerdy, chill guy attitude has gotten old, and now that they’re not winning, they’re realizing that he’s not all that inspiring. He’s a great offensive mind, but he’s not someone who’s going to fire up a team like Dan Campbell.

While their offense has it’s fair share of issues, their defense is the real problem. They’re giving up close to 30 points per game, and they even made the Panthers’ offense look good last Sunday. They should be 2-3 with an outside shot at the playoffs, but sitting at 1-4, I don’t think there’s much hope left.

Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 7

Key Injuries: JJ McCarthy, Ryan Kelly, Blake Cashman, Rondale Moore

The Vikings are in a precarious spot. Do they continue to start Carson Wentz, who probably gives them the best chance to make the playoffs, or JJ McCarthy, the future of their franchise who could really benefit from the reps? If they want to just make the playoffs and probably lose in the first round, Wentz is the guy, but if they want what’s best for them long-term, McCarthy should start.

The Vikings are 3-2, but two of those wins have been against the Bengals and Browns. They had a 22-6 bad loss to the Falcons in Week 2, and couldn’t take down the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. Now, they have to face the Eagles, Chargers and Lions in back-to-back-to-back weeks.

There’s a good chance that by the end of that stretch, they’re 3-5 and wondering what went wrong. I don’t think they’re a playoff team no matter who is under center, especially because the NFC North is so tough.

New England Patriots (3-2)

Playoff Panic meter: 4

Key Injuries: Antonio Gibson, K’Lavon Chaisson

It’s rare that we see a team start the season slow and then make a complete 180, but that’s what the Patriots have done. After a 1-2 start, they’re now 3-2 and just took down the Bills in their own building in primetime. That was a statement win that could propel them for the rest of the year.

While the Patriots might not be elite at any one spot, they’re not bad anywhere either. They could use some more offensive weapons, but they’re getting by with what they have, and defensively, they’ve played playoff-level football. I think they have a real shot at getting in the playoffs this year.

New Orleans Saints (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 10

Key Injuries: Julian Blackmon, Vernon Broughton, Eric Reid, Bub Means

As a Saints fan, it pains me to say that the Saints have no shot at making the playoffs, though I never expected them to. They’ve actually been much more competitive than I expected, but they haven’t translated that to many wins. If the Giants weren’t so keen on handing the Saints the ball every possession, they’d likely be 0-5 right now.

I have been pleasantly surprised with Spencer Rattler through the first five games, but he’s not going to elevate an offense enough to make a playoff push. He’s a fine stopgap for a year or two, but eventually, they need to find a franchise guy (and Tyler Shough isn’t that).

I like Kellen Moore at head coach, I like some of the young pieces they have, but they’re at least two years away from a playoff berth.

New York Giants (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 9

Key Injuries: Graham Gano, Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton

The Giants may have just lost to the Saints, but I feel better about their ever so slight playoff chances than I do New Orleans’. I think they have a better roster, specifically on the defensive line, and if Jaxson Dart improves fast, they could be a threat later in the season.

I don’t think they’ll turn things around quick enough to make a real playoff push, and I also don’t think Brian Daboll is really that good of a head coach. They can maybe compete for a playoff spot next year if Dart really is their guy, but for now, their playoff hopes are all but out the window, especially if they lose on TNF.

New York Jets (0-5)

Playoff Panic Meter: 10

Key Injuries: Allan Lazard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Braelon Allen

The New York Jets are the only 0-5 team in the league. I don’t think I really need to say much more about their playoff chances. They’re bad offensive and they’re bad defensively. Sometimes you have to use advanced analytics and other things to find holes in a team, but sometimes it’s as simple as they’re just bad.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: Nakobe Dean, Landon Dickers, Nolan Smith, Johnny Wilson

The Eagles have looked as bad as any 4-1 team I can remember. Their offense looks like a complete shell of themselves. Last year, they were running the ball down people’s throats and then hitting them over the top in the pass game, but this year, they can’t run or pass it successfully. Defensively they’ve been alright, but nowhere near as good as they were a year ago.

And yet they’re 4-1.

I’m not worried about them making the playoffs. I’m more worried about what’ll happen to them in the playoffs if they don’t turn things around.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 4

Key Injuries: Calvin Austin III, Donald Parham

The Steelers always seem to find a way to make the playoffs, and this year should be no exception. The offense isn’t amazing, but they’re playing complimentary football. The Steelers have always had a good enough defense to make a run in the playoffs, they’ve just needed an offense to compliment them.

I am a bit concerned about the offense long-term. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t looked amazing, and they’re yet to play a super stout defense, but they’ll be tested this week against the Browns. If they struggle to move the ball against Cleveland, this number could rise, but for now, I’m not too concerned about their playoffs hopes. Especially in a weak AFC North.

San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 1

Key Injuries: George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa

The San Francisco 49ers have proven that no matter who they have under center, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Even last week when they were super banged up, they went on the road and beat the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Bad teams don’t do that with a backup quarterback.

There’s not much to not like about the 49ers. Their offense is QB proof and their defense is playing like it did a couple years ago when they went to the Super Bowl. They’re legit contenders in the NFC, and they should easily make the playoff.

Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 2

Key Injuries: Nick Emmanwori, Devon Witherspoon

The Seahawks are one of the best 3-2 teams in the NFL this year. Sam Darnold is proving 2024 was not a fluke, and alongside Klint Kubiak, he’s leading one of the best offenses in football.

Up until last week, their defense has been stout, too. They hadn’t allowed more than 20 points all season before the Buccaneers came to town and dropped 38 on them. Still, I’m not worried about their defense. Everyone has a bad game now and then.

Of all the 3-2 teams in the league, outside of the Rams, the Seahawks are the one I’m least worried about. As long as they stay healthy, they’re a playoff team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

Playoff Panic Meter: 2

Key Injuries: Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, Jalen McMillan

While the Buccaneers are 4-1 and sitting pretty in the NFC South, things have been a little fluky in Tampa. They’re the first team in NFL history to win four of their first five games by three or fewer points. Through five weeks they have led for just 35 percent of their offensive snaps in the fourth quarter, but keep finding ways to win.

Is it all just luck or are they actually that good?

I think they’re a good team who is going to make the playoffs, but eventually they’re going to stop winning all of those one-score games. Their defense needs to be better if they want to be real contenders in the NFC, so while they should easily make the playoffs, I’m a little worried about how they’ll perform once they’re there.

Tennessee Titans (1-4)

Playoff Panic Meter: 10

Key Injuries: JC Latham, T’Vondre Sweat, Kevin Winston Jr.

The Titans were handed a win by the Cardinals last week, but that doesn’t mean things are looking up in Tennessee. It took far to many big mistakes by the Cardinals for them to win their first game of the year, and their offense still looked pretty bad. Brian Callahan isn’t the coach for the job, and they need to make A LOT of improvements on both sides of the ball before they’re playoff contenders.

Washington Commanders (3-2)

Playoff Panic Meter: 3

Key Injuries: Sam Cosmi, Austin Ekeler, Will Harris

The Commanders survived their stint without Jayden Daniels and are 3-2 heading into Week 6. They’ve had quite a few injuries, but have managed to stay afloat and are looking pretty good at 3-2. This offense is yet to really click this year, but once they do, they should be in the thick of the playoff hunt.

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