With Week 9 in the books, we’ve officially hit the halfway point in the 2025 NFL season. The playoff picture is starting to take shape, a few teams have already fired head coaches or general managers, and there’s a lot left to shake out over the next nine weeks.

With that, it’s time to deliver midseason grades for every NFL team. I’ve given each unit (offense, defense, and special teams) for each team a good old-fashioned letter grade. I also included each unit’s overall rank in PFF grade, for added context.

Each grade is independent of the others and I did grade in context. Teams with higher expectations were generally graded more harshly than those expected to need time. Let’s dive in:

Arizona Cardinals

Offense: C- (PFF Rank: T22)

Defense: B (PFF Rank: 17)

Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 17)

The Cardinals have lost five games this season by a combined 13 points. They’ve had some brutal luck in close games, but the offense hasn’t been consistent or productive with starting QB Kyler Murray in the game. The defense is young but improving — second-round CB Will Johnson looks like an absolute steal, and this is a dangerous pass rush. With more stable quarterback and offensive line play, this could be a playoff team even in the gauntlet that is the NFC West.

Atlanta Falcons

Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 14)

Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: 18)

Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 24)

With the caveat that second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. only started two games last season, his sophomore campaign hasn’t been a resounding success. The offense will look elite for stretches but struggles mightily game-to-game. Meanwhile, the Falcons have a young, inconsistent defense. But those young pieces are showing growth and promise, fueling hope that they can form a strong unit in future seasons.

Baltimore Ravens

Offense: B- (PFF Rank: T16)

Defense: F (PFF Rank: 25)

Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 26)

The Ravens have dealt with a ton of injuries this season, but even still, their defense has been an absolute disaster. While Baltimore’s offense has generally looked pretty good with QB Lamar Jackson under center, the defense has let them down. What was supposed to be a strong unit anchored by core veterans and bolstered by young talent has been one of the worst defenses in the league. If the Ravens want to get back to the playoffs, this unit needs to improve.

Buffalo Bills

Offense: A (PFF Rank: 4)

Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 26)

Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: T14)

Buffalo’s offense has been excellent, with one of the best rushing attacks in the league and a quarterback in Josh Allen who is playing up to his reigning MVP title. Their defense, however, has been an issue. A mixture of injuries and weak spots on the roster has left this group volatile week to week, hampering the ceiling of this Bills team. Getting first-round CB Maxwell Hairston back from injury is a big boost, and he may need to play more moving forward.

Carolina Panthers

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 18)

Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: T20)

Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 25)

This roster is still pretty thin overall, but credit this coaching staff for squeezing a competitive football team out of it. On offense, the Panthers have found an identity behind RB Rico Dowdle and a dominant ground game, while third-year QB Bryce Young is able to pick his spots and keep the offense on schedule. Carolina’s undermanned defense has done just enough to keep them in games.

Chicago Bears

Offense: A- (PFF Rank: 6)

Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 27)

Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: 8)

It’s been a mixed bag for QB Caleb Williams in his second season, but first-year HC Ben Johnson has done a great job with this offense. He’s brought his signature blend of physicality and creative playcalling from Detroit, and this is a diverse, multifaceted attack. The Bears’ defense has definitely underperformed relative to expectations, especially given the talent Chicago has on that side of the ball.

Cleveland Browns

Offense: F (PFF Rank: 32)

Defense: A (PFF Rank: 1)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 7)

If Cleveland even had an average offense, this would be a playoff team. This is arguably the best defense in the league that pairs a suffocating secondary with an elite pass rush. Unfortunately, their offense can’t do much of anything. Third-round QB Dillon Gabriel is a bit overmatched, but in fairness, he has little to work with. The offensive line can’t generate push in the run game or pass protect, and this is the worst receiving corps in the league.

Cincinnati Bengals

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 19)

Defense: F (PFF Rank: 31)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: T5)

The Bengals became the first team in 60 years to score 38 or more points in back-to-back games and lose both. That should tell you all you need to know about just how bad this defense is. The offense struggled mightily after QB Joe Burrow went down and was initially replaced by backup QB Jake Browning, but trading for veteran Joe Flacco rejuvenated this unit and they’ve been on a tear in recent weeks.

Dallas Cowboys

Offense: A (PFF Rank: 8)

Defense: F (PFF Rank: 32)

Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: T14)

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level. The trade for WR George Pickens has been a resounding success, and yet it doesn’t matter because this is the worst defense in the league. Dallas needs to play a perfect game on offense to have a chance of winning, and that’s difficult to do week after week. Trading for DT Quinnen Williams should help, but this defense is far from one piece away.

Denver Broncos

Offense: D (PFF Rank: T16)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 8)

Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 18)

While they haven’t quite had the best defense in the NFL, the Broncos defense is among the league’s better units. This is an elite pass rush with a versatile, hard-nose secondary. On offense, however, it’s been much more hit or miss. The run game is inconsistent and second-year QB Bo Nix hasn’t replicated his rookie-year magic. Denver has been stuck in the mud in many of their games, pulling out miraculous finishes in the fourth quarter. Eventually, their luck will run out.

Detroit Lions

Offense: A (PFF Rank: 5)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 4)

Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: 11)

The Lions haven’t missed a beat on offense despite losing Johnson to the Bears this offseason. This is still a devastating run game with a talented group of receivers that can make plays in space. Injuries in the secondary have hampered Detroit’s secondary somewhat, but they’re starting to get healthier and rebound. The Lions are again contenders in the NFC.

Green Bay Packers

Offense: B (PFF Rank: 12)

Defense: A (PFF Rank: 3)

Special Teams: D+ (PFF Rank: 28)

Green Bay’s offense is frustratingly inconsistent. One week, they look unstoppable, the next, they can’t run the ball or catch a pass. But when they’re clicking, they are practically impossible to defend. On defense, ED Micah Parsons has transformed the pass rush, and this secondary is playing beyond their talent.

Houston Texans

Offense: C- (PFF Rank: T22)

Defense: A (PFF Rank: 5)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 10)

Houston’s patchwork offensive line is hamstringing this offense, even as Texans QB C.J. Stroud and WR Nico Collins build one of the best connections in football and the running game starts to find some rhythm. Still, the Texans’ strength is their defense. They have elite playmakers at all three levels of their defense and can shut down any offense.

Indianapolis Colts

Offense: A+ (PFF Rank: 3)

Defense: B (PFF Rank: 14)

Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 12)

The Colts don’t just have the best offense in the NFL this year. They have the most efficient offense in the NFL in over a decade. Indy HC Shane Steichen has this team rolling, and QB Daniel Jones is the latest reclamation quarterback to revitalize his career in a new spot. The defense has been injured but is an overall solid unit, and just got a big boost in the form of CB Sauce Gardner.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offense: B- (PFF Rank: 20)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 15)

Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 21)

The Jags defense is their calling card this year, and it’s led by resurgent LB Devin Lloyd. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker off the edge are hounding opposing quarterbacks, and CB Jourdan Lewis was one of the best under-the-radar free agent signings this offseason. On offense, however, it’s a different story. Jacksonville doesn’t have a bad offense, but it’s not an explosive one. Second-year WR Brian Thomas Jr. has regressed after his sensational rookie season and QB Trevor Lawrence always leaves you wanting more.

Kansas City Chiefs

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 9)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 6)

Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 16)

Health (and the six-game suspension of WR Rashee Rice) hindered this offense early, but they’re starting to find their groove. Even so, this offensive line isn’t totally fixed from last season, and production has been inconsistent. While the interior of the Chiefs’ defensive line is a bit suspect, the rest of that unit is very strong.

Las Vegas Raiders

Offense: C (PFF Rank: T22)

Defense: D (PFF Rank: 30)

Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 31)

The most disappointing thing about the Raiders this season is their offensive line. What was a solid group last year has regressed considerably, leaving first-round RB Ashton Jeanty little room to work. On defense, the Raiders just don’t have talent. It’s hard to be overly critical as a result, but this is not a good unit.

Los Angeles Chargers

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 13)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 9)

Special Teams: D- (PFF Rank: 32)

Injuries to the Chargers’ offensive line have hampered the offense considerably. Still, at their best, this is an explosive team with a high-level quarterback in Justin Herbert who can torch any defense he faces. On defense, they haven’t missed a beat from last year, and are fielding a strong unit overall that’s well-balanced in both phases.

Los Angeles Rams

Offense: A (PFF Rank: 1)

Defense: A (PFF Rank: 2)

Special Teams: D (PFF Rank: T29)

Kicking issues have cost the Rams two wins this season, but otherwise, this might be the best team in the NFL. Los Angeles has an elite pass rush with two game-wreckers off the edge in Jared Verse and Byron Young, and the rest of their defense is deep and adaptable. On offense, veteran QB Matthew Stafford is playing some of the best ball of his career, with a bevy of weapons and paired with a strong run game.

Miami Dolphins

Offense: C (PFF Rank: 29)

Defense: F (PFF Rank: 29)

Special Teams: D- (PFF Rank: T29)

It hasn’t been a banner year for the Dolphins, who already fired their general manager right before the trade deadline. This offensive line completely fell apart and is arguably the worst in the league, while the defense can’t defend the run or the pass. It’s almost a certainty that Miami will be undergoing a total rebuild after this season.

Minnesota Vikings

Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 28)

Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 19)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 2)

The Vikings have cycled between QBs J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz with similar (and largely ineffective) results. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in 2024, has shown flashes, but just needs more experience. And while this defense isn’t as good as it was last year, it’s still a good one. Minnesota won 14 games a season ago and won’t be touching that number this year.

New England Patriots

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 11)

Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 13)

Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 27)

It’s come against the league’s easiest schedule, but the Patriots are scorching hot right now under new HC Mike Vrabel. Second-year QB Drake Maye looks like the real deal, and when CB Christian Gonzalez is healthy, the defense has some serious teeth. I still think New England is a year away from being a real playoff threat, but fans have every reason to be ecstatic with how their team is performing.

New Orleans Saints

Offense: D- (PFF Rank: 30)

Defense: B- (PFF Rank: T20)

Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 23)

The Saints were never expected to be good on offense, but they haven’t given their quarterbacks — first Spencer Rattler, now second-rounder Tyler Shough — much of a chance. This defense, on the other hand, is playing hard and keeping the Saints in games they have no business of winning.

New York Giants

Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 25)

Defense: B- (PFF Rank: 22)

Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 19)

Ever since the Giants inserted first-round QB Jaxson Dart into the starting lineup, the Giants have been moving the ball on offense. It hasn’t always been through the drop-back pass game, but Dart is proving to be an effective zone-read runner and has a cannon for an arm. Defensively, this is one of the best fronts in the league, though the secondary can be leaky at times.

New York Jets

Offense: D (PFF Rank: 27)

Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 16)

Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: T5)

The Jets have had individual games of brilliance on offense, but for the most part, QB Justin Fields and company have struggled mightily. Moving the ball is a chore for this unit, as they have a young offensive line and no receivers aside from stud Garrett Wilson. On defense, they just traded away their two best players in Gardner and Williams, so expect that unit to get markedly worse.

Philadelphia Eagles

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 7)

Defense: B (PFF Rank: 10)

Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 22)

The Eagles are better than any of their individual grades as a team, but each unit has underperformed a bit to this point in the season. On offense, they’ve struggled running the ball at times and can’t seem to get their star receivers involved consistently. On defense, they have a lackluster pass rush and a hole at outside corner across from Quinyon Mitchell.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 21)

Defense: B- (PFF Rank: 12)

Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: 13)

The Steelers offense got off to a slow start, but they’re starting to find their identity. Early on, veteran QB Aaron Rodgers had the lowest average depth of target in the league. It was very much a dink-and-dunk approach with limited effectiveness, but lately they’ve found the big plays and the efficiency has come with it. Pittsburgh’s defense has underperformed relative to its price tag, but it’s a pretty solid unit overall.

San Francisco 49ers

Offense: A- (PFF Rank: 10)

Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 28)

Special Teams: A- (PFF Rank: 4)

It’s a testament to the coaching genius of HC Kyle Shanahan that this offense has overcome so many injuries to still be among the league’s best. Whether it’s been starter Brock Purdy or (mostly) backup Mac Jones under center, the offense hasn’t missed a beat. I’m grading on a bit of a curve with the 49ers defense, as they haven’t been good, but it’s largely due to some insanely bad injury luck on that side of the ball.

Seattle Seahawks

Offense: A (PFF Rank: 2)

Defense: A (PFF Rank: 7)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 1)

I was initially skeptical of the minor overhaul Seattle underwent this offseason, but they’ve proved me and so many others wrong to this point. We knew the Seahawks would have a great defense, but free agent signee QB Sam Darnold is one of the best passers in the league right now and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is on track for 2,000 yards receiving and the Offensive Player of the Year award. This team looks like a real contender and should be on the short list of best teams in the NFL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 26)

Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 11)

Special Teams: C+ (PFF Rank: 20)

The Bucs’ offense has undergone so many injuries — from their top wide receivers, to their top running back, to a smattering of starting offensive linemen. Starting QB Baker Mayfield is playing the best ball of his career, but even he has limits, and this offense might be at its breaking point. On the other side of the ball, this Tampa Bay defense inserted some rookies into the lineup and hasn’t missed a beat.

Tennessee Titans

Offense: F (PFF Rank: 31)

Defense: C (PFF Rank: T23)

Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 9)

The Tennessee offense is so bad it got HC Brian Callahan, a former offensive coordinator himself, fired. No. 1 pick QB Cam Ward has flashed his high-end talent, but the offense is so barren of talent he’s left on an island most plays. This is a competitive but overmatched defense, and they deserve credit for hanging tough in a bunch of games.

Washington Commanders

Offense: B (PFF Rank: 15)

Defense: F (PFF Rank: T23)

Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 3)

The defense grade might seem harsh, but the Commanders have the worst secondary in the league and not much of a pass rush to speak of. On offense, injuries to QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin hurt, but this is still a unit performing well week to week. Overall, Washington took a massive step back in HC Dan Quinn’s second season.