With the calendars turning to November, it’s time to look back and grade each team’s performance at the halfway point. Nine weeks in, we have a fairly good idea of which teams are contenders, which teams can compete for the wildcard spots and which team should probably start planning for the offseason.
For each team, I’ve graded their offense, defense and special teams through the first half of the season. They each get a letter grade along with a brief explanation of my thoughts on the team so far this year.
I’ve also included some numbers from Pro Football Focus for each team. The ranking for each unit relative to the rest of the league, based on overall PFF grade, is included next to my grades. These PFF grades aren’t the sole factor in my letter grade, but they were helpful in a few cases. They also provide extra context for how a unit is performing overall.
Let’s get to the grades:
Arizona Cardinals
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 8 (tie))
Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 27)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 10)
The Cardinals’ offense, while inconsistent at times, is extremely explosive. The defense has been one of the worst in the league but given all the youth on that side of the ball, my grade is a little kinder. There are a lot of exciting young pieces on this team starting to come into their own.
Atlanta Falcons
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 3)
Defense: B (PFF Rank: 14)
Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 19)
After a slow start, blockbuster offseason acquisition QB Kirk Cousins has this offense firing on all cylinders. There is a bevy of weapons for him to utilize and he continues to get healthier. While the defense doesn’t generate a strong pass rush, the secondary and linebackers fly around the field.
Baltimore Ravens
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 1)
Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 9 (tie))
Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 28)
The addition of All-Pro RB Derrick Henry to this Lamar Jackson-led offense has been nothing short of sensational. Jackson looks to be well on his way to his third MVP, and though the defense isn’t quite as strong as a year ago, they’re capable of winning games when the offense has an off night.
Buffalo Bills
Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 13)
Defense: C (PFF Rank: 23)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 15)
This roster underwent a lot of turnover this offseason, on both sides of the ball. Josh Allen is still Josh Allen, so the offense hasn’t missed a beat, but the defense has struggled at times. The Bills’ defensive struggles haven’t stopped them from being one of the best teams in the league.
Carolina Panthers
Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 25)
Defense: D (PFF Rank: 32)
Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 22)
This Panthers defense is undoubtedly the worst in the league. That’s to be expected, given the personnel. The offense has shown signs of life in recent weeks, which is encouraging, especially considering it’s now helmed once again by second-year QB Bryce Young.
Chicago Bears
Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 24)
Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 8)
Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 25)
The defense hasn’t been perfect, but it’s a strong unit. What’s disappointed in Chicago is the offense. What was supposed to be the best supporting cast for a young quarterback is plagued with injuries and poor offensive line play. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick and generational quarterback prospect, hasn’t yet lived up to expectations.
Cleveland Browns
Offense: F (PFF Rank: 30)
Defense: A (PFF Rank: 9 (tie))
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 3 (tie))
The Deshaun Watson experience might be over in Cleveland. Before he left the lineup with an Achilles tear, the Browns were setting weekly records for offensive ineptitude. The defense is elite once again, with ED Myles Garrett remaining one of the best players in the game today.
Cincinnati Bengals
Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 14 (tie))
Defense: C (PFF Rank: 15)
Special Teams: A- (PFF Rank: 9)
The PFF rankings paint a pretty clear picture of what the Bengals have been as a team this year: average. Bengals QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase will always be a lethal duo to contend with, but this defense is struggling.
Dallas Cowboys
Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 28)
Defense: D (PFF Rank: 31)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 5)
This Cowboys squad was supposed to compete for the division and make a run in the playoffs. That’s not happening, especially now that QB Dak Prescott is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The defense is a major disappointment, taking a massive step back without DC Dan Quinn.
Denver Broncos
Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 25 (tie))
Defense: A (PFF Rank: 4)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 2)
Things are looking up in Denver. After years of limbo, HC Sean Payton has this team moving in the right direction. The offense has been sluggish at times, but first-round QB Bo Nix is improving each week. The defense is lockdown, as well, and the Broncos are in competition for a wildcard berth.
Detroit Lions
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 4)
Defense: A (PFF Rank: 2)
Special Teams: A- (PFF Rank: 8)
The Chiefs might be the NFL’s lone undefeated team, but there’s a strong argument the Lions have been the best team through nine weeks. Detroit QB Jared Goff is playing the best ball of his career, the offensive line is dominant, and the defense — led by a rebuilt secondary — is locking offenses down.
Green Bay Packers
Offense: B (PFF Rank: 17)
Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 18 (tie))
Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 29)
The PFF rankings aren’t kind to the Packers, but I think they’ve been better than these numbers would indicate. Starting QB Jordan Love has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and been a bit volatile when playing, but this is a strong team competing in a strong division.
Houston Texans
Offense: B- (PFF Rank: 12)
Defense: B (PFF Rank: 16)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 13)
With high expectations coming off a resurgent season, the Texans have fallen a bit flat through nine weeks. Injuries on offense have certainly played a factor, but QB C.J. Stroud hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of his rookie season, and this defense is too vulnerable to big plays.
Indianapolis Colts
Offense: C (PFF Rank: 19)
Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 13)
Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 20)
The sluggish Colts offense has grabbed all the headlines, whether it’s been Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco starting at quarterback. But the defense has been a nice surprise after a rocky start to the season. Samuel Womack III and Jaylon Jones have emerged as consistent performers at cornerback, shoring up a significant weakness.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offense: C (PFF Rank: 18)
Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 21)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 11 (tie))
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson still has his job, but without a significant turnaround, he won’t be the coach in 2025. Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence is inconsistent and this defense, outside of the pass rush, is lacking. First-round WR Brian Thomas Jr. has been a bright spot in an otherwise dour year.
Kansas City Chiefs
Offense: B (PFF Rank: 7)
Defense: A (PFF Rank: 7)
Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 24)
To no one’s surprise, HC Andy Reid and QB Patrick Mahomes have kept this Chiefs’ offense churning despite the injury to WR Rashee Rice. What’s gone a little more under the radar is the performance of this defense, once again carrying the Chiefs to victory after victory.
Las Vegas Raiders
Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 29)
Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: 28)
Special Teams: D+ (PFF Rank: 32)
Whether it’s been Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell at quarterback, this Raiders offense has been ugly. The defense has some nice pieces to build from, including some encouraging signs for second-year ED Tyree Wilson, but it’s time for Vegas to draft a franchise quarterback.
Los Angeles Chargers
Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 20)
Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 5)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 7)
That defensive ranking is bolstered by a weak schedule of opposing offenses, but new HC Jim Harbaugh has done a tremendous job of turning that chronically underperforming unit around. The cupboard is a bit bare at wide receiver, limiting the ceiling of this offense, but first-round RT Joe Alt looks like a slam-dunk hit.
Los Angeles Rams
Offense: B (PFF Rank: 21 (tie))
Defense: B- (PFF Rank: 22)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 16)
Injuries to multiple starting and backup offensive linemen, as well as the Rams’ top two receivers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, sapped a lot of this unit’s potential early in the season. They’re getting healthier, though, and that’s a scary sight for the rest of the NFC. On defense, the secondary is struggling, but this defensive line hasn’t missed a beat even without DT Aaron Donald.
Miami Dolphins
Offense: C (PFF Rank: 23)
Defense: C- (PFF Rank: 26)
Special Teams: D (PFF Rank: 31)
The concussion that kept QB Tua Tagovailoa out of four games hurts the offense’s overall performance, but even with Tagovailoa in the lineup, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Speedster WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have been largely kept in check by opposing defenses, and the offensive line is a problem.
Minnesota Vikings
Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 5)
Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 12)
Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 17)
Vikings DC Brian Flores’s defense is one of the top stories of the first half of the season. Despite questionable depth in the secondary, they’ve made even the top offenses they’ve faced uncomfortable. Journeyman QB Sam Darnold found a temporary home in Minnesota, stepping up big to lead this offense.
New England Patriots
Offense: C- (PFF Rank: 32)
Defense: C (PFF Rank: 25)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 1)
This New England offense hasn’t been good, but first-round QB Drake Maye has. That’s what matters this season for the Patriots. The defense should probably be better than they are, though they are missing some key pieces.
New Orleans Saints
Offense: D (PFF Rank: 21 (tie))
Defense: C (PFF Rank: 30)
Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 27)
An ugly season for the Saints keeps getting worse. After two blowout wins to start the season, the Saints have lost seven straight, largely due to their inability to move the ball on offense. Defense has been more hit-or-miss, but an aging defensive core isn’t playing up to its usual standards.
New York Giants
Offense: D (PFF Rank: 27)
Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 11)
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 18)
On the plus side: the defense has shown a lot of positive signs. This might be the best defensive line in football. First-round WR Malik Nabers and fifth-round RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., both rookies, have been bright spots on offense. But that unit as a whole is inefficient and stagnant.
New York Jets
Offense: C (PFF Rank: 14 (tie))
Defense: B (PFF Rank: 18 (tie))
Special Teams: B (PFF Rank: 21)
It’s not been an ideal year for the Jets, as QB Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been the offensive savior they hoped for and the defense took a major step back after the firing of HC Robert Saleh. New York hopes the arrival of WR Davante Adams via trade will spark a melancholic offense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Offense: B- (PFF Rank: 11)
Defense: A- (PFF Rank: 3)
Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: 11 (tie))
The Eagles are in the midst of an odd season. Philadelphia QB Jalen Hurts has been turnover-prone, and combined with a series of offensive injuries, it’s made for an up-and-down performance on that side of the ball. New additions and improved players on defense, most notably at linebacker and cornerback, have brought a defensive revival to Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Offense: C+ (PFF Rank: 16)
Defense: A (PFF Rank: 1)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 3 (tie))
This is the best defense in the league, and it just got better with the addition of ED Preston Smith at the trade deadline. Offensively, it’s been more of a struggle, but they’re starting to find their groove with QB Russell Wilson.
San Francisco 49ers
Offense: A- (PFF Rank: 2)
Defense: B+ (PFF Rank: 6)
Special Teams: B- (PFF Rank: 23)
This is a team reflected more positively by their PFF grades than I think they’ve played, but it could be a sign they’ll finish strong in the second half of the year. Injuries at wide receiver made for inconsistent production, and this hasn’t been the same team defensively as it has in years past, especially in the secondary.
Seattle Seahawks
Offense: B+ (PFF Rank: 10)
Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: 20)
Special Teams: A (PFF Rank: 6)
Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads the league in passing and this is one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. But offensive line issues make it difficult to move the ball at times and inconsistent play has plagued the defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 8 (tie))
Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: 24)
Special Teams: C (PFF Rank: 26)
Injuries to WRs Chris Godwin and Mike Evans notwithstanding, the Bucs’ offense has been outstanding. Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield is playing lights-out. The Bucs’ secondary is beat up, but they also can’t generate a pass rush.
Tennessee Titans
Offense: D (PFF Rank: 31)
Defense: B- (PFF Rank: 17)
Special Teams: C- (PFF Rank: 30)
The offense has been a disaster, whether it’s been Will Levis or Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Levis hasn’t developed as the Titans hoped, and he’s now missed several games with a shoulder injury. The veteran defense started the season strong, but injuries caught up to them and they’ve fallen off in recent weeks.
Washington Commanders
Offense: A (PFF Rank: 6)
Defense: C+ (PFF Rank: 29)
Special Teams: B+ (PFF Rank: 14)
First-round QB Jayden Daniels has been sensational, rejuvenating a dormant franchise and lighting it up on a weekly basis. The defense has outperformed their talent, with HC Dan Quinn elevating that unit.
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