The NFL’s 2025 season is off to a wild start, with unexpected leaders, dramatic injuries, and some teams already facing uphill battles. As Week 4 approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the latest standings and what they reveal about the league’s shifting power dynamics.
NFC: Eagles and 49ers Dominate, Giants in Crisis
The
Philadelphia Eagles have soared to a perfect 3-0 record, leading the NFC East and looking every bit like Super Bowl contenders. Their offense has racked up 77 points while their defense has kept opponents to just 63, and they’re riding a three-game win streak. The Eagles’ consistency and depth have made them the team to beat.
Meanwhile, the
San Francisco 49ers are also undefeated at 3-0, topping the NFC West. However, their campaign took a major hit with the loss of star defensive end Nick Bosa to a season-ending ACL injury. The Niners will now rely on a youth movement to fill the leadership void, with eight new starters already in place since last season. Despite the setback, their defense has held strong, allowing only 49 points so far.
On the flip side, the
New York Giants and
New Orleans Saints are in freefall. Both teams are winless at 0-3, with the Saints’ defense giving up big plays and struggling to get off the field on third down. The Giants have managed just 52 points while surrendering 83, and their losing streak shows no signs of ending soon.
AFC: Bengals and Steelers Neck-and-Neck, Bills Unstoppable
Over in the AFC North, the
Cincinnati Bengals and
Pittsburgh Steelers are locked at 2-1, each boasting a .667 win percentage. The Bengals have been solid at home and in the division, but their point differential (58 scored, 91 allowed) suggests some defensive vulnerabilities. The Steelers, meanwhile, have shown resilience on the road and are coming off a win.
The
Buffalo Bills are making headlines with a flawless 3-0 start, placing them among the league’s elite in ESPN’s power rankings. Their balanced attack and stingy defense have made them early favorites in the AFC East.
The
Baltimore Ravens (1-2) are struggling with poor tackling, having given up 200 yards after contact—the most in coach John Harbaugh’s tenure through three games. Harbaugh has called out his defense, demanding improvement as the season progresses.
Surprise Contenders and Defensive Woes
The
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and
Indianapolis Colts have both surprised fans with 3-0 starts. The Bucs, however, have squeaked by with a plus-six point differential—the lowest ever for a 3-0 team. Their defense has been shaky in the fourth quarter, and coach Todd Bowles admits they need to play a full four quarters to stay competitive.
The Colts’ pass rush remains inconsistent, ranking 20th in pressure rate. Defensive end Laiatu Latu’s return from injury has helped, but the team needs more consistent pressure to maintain their winning streak.
What This Means for the Playoff Picture
With several divisions still wide open and injuries already reshaping rosters, the 2025 NFL season promises more twists and turns. The Eagles, Bills, and 49ers look like early favorites, but defensive issues and key injuries could shake up the standings in the coming weeks.
Key Takeaways:- Eagles, Bills, and 49ers are undefeated and leading their divisions.
- Major injuries (like Nick Bosa’s ACL tear) could impact playoff hopes.
- Defensive struggles are plaguing teams like the Ravens, Saints, and Buccaneers.
- Surprise starts from the Colts and Bucs add intrigue to the playoff race.
As the season heats up, expect more drama, upsets, and shifting power rankings. Stay tuned—this year’s NFL is anything but predictable.
Sources
1. 2025-26 NFL Standings: Division | FOX Sports
2. NFL Week 4 Power Rankings 2025: How all 32 teams stack up - ESPN
3. 2025 NFL League Standings
4. NFL Standings - 2025 season - ESPN
5. NFL Standings 2025-26 - CBSSports.com
6. 2025 NFL Playoff Picture
7. NFL Standings 2025-26 - Scores & Odds Hub
