There are generally a number of juggernaut teams that start out hot and ride their talent all the way to the NFL postseason—and conversely, the real bottom dwellers that can’t get out of the gates… but this year we have seen quite a few teams fighting against the tides to turn their seasons around—and vice versa.

One story is about the teams climbing—young rosters figuring it out, coaches finding rhythm, and the other is of veterans breaking down, chemistry fading, and windows quietly closing.

And 2025 has been that in spades. Through five weeks, we have seen clear examples of franchises that are turning the tide and starting to look dangerous… while others are teetering on the edge of disaster.

So, let’s get into it and break down five NFL teams trending toward legitimate contention—an

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