Top 20 NFL Players Going Into the 2025 Season
These 20 NFL superstars are set to dominate the 2025 season with unmatched skill, leadership, and impact.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The NFL is brimming with outstanding talent as we’re nearing the 2025 season. These athletes are not only popular. They serve as their teams’ foundation. The following is a clear and accurate list of the top 20 players presently affecting the league.
20. Saquon Barkley (RB, Eagles)
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Now in Philadelphia, Barkley’s combination of strength, vision, and receiving ability has made him the focal point of their offense. After a 2,000-yard all-purpose season, he’s back in top form.
19. Sauce Gardner (CB, Jets)
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Already a two-time All-Pro, Gardner’s physical press coverage and IQ make him a nightmare for elite wideouts. Quarterbacks avoid his side entirely.
18. Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jefferson’s route-running is surgical, and his hands are as reliable as they come. Even with injuries last season, he still finished among the league leaders in yards per game.
17. Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
No player blends speed, patience, and versatility like McCaffrey. Whether running inside or catching passes out wide, he’s the heartbeat of San Francisco’s offense.
16. T.J. Watt (EDGE, Steelers)
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
When healthy, Watt is a sack machine. His relentless motor and high football IQ make him one of the most disruptive defenders in the league.
15. A.J. Brown (WR, Eagles)
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Power, burst, and body control make Brown one of the toughest covers in football. He consistently wins contested catches and racks up yards after the catch.
14. Fred Warner (LB, 49ers)
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Warner reads plays like a quarterback and closes gaps in an instant. He’s the definition of a modern linebacker: fast, smart, and versatile.
13. Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins)
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Still the fastest man in football, Hill stretches defenses vertically like no one else. He led the league in yards per catch last season.
12. Chris Jones (DT, Chiefs)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
An interior wrecking ball, Jones constantly collapses pockets and forces errors. His impact doesn’t always show up in stats, but offenses always feel it.
11. Myles Garrett (EDGE, Browns)
Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Garrett racked up 14 sacks last year while being double-teamed nearly every snap. His blend of power and agility is freakish.
10. Travis Kelce (TE, Chiefs)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Even as he ages, Kelce remains the gold standard at tight end. His chemistry with Mahomes is unmatched, especially in clutch moments.
9. Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images
Despite injury setbacks, Burrow’s poise, accuracy, and leadership are elite. When he’s under center, Cincinnati is a contender. Expect a big return in 2025.
8. Patrick Surtain II (CB, Broncos)
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Arguably the best pure cover corner in the game, Surtain is technically sound and rarely gets beaten. He shadows top receivers weekly and wins.
7. Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens)
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The reigning MVP, Lamar terrorizes defenses with his legs and his much-improved deep ball. He’s matured as a passer without losing his explosiveness.
6. Micah Parsons (EDGE, Cowboys)
Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Parsons is an all-around monster who can rush the passer, play in space, and dominate sideline-to-sideline. His versatility is rare. The Cowboys unleash him everywhere — and he delivers.
5. Josh Allen (QB, Bills)
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Allen’s cannon arm and bulldozing running style make him a unique weapon. He’s cleaned up his decision-making and continues to carry Buffalo.
4. Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals)
Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Chase’s combination of speed, strength, and ball-tracking is special. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Burrow and Chase remain one of the NFL’s deadliest duos.
3. Nick Bosa (EDGE, 49ers)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa overwhelms tackles with speed and power. His motor never stops, and his technique is textbook.
2. Jalen Hurts (QB, Eagles)
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Hurts has developed into a complete quarterback with toughness, precision, and leadership. He’s dangerous as a passer and even more so as a runner.
1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The undisputed king of the NFL right now. Mahomes blends insane arm talent, elite vision, and clutch brilliance. He’s the standard every other quarterback is chasing.