Power rankings exist to generate outrage. We get it.
Even so, ESPN's early 2025 rankings are particularly egregious. The network's "power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities" believes the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are the fourth-best team in football heading into next season.
The Worldwide Leader is doing the Birds a favor, to be honest. Jalen Hurts thrives off of criticism and it was unclear whether anyone would still doubt him next year.
© Geoff Burke | 2025 Feb 9Here's a taste of ESPN's discussion of the top five:
"Yes, the Chiefs lost in Super Bowl LIX, but they still have a loaded roster."
Ok, sure. But is it more loaded than the roster that just whipped Kansas City's ass?
Maybe the Chiefs have a lot of cap room or something that will push them past the Birds.
"General manager Brett Veach said 'our free agency will be our draft' in the offseason with regard to key player acquisition because of a tight salary cap situation and a long list of the Chiefs' own potential free agents that they would like to re-sign."
Oh.
"Coach Sean McDermott said in his season-ending news conference that [the team needs] two or three players on either side of the ball who are 'difference-makers.'"
Every team looks pretty good if you hypothetically add two or three difference-makers. In the realm of reality, this Bills squad is probably just a notch below the Chiefs. The same Chiefs who--sorry to belabor the point--just got the damn brakes beat off them by the Eagles.
Hold on, lemme take a sip of water real quick.
The same Lions who lost to the Commanders who allowed 55 points to the Eagles? They're above the Birds??
Let's hear them out. They are the "power panel," after all.
"In the aftermath of the loss to the Commanders, coach Dan Campbell's star-studded staff took a major hit and will have to adjust in a short window to compete for a Super Bowl."
Ah. They're above the Super Bowl champs because their coaching staff took a major hit. Got it. Cool cool cool.
"[General manager Howie] Roseman has a few key decisions in front of him, including whether to re-sign [LB Zack] Baun to a lucrative contract. But the main goal is to continue the sound roster decisions, supporting the current nucleus and extending the team's title-contending window."
The Eagles can't crack the top three because *checks notes* famously smart decision-maker Howie Roseman has some decisions to make. Amazing.
This is fine. No issue with Bmore in the top five. But why not just add a few hypothetical difference-makers and put the Ravens over the Eagles as well? Don't stop when you're on a roll!
Odds to win the next Super Bowl, via FanDuelHopefully the Eagles print this mess out and hand it to every player on the roster after the parade. Otherwise, they may think they've finally earned some respect.
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