Most Improved NFL Team Rankings 2025

Ranking the Teams That Made the Biggest Leap in 2025

Players on the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars

This NFL season was one of the wildest in recent history. Specifically, there were quite a few teams that were able to demonstrate tremendous improvement through their success this year as compared to the 2024 season. Many of these teams had new coaches and each one found success in a unique way.

1. New England Patriots

The Patriots finished the 2024 season 3-14 for a consecutive year, with few bright spots on the team apart from cornerback Christian Gonzalez and rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Promptly following the conclusion to their season, the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo, their former inside linebackers coach that was made head coach after Bill Belichick’s departure, and replaced him with former player Mike Vrabel. This turned out to be an outstanding decision for the franchise, as they were able to go 14-3 in the regular season. Additionally, they beat the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos before losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Mike Vrabel’s establishment of a winning culture in New England as well as spending $364 million on free agents in the offseason contributed to a major turnaround for the Patriots. From picking 3rd in the 2025 draft to making the Super Bowl and leading a division that sat at the bottom of a year ago.

2. Chicago Bears

The Bears went 5-12 during a tumultuous 2024 season during which they fired their head coach. In the offseason, they hired Ben Johnson to be their next head coach, pairing him with sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams. In 2024, Williams was the most sacked quarterback in the league. That being said, the Bears invested heavily in their offensive line in the offseason, notably bringing in the 2025 protector of the year, Joe Thuney, among others. The improvements on the offensive line was one of many reasons the Bears went 11-6 in the regular season, winning the NFC North, then a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, and very nearly beating the Los Angeles Rams in a nailbiting overtime period in the second round of the playoffs.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars also fired their coach after a 3-14 record in the 2024 season. They then hired Liam Coen to become their next head coach, and drafted standout college player Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the 2025 draft. Despite Hunter getting injured midway through the season, the Jaguars were still able to make the playoffs with a 13-4 record as the three-seed in the AFC. While the Jaguars lost in the first round to the Buffalo Bills, their incredible turnaround and playoff appearance make them completely deserving of making this list. Under Coen and Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, the Jaguars offense improved from 25th overall to 11th overall from last year to this year, one of the many reasons they were so successful this season.

All of these teams’ leadership deserves praise for how they have been able to turn their respective franchises around. However, the Patriots turnaround is the most impressive because they were able to not only make the playoffs, but the Superbowl.