Redzone Rankings: Which Team Will Be Most Fun To Watch?
There's obviously going to be a bias towards high-flying offenses - but which teams are going to be a must-watch?
There are new, fresh faces emerging every NFL season - and with that anticipation comes the excitement of watching teams on the come-up. Last year, it was the intrigue around the Arizona Cardinals and potentially high-flying offense of the Houston Texans.
This year, that intrigue is around Travis Hunter, the ascending Washington Commanders, and a growing list of incredibly talented quarterbacks league-wide.
This piece was originally going to be called “League Pass Rankings” - a title inspired from Zach Lowe’s yearly piece ranking NBA teams based on watchability. We’ll tweak that slightly to “Redzone Rankings”.
Tier 6: The Bottom Feeders
32 - New Orleans Saints
Look - it was never going to be anyone else. While there’s certainly intrigue around second-round rookie quarterback Tyler Shough - he’s one of the less-exciting rookie starters in recent memory. The defense is pretty old - and there aren’t any new skill position players here - something that I’ll value highly for this exercise. We’ll see how Chris Olave plays coming off of another concussion injury last season, but Kamara is getting older as well.
Overall, I’m really unenthusiastic about watching this Saints team, and probably won’t tune in often.
Most Exciting Player: Chris Olave
Biggest Question Mark: Can Tyler Shough prove to be start-able?
31 - Cleveland Browns
The Browns have one of the most hilarious quarterback rooms in recent memory: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Shedeur Sanders. The offensive line is a mess, and there’s not much in this receiving room. Defensively, Myles Garrett will always be awesome - and I like the pairing of he and Mason Graham. I’m just not sure how watchable that will make this team.
Most Exciting Player: Quinshon Judkins
Biggest Question Mark: Who’s going to start most of the year?
30 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers is way too old and not good enough to be playing cat and mouse with the Steelers like this. But assuming that is the team which he signs - it doesn’t move me at all. I think DK Metcalf is a clear upgrade over George Pickens, but there’s not a single weapon on this team outside of Metcalf that moves me. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith should continue to be awesome, but I can’t say much more than that.
Most Exciting Player: DK Metcalf
Biggest Question Mark: How will the tackles look?
29 - Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson could be incredibly fun - but I think we’re officially past the point where he is an intriguing young player. Head coach Shane Steichen even made recent remarks about the quarterback position being about consistency - so it’s unclear how much Richardson will even play in 2025.
There are some fun players on this offense, though, like Josh Downs, Tyler Warren, and Jonathan Taylor - but not enough to save the Colts from being pretty low on these rankings.
Most Exciting Player: Tyler Warren
Biggest Question Mark: What is Anthony Richardson?
Tier 5: Could Be Fun, But Less Intrigue
28 - Tennessee Titans
I really think Cam Ward could end up being the guy for the Titans - but the surrounding roster talent (outside of the defensive line and a few defenders) is really rough. I heavily weigh offensive skill players for these rankings, and the Titans might have the worst supporting cast in the league - Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and a bunch of day three picks at WR, along with two below-average running backs is a tough sell to me - even if Cam Ward ends up being good.
Most Exciting Player: Cam Ward
Biggest Question Mark: Outside of Cam Ward, who is going to make a difference?
27 - New York Jets
I think there’s two sides to this coin: the first being that this is only year one of what I presume to be a 2-3 year re-tooling of this Jets roster. Justin Fields is a fun quarterback to watch, even if we know there are limitations. The other side of this coin is that the offensive infrastructure is still barren at the moment. There’s Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and everyone else.
Most Exciting Player: Garrett Wilson
Biggest Question Mark: How good will the rushing attack be?
26 - New York Giants
I wrote earlier about the Browns quarterback room, but this one is equally funny - between Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart. The saving grace here is Malik Nabers - and the pass rush should be legitimately fun to watch, but everything else is a pretty substantial question mark.
Most Exciting Player: Malik Nabers
Biggest Question Mark: Can the offensive line stay healthy?
25 - Arizona Cardinals
I was super high on this Cardinals offense just a year ago - but I have real concerns about how well Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison can mesh together. But man… this defense looks really interesting compared to where they were last year.
I’m probably too low on the Cardinals as a Redzone team, but the lack of any tangible investment in the offseason is why they’re lower - I’m just naturally going to want to watch more unknown commodities.
Most Exciting Player: Marvin Harrison
Biggest Question Mark: Can Trey Benson become RB1?
24 - Seattle Seahawks
I think the Seahawks had a very real downgrade at quarterback this offseason, even if they did get much younger at the position. Kenneth Walker, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Elijah Arroyo should be fun players - and the defense could be a true difference-making unit.
That said, I’ve been burned by Sam Darnold before, so he is going to have to prove it to me before I’m more keen on watching this Seahawks team.
Most Exciting Player: Kenneth Walker
Biggest Question Mark: Which Sam Darnold are we getting?
23 - Miami Dolphins
The variance with the Dolphins has always been pretty high - but I think we know what they are at this point - and that factor alone is going to make them pretty low on this list.
I like some of the pieces this team added - Kenneth Grant, James Daniels - but they lost a ton of guys, and I think the ceiling is pretty capped.
Most Exciting Player: De’Von Achane
Biggest Question Mark: Will Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy?
22 - Houston Texans
This seems pretty low - but the offensive line concerns are very real with the Texans. CJ Stroud is still an exciting young quarterback, but the bones of this offense are in a much worse spot than a year or two ago. The defense could be one of the best in the league (and will likely have to carry this team to the playoffs alongside Stroud), but I’m just very low on the overall offensive infrastructure.
Most Exciting Player: Nico Collins
Biggest Question Mark: Can the offensive line be even a top-25 unit?
21 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield’s previous two years have been the best of his career - and the combination of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin has been lethal for the better part of a decade at this point. Bucky Irving is in this mix, as well as a few defensive cornerstones like Antoine Winfield and Vita Vea. Overall, though, we just know who they are - there’s less intrigue - and the loss of Liam Coen could really set back the offense.
Most Exciting Player: Bucky Irving
Biggest Question Mark: How is this offense going to look with yet another new play caller?
Tier 4: We (Probably) Know What They Are
20 - San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers aren’t quite the same offense that they were two years ago - Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Trent Williams are older, Deebo Samuel is gone, and Brandon Aiyuk is coming off of a major injury. While this team has one of the more fun defenses to watch - Fred Warner flies all over the place - we’ve just seen it a lot - and I’m more interested in the unknown.
Most Exciting Player: Fred Warner
Biggest Question Mark: Can Brock Purdy shoulder more of the offensive load?
19 - Kansas City Chiefs
Look - I get it. “How could you have Patrick Mahomes in the bottom half of the league?”
Well! This team wasn’t fun to watch last year - put simply. The past three seasons have been more about protecting the ball, taking what the defense gives, rather than the explosiveness that defined Kansas City when Tyreek Hill was on this team.
If that continues (which is likely), this placement is justified.
Most Exciting Player: Xavier Worthy
Biggest Question Mark: Does Travis Kelce still have the juice?
18 - Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens will undoubtedly be a really fun receiving duo - and Dak Prescott has proven time and again that he can play at an All-Pro level. Should I be higher on this team? Well - I think at this point, I’ve seen the Cowboys on national television more than enough - and they didn’t do enough this offseason to spark more interest from me.
Most Exciting Player: Micah Parsons
Biggest Question Mark: How will Dak play post-injury?
17 - Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos were my most-improved team in the offseason roundtable that The Two-Point Conversion recently conducted - but offensively, I’m still not the most sold on Bo Nix’s long term outlook - though the defense has potential to be the best in the league.
Most Exciting Player: RJ Harvey
Biggest Question Mark: Who will be the WR2 after the dust settles?
16 - New England Patriots
Drake Maye is quite possibly the most fun quarterback to watch in the league, at the current moment. His arm strength and mobility is up there with the elite quarterbacks in the NFL - and I love the explosive players (TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams) that New England added this offseason.
This defense is chock full of veterans, as well, so I think we’re in for a roller coaster of a season.
Most Exciting Player: Drake Maye
Biggest Question Mark: How improved will the offensive line be?
Tier 3: (Mostly) Young and Exciting
15 - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were, once again, the most active team in the offseason. They added a ton along the offensive line, two young weapons in the draft, and some defensive line talent as well.
Possibly their biggest addition, though, is new head coach Ben Johnson. There’s a lot of room for growth on this team, and the placement at 15 comes with their plethora of young offensive skill players as well as, yes, Caleb Williams.
Most Exciting Player: Caleb Williams, hopefully
Biggest Question Mark: Are there too many mouths to feed on offense?
14 - Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix looked pretty electric in his final few games last year - and even if he doesn't become the best version of himself - he could still be appointment television. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts are still here - and the defense added two really interesting pass rushers in the first round of the draft.
Will they be good? Probably not. Will they be fun to watch? Absolutely.
Most Exciting Player: Bijan Robinson (shouts to Jalon Walker here, too)
Biggest Question Mark: How much will this defense hold back the offense?
13 - Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young looked much improved over the final two months of the 2024 season - and the Panthers going out and adding the top full-time wide receiver in the draft (Tetairoa McMillan) is not going to slow the hype for me.
There’s plenty of investments in the defense, as well as an offensive line that should be among the best in the league this year. The Panthers are not only a fun team, but one that could sneak into the playoffs, as well.
Most Exciting Player: Tetairoa McMillan
Biggest Question Mark: Will the front-seven be able to slow teams down?
12 - Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is still kicking - and the tandem of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should prove to be among the best in the league. The front-seven of this defense is also incredibly fun - between Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner.
The Rams should be in playoff contention - and play in a presumably tough division this year - I’m excited to watch several of their matchups this season.
Most Exciting Player: Jared Verse
Biggest Question Mark: How much more does Stafford have in the tank?
Tier 2: Standout Talent
11 - Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have possibly the most talented roster in the league, when fully healthy. Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams are all incredibly fun players, but Jared Goff’s playing style (as well as the defensive inconsistency) are bringing this ranking down.
Most Exciting Player: Jahmyr Gibbs
Biggest Question Mark: How will the new unit coordinators fare?
10 - Minnesota Vikings
I am very intrigued by what JJ McCarthy could be in this Vikings offense, particularly after what Kevin McConnell was able to make of Sam Darnold a year ago. There’s still one of the best supporting casts in the league here - as well as a defense that is fully Brian Flores’d, at this point.
Most Exciting Player: Justin Jefferson
Biggest Question Mark: How will JJ McCarthy perform?
9 - Los Angeles Chargers
This placement will be too high for a lot of people - but in my own personal opinion - there isn’t much football viewing that is better than watching Justin Herbert at his peak. I love the Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris additions, and the defensive infrastructure here is solid.
Most Exciting Player: Justin Herbert
Biggest Question Mark: Will the interior offensive line hold?
8 - Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and James Cook are more than enough for this offense - and the big fellas up front are top-10 as a unit, as well. Would they be higher if they had a true #1 pass-catching weapon? Yes. Does it matter much? No.
Most Exciting Player: Josh Allen
Biggest Question Mark: Who will lead the Bills in receiving yards?
7 - Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love is one of the more fun quarterbacks to watch - whether it’s in a good or bad way. The defense has a ton of talent - and I’m excited by the possibility of year two Edgerrin Cooper.
Josh Jacobs, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed are exciting players to watch, and this Packers team has continually invested in the offensive line in recent years. The floor is high, the ceiling is higher.
Most Exciting Player: Edgerrin Cooper
Biggest Question Mark: Can Golden become a true #1 wide receiver?
6 - Las Vegas Raiders
This will be the most controversial placement on this list - but I think the Raiders are going to be a really satisfying watch this season. Between the additions of Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty, and Jack Bech - the offense is in a much better place than it was last year - and significantly more explosive, as well. The defense, on the other side, probably won’t be very good - but will inevitably have splash plays from Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce.
Most Exciting Player: Ashton Jeanty
Biggest Question Mark: How many carries is too many for Ashton Jeanty?
5 - Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning Super Bowl Champions had to find themselves near the top of this list - and should have tons of explosive plays between AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley. The defense is top-tier - and should be an elite unit led by Jalen Carter.
Most Exciting Player: Saquon Barkley
Biggest Question Mark: Did the Eagles lose too many pieces? (Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Mekhi Becton)
Tier 1: Appointment Television
4 - Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be sick this year - I love the potential of Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, and Brian Thomas - combined with a defensive front that can truly get after the passer (Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Arik Armstead).
Similar to the Raiders, this placement will be higher than what most people expect - but the potential is better than any other NFL team. Combine the offseason additions to new head coach Liam Coen - I might be all-in.
Most Exciting Player: Travis Hunter
Biggest Question Mark: Can Liam Coen reign in Trevor Lawrence?
3 - Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels is in a class with very few in watchability - his game translated exceptionally well to the NFL - and the offense as a whole should remain that way in 2025. As for the defense - we’ll see how it progresses - but I’m not the most optimistic about the Commanders moves on that side of the ball this offseason.
Most Exciting Player: Jayden Daniels
Biggest Question Mark: Will the auxiliary offensive pieces be enough to make this an elite unit?
2 - Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is probably my favorite quarterback to watch in the NFL - his pocket movement combined with downfield accuracy is one-of-a-kind - and I was so close to putting this Ravens team at the top of my list - but I have questions about this team’s playmakers outside of Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers.
Most Exciting Player: Lamar Jackson
Biggest Question Mark: Can the Ravens get back to unlocking Kyle Hamilton?
1 - Cincinnati Bengals
The number one team was realistically never going to be anyone else - the Cincinnati Bengals have two of the most exciting skill players in the league, and a quarterback that was built to get them the ball.
The defense for the Bengals will likely continue to be horrendous - but if it gets Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow on the field sooner - I don’t really care about that (as unfair as it may be).
Most Exciting Player: Ja’Marr Chase
Biggest Question Mark: How improved will the defense be in 2025, if at all?