As the dust settles on the 2025 NFL Draft, the power balance in the AFC is shifting—and not in the way many expected. The perennial powerhouse Baltimore Ravens have officially edged out the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 1 position in the latest AFC Power Rankings, while the Denver Broncos, once considered an afterthought, have soared into the top five on the back of a stellar rookie campaign by quarterback Bo Nix and an outstanding draft haul.
With rookie camps underway and OTAs approaching, now is the perfect time to reassess where AFC franchises stand heading into the heart of the offseason.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have reasserted themselves as the team to beat in the AFC, following a strong playoff showing last season and a well-rounded draft class in April. Lamar Jackson remains at the height of his powers, and Baltimore has given him more weapons and protection than ever before.
Key Draft Picks: WR Khalil Benson, OG Tyrone Shaw, LB Cam Galloway
What’s New: The addition of a legitimate deep-threat wideout and interior line help gives Baltimore flexibility on offense. Defensively, the Ravens retained their aggressive identity with depth at linebacker and edge.
Baltimore’s defense, always reliable, remains one of the most efficient units in the league, while the offense could be the most balanced in Jackson’s career.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Don’t be fooled by the No. 2 spot—the Chiefs are still Super Bowl contenders with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. However, after a relatively quiet offseason and a draft that addressed needs rather than added stars, Kansas City slightly trails Baltimore in overall depth and momentum.
Key Draft Picks: WR Taylen Jenkins, S Jeremiah Williams
What’s New: The Chiefs continue to reload rather than rebuild. Jenkins may become Mahomes’ new top deep threat, and bolstering the secondary helps their evolving defensive unit.
They’ll remain in any title conversation, but the margin for error is thinner than in previous years.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals, with Joe Burrow healthy and back in rhythm, are back in the hunt. Their draft class was solid, if unspectacular, but they addressed defensive concerns and added depth to the offensive line.
Key Draft Picks: OT Noah Frye, DE Landon Bowers
What’s New: Stability on the offensive front gives Burrow a clean pocket—something that plagued them in 2024.
Expect Cincinnati to challenge for the AFC North title again, with the margin between them and the Ravens razor-thin.
4. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are arguably the biggest risers in the AFC power landscape. After years of quarterback instability, rookie Bo Nix exploded onto the scene last season, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and leading Denver to a surprise Wild Card berth.
Key Draft Picks: CB Malik Dent, WR Darryn York, OG Jalen Rivers
What’s New: Their 2025 draft class was all about balance—improving both sides of the ball while building around Nix.
With a rejuvenated offense and a top-10 defense returning, Denver looks like a legitimate threat in the AFC West and beyond.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers continue to hover near the elite tier, but consistency remains their Achilles’ heel. Justin Herbert is playing at an MVP level, and the addition of new head coach Mike Macdonald has brought defensive discipline.
Key Draft Picks: RB Javon Trellis, DT Sione Faumuina
What’s New: The ground game may finally receive a true spark, and Faumuina is already drawing comparisons to Chris Jones.
If they can stay healthy and avoid late-game collapses, the Chargers could easily leapfrog into the top three.
Rounding Out the Top 10 (6–10)
| Rank | Team | Notable Moves |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Buffalo Bills | Defensive retooling around new draft picks |
| 7 | Miami Dolphins | Speed and scheme remain elite |
| 8 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence’s contract year motivation |
| 9 | New York Jets | Aaron Rodgers returns for final campaign |
| 10 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy adds intrigue |
Final Word: A New AFC Order?
The AFC in 2025 feels less predictable than in recent years. While Baltimore and Kansas City still dominate the headlines, the rise of Bo Nix and Denver’s return to form gives the conference a new flavor. The Bengals and Chargers remain poised to upset the status quo, and the middle of the pack—Bills, Dolphins, Jaguars—can’t be counted out.
With training camps just weeks away and a full schedule release imminent, fans, bettors, and analysts alike should buckle up. The 2025 AFC race is wide open, and this year’s power rankings may only be the beginning of the surprises.
