2025 NFL Special Teams Power Rankings: Surprises, Sleepers, and Super Bowl Contenders
Special teams play is often overlooked, but as the saying goes, “the kicking game is a third of the game.” In today’s NFL, where games are frequently decided by a single score, a reliable special teams unit can be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several teams have invested heavily in their special teams, while others are hoping for breakout performances from young players. This year promises to be an exciting one. Through two weeks of the 2024 season, there have been more field goals (141) than touchdowns (136). This marks the first time in NFL history that there have been more field goals than touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season.
Here’s an early look at the 2025 NFL special teams landscape, identifying potential surprises, sleepers, and Super Bowl contenders based on their kicking, punting, and return game prowess.
The Cream of the Crop: Super Bowl Contenders
1. Baltimore Ravens:
The Ravens’ special teams unit is consistently among the league’s best, and a big reason for that is Justin Tucker. Some argue that Tucker is the best kicker in NFL history. His accuracy and clutch performances are invaluable. The Ravens also have a solid punter in Jordan Stout. Stout’s distance leg strength is above average, and he is a good open field punter. With a focus on minimizing mistakes and maximizing field position, Baltimore’s special teams gives them a significant edge.
2. Kansas City Chiefs:
The Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders, understand the importance of special teams. Harrison Butker is the new gold-standard for kickers and he showed why in Week 2 of 2024 with a 51-yard field goal to beat the Bengals on the final play of the game. Butker is the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history and he’s hit plenty of clutch field goals for the Chiefs, including the game-winning kick in Super Bowl LVII. The Chiefs consistently invest in quality special teams players and coaching, making them a force to be reckoned with.
3. Dallas Cowboys:
It’s difficult not to be impressed with Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys. Aubrey nailed an NFL high ten kicks over 50 yards last season, landing him right in the mix for the leagues best kicker. The Cowboys’ commitment to special teams excellence makes them a Super Bowl threat.
Rising Forces: The Sleepers
4. Detroit Lions:
The Lions have likely found their next kicker in Jake Bates. The Lions’ special teams unit is trending upward, making them a team to watch in 2025. Jack Fox also has arguably the NFL’s strongest leg.
5. Houston Texans:
Frank Ross enters his fourth season as the special teams coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2024. In 2023, Ross coached a special teams unit that finished first in the prestigious Rick Gosselin’s 2023 NFL Special Teams Rankings, marking the second consecutive season earning the honor. His group led the NFL in kickoff return average (26.6) and total return touchdowns (three). With Ross at the helm, the Texans are poised to make noise in the special teams rankings.
6. Green Bay Packers:
Daniel Whelan broke onto the scene in 2023 after being the top punter in the XFL for the Defenders. His leg strength is excellent. In a league that restricted punters, he often flipped the field. Whelan is a traditional style punter. The Packers could be a surprise team in 2025 thanks to Whelan.
Potential Pitfalls: Teams with Question Marks
7. Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins have fired special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach/pass game specialist Wes Welker. Miami’s special teams unit ranked near the bottom of the league the past three seasons and was heavily penalized in 2024. The Dolphins need to find a way to improve their special teams play if they want to compete for a Super Bowl.
8. New England Patriots:
The 2023 Patriots special teams was one to forget. The Patriots need to find a way to improve their special teams play if they want to compete in 2025.
Key Special Teams Players to Watch in 2025
- Justin Tucker (K, Baltimore Ravens): The gold standard for NFL kickers.
- AJ Cole (P, Las Vegas Raiders): Excellent across the board and is recognized by many players and media members as being the best at his craft.
- Brandon Aubrey (K, Dallas Cowboys): Nailed an NFL high ten kicks over 50 yards last season.
- Jake Bates (K, Detroit Lions): The Lions have likely found their next kicker here.
- Michael Dickson (P, Seattle Seahawks): The league’s highest-paid punter.
- Tory Taylor (P, Chicago Bears): Consistent and reliable punter.
The Impact of Coaching
Special teams success often hinges on quality coaching. Brad Seely is one of the best Special Teams coaches in NFL history, and his contributions to the game have been unparalleled. Teams with dedicated and experienced special teams coordinators consistently outperform those that neglect this crucial aspect of the game. Chris Tabor was also the Panthers’ interim head coach for the final six weeks of the 2023 season after Frank Reich was fired.
Final Thoughts
As the NFL evolves, special teams play will only become more critical. The teams that prioritize this aspect of the game will be the ones with a distinct advantage in close contests. Keep an eye on the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys as potential Super Bowl contenders with strong special teams units. Don’t sleep on the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans, who could surprise many with their improved kicking and return games. By recognizing the importance of special teams, fans and analysts alike can gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the game and the teams poised for success in 2025.