2025 NFL Special Teams Power Rankings: Which Units Dominate the Field?
Special teams play can often be the difference between a win and a loss in the NFL. A blocked punt, a booming kickoff return, or a clutch field goal can swing momentum and ultimately decide the outcome of a game. As we move through the 2025 NFL season, it’s time to take a look at which special teams units are performing at the highest level and making a significant impact for their respective teams.
The Top Tier: Consistent Excellence
1. Baltimore Ravens: Year after year, the Ravens consistently field one of the league’s top special teams units, and 2025 is no exception. Under the guidance of Coach Chris Horton, their coverage units are disciplined, and their specialists are among the best in the game. Kicker Justin Tucker continues to defy logic with his accuracy and range, while Jordan Stout has solidified himself as a top-tier punter. The Ravens’ commitment to special teams excellence is evident in their consistent performance.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: Dave Toub is widely regarded as one of the best special teams coaches in the NFL, and his unit in Kansas City continues to impress. Harrison Butker remains a reliable kicker, and the Chiefs consistently find dynamic returners to spark their offense. Their punt and kickoff coverage is also consistently strong, making them a threat in all phases of special teams.
3. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have invested heavily in special teams under Coach Michael Clay, and it’s paying dividends. Jake Elliott provides stability at kicker, while Arryn Siposs is a consistent punter. Britain Covey has emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous punt returners, adding another dimension to the Eagles’ offense.
The Rising Stars: Making a Name for Themselves
4. Denver Broncos: The Broncos’ special teams unit has shown significant improvement in 2025. Riley Dixon is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season as a punter, consistently pinning opponents deep in their own territory. Tremon Smith has provided a spark in the return game, and the coverage units have been solid.
5. Green Bay Packers: Rich Bisaccia has quickly turned around the Packers’ special teams unit. Anders Carlson has been reliable kicking field goals, and Daniel Whelan is booming punts. Keisean Nixon continues to be a game-changer as a kick returner, providing the Packers with excellent field position.
The Steady Performers: Reliable and Consistent
6. New Orleans Saints: The Saints’ special teams unit is a model of consistency. Blake Grupe is a dependable kicker, and Lou Hedley continues to be a weapon as a punter. The Saints’ coverage units are well-coached and rarely make mistakes.
7. New England Patriots: The Patriots always place an emphasis on special teams, and 2025 is no different. Chad Ryland has been solid at kicker, and Bryce Baringer is a reliable punter. The Patriots’ coverage units are disciplined and well-prepared.
8. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals’ special teams unit is a solid group. Evan McPherson continues to be a clutch kicker, and Brad Robbins is a consistent punter. The Bengals’ return game is always a threat to make a big play.
The Middle of the Pack: Room for Improvement
9. Cleveland Browns: The Browns have a decent special teams unit, but they need to find more consistency. Dustin Hopkins has been inconsistent kicking field goals, and Corey Bojorquez needs to improve his punting accuracy. The Browns have the potential to be better on special teams, but they need to execute more consistently.
10. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys’ special teams unit has been up and down in 2025. Brandon Aubrey has shown flashes of brilliance at kicker, but he needs to be more consistent. Bryan Anger is a solid punter, but the Cowboys need to improve their coverage units.
11. Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers’ special teams unit has struggled at times in 2025. JK Scott has been inconsistent punting, and the Chargers need to find a more dynamic returner.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Special teams performance tends to be wildly inconsistent for most teams from year to year, and the 49ers ranked last in special teams win probability added in 2024. Jake Moody hit just 70% of his field goals, with Kyle Shanahan perhaps stubbornly banking on Moody’s prior accomplishments and to a player the organization drafted in the third round in 2023.
The Bottom Tier: Significant Struggles
13. New York Jets: The Jets’ special teams unit has been a major disappointment in 2025. Thomas Morstead has struggled with his accuracy, and the Jets have not been able to generate any big plays in the return game.
14. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals’ special teams unit has been among the worst in the league. Matt Prater has struggled with consistency, and the Cardinals’ coverage units have been a liability.
15. Washington Commanders: The Commanders’ special teams unit has been a mess in 2025. Tress Way has struggled with his punting, and the Commanders have allowed several big returns.
16. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers’ special teams unit has been a disaster in 2025. The Panthers need to find a way to improve their special teams play if they want to compete.
Key Special Teams Players to Watch
- Kickers: Justin Tucker (BAL), Harrison Butker (KC), Jake Elliott (PHI)
- Punters: AJ Cole (LV), Riley Dixon (DEN), Bryan Anger (DAL)
- Returners: Keisean Nixon (GB), Britain Covey (PHI), Tremon Smith (DEN)
The Impact of Special Teams Coaching
The importance of a good special teams coach cannot be overstated. Coaches like Dave Toub (KC), Chris Horton (BAL), and Rich Bisaccia (GB) consistently field top-performing units, and their expertise is a major asset to their teams. A well-coached special teams unit can make a significant difference in close games and can even be the deciding factor in a team’s success.
Special teams play is often overlooked, but it is a critical component of a successful NFL team. As we continue through the 2025 season, keep an eye on these special teams units and the impact they have on their respective teams.