Gameday cannoli

As the 2025-2026 NFL season begins, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate how each team is faring in this ever-evolving league. From breakout performances to underwhelming seasons, the landscape of the NFL is always shifting — and every franchise’s success is a reflection of countless decisions made on and off the field.

With rosters full of talent, coaching changes, and the influence of the front office, some teams have soared to new heights, while others find themselves stuck in a cycle of mediocrity.

The full rankings of all 32 NFL teams, based on the NFLPA report cards, are as follows:

1. Miami Dolphins
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Las Vegas Raiders
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Houston Texans
7. Green Bay Packers
8. San Francisco 49ers
9. Detroit Lions
10. Dallas Cowboys
11. Washington Commanders
12. New Orleans Saints
13. Baltimore Ravens
14. Chicago Bears
15. Seattle Seahawks
16. Tennessee Titans
17. Denver Broncos
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
19. Indianapolis Colts
20. New York Giants
21. Los Angeles Rams
22. Philadelphia Eagles
23. Buffalo Bills
24. Cincinnati Bengals
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
29. New York Jets
30. Cleveland Browns
31. New England Patriots
32. Arizona Cardinals

Teams Needing Improvement:

• Arizona Cardinals: Ranked last (32nd), players expressed dissatisfaction with locker rooms, weight rooms, training facilities, and dining areas. In response, the team announced plans for a new $100 million training facility. axios.com
• New York Jets: Falling to 29th place, the Jets were criticized for a “culture of fear” and inadequate investment in team facilities. Owner Woody Johnson received the lowest grade among all NFL owners. nypost.com
• New England Patriots: Positioned at 31st, the Patriots faced criticism for outdated facilities, including the weight room and locker room. Players also highlighted issues with team travel accommodations and training staff support. nflpa.com

Notable Improvements:

• Washington Commanders: Historically ranked low, the Commanders made a significant leap to 11th place. This improvement is attributed to investments in better facilities and a positive shift in team culture under new ownership and head coach Dan Quinn. wsj.com
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints improved from 19th to 12th place, with enhancements in workplace conditions. However, areas like cafeteria food quality and family treatment still need attention. axios.com

Top-Ranked Teams:

1. Miami Dolphins: For the second consecutive year, the Dolphins secured the top spot. Players praised the team’s comprehensive support, including high-quality facilities and family services like game-day daycare. reuters.com
2. Minnesota Vikings: Maintaining their strong position, the Vikings ranked second overall, reflecting consistent player satisfaction with the team’s environment and resources. nbcwashington.com
3. Atlanta Falcons: Climbing to third place, the Falcons received high marks for their facilities and support systems, contributing to an improved player experience. nbcwashington.com

Why would an NFL owner who has millions/billions of dollars not want to have the best report card that reflects their team?

1. Cost Considerations

Improving facilities, upgrading locker rooms, hiring additional staff, and enhancing travel accommodations all require significant financial investment. Some owners may prefer to maximize profits rather than reinvest heavily in player amenities.

2. Profit-First Mentality

Some owners treat their NFL team as a business investment rather than a passion project. If they are making money despite poor grades, they may not see a financial incentive to make improvements.

3. Competitive Priorities

Some owners prioritize spending on player salaries and coaching staff over upgrading facilities. They may believe that a well-paid, well-coached team will win regardless of secondary factors like locker room conditions or family accommodations.

4. Resistance to Change

Long-time owners, particularly those who have seen success with a certain way of doing things, may be resistant to modern player expectations. They might not see the value in changing travel arrangements or hiring additional training staff if they believe the existing setup is “good enough.”

5. Short-Term Thinking

NFL teams are valued in the billions, and many owners plan to hold onto their team for only a certain period before selling. If an owner intends to sell soon, they may not want to invest heavily in facilities or long-term projects that they won’t personally benefit from.

6. Different Philosophies on Player Treatment

Certain owners believe that players should be responsible for their own well-being outside of team facilities. For example, they may not want to provide family-friendly services or top-tier nutrition, believing that players should handle those aspects independently.

7. Lack of Pressure

Some teams have strong fan loyalty regardless of their NFLPA grades. Teams like the Cowboys, Steelers, and Packers have massive, committed fan bases. If revenue remains high and attendance doesn’t drop, owners might not feel any urgency to change their approach.

8. Reluctance to Give Players More Influence

Some owners may not want to set a precedent where players’ opinions dictate major business decisions. They might see catering to player requests as a slippery slope that could lead to even more demands.

9. Old-School Football Culture

Certain organizations still operate with an “old-school” mentality that values toughness and discipline over comfort and luxury. They may not see things like first-class travel or player family accommodations as necessary components of a winning culture.

10. Salary Cap Focus

While facility spending doesn’t count toward the salary cap, some owners may prefer to keep their spending aligned with the cap itself. They may prioritize contracts and coaching staff over investing in areas that the NFLPA grades.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, some owners don’t care as much about player satisfaction if they believe it won’t directly affect their bottom line or win-loss record. However, as player power increases and free agents consider these factors, owners who ignore these reports may eventually find it harder to attract top talent.