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2025 fantasy football draft guide - Rankings, mock drafts and analysis
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2025 fantasy football draft guide – Rankings, mock drafts and analysis

by admin



Aug 22, 2025, 07:04 AM ET

This page will be updated throughout the summer, so continue to check back for the latest content.

As the weather heats up, so does our excitement about the 2025 fantasy football draft season.

Whether you play in a casual redraft league, an intense deep dynasty format or anything in between, we at ESPN Fantasy are here to help.

This draft guide will serve as a one-stop shop for all of our best material as you prepare to make the best fantasy football picks possible in every draft you’re in: Rankings and cheat sheets; player projections; mock drafts for different league types; sleepers, busts and breakouts; and plenty of helpful information and tips from our expert team of fantasy football analysts.

It doesn’t matter whether you have been doing this for years or are a fantasy first-timer. We have everything needed to help you draft a great team and start the season with a shot at a championship.

Fantasy football cheat sheets, projections and depth charts

Your League, Your Rules

Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.

Create a league today!

Cheat Sheet Central
A one-stop shop for printable cheat sheets that fit your specific needs.

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
All the names we’ve been talking about in a printable cheat sheet for your draft.

2025 projections
Mike Clay’s projected output for players at every fantasy position, sortable by category.

Depth charts: Offense | Defense

Rankings

2025 rankings hub
A range of rankings types to suit you, including our staff consensus by position, superflex, IDP, dynasty and individual overall lists.

Fantasy football rankings: Eric Moody’s QB tiers
How to approach drafting quarterbacks, especially if you don’t land one of the “Big 4.”

Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s RB tiers
Outside of Ashton Jeanty, in which tiers do the top rookies appear?

Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s WR tiers
There is great depth at WR, but it’s important to know when the value drops off.

Fantasy football rankings: Eric Moody’s TE tiers
Tight end tiers are top-heavy, with lots of uncertainty thereafter.

Mike Clay’s “The 192”
The 192 players who should be drafted in 12-team leagues, broken down into tiers.

Insurance RB rankings
A list of backup running backs best positioned to succeed if given a full workload.

RB ranks: Most reliable TD scorers
Which backs can you bank on near the goal line? Here are the most dependable backs.

From Chase to London, ranking the most reliable TD scorers among WRs
A deep dive into trustworthy TD scorers among wideouts based on target data, efficiency and more.

Mock drafts

The Mock Draft Project 2025: Results for over 30 expert 10-team PPR mock drafts

More mocks:
12-team, PPR (8/18) | Fantasy Marathon: 10-team, PPR (8/12)
12-team superflex, PPR (8/5) | 10-team superflex, 1/2 PPR (7/24)
8-team, PPR (7/9) | 12-team, non-PPR (6/24)
12-team, 1/2 PPR (6/12) | 10-team, PPR (5/6)

Advice and analysis

Tough draft-day decisions: Can you pick a top-5 QB and top-3 TE and still like your team?
Daniel Dopp shares takeaways from more than 100 drafts to help you make tough decisions in your upcoming drafts.

Tristan H. Cockcroft’s best picks for each draft slot in Rounds 1 and 2:
8-team leagues | 10-team leagues | 12-team leagues

Joe Burrow, Ladd McConkey among Matt Bowen’s top 10 draft targets
The players he’s been drafting all summer, along with a handful of late-rounders to put on the radar.

Field’s favorites: Jaylen Waddle, TreVeyon Henderson among popular draft targets
Field Yates offers up the players has been happy to snag most often in drafts this summer.

Mike Clay’s Ultimate Draft Board
Perfect picks for every round in a 12-team league.

Tory Horton, Jaxson Dart, Adonai Mitchell among deep sleepers
Tristan H. Cockcroft names names for those in deeper leagues seeking off-the-radar types who may emerge in 2025.

Answering one key preseason question for 20 NFL teams
NFL Nation reporters answer the most important fantasy questions, providing insight from training camps.

‘Do Draft’ list: Henry, Purdy, Kelce among players being undervalued
In the perennial counterpart to the Do Not Draft list, Eric Karabell discusses players who are being underappreciated in drafts.

‘Do Not Draft’ list: McCaffrey, Andrews among players being overvalued
Eric Karabell serves up his annual list of players going earlier than they should in 2025 drafts.

Fantasy football ‘drumbeat’ players: Nix, Hampton among those generating buzz
Liz Loza serves up six potential league-winning players who are generating serious excitement in fantasy circles.

Benson, Higgins lead the “Have Skills, Need Opportunity” team
Ten players who have the skills to be fantasy factors but are waiting for a chance to prove it.

Six late-round “fliers” that can help you win your league
Liz Loza offers up six players you need to be considering late in fantasy drafts.

Fantasy Focus breakouts: Williams, McCarthy and more
Field Yates, Mike Clay and Daniel Dopp identify players you can count on to break out.

Numbers you should know before your draft
Tristan H. Cockcroft uncovers some interesting stats that could impact draft day decisions.

Ward, McMillan and others primed to follow path of 2024 breakouts
These players are in position to follow a similar path to last year’s breakouts and produce big numbers.

Year 2 player spotlight: Maye, Harrison, Odunze among popular breakouts
The ESPN Fantasy staff lists NFL sophomores being undervalued in drafts and a few under scrutiny.

Murray, McCaffrey among “red flag” players worth drafting
You have to take risks to win in fantasy football. Liz Loza highlights players who are worth taking the chance on.

Opportunity knocks: Players poised to take advantage in 2025
Eric Moody lists those who will benefit most from teams’ vacated touches or targets from last season.

11 players who will score fewer TDs in 2025
Mike Clay gives his annual list of players he expects to reach the end zone less often this season.

Nine players who will score more TDs in 2025
Mike Clay lists the players most likely to increase their touchdown output in 2025.

Expect a return to form from these bounce-back candidates
Eric Karabell lists some of his favorite candidates to rebound from a disappointing 2024.

10 undervalued pass catchers with intriguing upside or safer floors
Matt Bowen lists his favorites with week-winning potential and others who are dependable, despite lower ADPs.

Top storylines for 2025: What to expect from CMC, Tyreek and more
Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp and Field Yates enjoy a robust conversation about topics that fascinate them heading into this season.

Don’t be surprised if … these 19 things happen in 2025
Eric Karabell offers his thoughts on players who could delight or disappoint in 2025.

The 20 rookies that should be drafted
Fans get excited about rookies, but which ones are truly worth taking in fantasy drafts this summer? Matt Bowen has a list.

16 players to trade for or trade away in dynasty leagues
Knowing when to hold and when to walk away from players is critical to dynasty league success. Eric Moody is here to help.

Players to upgrade, downgrade due to 2025 schedule
Mike Clay details the teams and players with the easiest and hardest schedules in fantasy terms.

Strategy/ways to play

The Playbook: Planning a winning fantasy football draft-day strategy
Mike Clay goes position by position and lays out a successful approach for 2025 fantasy football drafts.

The Playbook, Part 2: Fantasy football draft tips for nontraditional formats
Mike Clay discusses his draft approach in various intensive league structures that get less attention.

A fantasy football beginner’s guide to salary cap drafts
Eric Karabell’s provides an introduction to the ins and outs of salary cap drafts for fantasy football.

Why this is the season to try an IDP league
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why drafting defensive players increases the fun you can have playing fantasy.

What is a superflex league, and why should you try one?
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why starting two QBs instead of one maximizes the fun and also changes the way you draft.

10 ways to make your league more fun
Daniel Dopp provides custom options to increase the enjoyment of playing fantasy football for you and your leaguemates.

Individual player analysis

Drake Maye a top-10 QB in 2025?
Eric Moody explains why Maye is in position to take the next step in Year 2.

Should you take Ashton Jeanty over Saquon Barkley in fantasy drafts?
Liz Loza and Tyler Fulghum debate whether the hot rookie or the 2,000-yard back is the better choice.

The Travis Hunter Experience: How to maximize his fantasy potential
Want to play in a league in which you get points for all of Travis Hunter’s contributions? Here’s how you do it.

Miscellaneous

New features in ESPN Fantasy app: Easier navigation, improved personalization
A list of the newest elements added to the fantasy app, all of which you can enjoy this season.

Fantasy football team names: How to pick a winner
If you’re seeking inspiration for naming your fantasy team, Liz Loza provides a blueprint.

The Fantasy Team Name Generator
Answer a short quiz and be rewarded with a suggestion for a team name that fits your style and personality.



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NFL Power Rankings 2025: Who is under the most pressure?
Esports

NFL Power Rankings 2025: Who is under the most pressure?

by admin



Aug 18, 2025, 06:15 AM ET

The 2025 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to reevaluate the outlooks for all 32 teams. Check out how holdouts, breakouts and injuries have impacted our rankings since our postdraft list.

Preseason games conclude Saturday and cut-down day is Aug. 27, so this is the last offseason edition of Power Rankings.

In addition to our 1-32 ranking, NFL Nation reporters named one coach, player or executive on each team who is under the most pressure this season. Let’s start with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Our power panel of more than 30 writers and editors evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.

Previous rankings: Post-Super Bowl, Post-free-agency, Postdraft

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Postdraft ranking: 2

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo

The Eagles are well-established, coming off a Super Bowl. But one significant change came at offensive coordinator, where Patullo replaced Kellen Moore and will serve as a full-time playcaller for the first time in his career. Patullo has been coach Nick Sirianni’s right-hand man since 2021, and the offense isn’t expected to change much, making for a smooth transition. But with so much offensive talent, the bar is high, and Patullo will absorb some of the heat if the unit doesn’t operate as expected. — Tim McManus

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Postdraft ranking: 1

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Rashee Rice

Although he is no longer expected to be suspended for the first four games of the season, Rice will still be under pressure to show he can once again be the No. 1 receiver. In training camp, Rice showed his explosiveness and ability to get yards after the catch. If he excels in September, the Chiefs could have another hot start. If Rice struggles, Kansas City will have to place much of the passing attack on the shoulders of 35-year-old Travis Kelce. — Nate Taylor

Postdraft ranking: 3

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Joey Bosa

This is a big season for the pass rusher, who signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Bills in the offseason after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Chargers. Bosa, 30, is on a bit of a prove-it deal after missing a substantial amount of time over the past three seasons due to injuries. If he can stay healthy and put together a strong season, a significant contract could await. — Alaina Getzenberg

Postdraft ranking: 5

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Mark Andrews

He is entering the final season of his four-year, $56 million contract after dropping a critical two-point conversion in a 27-25 division round loss to Buffalo. Andrews led all TEs with 11 touchdowns last season, but he averaged 39.6 receiving yards per game in 2024, his worst total since his 2018 rookie season. — Jamison Hensley

Postdraft ranking: 4

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Jared Goff

It appears every season is “make or break” for Goff if he doesn’t lead this team to the Super Bowl. He delivered an MVP-caliber 2024 season, but the Lions fell short in the NFC divisional round against Washington when Goff struggled and finished with four turnovers. Goff and the Lions will try to put last year’s playoff dud behind them. As the face of the team, the veteran QB again has high expectations to keep the momentum growing. — Eric Woodyard

Postdraft ranking: 6

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore

Washington traded multiple picks for him at the deadline last season, and a hamstring injury limited Lattimore to two regular-season games (and three in the postseason). He has played in only 26 games the past three seasons combined. Lattimore has looked better this offseason but needs to be durable and productive to earn a contract extension. — John Keim

Postdraft ranking: 8

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Keisean Nixon

He said after last season that he wanted to be a No. 1 CB. Now that Jaire Alexander is gone, Nixon might get that chance. Sure, the Packers signed Nate Hobbs in free agency, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley plays a high amount of zone coverage, but Nixon will be counted on to shut down opposing receivers. The question is, can he deliver? — Rob Demovsky

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1:38

Stephen A.: Jordan Love needs to step up come playoff time

Stephen A. Smith discusses Jordan Love’s ability as a quarterback and challenges him to show his full potential in playoff games.

Postdraft ranking: 7

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Darious Williams

Williams has two seasons remaining on the three-year, $22.5 million contract he signed in 2024. The veteran cornerback, in his second stint in Los Angeles, is scheduled to count $8.6 million against the cap in 2026 but has no guaranteed money due after this season. The Rams have a young cornerback room and might opt to save money at the position after 2025. — Sarah Barshop

Postdraft ranking: 10

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Zac Taylor

The Bengals missed the playoffs last season despite career years from QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase and DE Trey Hendrickson. Taylor has proved to be a coach capable of leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl. It’s time for Cincinnati to show that potential once again. — Ben Baby

Postdraft ranking: 9

Who’s under the most pressure: Vikings’ draft process

After signing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell to contract extensions and assembling a roster of proven veterans, the team doesn’t have anyone prominent on the hot seat. But it might need to overhaul its draft process in 2026 if it doesn’t see more production from recent picks. WR Jordan Addison was the only starter last season who was drafted between 2022 and 2024. The Vikings need big contributions from QB J.J. McCarthy (2024), LB Dallas Turner (2024) and G Donovan Jackson (2025), at least, to validate their current process. — Kevin Seifert

Postdraft ranking: 14

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Sean Payton

He has rock-solid job security, a deep-pocketed ownership group to support him and a proven personnel department to build a roster. But Payton has been the most vocal throughout training camp about his team’s Super Bowl worthiness. He believes the Broncos are good enough — if they do the work — to play for the Lombardi Trophy. It makes for good conversation now, but he could be at risk if the Broncos have any significant stumbles or injuries in 2025. — Jeff Legwold

Postdraft ranking: 13

Who’s under the most pressure: Linebacker Christian Harris

He is going into the final year of his rookie contract and flashes good potential — he showcased that when he caught a pick-six in the 2023 wild-card win over the Browns. But Harris hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and he also hasn’t practiced in training camp. If that continues, he might be on the outside when 2026 comes around. — DJ Bien-Aime

Breaking News from Adam Schefter

Download the ESPN app and enable Adam Schefter’s news alerts to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, click here.

Postdraft ranking: 12

Who’s under the most pressure: Cornerback Jamel Dean

He counts $15 million against the salary cap in 2025 and nearly $16 million in 2026. The Bucs drafted two cornerbacks in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in 2025. Dean has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, missing 18 games in six seasons, including nine in the past two. — Jenna Laine

Postdraft ranking: 11

Who’s under the most pressure: Offensive coordinator Greg Roman

Roman is known for designing some of the most creative and dominant rushing offenses in league history, but his critics have questioned his playcalling and passing concepts. Roman’s offense didn’t look promising last season. The Chargers consistently sputtered in the second half, ultimately ending the 2024 season in the first round of the playoffs. With upgrades all over Los Angeles’ offense, all eyes will be on Roman’s group to produce in 2025. — Kris Rhim

Postdraft ranking: 15

Who’s under the most pressure: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

The trade rumors surrounding Aiyuk started more than two years ago and seem to never dissipate despite his signing a massive contract extension in 2024. Aiyuk is expected to return from his knee injury at some point this season, and his future in San Francisco will likely be determined by how it goes from there. The Niners would have to eat significant money with little return to part ways with him during or after this season, but if he can’t return to health and productivity, they might decide it’s time to move on and reallocate resources. — Nick Wagoner

Postdraft ranking: 17

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike Tomlin

For the second season in a row, Tomlin was the driving force in bringing in a veteran quarterback to lead the franchise. This time, he courted Aaron Rodgers. Tomlin is putting his trust in Rodgers and the rest of his offense that they can expedite the gelling process and produce early in 2025. Realistically, Tomlin, under contract through the 2027 season, isn’t going anywhere no matter the outcome of this season. But the fan base will undoubtedly grow restless if another season passes without a playoff win. — Brooke Pryor

Postdraft ranking: 16

Who’s under the most pressure: Running back Kenneth Walker III

He is among six starters from the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class who are playing for a new contract in 2025, and like many of them, he still has something to prove. When healthy, he’s a tough runner. But Walker has missed 10 games in three seasons and chunks of this offseason with ankle and foot injuries. The ever-reliable Zach Charbonnet has impressed the Seahawks in his absence, giving the organization a pivot if Walker can’t stay healthy and produce in 2025. — Brady Henderson

Postdraft ranking: 19

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Schottenheimer

Now, this doesn’t mean the coach will be one-and-done at all. It’s just that there is a lot for a first-time coach to deal with for any job but especially with the Cowboys. Schottenheimer has the players buying into his message at the moment, but what happens if they lose a few games in a row? Will they continue to believe? They play in the same division as the two NFC finalists (Eagles and Commanders). They have a difficult schedule to close the season. All of it makes a fast start a must. — Todd Archer

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2:18

Why Stephen A. dislikes Jerry Jones’ negotiating tactics

Stephen A. Smith and Damien Woody explain why Jerry Jones’ negotiating tactics aren’t effective in today’s NFL.

Postdraft ranking: 18

Who’s under the most pressure: Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.

It’s a contract year for Pitts, who is auditioning for big money if he can return to a semblance of his rookie form four seasons ago: 1,026 yards on 68 catches and the first rookie Pro Bowl selection by a tight end since 2002. Pitts’ future with the Falcons and how much he would get as a free agent is dependent on how the 2021 No. 4 pick performs this season. — Marc Raimondi

Postdraft ranking: 20

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Mike McDaniel

The fourth-year coach has made the playoffs in two of his first three seasons, but Miami still hasn’t won a playoff game in a quarter of a century. Owner Stephen Ross said last season that he was not satisfied with the status quo, and the locker room underwent a self-proclaimed cultural reset this offseason. But with a roster curated for its coach, the onus will fall on McDaniel to succeed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Postdraft ranking: 21

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Caleb Williams

It’s hard to believe that a second-year quarterback learning a new offense is under the most pressure, but Williams needs to perform well while making weekly strides in mastering coach Ben Johnson’s scheme. The 2024 No. 1 pick likely will experience growing pains, but for a franchise that might have the answer at quarterback after decades of searching, the pressure is on Williams to prove the team right. — Courtney Cronin

Postdraft ranking: 22

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Monti Ossenfort

Entering his third season with the Cardinals, Ossenfort completed his three-year rebuild of the roster. Now, it’s time for that roster to win. He rebuilt the defensive front but hardly touched the offense, a move that could be risky. If the defense doesn’t live up to expectations or the offense has holes that he could’ve addressed, Ossenfort’s seat will start warming up. — Josh Weinfuss

Postdraft ranking: 23

Who’s under the most pressure: Left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson

The rookies are projected starters. According to ESPN Research and Elias, the Patriots will become the second team in the past 25 years to have two rookies starting on opening day on the left side of the offensive line (the 2016 Ravens are the other team). — Mike Reiss

Your League, Your Rules

Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.

Create a league today!

Postdraft ranking: 25

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence

He is entering his fifth season with his third coach. Lawrence has yet to play consistently well over a full season, and injuries marred his past two years. New coach Liam Coen is changing his footwork, and the Jaguars upgraded the interior offensive line and added a playmaker in WR/CB Travis Hunter. Lawrence has the players to help him surge, and the hope is for Coen to do for Lawrence what he did for Baker Mayfield last season. — Mike DiRocco

Postdraft ranking: 26

Who’s under the most pressure: Defensive end Tyree Wilson

The 2023 first-round pick made strides last season with 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble, but it’s time for him to be an integral player in the trenches. With Christian Wilkins no longer on the team, Wilson’s versatility to play defensive line and edge rusher allows him to do so. — Ryan McFadden

Postdraft ranking: 24

Who’s under the most pressure: General manager Chris Ballard

He is entering his ninth season and has just two playoff appearances and one postseason victory. The Colts have never won the AFC South under his guidance. Much of Ballard’s tenure was upended by the sudden retirement of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck in 2019, but the botched QB moves after Luck’s departure have hurt the franchise. Is it playoffs or bust for Ballard? — Stephen Holder

Postdraft ranking: 27

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Bryce Young

The top pick of the 2023 draft has to build off the final three games of last season and produce wins. The Panthers selected elite receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to help Young take the next step, and they didn’t lose a starting offensive lineman in the offseason. Young has to show the organization didn’t make a mistake when it made that memorable trade with Chicago for the No. 1 pick in 2023. Young is 6-22, and more of that won’t cut it. — David Newton

Postdraft ranking: 30

Who’s under the most pressure: Quarterback Justin Fields

This is his third team in three seasons and probably his last real shot to be a long-term starting quarterback. The Jets are all-in on Fields, giving him $30 million guaranteed, but they can go in a different direction after a year. If the 2021 first-round pick fails, he’ll probably be in a Daniel Jones-like situation — having to compete for a job. — Rich Cimini

Postdraft ranking: 32

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen

The Giants went 6-11 in 2023 and 3-14 last season. Drafting a promising young quarterback in Jaxson Dart is nice, but they must win games. It’s a results-oriented business, and owner John Mara wants to see progress and improved results this season. And that’s a big reason Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback to begin the season. — Jordan Raanan

Postdraft ranking: 29

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry

Owner Jimmy Haslam has preached patience and has said he’ll give his coach-GM pairing time to turn things around after a 3-14 season. But Haslam also said the team needs marked improvement in 2025. For the Browns, that means not only fielding a much more competitive team but possibly finding a long-term answer at quarterback. — Daniel Oyefusi

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0:44

Does injury derail Shedeur Sanders’ chance at QB1?

Domonique Foxworth weighs in on how an oblique injury could affect Shedeur Sanders’ position on the depth chart.

Postdraft ranking: 28

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Kellen Moore

The first-year coach has a big task of turning things around and getting the Saints to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. That’s no small feat, especially considering he’ll be starting a young quarterback in either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough this season. — Katherine Terrell

Postdraft ranking: 31

Who’s under the most pressure: Coach Brian Callahan

He is known for his work with Joe Burrow, who was the No.1 pick by the Bengals in 2020. The Titans are relying on Callahan to help resurrect their franchise and re-create his previous success with this year’s No.1 pick, Cameron Ward. The past two coaches for teams that selected quarterbacks first didn’t make it to their second season. Will Callahan? — Turron Davenport



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2025 NFL positional group rankings: Best, worst team units
Esports

2025 NFL positional group rankings: Best, worst team units

by admin


  • Mike ClayAug 15, 2025, 06:15 AM ET

    Close

      Mike Clay is a senior writer for fantasy football and the NFL at ESPN. Mike is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. His projections power the ESPN Fantasy Football game, and he also appears on “Fantasy Football Now” and the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.

When analyzing NFL rosters, it’s important to remember that it’s all relative. It’s easy to say a team is in “good shape” or “loaded” at a particular position, but each unit is only as good as it is relative to the league’s 31 other teams.

That might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised what you can learn by sitting down and objectively grading and/or ranking each positional unit of all 32 teams. This is a project I’ve done each offseason, which has led to many interesting revelations, including the likely breakouts of teams such as the 2020 Buccaneers, 2022 Eagles and 2023 Dolphins.

Here are position-by-position unit rankings for all 32 teams this season covering the 10 key offensive and defensive groups. At the end is an overall ranking weighted based on positional importance (for example, it’s more crucial to be elite at quarterback than at running back). I also included brief outlooks on the best and shakiest units at each position as well as intriguing groups worth keeping an eye on. Note that these are 2025 rankings rather than long-term outlooks.

Let’s take a look, starting at quarterback.

Jump to:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DT | Edge | LB | CB | S
Overall outlook

Quarterback

RankTeamRankTeam1BAL17DEN2BUF18ATL3KC19NE4CIN20CHI5PHI21SEA6WSH22JAX7LAC23CAR8SF24LV9TB25NYG10DET26PIT11DAL27MIN12LAR28TEN13ARI29NYJ14MIA30IND15GB31CLE16HOU32NO

This will be controversial to some, but Lamar Jackson led all quarterbacks in QBR, ANY/A (adjusted net yards per passing attempt) and expected points added. Jackson has been an All-Pro for the past two seasons and won the NFL MVP in 2019 and 2023. He fell just short of his second consecutive MVP last season despite career highs in passing yards (4,172) and passing touchdowns (41, tied for second in the league). The dual-threat quarterback has never finished a season lower than second among QBs in rushing yards, too. Former Cowboys QB Cooper Rush makes for a solid backup.

Derek Carr’s sudden retirement has left the Saints in rebuild mode under center. Second-round rookie Tyler Shough is the best bet to emerge as a viable starter, and perhaps he’ll be more pro-ready than most first-years considering he’s already 25. Recent Day 3 fliers Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, who both struggled in relief of Carr last season, will also compete for the gig.

Other than perhaps the Steelers, no team with a new starting QB has as much on the line as the Vikings in 2025. With a revived Sam Darnold under center in 2024, Minnesota was one of the league’s best teams, posting a 14-3 regular-season record. The core of the team remains in place, which puts pressure on 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to play at a high level or at least not mess things up.

Running back

RankTeamRankTeam1DET17LAC2ATL18LAR3PHI19NE4SF20WSH5BAL21CHI6IND22MIN7GB23TEN8MIA24JAX9NO25NYG10SEA26CLE11LV27CIN12TB28CAR13HOU29DEN14ARI30PIT15BUF31KC16NYJ32DAL

The running back position is strong across the NFL, but it’s hard to find a better duo than Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Since the two teamed up in 2023, Lions RBs have produced a league-high 5,960 yards and 57 touchdowns. That’s 718 more yards and eight more touchdowns than any other team’s RBs. Gibbs led the NFL with 20 TDs in 2024, and Montgomery produced 1,100-plus yards for the sixth season in a row despite missing three games.

Running back remained a low-priority position for Dallas this past offseason. Out is Rico Dowdle and in are Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and Day 3 rookie Jaydon Blue. Williams has the highest ceiling, but the 25-year-old has struggled badly with efficiency since tearing his right ACL in 2022. Sanders was a nonfactor during two seasons in Carolina, though he showed some juice with 116 yards and two touchdowns in Week 18 last season. It’s very possible fifth-rounder Blue sees some serious run as a rookie.

The Chargers revamped their RB room this offseason, replacing J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards with Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton. Hampton is a big, tough back with three-down ability who figures to immediately slide in as the lead runner. Harris has been reliable on early downs and an innings eater in recent years (he’s the only tailback to not miss a game over the past four seasons), though he doesn’t offer much as a receiver. His availability for the start of the season is still up in the air, as he hasn’t practiced since sustaining an eye injury in a fireworks mishap on July 4.

Wide receiver

RankTeamRankTeam1CIN17GB2PHI18ATL3TB19SEA4LAR20NO5MIN21NYG6MIA22BUF7CHI23CAR8DET24TEN9DAL25CLE10WSH26NE11KC27SF12LAC28NYJ13BAL29ARI14JAX30PIT15HOU31DEN16IND32LV

There are several good options here, but few teams come close to competing with the Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins pairing. Chase has been great since being drafted in 2021, and he cemented himself as elite in 2024 with league highs in routes, targets, receptions, receiving yards, receiving TDs and end zone targets. He’s the first player in league history to reach both 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches in a single season. Higgins battled injuries last season, but he still posted a 73-911-10 receiving line in 12 games. Andrei Iosivas and second-year Jermaine Burton provide depth.

Jakobi Meyers (one of 15 players with 800-plus receiving yards each of the past four seasons) is as underrated as they come, but he simply doesn’t have much proven help. Tre Tucker, the Raiders’ 2023 third-round pick, is the other top veteran returning this season, but he wasn’t efficient last season. Despite ranking fourth among receivers in routes run last season, Tucker finished outside the top 50 in catches, yards and TDs. Las Vegas does have some hope for improvement with rookies Jack Bech (second round), Dont’e Thornton Jr. (fourth) and Tommy Mellott (sixth).

A healthy Bucs WR room would’ve earned the nod for “best,” but there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Chris Godwin, who led the NFL in receptions before a season-ending injury in 2024. Of course, even if he sit outs time, this has the look of a top-end group. Mike Evans (1,000-plus receiving yards in all 11 NFL seasons) is entering his age-32 campaign and seemingly hasn’t lost a step. Jalen McMillan (a 2024 third-round pick) scored eight TDs in his final five games of 2024, and the team selected Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka with its first-round pick.

Tight end

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A recent survey of league executives, coaches and scouts resulted in Mark Andrews (sixth) and Isaiah Likely (eighth) both ranking among the top 10 tight ends. After a career-high 11 touchdowns last season, Andrews leads all tight ends in scores since 2019 with 48. Likely’s usage has been limited by Andrews’ presence, but he’s one of 17 tight ends with 30-plus catches each of the past three seasons. Likely had surgery at the end of July for a small fracture in his foot, but Baltimore hasn’t ruled him out playing in Week 1.

Second-round rookie Mason Taylor could make this designation look foolish, but there very well could be a lengthier learning curve here for the 21-year-old. Jason Taylor’s son will have a lot of pressure to deliver, as the Jets’ fallback options (Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt and Zack Kuntz) haven’t made much of an impact in the pros.

Welcome back, Darren Waller. After ending his one-year retirement in July, Waller was traded to Miami as the team’s replacement for Jonnu Smith. Once one of the league’s top tight ends, Waller is obviously a bit of a lottery ticket since he’s 32 and struggled with durability when we last saw him (he hasn’t played more than 12 games in a season since 2020). Of course, with Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown as his top competition, Waller has an easy path to snaps and targets in an offense that sees a ton of two-high looks.

Offensive line

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Another season, another elite Eagles offensive line. It starts with arguably the league’s top tackle duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. Mailata ranked among the top tackles in Pro Football Focus grade, pass block win rate and run block win rate in both 2023 and 2024. Johnson is now 35 but hasn’t lost a step, ranking top 10 among tackles in pass and run block win rate last season. Cam Jurgens was solid as Jason Kelce’s replacement at center last season. Landon Dickerson is one of the league’s best guards, though he sustained a meniscus injury to his right knee in a preseason practice and is considered week to week. The only other concern is at right guard, as Matt Pryor and Tyler Steen are among those competing to replace Mekhi Becton.

Offensive line remains a massive problem area for the Jaguars and perhaps the worst situation in the NFL. Walker Little and Anton Harrison both posted poor pass block win rate marks in the past two seasons and are expected to be back as the team’s starting tackles. The interior will have a bit of a new look, as incumbent left guard Ezra Cleveland will be joined by newcomers in center Robert Hainsey and right guard Patrick Mekari. Perhaps third-round rookie Wyatt Milum will make an impact, but it’s hard to imagine this group making much of a leap.

Best in this category one year ago, the Lions will need to overcome some adversity this offseason. Detroit said goodbye to standout center Frank Ragnow (retirement) and right guard Kevin Zeitler (free agency) during the offseason. Graham Glasgow (last season’s starting left guard) is now a contender to start at center, leaving the likes of 2024 sixth-rounder Christian Mahogany, second-round rookie Tate Ratledge, Trystan Colon and Kayode Awosika as the top contenders to start at the two guard spots.

Interior defensive line

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A contender for this honor one year ago, the Seahawks remain stacked up front with Leonard Williams leading the way. Williams is still playing at a superstar level at 31, as he led all interior linemen with 11 sacks and ranked fourth with 35 pass rush wins last season. Jarran Reed (4.5 sacks in 2024) and Johnathan Hankins are also back. And 2024 first-round pick Byron Murphy II is a candidate for a second-year leap after a solid rookie showing.

Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave signed elsewhere this offseason, and the 49ers’ only impact additions were draft picks Alfred Collins (second round) and CJ West (fourth). Jordan Elliott (a rotational player) tops the depth chart, and Kevin Givens, Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis all played less than 30% of the team’s defensive snaps last season. The 49ers figure to add more help and/or move Yetur Gross-Matos and Sam Okuayinonu inside more often.

A clear weakness for Arizona last season has suddenly become its biggest strength. After finishing 2024 ranked 28th and 20th in pass rush win rate (33.3%) and run stop win rate (29.8%), respectively, Arizona now has serious talent and potential up front. Standout veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell were signed to anchor the interior, with recent first-round picks Darius Robinson (2024) and Walter Nolen III (2025) adding upside. Incumbents Justin Jones, L.J. Collier, Dante Stills and Bilal Nichols will compete for depth roles.

Edge rusher

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T.J. Watt has been an All-Pro in each of his past five healthy seasons and has an NFL-high 108 sacks since entering the league in 2017 (only he and Myles Garrett have more than 83). Running mate Alex Highsmith sat out six games last season but remained a full-time player when healthy; his 33.5 sacks over the past four seasons rank 16th in the league. Nick Herbig (5.5 sacks in 13 games) also was terrific in an expanded role.

Dante Fowler Jr., who led the Commanders in sacks (10.5) and pass rush wins (37) last season, signed with Dallas in free agency. Little was done to replace him, with journeymen Deatrich Wise Jr., 36-year-old Von Miller and Jacob Martin brought in to join Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell. Versatile Frankie Luvu (the only player on the roster who had more than six sacks last season) will once again be key to Washington’s pass rush.

The Giants have a strong case for the top spot in this category. Brian Burns sits seventh in the NFL with 54.5 sacks since entering the league in 2019, while Kayvon Thibodeaux ranks 21st with 17 over the past two seasons. And as if that’s not enough, New York used the No. 3 pick this year on Abdul Carter. It’s extremely rare for a team to have three first-round picks at the same position, but New York will certainly get creative in finding ways to keep all three busy this season.

Off-ball linebacker

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With Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu back, the Commanders pace this category for the second year in a row. Wagner is entering his age-35 season, but he ranked in the top 10 among off-ball LBs in pass rush wins, tackles for loss and QB hits last season. Luvu is the only NFL player with 250-plus tackles and 20-plus sacks over the past three seasons (335 and 21, respectively). The duo combined to play 98.2% of Washington’s defensive snaps in 2024.

Rarely a priority for Sean McVay’s Rams, this position remains an area of concern, especially following Christian Rozeboom’s departure. Career situational player Troy Reeder was vaulted into an every-down role early in 2024 before a hamstring injury ended his season in Week 7. He’s back and will compete with veteran newcomer Nate Landman, 2024 UDFA Omar Speights and perhaps fifth-round rookie Chris Paul Jr. for substantial work this season.

GM Howie Roseman and the Super Bowl champion Eagles hit an absolute home run when they signed Zack Baun to a one-year flier last offseason. After totaling 88 tackles in four seasons of being misused in New Orleans, Baun registered 150 tackles (sixth most in the NFL) in 2024 and was awarded a three-year, $51 million extension. Baun is the main man in this unit, but his running mate (at least in the short term) is to be determined. Both Nakobe Dean (recovering from a knee injury) and 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell (recovering from shoulder surgery) could be limited or sit out time to open the season. Recent fifth-round picks Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. add depth.

Cornerback

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Even after losing Brandon Stephens to the Jets during free agency, the Ravens remained in solid shape at cornerback thanks to one of the league’s best duos in Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins. Baltimore then went from “solid” to “great” when it signed Jaire Alexander in June. Alexander struggled with injuries during his time in Green Bay, but he has remained an elite player when healthy. With Wiggins and Alexander outside, Humphrey in the slot and veteran Chidobe Awuzie offering quality depth, the Ravens are loaded at corner.

Kendall Fuller and Jalen Ramsey — Miami’s top perimeter corners in 2024 — both departed this offseason, and the team made minimal efforts to replace them. Artie Burns was initially the lone notable veteran signing, while fifth-rounder Jason Marshall Jr. was the only draft investment. But now, Burns and Kader Kohou are done for the season because of torn ACL injuries. That leaves the likes of 31-year-old Mike Hilton, Jack Jones, Storm Duck and Cam Smith as the team’s top options at corner.

The Jaguars are set to return all three of their top corners from 2024 — Tyson Campbell, Montaric Brown and slot Jarrian Jones — but the trio will have significantly more competition for work in 2025. Of course, the big wild card is No. 2 pick Travis Hunter, who is expected to focus primarily on wide receiver. The Jaguars also added standout slot CB Jourdan Lewis and invested a third-round pick in Caleb Ransaw. Their pass defense should be much better than the group that allowed an AFC-worst 61.2 QBR last season.

Safety

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Detroit has formed the league’s top safety duo by hitting on a pair of recent Day 2 draft picks. Kerby Joseph (2022 third-rounder) has been an every-down player since entering the league, and he took his game to the next level last season. Brian Branch (2023 second-rounder) wasn’t far behind, which was an impressive feat as he transitioned from a hybrid slot/safety role as a rookie to more of a prominent safety role in 2024.

Jeremy Chinn (who led the Washington secondary in snaps last season) is gone and is set to be replaced by 30-year-old Will Harris. The ex-Lion and Saint will work opposite 2024 starter Quan Martin, with Percy Butler returning as competition. None of these players have posted a quality Pro Football Focus grade in recent seasons, and Washington did not invest in the position during April’s draft.

Xavier McKinney was a home run acquisition last offseason, as the ex-Giant produced eight interceptions (second most in the NFL) and earned his first All-Pro bid. And 2024 draft selections Javon Bullard (second round) and Evan Williams (fourth) each played substantial roles as rookies and should be featured heavily in a defense that leans on three-safety looks.

Overall

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It’s no secret the Ravens have yet to earn a Super Bowl appearance in the Lamar Jackson era, but that very well could change this season. Baltimore has perhaps its best roster on paper since it won Super Bowl XLVII. Jackson is obviously the big difference-maker, but he has a ton of help at the skill positions (including Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and newcomer DeAndre Hopkins) and on the offensive line (led by Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum).

The Ravens’ defense, which has ranked in the top five leaguewide in sacks each of the past three seasons, returns 10 of its top 11 snap-getters from 2024 (including stars Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Roquan Smith, Kyle Van Noy and Nnamdi Madubuike). They added potential impact players in star corner Jaire Alexander, first-round pick Malaki Starks and second-round pick Mike Green.

Derek Carr’s retirement cemented this one, as New Orleans’ quarterback situation probably will be quite poor (the hit rate of non-first-round QBs, especially as rookies, is very low). Of course, it’s not just about the quarterback. Alvin Kamara is now 30 years old; Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have some uncertainty after both sat out most of last season because of injuries; and we might not even see Taysom Hill, who is rehabbing a torn ACL at age 35. The Erik McCoy-led offensive line could be serviceable, but it depends on the development and progression of four recent first-round picks, including rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

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The defense has a few bright spots (Carl Granderson, Chase Young, Justin Reid, Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan), but the latter two are both 36. There are also massive concerns up front and at corner. Unless Tyler Shough proves to be a second-round gem, New Orleans might be selecting its franchise QB with the first pick of the 2026 draft.

It’s easy to forget considering how the Lions’ season ended (45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders), but they were dominant on both sides of the ball in the regular season. Through Week 12, their defense ranked first in EPA. Then the injuries started to pile up, and they fell to 29th for the rest of the season.

A return to health on defense will be the key to getting that unit back into the “elite” discussion. Superstar Aidan Hutchinson’s comeback is obviously massive, and he leads a good front seven that includes DJ Reader, first-round pick Tyleik Williams, Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone and Alim McNeill (still rehabbing from a torn ACL). D.J. Reed was an impact signing as Terrion Arnold’s running mate at corner, and those two join the terrific Brian Branch/Kerby Joseph duo in the secondary.

An elite Lions offense that ranked in the top five in EPA for the past three seasons remains intact, with a solid QB (Jared Goff), good pass catchers (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta), the aforementioned elite RB duo and a very good offensive line (including tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell to help offset the interior uncertainty). The Eagles have something to say about it, but the Lions certainly have a case as the NFC’s best team on paper.



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WNBA Power Rankings: Mercury ride streak up the board
Esports

WNBA Power Rankings: Mercury ride streak up the board

by admin


  • Michael VoepelJun 24, 2025, 09:30 AM ET

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      Michael Voepel is a senior writer who covers the WNBA, women’s college basketball and other college sports. Voepel began covering women’s basketball in 1984, and has been with ESPN since 1996.

Five weeks into the WNBA season, the Phoenix Mercury are blowing away a lot of predictions.

Questions about their roster turnover, lack of established chemistry and guard play landed them at No. 7 in our preseason rankings with a 49.8% chance to make the playoffs. Now, the Mercury are already more than halfway to the BPI’s projected 19.4 victories with 11 through their first 15 games, winning five straight to supplant the defending champion New York Liberty at No. 2 in the latest edition of our Power Rankings.

There was ample reason to expect a challenging start for the new-look Mercury. They said goodbye to two No. 1 draft picks who had become faces of the franchise — Diana Taurasi (retired) and Brittney Griner (free agency) — and returned only two players from last season in Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack, who were both sidelined with injuries to start this campaign.

But after trading for Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in the offseason, that hasn’t happened. Sabally leads the team in scoring (19.3 points per game) and rebounding (8.1). Thomas has brought her stat-stuffing ways from 11 seasons in Connecticut to Phoenix with averages of 14.4 points, 8.9 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 10 games after missing five with a calf injury. And despite playing only three games so far, Copper has been a strong leadership presence.

Thomas played in just one of Phoenix’s four losses — twice to each of the Minnesota Lynx and the Seattle Storm — while Copper didn’t play in any. That’s not to take away from the Lynx, who remain our No. 1 team, and the Storm, who are back in the top five. But considering how well Phoenix has done despite not having the big three of Copper, Sabally and Thomas on court together much, look out for just how high the Mercury can peak.

Previous ranking: 1

Next seven days: @ WAS (June 24), @ ATL (June 27), vs. CON (June 29)

Napheesa Collier left in the third quarter of the June 17 game against Las Vegas with a back injury and did not play against Los Angeles on Saturday. The Lynx still won both, with Courtney Williams’ 20 points leading the way against the Aces and Kayla McBride’s 29 points pushing Minnesota past the Sparks. The victory over Las Vegas clinched Minnesota’s spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final as host against Indiana on July 1. We’ll watch to see how the Lynx manage Collier’s injury situation with a jam-packed July schedule looming.

Previous ranking: 4

Next seven days: vs. NY (June 27), vs. LV (June 29)

Phoenix extended its five-win streak this past week with victories over Connecticut, New York and Chicago, putting up a season-high 107 points against the Sky. Of the Mercury’s six WNBA rookies, only Megan McConnell didn’t play professionally overseas. The 24-year-old Monique Akoa Makani and the 29-year-old Kathryn Westbeld are among their starters, with another 29-year-old rookie — Kitija Laksa — leading Phoenix in 3-pointers with 29.

Satou Sabally leads the Mercury in scoring with 19.3 points per game. Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Previous ranking: 2

Next seven days: @ GS (June 25), @ PHO (June 27), @ ATL (June 29)

The Liberty announced Saturday that center Jonquel Jones, last year’s Finals MVP, will miss four to six weeks with a right ankle sprain. She sustained the injury June 5 and missed two games, including New York’s first loss of the season (June 14 at Indiana), before returning with a double-double in the June 17 win over Atlanta then reinjuring it in Thursday’s loss to Phoenix. The Liberty started a four-game trip on Sunday with a loss to Seattle that Sabrina Ionescu (neck) also missed. They also are without Leonie Fiebich, who is playing for Germany as it enters the quarterfinals at EuroBasket. So, the next few weeks could continue to be a challenge for the defending champions.

Previous ranking: 3

Next seven days: @ DAL (June 24), vs. MIN (June 27), vs. NY (June 29)

The Dream had a chance to advance to the Commissioner’s Cup final but ran into the Liberty in the only game of New York’s past five that Jonquel Jones was not injured. She played 25 minutes and had 10 points and 10 rebounds in New York’s 86-81 victory on June 17. But Atlanta didn’t seem to brood on that, going on to defeat Washington and Chicago. We keep highlighting the dramatic difference in the Dream’s offense. And here’s another example: They have hit the 90-point mark five times in 14 games after reaching it just three times all of last season.

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Previous ranking: 6

Next seven days: vs. IND (June 24), vs. CON (June 27), @ GS (June 29)

Nneka Ogwumike will turn 35 next week, but she’s still taking the kids to school. She totaled 77 points on 71.4% shooting and 24 rebounds in Seattle’s victories over Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York last week. It was her most statistically impressive three-game stretch since joining the Storm last season, when she was selected All-WNBA for the seventh time. Seattle has won six of its past seven games.

Previous ranking: 7

Next seven days: vs. NY (June 25), vs. CHI (June 27), vs. SEA (June 29)

Which is the only team to beat the surging Storm over the past three weeks? The Valkyries, who did so June 14. Golden State followed that up with a disappointing loss at Dallas on June 17. But it rallied from a double-digit deficit to beat Indiana on Thursday then dominated Connecticut by 24 points on Sunday. Kayla Thornton is playing like an All-Star for Golden State, which has won five of its previous six.

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0:39

Kayla Thornton drills dagger 3 for Valkyries in OT

Kayla Thornton connects on a 3-pointer in the final minute to give the Valkyries a six-point lead over the Sparks.

Previous ranking: 8

Next seven days: vs. CON (June 25), vs. WAS (June 26), @ PHO (June 29)

Our staff analyzed what’s been plaguing the Aces, who are 3-5 in June. Some of their woes were abated with the return of three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who missed three games in concussion protocol. She had 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 90-83 loss to Seattle on Friday then 24 and seven in an 89-81 victory against Indiana on Saturday. The defense that served Las Vegas so well in recent years was humming the way it used to, especially in the second half against the Fever, as the Aces avoided what would have been their first four-game losing streak under coach Becky Hammon.

Previous ranking: 5

Next seven days: @ SEA (June 24), vs. LA (June 26), @ DAL (June 27)

Sunday was bleak for Indiana basketball fans: The Fever lost their 16th consecutive game to the Aces then the Pacers lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals while Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon.

In the fourth quarters of last week’s defeats to Las Vegas and Golden State, Indiana was outscored by a combined 26 points. Caitlin Clark had 51 points and 25 assists combined in the Fever’s three games over the past seven days, but she was just 1-of-17 from 3-point range in the two most recent contests. The Fever have been without DeWanna Bonner the past four games for personal reasons, and her absence hurts their defense and depth.

Sophie Cunningham’s takedown of Jacy Sheldon near the end of the June 17 win over the Sun sent a message to teams that choose to get extra physical with Clark, while Aliyah Boston’s combined 52 points and 31 rebounds across the previous three outings was a bright spot.

Previous ranking: 10

Next seven days: vs. MIN (June 24), @ LV (June 26), @ DAL (June 28)

It was a good week for the Mystics, who nearly edged ahead of the Fever in these rankings. Washington beat Chicago and Dallas (in overtime), but arguably even more impressive was taking Atlanta to the wire on the road before falling 92-91 on Friday. Brittney Sykes scored a season-high 32 points against the Sky, Shakira Austin put up a career-high 28 versus the Dream and rookie Sonia Citron had a season-high 27 against Dallas. Citron also made the game-winning 3-pointer versus the Wings.

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Sonia Citron’s clutch OT 3 proves to be winner for Mystics

Rookie Sonia Citron drills her fourth 3-pointer of the game to give the Mystics the lead for good.

Previous ranking: 13

Next seven days: vs. ATL (June 24), vs. IND (June 27), vs. WAS (June 28)

After starting the campaign 1-11, Dallas had its best week yet with wins over Golden State and Connecticut as well as an overtime loss at Washington. That the Wings had a good chance at a 3-0 week is saying something after how much they have struggled. Paige Bueckers — who registered a combined 61 points, 15 rebounds and 16 assists over the three contests — is reestablishing herself in the Rookie of the Year race after missing time with concussion protocol and illness.

Previous ranking: 9

Next seven days: @ CHI (June 24), @ IND (June 26), vs. CHI (June 29)

The Sparks didn’t have Kelsey Plum (leg) against the Storm on Tuesday, but she returned with 15 points versus the Lynx on Saturday. Both outings resulted in losses. Los Angeles hasn’t been that bad of an offensive team, but it needs to improve on defense. The Sparks’ net rating of minus-7.1 is third worst in the league, ahead of only the Sky and the Sun.

Previous ranking: 11

Next seven days: vs. LA (June 24), @ GS (June 27), @ LA (June 29)

Chicago lost to Washington, Phoenix and Atlanta but stayed out of the Power Rankings cellar because Connecticut had a worse week. Plus, the Sky beat the Sun on June 15. A silver lining for Chicago: Kamilla Cardoso has scored in double figures over four of the past five games. Cardoso shot 69.2% from the field last week, but she still isn’t getting enough touches.

Previous ranking: 12

Next seven days: @ LV (June 25), @ SEA (June 27), @ MIN (June 29)

Connecticut has lost six in a row following an 0-4 week against Indiana, Phoenix, Dallas and Golden State that dropped the Sun to the bottom of the Power Rankings. The Sun still made headlines after the grabbing, pushing and eye poking in their contentious loss to the Fever on June 17, when Marina Mabrey shoved Caitlin Clark to the floor from the blindside but didn’t get ejected. Having the league’s lowest-scoring offense (71.8 PPG) continues to make things tough for Connecticut.



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2025 NBA draft: Players, picks, intel, rankings, stats, mocks
Esports

2025 NBA draft: Players, picks, intel, rankings, stats, mocks

by admin


The 2025 NBA draft begins Wednesday in New York at Barclays Center, with the Dallas Mavericks on the clock holding the No. 1 pick and the right to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect.

There will be 59 selections over two rounds, with the draft being held across two nights for the second time ever.

Two big questions heading into the draft: Where will Rutgers star Ace Bailey go if the Philadelphia 76ers pass on him at No. 3? How will teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, who have four first-rounders, use their multiple picks to build around their stars?

With insights and analysis from ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, we provide you with a one-stop shop for everything you need to know: times, locations, draft order, top prospects, rankings, mock drafts, stats and more. Read about the draft’s best players and what to expect this week.

Jump to a topic:
Dates, times, green room invites
Draft order | How good is this class?
Questions on Bailey, 2026, more
Top 100 rankings | Latest mock, intel
Top players by skill | Comps | 5 things to know

Round 1: Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN and the ESPN app)
Round 2: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN and the ESPN app)

Five additional players have received invitations to attend the draft in New York and sit in the green room, adding to the 19 top prospects already invited previously.

Joan Beringer, Nique Clifford, Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr. and Danny Wolf were the third and final batch of players invited by the NBA league office to take in the draft in New York City with their families. They join Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel, Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, Noa Essengue, Collin Murray-Boyles, Thomas Sorber, Liam McNeeley, Nolan Traore and Will Riley.

The green room is a staging area in front of the NBA draft podium where players, their families and agents await commissioner Adam Silver’s announcement of players’ names upon selection. Players are allowed to invite six people to sit at their tables.

Receiving an invitation is considered a positive sign for a player’s draft stock. However, there have been instances of prospects falling to the second round while sitting in the green room, including Johnny Furphy and Kyle Filipowski in 2024.

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1:36

Why there’s a lot of uncertainty around Ace Bailey in the draft

Jonathan Givony and Brian Windhorst analyze the significance of Ace Bailey canceling his visit to the 76ers.

There will be 59 picks in this year’s draft: 1-30 on the first night and the rest on the second. The Mavericks had just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery and jumped 10 spots to grab the top pick, the biggest move by any team in lottery history, according to ESPN Research.

The Nets have the most picks with five, including four in the first round (Nos. 8, 19, 26, 27 and 36). Eight teams (Suns, Nets, Spurs, Wizards, Hawks, Thunder, Jazz and Pelicans) have multiple first-round picks. The Spurs are the only franchise with multiple lottery picks (No. 2 and No. 14).

The New York Knicks’ second-round pick was rescinded by the NBA after an investigation into Jalen Brunson’s free agency signing in the summer of 2022.

Top 14 (lottery picks):
1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Washington Wizards
7. New Orleans Pelicans
8. Brooklyn Nets
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Phoenix Suns (from HOU)
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Chicago Bulls
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

More: Draft assets for every team | Full draft order

How good is the 2025 draft class?

This class is strong, led by a clear franchise-caliber talent at the top, Cooper Flagg, followed by a potential All-Star, Dylan Harper, at No. 2.

There is some uncertainty after that, with a group of six players — VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears and Khaman Maluach — expected to follow.

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The first round is considered deep, particularly with wings and forwards likely to dominate much of the remainder, interspersed with a handful of big men and guards.

Historically, the best players in the draft rarely go in any specific order at the top. NBA executives expect this trend to continue this year, providing an opportunity for teams with elite talent evaluators and intel gatherers to distinguish themselves from those that weren’t paying close enough attention during the season and might easily become distracted in the predraft process.

The second round of this year’s class took a significant hit, as at least 15 draftable players chose not to enter by the deadline or withdrew from consideration at the NCAA and international deadlines. Though there is talent to be found in the first half of the second round, especially in the 30s, many teams believe the value of their second-round picks has been severely diminished, even compared with last year, which was not seen as a robust draft.

Financial implications surrounding the salary cap and luxury tax apron rules, which will heavily impact this summer, are likely to cause numerous trades both days. — Givony

Former Duke star Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, has been considered the front-runner to be the top pick in the draft since August 2023, when he announced his decision to graduate high school a year early and enroll in college as a 17-year-old.

Read ESPN’s coverage of the 18-year-old from Maine

The biggest questions about this draft are…

Which team will pick Bailey?

With Flagg and Harper seemingly locked in at Nos. 1 and 2, the real intrigue starts at No. 3. The 76ers are coming off a challenging season going from championship contenders to one of the worst teams in the NBA (24-58), and they face important decisions in a pivotal offseason.

Do the 76ers select Edgecombe or Bailey, or do they trade down a few spots and try to better position their salary books and pick up additional assets?

Bailey canceled a visit to the 76ers, sources told ESPN. He was slated to fly to Philadelphia on Friday for dinner with the team’s front office and a private workout, but elected to cancel Wednesday, according to the sources.

Bailey’s predraft strategy has perplexed NBA teams over the past month, as he is currently the only U.S.-based prospect yet to visit any clubs. He has declined invitations from multiple teams in his draft range, which is considered to be anywhere from No. 3 to No. 8. Sources say Bailey’s camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-three player in the draft, but also that he seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a franchise will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4 should he drop.

The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey despite his refusal to visit, sources told ESPN.

Teams such as Washington, New Orleans and Brooklyn, drafting 6-7-8, are surely monitoring the situation closely, as they have ample minutes and opportunities to offer, potentially making them attractive to Bailey’s camp. — Givony and Shams Charania

Projected first-round picks Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg work out at the NBA draft combine in Chicago in May. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

How is the projected talent-rich top of the 2026 draft affecting this year’s, if it is at all?

With 30 of the top 40 picks in the draft concentrated in the hands of just 12 teams, we’re expecting significant movement on both nights of the draft as clubs look to position their books and maintain flexibility with roster spots, contract guarantees and salary and luxury tax considerations.

Early on, teams are reporting the market for selections outside the top 10 has proved to be softer than anticipated, with more franchises open to moving picks and players than ones looking for them. The Indiana Pacers are swapping the No. 23 selection to reacquire next year’s first-rounder, giving them added flexibility this summer to aggregate more picks in a bigger trade without violating the NBA’s Stepien rule.

Things can, and likely will, change on draft night once teams are on the clock and get to see who is on the board at different slots.

Though the 2026 draft is loaded at the top — with several potential franchise-caliber talents available in Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Nate Ament — teams still have a lot to learn about the rest of the lottery and first round, as this is not considered a particularly deep high school senior class currently enrolling in college, nor the most exciting (2007-born) group of international players about to become NBA draft eligible for the first time.

With that said, a significant number of players elected to either not enter this year’s draft or withdrew at the deadline, adding quite a bit of “older” depth in the college ranks that doesn’t normally exist. Teams will have to weigh how to value future picks with that in mind, something that has become a joint venture between traditional scouts, strategy analysts and analytics departments. — Givony

The 2026 NBA draft is set to feature several players at the top, including A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Nate Ament. ESPN

The Nets have five picks inside the top 40. How will they approach this draft?

Brooklyn has been one of the most active teams in the lead-up to the draft out of necessity. With the No. 8, No. 19, No. 26, No. 27 and No. 36 picks, the Nets have the levers and the incentive to optimize their return on draft night, considering it’s unlikely they’ll roster five rookies next season. They are also the only team with meaningful salary cap space, giving them optimal flexibility to not only make their own moves, but also to facilitate things for other teams.

What exactly that means for the Nets is still playing out in real time behind the scenes. Can they combine their picks to move up from No. 8? Do they select at No. 8 and instead try to move from No. 19 into the late lottery? Do they use both, and then look to trade some of the later selections? The number of picks they have in different areas of the draft has allowed them to cast a wide net (no pun intended) and bring in the majority of prospects for meetings and workouts.

No matter what it ultimately does, Brooklyn is viewed by player agents as a desirable landing spot, due to the developmental minutes it has available that not many other teams can concretely offer. The Nets are looking through a long-term lens and prioritizing talent over NBA readiness, with a strong 2026 lottery class on the horizon before they start angling to flip the switch toward competing for the postseason. — Woo

How do the prospects rank?

For a full list of the top 100 prospects (including strengths and weaknesses), check out the complete rankings compiled by Givony and Woo.

Any suspense as far as Flagg was concerned was put to rest on lottery night, with the Mavericks shockingly winning the right to select him.

Expect Flagg to be up for the challenge, as he has held down the top spot on our draft board largely unchallenged, and continues to get better at an impressive rate. He’ll be an impactful defender and versatile option for Dallas immediately, with room to grow and increase his comfort as a scorer and playmaker over time. At this point, the question is more about what heights he’ll ultimately reach, with a promising future awaiting.

ESPN’s top 10 prospects:
1. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke
2. Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers
3. Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers
4. VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
5. Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
6. Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke
7. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
8. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
9. Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois

More: Kevin Pelton’s top 30 prospects

Givony and Woo will be tracking news and team and player information until the Mavericks go on the clock Wednesday, with this version of the mock draft undergoing updates until draft time, based on our latest intel.

Walter Clayton Jr.’s landing spot?: Clayton has showcased his dynamic shotmaking in workouts and worked his way up boards in a first round that has shaped up somewhat light on point guard options. Considering the Heat’s need for a proper point guard and the way Clayton seems to fit their mold, this fit makes sense on paper.

Suns’ plans with their new pick at No. 10?: With the Suns desperately needing to upgrade their frontcourt — especially after losing their starting power forward in Kevin Durant — Collin Murray-Boyles is likely someone the team will consider heavily if they keep the pick.

Woo shares his list of the top prospects based on skills and traits in 20 categories. Here are notable names who stand out:

Best pull-up shooter: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
No player in this draft class is more dangerous in a tight window than Bailey, whose ability to rise and fire over defenders at difficult angles and knock down tough shots off the bounce make him a tantalizing scoring prospect.

Best intangibles: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Maluach is expected to be the first center off the board because of his impact for Duke as one of college basketball’s premier paint deterrents, but his appeal as an NBA prospect also has much to do with who he is as a person and what he’ll bring to a locker room.

Best rim protector: Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija (Adriatic League)
Beringer’s draft stock skyrocketed this season as scouts gradually made the trip to see him in Europe, as his excellent defensive abilities and shot-blocking chops at 18 years old were on display.

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Joan Beringer’s NBA draft profile

Check out some of the highlights that have made Joan Beringer a top NBA draft prospect.

The goal here isn’t to draw a perfect comparison for each of the 14 projected lottery picks — we’d be guaranteed to be wrong. This exercise serves as a lens to think about a prospect’s future role, examine his range of potential outcomes, and consider which areas of development are most critical to long-term success.

Here are a couple of notable comps and excerpts from Woo’s recent story:

VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
High end: Victor Oladipo
Low end: Jaden Ivey

The elevator pitch with Edgecombe centers largely around the possibility that he develops into a capable on-ball creator, where his speed, strength and elite explosiveness could best create problems for defenses. Getting him the reps he needs to make that leap will be step one wherever he lands, but the downhill, hyperathletic slashing mold he fits makes Oladipo a valid point of comparison.

Tre Johnson, SG, Texas
High end: Michael Redd
Low end: Cam Thomas, but taller

Johnson is a fairly simple prospect to understand. He’s likely going to shoot it well; he’s probably going to shoot a lot; and whatever else he ends up giving his future team will be gravy, not necessarily baked into their expectations. If Johnson can come close to the type of career Redd put together (although Redd’s peak in the early 2000s was eventually hampered by serious knee injuries in 2009), that would be a pretty outstanding result, and there are some similar components here.

More: Flagg’s best NBA comps: Tatum, Pippen and Kawhi

ESPN Research: Five things to know about this draft

1. Assuming they make the pick, the Mavericks will become the fourth team in the modern draft era (since 1966) to make the No. 1 pick in the draft within a year of reaching the NBA Finals. The others: The Bulls won the NBA Finals in 1998 and drafted Elton Brand with the No. 1 pick in 1999. The Lakers won the NBA Finals in 1982 and drafted James Worthy with the No. 1 pick in 1982. The Trail Blazers won the NBA Finals in 1977 and drafted Mychal Thompson with the No. 1 pick in 1978.

2. Flagg, who reclassified, will be 18 years and 186 days old on draft night, making him the second-youngest No. 1 pick in draft history, behind LeBron James (18 years, 178 days old) in 2003. Also, Flagg will give Duke its fifth player selected first in the draft, the most top selections of any school. The Blue Devils already had the most with four: Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), Paolo Banchero (2022).

2025 NBA draft

• New mock draft! Predictions off trades, intel
• Our final top 100 big board: 1 to 100
• Draft’s top players at 20 skills, traits
• NBA comps for 14 players: Flagg to Tatum?
• We offer potential trades for Mavs, Flagg
• 2025 draft guide is here | More

3. Based on ESPN’s latest mock draft, the first eight picks are projected to be freshmen. If that happens, it will mark the most consecutive freshmen selected in a row at any point in a single draft. The previous most came in 2017, when the first seven picks were freshmen. In all, 12 of the 14 lottery picks are projected to be freshmen, which would set a record for most selected in the lottery era. It would mark the third time double-digit freshmen were picked in the lottery (11 in 2017 and 10 in 2018).

4. Kentucky does not have a player projected to go in Round 1, which would snap a streak of 15 consecutive drafts with a first-round pick, the longest in the modern draft era (since 1966). The last time Kentucky didn’t have a player selected in the first round was in 2009, John Calipari’s final season at Memphis before taking over at Kentucky. Cooper Flagg had yet to turn 3 years old.

5. Based on ESPN’s latest mock draft, five Frenchmen are projected to be selected in the first round (Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, Nolan Traoré, Noah Penda and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud). This comes one year after four players representing France were selected in the 2024 draft, which tied Canada (2019) for the most players from a non-U.S. country taken in the first round of a single draft. France has had at least one player selected in the first round in each of the past three NBA drafts, including the past two No. 1 picks.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.



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Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings - A post-Finals look at all 30 teams for 2025-26
Esports

Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings – A post-Finals look at all 30 teams for 2025-26

by admin



Jun 22, 2025, 10:50 PM ET

The 2024-25 NBA season has officially come to a close as the Oklahoma City Thunder are crowned the new champions of the league and claim their first NBA title after defeating the Indiana Pacers in an exciting seven-game series.

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After making their first Finals appearance in over 10 years, the Thunder retain the top spot in our Way-Too-Early rankings. But after an unpredictable postseason, where did all 30 teams end up as we head into the summer?

As we close the door on another exciting NBA season, our writers reflect on all 30 teams, what to expect this offseason, and put down the groundwork for what should be another competitive, unpredictable 2025-26 season

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton and Zach Kram) think teams belong after the 2024-25 NBA season.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS

The Oklahoma City Thunder had the best regular season record in 2024-25 at 68-14. ESPN Illustration

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 record: 68-14

  • Previous rank: 1

  • Result: NBA Finals champions

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)

We might need to get used to watching the Thunder play in June. Oklahoma City won the championship with a core that consists of ascending talent. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. All-NBA sidekick Jalen Williams, 24, and likely future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, are still scratching the surface of their potential. All three of Oklahoma City’s foundational pieces will likely sign lucrative, long-term contract extensions this summer. The Thunder will add a lottery pick to the mix next season in guard Nikola Topic, who had a redshirt rookie season while recovering from a knee injury. GM Sam Presti has to figure out what to do with the two second-round picks the Thunder have in this draft, part of Oklahoma City’s deep trove of draft assets in the coming years. — Tim MacMahon

2. Minnesota Timberwolves

  • 2024-25 record: 49-33

  • Previous rank: 11

  • Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)

The Wolves looked like a contender until they ran into the buzzsaw that is the Thunder in the conference finals, losing in five games.

Because Julius Randle and Naz Reid both have player options for next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a free agent this summer, the Wolves have some major roster decisions to make. — Dave McMenamin

3. Denver Nuggets

Breaking News from Shams Charania

Download the ESPN app and enable Shams Charania’s news alerts to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, click here.

The Nuggets made their biggest changes before the end of the regular season when they fired coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. That sparked a run to the second round where Denver lost in seven games to Oklahoma City after Aaron Gordon was severely limited by a hamstring injury. Though the Nuggets might wonder how far they could have gone had they been healthy, they also need to improve the roster around Nikola Jokic. After David Adelman was officially named head coach, he said the Nuggets needed to get in better shape and to continue to focus on defense.

Denver needs more depth, especially to help win the non-Jokic minutes. And with Russell Westbrook declining his player option and entering free agency, Denver might have to find another veteran sparkplug off the bench. With only a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 available to trade, Michael Porter Jr. is probably their best trade option if they decide to make a splash in the offseason. — Ohm Youngmisuk

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 record: 64-18

  • Previous rank: 2

  • Result: Eliminated in second round

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58

Cleveland’s magical season came to an abrupt halt at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who went on to win the Eastern Conference crown after shocking the basketball world with miracle comebacks against New York and Oklahoma City.

Part of that early exit had to do with guard Darius Garland, who averaged 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from 3) in the playoffs after averaging 20.6 points on 47.2% (40.1% from 3) during the regular season. Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which limited him in the postseason, but the Cavs say he is expected to be ready for training camp. — McMenamin

5. Houston Rockets

  • 2024-25 record: 52-30

  • Previous rank: 4

  • Result: Eliminated in first round

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 10 (via PHX), No. 59 (via OKC)

The Rockets showed they’re just an offensive engine away from making a deeper run in the postseason. The club had hoped one of its young, talented players would step into that role. Instead, Houston added Kevin Durant on the last day of the NBA season, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft picks — including No. 10 in this week’s draft — back to the Suns. Durant and coach Ime Udoka worked together while with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star adds a veteran leader to a young team that finished No. 2 in the West but fell in the first round to the seasoned Warriors. — Michael C. Wright

6. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were one win away from one of the most unlikely upsets in NBA Finals history, but the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury puts a major question mark on one of the league’s most exciting teams. Haliburton went to the floor with a noncontact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, though the team has yet to reveal the severity of the injury. The Pacers made an improbable run through the Eastern Conference playoffs en route to their first Finals appearance in 25 years, and their young core will make them as well-positioned as anyone to compete for years to come, though Haliburton’s 2025-26 season is almost certainly in jeopardy. — Jamal Collier

7. New York Knicks

In his statement announcing the firing of coach Tom Thibodeau, Knicks president Leon Rose wrote in the opening sentence, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” That line, and the move to oust Thibodeau three days after New York’s deepest playoff run in 25 years, told you everything you need to know about the club’s expectations going forward, regardless of who it hires to take the coaching job. The Knicks reached the conference finals with a highly talented starting five — albeit one that was outscored during the second half of the season and in the playoffs — and a thin bench. One group or the other, if not both, will need an upgrade to win it all next season. — Chris Herring

8. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors go into the offseason wondering how far they could have gone had Stephen Curry’s hamstring remained healthy. With that in mind, the Warriors want to add around Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green. They need more size, more two-way wings who can shoot and more depth.

Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said the Warriors want Kuminga back. But Kuminga’s playing time was inconsistent all season, though he played some of his best basketball in the second-round series against Minnesota — he averaged 24.2 points in Games 2 through 5 with Curry out. Coach Steve Kerr has said that if Kuminga returns, he will commit to playing him with Curry, Butler and Green to see if it can work better early in the season. The Warriors can match offers or potentially work out a sign-and-trade. — Youngmisuk

9. Los Angeles Lakers

After not playing Jaxson Hayes in their series-ending Game 5 loss to Minnesota in the first round, the offseason priority for L.A. remains finding a center.

They’ll have the taxpayer’s midlevel exception available (approximately $5.6 million) to fortify the position. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are all on expiring contracts, as well, giving L.A. some salary to work with in the trade market. — McMenamin

10. LA Clippers

  • 2024-25 record: 50-32

  • Previous rank: 9

  • Result: Eliminated in first round

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 30 (via OKC), No. 51 (via MIN)

The Clippers exceeded expectations last season after letting Paul George walk in free agency and had a more balanced and better defense-minded team. James Harden produced at a third-team All-NBA level while Kawhi Leonard was out. Ivica Zubac emerged as a force inside at both ends and Norman Powell played like an All-Star in the first half of the season. Harden has a player option, and if he becomes a free agent, the Clippers probably will look to bring back the point guard with a deal aligned with the two years left on Leonard’s deal. The Clippers will look for ways to improve and remain competitive and will do that by seeing what transpires in the trade market this offseason. — Youngmisuk

11. Detroit Pistons

The 2024-25 season was an unreserved success for the Pistons: They increased their win total by 30 (from 14 to 44), gave the Knicks all they could handle in a close first-round playoff loss and saw Cade Cunningham make the All-NBA team for the first time in his career. The franchise will rely on its young players to keep taking steps forward. Cunningham will need to reduce his turnovers and improve his scoring efficiency. Jaden Ivey should bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren will improve his defense and Ausar Thompson should develop into more of an offensive force, like his twin brother in Houston.– Zach Kram

12. Boston Celtics

  • 2024-25 record: 61-21

  • Previous rank: 3

  • Result: Eliminated in second round

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)

In the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, there are few teams with a more consequential offseason in front of them than Boston. The current roster puts the team $23 million over the second apron, and shedding salary could happen in multiple moves. The Celtics have to decide which direction they want to go with a roster that won a championship in 2024 and will most likely look different next season. — Tim Bontemps

13. Orlando Magic

  • 2024-25 record: 41-41

  • Previous rank: 15

  • Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 25 (via DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (via BOS)

The Magic are done waiting patiently for a slow climb up the Eastern Conference hierarchy; they’re ready for a giant leap up the standings. After injuries ruined their 2024-25 season, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs sharing the court for only six games, they traded four unprotected first-round picks, a lightly protected swap and two role players for Desmond Bane. A career 41% 3-point shooter, Bane should boost an offense that ranked 30th in 3-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while splitting playmaking duties with Orlando’s incumbent stars. — Kram

14. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs’ long-term concerns — on the court and financially — in the wake of the Luka Doncic deal were mitigated by their amazing lottery luck to land Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. He will arrive in the NBA with a chance to win immediately alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who will sit out at least the 2025 part of next season while recovering from a torn ACL.

Finding a replacement for Irving who can transition into a key reserve role upon his return will be one priority for Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones and Chris Paul are among the possibilities if Dallas fills that void via free agency. The Mavs also hope to work out a new deal for Irving, who has a decision to make about his $44 million player option. — Tim MacMahon

15. Memphis Grizzlies

  • 2024-25 record: 48-34

  • Previous rank: 12

  • Result: Eliminated in first round

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)

A tough stretch late led to upheaval on the coaching staff that changed Memphis’ style of play in the postseason. Now that the club has taken the interim tag off Tuomas Iisalo’s title, the coach has a chance to spend the entire offseason implementing his systems. General manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. But the core duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has won only one playoff series. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four picks, and a pick swap. It appears more moves are on the way as the Grizzlies are looking to retool. — Wright

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Shams: Giannis trade could make for the craziest offseason ever

Shams Charania tells “The Pat McAfee Show” this offseason could be wild, with a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo move leading the headlines.

16. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee could be one of the biggest subplots in the league this summer. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a five-game dismantling by the Pacers that highlighted how far the team sits from championship contention. Combine that loss with an Achilles injury to Damian Lillard and the Bucks have a lot to figure out this offseason, including what kind of team they can build to fulfill Antetokounmpo’s desire to compete for championships in Milwaukee or whether his time with the Bucks is coming to an end. — Collier

17. San Antonio Spurs

  • 2024-25 record: 34-48

  • Previous rank: 23

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 (via ATL), No. 38

Gregg Popovich calls himself “El Jefe” (the boss). But Popovich is no longer the coach as Mitch Johnson heads into his first offseason at the helm. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle coming off being voted Rookie of the Year and the trade deadline addition of De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs enter a pivotal offseason with expectations in 2025-26 to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2018-19. Sitting with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, the Spurs are expected to add talent, such as prospect Dylan Harper, to an already talented young group. — Wright

18. Miami Heat

After again landing in the play-in tournament — only to be routed by the Cavaliers in the first round — the Heat have a lot of work to do to return to the level of competitiveness the franchise has been accustomed to over the past 30 years under Pat Riley’s leadership. But, it’s probably going to take a lot more than one offseason for Miami to close that gap, given how far away it looks. — Bontemps

19. Atlanta Hawks

  • 2024-25 record: 40-42

  • Previous rank: 18

  • Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)

Fresh off Atlanta’s front office shakeup, the team’s brass has a sizable decision on its plate regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who’s eligible for an extension this summer. He’s coming off a third consecutive season in which he averaged 25 points and 10 assists or better. But the reason there has to be at least some hesitation before offering another max deal is simple: Since the team’s 2020 surprise run to the conference finals, the Hawks — who’ve been in the play-in tournament four seasons in a row — haven’t been particularly close to breaking through again, even with Young’s efforts.

He’s not the easiest player to build around on defense, and his trade value probably would reflect that reality, which raises the question of whether it’s worth striking a more nuanced deal with him that allows more flexibility to find that roster balance. Atlanta has a decent start in that regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals and deflections by far last season. — Herring

20. Sacramento Kings

2025 NBA draft

• Our final top 100 big board: 1 to 100
• Updated mock draft: All 59 picks
• Draft’s top players at 20 skills, traits
• NBA comps for 14 players: Flagg to Tatum?
• We offer potential trades for Mavs, Flagg
• Stacking all 30 teams’ draft assets | More

The Kings will have more time to rebalance this summer after remaking their roster by swapping De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. New GM Scott Perry called the lack of a true point guard an “obvious need.” How Sacramento gets one is less obvious. Sacramento sent a lottery pick to Atlanta to complete the Kevin Huerter trade and might not have access to the entire non-taxpayer midlevel exception. It’ll depend on new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis (who would be unrestricted next summer if the Kings exercise his team option), Jake LaRavia and Trey Lyles. — Kevin Pelton

21. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 record: 24-58

  • Previous rank: 26

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35

Philadelphia got lucky in the lottery, landing the No. 3 pick and keeping its top-six protected selection. Now, as a result, the focus for the 76ers will not only be on who they select with that pick, but whether a roster devastated by injury last season can bounce back. Star Joel Embiid played in only 19 games last season, and the 76ers also played without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and rising rookie Jared McCain because of season-ending injuries. — Bontemps

22. Portland Trail Blazers

After extending the contracts of coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers are hoping to parlay their 23-18 second half into playoff contention in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive core of young talent led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Still, the Blazers’ top-three defensive rating in that span might be tough to maintain. Opponents shot just 34% on 3s in those games, second lowest in the league, and that typically doesn’t carry over. Denver, Miami and Washington gave up the lowest 3-point percentages in the 2023-24 second half. None ranked better than 14th in 2024-25. — Pelton

23. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 record: 39-43

  • Previous rank: 20

  • Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)

The Bulls have finished with the same record in consecutive years and have lost in the play-in tournament to the Heat in three straight years. But don’t expect big changes in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will look to re-sign Josh Giddey, who will be a restricted free agent, and hope to build off a strong final two months with their collection of young players around him, including last year’s lottery pick, Matas Buzelis and the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft. — Collier

24. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 record: 36-46

  • Previous rank: 21

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)

Phoenix’s thorough coaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach — and the team’s fourth in the past four years. Though Ott was critical to the Cavaliers’ stellar 2024-25 season and is considered a bright young mind in the sport, he will have to figure out how to balance three ball-dominant guards after Kevin Durant was traded to Houston in a package centered on Jalen Green, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Green will be joining a team with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already on the roster — and we already saw how that trio worked with Durant, a better off-ball player than Green is. — McMenamin

25. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2024-25 record: 21-61

  • Previous rank: 27

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 7, No. 23 (via IND)

Joe Dumars said he has spoken extensively to Zion Williamson about accountability and the responsibility that comes with being the face of the franchise. Availability is a part of that, too, as Williamson has played in 70 games only once in his five seasons. The Pels have the draft assets and controllable contracts to swing a significant trade. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones return by the start of next season? With Dejounte Murray expected to be out until January, the Pels probably will be looking in the draft or free agency to add a lead guard and a big man. — Wright

26. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 record: 30-52

  • Previous rank: 24

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)

Over the past 18 months, the Raptors have completely reshaped their roster. But as OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have left to become part of elite teams in New York, Indiana and Houston, respectively, the question is whether Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and the rest of the Raptors on the roster can return the franchise to the top of the East. Or if Masai Ujiri and his front office will try to make another splash this summer. — Bontemps

27. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2024-25 record: 26-56

  • Previous rank: 25

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 2025 NBA champions! Here’s everything to know about their seven-game triumph:

• Finals takeaways: Breaking down every game
• Kram: Seven plays defining series

The Nets could move Cameron Johnson, a skilled two-way forward who’d seemingly fit with any contender, for additional draft capital in this cycle or a future one.

The other player they’ll need to decide on is 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 points this past season as one of the league’s most effortless scorers, but is still working to build out his playmaking and defensive skills.

Brooklyn would like to be involved in any future conversations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available. But with the chatter suggesting that he’s staying put, so, too, might the Nets’ assets — for now. — Herring

28. Charlotte Hornets

  • 2024-25 record: 19-63

  • Previous rank: 28

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)

As uncomfortable as it is, the conversation has to be had: Is the franchise still clearly viewing 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a cornerstone? This past season was the third straight in which he failed to appear in at least 50 games. He also logged career worsts in field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would certainly love to see his core together more often, as he got only six games with his starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams this past season. — Herring

29. Utah Jazz

  • 2024-25 record: 17-65

  • Previous rank: 30

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (via DAL), No. 53 (via LAC)

New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge was adamant that the Jazz, who landed the No. 5 pick after having the league’s worst record last season, would not tank by manipulating minutes or using creative license with the injury report. That does not necessarily mean that winning will be Utah’s priority next season.

The Jazz listened to offers for Lauri Markkanen before signing the one-time All-Star forward to a five-year, $238 million extension last summer. With Utah early in a rebuild, could the 28-year-old be had for the right priced deal in the trade market? The Jazz are expected to continue talking trade possibilities for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins. — MacMahon

30. Washington Wizards

  • 2024-25 record: 18-64

  • Previous rank: 29

  • Result: Missed postseason

  • 2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)

Watching Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals gives the Wizards the blueprint for what a long and complete rebuild can look like. But an 18-win season with the second-worst record in the league last season didn’t yield a top-three pick but rather the No. 6 pick.

GM Will Dawkins, who began his career in OKC, says the organization has building blocks in young players such as Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. And they have the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on what the Wizards want to do, they have some veteran players to possibly trade in Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart. But Washington also could opt to keep some experienced players to help mentor their young talent, and also help them be a little more competitive to help stomach what could be another long season.

The Wizards have lost 67 and 64 games the past two seasons. — Youngmisuk



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MLB Power Rankings Week 12: Can anyone unseat Tigers at No. 1?
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MLB Power Rankings Week 12: Can anyone unseat Tigers at No. 1?

by admin



Jun 19, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

With a third week in a row atop our list, the Tigers become the team with the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 so far in our 2025 power rankings, passing the Dodgers, who have spent two consecutive weeks in the top spot twice this season.

Week 12 also saw a number of clubs continuing their rise up our rankings, including the Astros and Rays each moving up one spot, to eighth and ninth respectively, as well as the Brewers and Reds each rising three places.

The mid-June blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers from the Red Sox to the Giants didn’t affect either team’s outcome this week, with San Francisco at No. 7 for a second straight week and Boston going from 20th to 17th.

Our expert panel has ranked every team based on a combination of what we’ve seen so far and what we already knew going into the 162-game marathon that is a full baseball season. We also asked ESPN MLB experts Buster Olney, Jorge Castillo and Bradford Doolittle to weigh in with an observation for all 30 teams.

Week 11 | Preseason rankings

Record: 47-27
Previous ranking: 1

The Tigers’ poorest-performing position this season has been shortstop, the spot Detroit thought it solidified when it signed Javier Baez. Rather than becoming an obvious trade deadline need, the Tigers seem to have found an in-house solution: Baez. The return of center fielder Parker Meadows on June 2 allowed manager AJ Hinch the luxury of relocating Baez’s resurgent bat to his old position, which he had not started at since April 18. Good idea: Baez has a 1.017 OPS this season when playing at his old stomping grounds. — Doolittle

Record: 46-29
Previous ranking: 4

Underneath the shadow of the future Hall of Famers at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup, Andy Pages is emerging as one of the best young run producers in the sport. Manager Dave Roberts believes that Pages has greatly benefited from the mentorship of Teoscar Hernandez, who fosters a focus on driving in runs. Pages, said Roberts, “hunts RBI.” The 24-year-old is on pace to finish the year with 32 homers and drive in 106 runs; in his past 50 games, he’s batting over .330, with a slugging percentage close to .600. — Olney

Record: 45-29
Previous ranking: 2

The Mets’ rotation has been baseball’s best, but it’s entering a period of flux. Kodai Senga, having a Cy Young-caliber campaign, hit the shelf with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and Tylor Megill is out for longer than Senga with an elbow sprain. Meanwhile, Sean Manaea, who is on a rehab assignment for Triple-A Syracuse, and Frankie Montas, who has yet to make his Mets debut because of a lat strain, should return soon. Montas is also on rehab, but over six outings has an ERA that looks like half a football score (12.05). What will this unit look like a month from now? — Doolittle

Record: 45-28
Previous ranking: 5

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

What has really caught the attention of rival evaluators is how versatile Chicago is in how it dominates.

With Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the way, the Cubs have six players on pace to hit 20 or more homers this year. They field three players who could reach 30 bases, and they rank second in the majors in defensive runs saved. “That’s a team that could win the World Series,” an executive from another team told ESPN recently. — Olney

Record: 42-31
Previous ranking: 3

Aaron Judge is human after all. The two-time AL MVP — and near lock for another one this year — is 1-for-19 with 11 strikeouts and two intentional walks over the last five games to interrupt a historically unmatched start to the season and drop his batting average from .394 to .366. If he needed more evidence he’s again the MVP front-runner (he doesn’t), New York’s offense, which led the majors in wRC+ and OPS through last Thursday, crashed during his rut. The Yankees scored four runs in those five games and were shut out in three consecutive games for the seventh time in franchise history. The 29-inning skid was their longest since September 2016. The Yankees go as Judge goes. — Castillo

Record: 44-30
Previous ranking: 6

Nick Castellanos’ streak of 236 games started came to an abrupt halt Tuesday when Phillies manager Rob Thomson benched him for an “inappropriate comment” after Castellanos was removed from Monday’s game for defensive purposes. Truth is, he has little objective leverage working on his behalf. As tricky as public-facing defensive metrics can be in small sample sizes, they are convincing when it comes to Castellanos — and the sample is huge. Over 13 seasons at different positions, he’s minus-136 defensive runs saved, per Baseball Reference, and he has never broken even in any season, regardless of sample size. — Doolittle

Record: 41-33
Previous ranking: 7

In the first hours after Giants players learned that the team had traded for Rafael Devers, who is generally regarded as one of the better hitters in the game, they were careful to be respectful to the two big leaguers swapped to Boston in the deal, pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks. But it was easy to see in their faces how excited they are about the addition of Devers, who gives the Giants their best pure hitter since Buster Posey, the guy responsible for making the deal in his first season as San Francisco’s president of baseball operations . — Olney

Record: 43-31
Previous ranking: 9

The blows keep on coming for the Astros, but they keep on winning. The latest setback was Lance McCullers landing on the injured list when he sprained his right foot working out over the weekend. He’s the fourth Astros starter placed on the IL this season, including Yordan Alvarez, who remains out with a fractured hand. But the Astros continued to charge forward nonetheless, winning seven of eight games and 11 of their past 15 to take a commanding lead in the AL West. Hunter Brown (1.88 ERA in 14 starts), Josh Hader (1.45 ERA in 29 games) and Jeremy Pena (3.6 fWAR and 143 wRC+) have starred for a franchise that just won’t stop winning. — Castillo

Record: 41-33
Previous ranking: 10

Passan’s early MLB trade deadline preview

As trade season starts up, here are the biggest names who could move — and the teams that could deal for them.
Jeff Passan »

Here’s a fact not on most people’s bingo cards in 2025: The Rays, the organization once at the forefront of the opener craze, lead the majors in starter innings pitched. That’s despite not having ace Shane McClanahan throw a single pitch this season. Instead, right-handers Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot are leading the way. Rasmussen has a 2.55 ERA in 14 starts. Pepiot has a 3.11 ERA in 15 outings. Further illustrating Tampa Bay’s consistency in the rotation, Rasmussen, Pepiot, Zack Littell, Taj Bradley and Shane Baz have started 72 of the team’s 73 games this season. Joe Boyle got the other start. The formula is working, with the Rays surging to within 1½ games of the first-place Yankees in the AL East. — Castillo

Record: 39-34
Previous ranking: 8

Manny Machado is a big-stage performer, and the Padres have a couple of high-end starting pitchers. But in the eyes of some rival executives, the best part of the team is its bullpen. “That’s the group that got them as far as they got last year,” one club official said.

Moving forward, evaluators from other teams are very curious as to whether the Padres’ key relievers can continue to sustain the high volume of work. Jason Adam is tied for most appearances in the big leagues; Jeremiah Estrada was tied for the fifth-most outings; and Adrian Morejon was tied for 10th most. — Olney

Record: 39-35
Previous ranking: 14

In this era when relievers are absorbing more and more innings, Abner Uribe has emerged among the best setup men, with the sort of stuff that makes you wonder how anyone can hit him. Uribe is averaging 11.53 strikeouts per nine innings, but he also has generated an exceptional ground ball-fly ball rate of 2-to-1. Closer Trevor Megill, Nick Mears and Uribe have been the collective backbone for the Brewers’ bullpen this season. — Olney

Record: 40-33
Previous ranking: 13

Max Scherzer completed his second and maybe final rehab start Wednesday and looked ready for the big leagues. Pitching for Triple-A Buffalo, the 40-year-old right-hander held Worcester to one hit and two walks with eight strikeouts over 4⅓ innings. He threw 75 pitches, the target number in preparation for possibly coming off the IL next. Scherzer landed on the IL with right thumb inflammation after logging just three innings in his season debut March 29. The Blue Jays have remained in the postseason picture without him, but the rotation, which ranks 26th in ERA, could use a healthy and effective Scherzer, who signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract in February. — Castillo

Record: 39-35
Previous ranking: 16

The history of manager Terry Francona’s teams, generally, is that they will get better over the course of the season, and Cincinnati has proved that anecdote to be true. The Reds have won 19 of their past 30 games, and they’ve got a run differential of plus-44 for the season. The surge coincides with the play of Elly De La Cruz, who is batting .333 with 15 runs and 10 RBIs in 15 games. Somebody get De La Cruz to the Home Run Derby. — Olney

Record: 37-36
Previous ranking: 15

ESPN ‘Sunday Night Baseball’

Catch the biggest names and the best teams in baseball on ESPN all season long.

Sunday, 7 p.m. ET: Mets-Phillies

Logan Gilbert was activated from the IL on Monday and looked sharp in his return from a right elbow flexor strain. The 2024 All-Star held the Red Sox to two runs with 10 strikeouts in his first start since April 25. Gilbert has a 2.55 ERA in seven outings this season. His strikeout rate has soared from 27.4% last season to 39.7% in this year’s small sample size. If he stays healthy, he’s a significant boost for a club that lost eight of nine games earlier this month and fell behind the Astros in the AL West. — Castillo

Record: 36-37
Previous ranking: 19

It’ll be interesting to see how deep Arizona delves into the free agent pitching market, since its recent forays there have been an abject disaster: Madison Bumgarner (five years, $85 million), Jordan Montgomery (two years, $47.5 million), Eduardo Rodriguez (four years, $80 million) and Corbin Burnes (six years, $210 million). Bumgarner was cut in the fourth year of his deal; Montgomery was terrible last year and had elbow surgery this year; Rodriguez has a 6.27 ERA in 2025; and Burnes is out for the season after Tommy John surgery. — Olney

Record: 38-35
Previous ranking: 12

When executives near the end of their contracts, the usual expectation is that those officials will make a big push at the deadline to give their respective teams the best possible chance to win — and maybe make a case for an extension. The read of St. Louis by other teams, conversely, is that the Cardinals won’t consider being aggressive at the trade deadline out of the desire for a more palatable finish for John Mozeliak, who is in his last year as the team’s head of baseball operations. — Olney

Record: 39-37
Previous ranking: 20

The decision to trade Rafael Devers might haunt the Red Sox for a long time. At the moment, questions still abound: Why now? Why for that package? Was there a mandate from ownership to unload the entirety of Devers’ contract? Lost in the outrage is another question: How is Boston going to replace Devers? Unearthing Devers’ production elsewhere is far-fetched.

As for the DH spot Devers left behind, the Red Sox will at least temporarily cycle various players. They used Kristian Campbell, Rob Refsnyder and Romy Gonzalez in the first three games of the post-Devers era. A more permanent solution could soon be Masataka Yoshida, who has been on the IL all season after undergoing shoulder surgery in October. — Castillo

Record: 36-37
Previous ranking: 11

It’s hard to believe, but, at 31 years old, Byron Buxton has played more than 102 games only once since reaching the majors in 2015. This season, he has been mostly healthy (now would be the time to knock on wood, Twins fans) and is playing as well as he ever has. Buxton has a career-best OBP, and, once on base, he’s 12-for-12 in stolen bases while scoring 41% of the time, tied for third best in the AL. His power numbers are good, and, according to BaseballMusings.com, he leads the AL in RBI percentage among qualifying batters. — Doolittle

Record: 36-38
Previous ranking: 22

The Rangers put up 16 runs twice in three games last week, giving fans hope that the team’s perplexing offensive struggles were in the past. But they have otherwise continued. Besides those two games, Texas has been held to five or fewer runs in its 12 games since June 1. Turns out the hitting coach wasn’t the problem. And yet the ineptitude has not cost the Rangers much lately; they’ve won seven of 10 games to squeeze back into the wild-card picture. — Castillo

Record: 37-35
Previous ranking: 18

MLB ballpark model of the future

The Battery Atlanta is an enticing blueprint for teams. But creating an entire neighborhood is a hard act to follow. Bradford Doolittle »

At 32 years old, Jose Ramirez is as good as ever and is a solid bet to land an eighth top-10 MVP finish of his eventual Hall of Fame career. He has been at it so long now that, at this point, he’s moving way up the list on a number of Cleveland franchise leaderboards. He should pass Tris Speaker for second in total bases in the next month, leaving only Earl Averill ahead of him. Ramirez also has a great shot at passing Hal Trosky, Nap Lajoie and Jim Thome this season to move in behind Averill in RBIs. Just an amazing career. — Doolittle

Record: 33-39
Previous ranking: 21

Matt Olson has probably been the Braves’ best position player this season, but that might say more about Ronald Acuna Jr.’s late start to the season and the club’s underachieving offense than about Olson. The lefty masher racked up 54 homers and 139 RBIs in 2023, but this season’s .251/.354/.479 showing is a dead ringer for his numbers in 2022 and 2024. In other words, 2023 looks like an outlier year, not a new, elite career level. Olson is a fine player as is, but this season’s Braves sure could use the 54-homer version of him. — Doolittle

Record: 36-38
Previous ranking: 17

The Royals’ clutch-hitting-based offense of 2024 has devolved into the AL’s lowest-scoring attack in 2025. The bats were particularly miserable during a 3-10 start to June, when Kansas City scored three or fewer runs eight times, losing all eight of those games. Injuries dinged the pitching staff, affecting the run prevention, and the bats have not picked up the slack. Even Bobby Witt Jr. has struggled. Over his first 12 games this month, Witt hit .234 with a .677 OPS. As the offense flailed, the Royals’ postseason odds dwindled to the point that the club’s trade deadline direction is no longer fixed. — Doolittle

Record: 36-37
Previous ranking: 24

The Angels’ aggressive handling of top prospects continued last week when they called up second baseman Christian Moore, their first-round pick from Tennessee last June. Moore is the third straight first-round pick the Angels fast-tracked to the majors within the first half of their first full professional season, joining shortstop Zach Neto and first baseman Nolan Schanuel. A Yankees fan from Brooklyn, Moore went hitless in his first two starts before lining a triple past a diving Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium on Monday for his first career hit. — Castillo

Record: 31-42
Previous ranking: 25

Boston’s AL East rivals were surely pleased to see Rafael Devers shipped off to San Francisco, but perhaps nobody was happier than the Orioles’ Ryan O’Hearn. With Devers in the NL, O’Hearn moved to first place among AL designated hitters in All-Star fan voting. The slugger is deserving of the honor. In a lineup featuring Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, O’Hearn has been the club’s best hitter with a .302 batting average, 10 home runs and an OPS of .869 in 61 games. Astonishingly, he could end up being Baltimore’s lone representative. — Castillo

Record: 30-44
Previous ranking: 23

Top 10 prospect lists for every MLB team

Who is rising and falling in every major league farm system? Kiley McDaniel digs in.
Updated top rankings for all 30 teams »

Welcome to The Show, Brady House. The Nationals’ first pick (No. 11) from the 2021 draft made his MLB debut last week against Colorado. He collected his first two hits and first RBI in his second game (also against the Rockies). When Dylan Crews returns from the IL, he will join House, CJ Abrams and Robert Hassell III on an active roster with four top-11 picks taken since 2019 — and that doesn’t include budding star James Wood, a second-round pick in 2021. The Nationals are flailing on the field lately, but their talent level keeps rising. — Doolittle

Record: 29-45
Previous ranking: 26

David Bednar has had some ups and downs in his time as the Pirates’ closer, but with the trade deadline 42 days away, he is drawing the attention of some rival evaluators with his recent performances. Pitching for a team that isn’t going to provide many save chances, Bednar has six walks and 34 strikeouts in 24 innings. Left-handed hitters have an OPS of just .548 against Bednar, and he has given up only one extra-base hit (a double) in 41 at-bats. — Olney

Record: 30-46
Previous ranking: 28

The Athletics have been a better club on the road than at Sutter Health Park, their temporary, minor league digs, and nobody embodies the contrast more than Luis Severino. The veteran right-hander has a 6.79 ERA in 10 home starts and a 0.93 ERA in six road outings. Combine the outputs and you get a 4.42 ERA — not what the Athletics envisioned when they gave Severino the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history. If only he could pitch anywhere but West Sacramento. — Castillo

Record: 29-43
Previous ranking: 27

If you created a Sandy Alcantara trade barometer, the arrow would be pointing upward, meaning things are looking up. After bottoming out at an 8.47 ERA at the end of May, Alcantara has displayed sharper command this month, and the results have followed. In three starts — which includes outings against the woeful offenses of Colorado and Pittsburgh — Alcantara has a 2.12 ERA over 17 innings with 15 strikeouts and only three walks. Suitors are probably already knocking on the proverbial door of Marlins GM Peter Bendix regarding the former Cy Young winner, but if Alcantara keeps this up, they’ll be pounding on it. — Doolittle

Record: 23-50
Previous ranking: 29

If you’re going to stink, you might as well do it with young players so that your fans can dream of a day when things don’t stink so bad. Here’s a fun fact: The White Sox lead the majors in rookie WAR, ranking sixth among hitters and tops on the pitching side. Chicago is still headed for another 100-loss season, but things could be worse: Colorado, which looks to be bidding to break the loss record set by last year’s ChiSox, ranks last in rookie WAR. South Side denizens would be more than happy to let the Rox take on that malodorous crown of worst team in history. — Doolittle

Record: 17-57
Previous ranking: 30

ESPN Draft Coverage

Stay up to date with the latest intel from ESPN’s experts.
MLB: McDaniel’s latest mock draft »
NBA: Top 100 prospects » | Mock drafts »
NFL: Early 2026 first-round predictions »
NHL: Big board: Top 64 draft prospects »
WNBA: Top 15 prospects for 2026 draft »

Given the struggles of the Rockies this season, they are likely to glean only one spot on the NL’s All-Star team, and perhaps that’ll be Hunter Goodman, the 25-year-old who leads Colorado in all of the Triple Crown categories. So much has gone wrong for the Rockies, but the emergence of Goodman has been perhaps the team’s best story. Over 70 games in 2024, Goodman hit .190 with a .417 slugging percentage. This year, he has improved his OPS by more than 200 points. — Olney



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WNBA Power Rankings: First Lynx, Liberty losses open race to Cup championship
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WNBA Power Rankings: First Lynx, Liberty losses open race to Cup championship

by admin


  • Michael VoepelJun 17, 2025, 08:30 AM ET

    Close

      Michael Voepel is a senior writer who covers the WNBA, women’s college basketball and other college sports. Voepel began covering women’s basketball in 1984, and has been with ESPN since 1996.

The Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty losing their first games of the season didn’t change the top of ESPN’s WNBA Power Rankings, but it did shake up the Commissioner’s Cup picture.

A week ago, it seemed likely that the Lynx and Liberty would meet in the championship game on July 1, as they did last year. Now, the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever — with Caitlin Clark back in the latter lineup after missing five games (quad injury) — have a chance to beat the Liberty to represent the Eastern Conference, while the Seattle Storm face the Lynx for those rights in the Western Conference. And it all comes down to Tuesday’s concluding Cup games.

Let’s start in the East.

If the Dream beat the Liberty on the road, Atlanta will represent the East regardless of whether the Fever beat the Connecticut Sun thanks to Atlanta’s win over Indiana on June 10. If the Dream lose and the Fever win, Indiana and New York would be 4-1 — the Fever would have the tiebreaker as a result of their Cup game victory over the Liberty on Saturday, when Clark returned to action. (Note that results before Cup games started June 1 don’t count.)

The Liberty, who won the Cup title in 2023 and lost the championship to the Lynx last year, need to beat the Dream and have the Fever lose to the Sun in order to reach New York’s third consecutive final.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Meanwhile in the West, the Lynx, Storm and the Golden State Valkyries could all finish at 4-2 in the Cup standings along with the Phoenix Mercury, who concluded Cup play Sunday. But because of the various tiebreaking scenarios, Phoenix and Golden State are already eliminated.

Minnesota still controls its Cup destiny. The Lynx will advance to the final if they defeat the Las Vegas Aces at home or if Seattle loses on the road to the Los Angeles Sparks. Seattle would need both a win over Los Angeles and a Minnesota loss to advance.

If the Lynx and Liberty don’t meet for the Commissioner’s Cup title, we won’t see the league’s two best teams face off until late July in what would be the first of four meetings over three weeks.

Previous ranking: 1

Next seven days: vs. LV (June 17), vs. LA (June 21)

Coach Cheryl Reeve was very pragmatic after last Wednesday’s 94-84 loss at Seattle, saying Minnesota simply didn’t play well enough to win on the road. The Lynx bounced back with a 101-78 win over the Sparks on Saturday behind Napheesa Collier ‘s 32 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. That, combined with the Liberty’s loss to the Fever, keeps the Lynx in the top spot. A win over Las Vegas on Tuesday gets Minnesota back into the Commissioner’s Cup final a year after winning it.

Previous ranking: 2

Next seven days: vs. ATL (June 17), vs. PHO (June 19), @ SEA (June 22)

The Liberty are not the same team without starters Jonquel Jones (ankle) and Leonie Fiebich (overseas commitment for EuroBasket). Coach Sandy Brondello said the team hopes to have Jones back for Tuesday’s game against the Dream, but the Liberty are thinking “big picture” about her health as it pertains to a long season. Sabrina Ionescu’s scoring stood out last week with a combined 57 points between a win over Chicago and a loss at Indiana.

play

2:12

Clark, Ionescu trade buckets as Fever hand Liberty first loss

Caitlin Clark scores 32 points with seven 3s to lead Indiana past New York, despite 34 points and four 3s from Sabrina Ionescu.

Previous ranking: 5

Next 7 days: @ NY (June 17), vs. WAS (June 20), vs. CHI (June 22)

This is how effectively new coach Karl Smesko has translated his 3-point heavy offense from college to the WNBA: Atlanta set a franchise record with 18 3s in Sunday’s win at Washington. The Dream’s 84.6 points per game also rank third in the league compared to a league-worst 77.0 last season. Overall, they went 3-0 last week with wins over Indiana and Chicago, too, and are one win away from their first Commissioner’s Cup final. But they will have to get past the Liberty in New York on Tuesday.

Previous ranking: 4

Next 7 days: @ CON (June 18), @ NY (June 19), @ CHI (June 21)

The Mercury went 2-0 last week with victories over the Wings and Aces behind Satou Sabally’s combined 42 points and 18 rebounds. Their starting lineup and top reserves are now at full strength with Kahleah Copper (knee), Alyssa Thomas (calf) and Natasha Mack (back) having returned from injuries over the past week. Thomas had points-assists double-doubles in both wins after missing five games.

Previous ranking: 6

Next 7 days: vs. CON (June 17), @ GS (June 19), @ LV (June 22)

It took Caitlin Clark a quarter — in which she hit three consecutive long-range 3s — to reestablish her dynamic impact. She finished with 32 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds as the Fever handed the Liberty their first loss of the season Saturday, with Indiana making 17 3s just four days after losing to Atlanta with a season-low 58 points. The Fever did not have DeWanna Bonner (out for personal reasons) in the win but got a very good effort from their bench with a combined 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

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Caitlin Clark puts on a show with 25 first-half points in her return

Caitlin Clark lights it up with six 3s and 25 points in the first half in her first game back from injury for the Fever.

Previous ranking: 3

Next seven days: @ LA (June 17), @ LV (June 20), vs. NY (June 22)

Seattle has been hard to figure out. Are the Storm more like the team that dealt the Lynx their first loss last Wednesday? Or more like the team that was outrebounded 33-20 and fell 76-70 at the Valkyries on Saturday? It’s impossible to be sure right now, which is why the Storm have bounced around in each week’s edition of the Power Rankings. Thanks to the win over Minnesota, though, Seattle stays a smidge ahead of Golden State despite losing to the Valkyries on the road.

Previous ranking: 8

Next 7 days: @ DAL (June 17) vs. IND (June 19), vs. CON (June 22)

Perspective is everything. A 5-5 mark seems like a triumphant start for the Valkyries’ first season, even though that same record is arguably disastrous for the Aces. It looks like what the Valkyries said in the preseason about not underestimating them was not just hopeful rhetoric — they have won three in a row and lost the three games before that by an average of only 8.3 points. Kayla Thornton, picked up from New York in the expansion draft, has four double-doubles after just five total over her previous nine WNBA seasons.

Previous ranking: 7

Next 7 days: @ MIN (June 17), vs. SEA (June 20), vs. IND (June 22)

The Aces weren’t playing like contenders, even before three-time MVP A’ja Wilson entered the concussion protocol after being hit in the face during Wednesday’s 97-89 loss to the Sparks, though Las Vegas did rally to beat Dallas 88-84 on Friday before falling 76-70 to Phoenix on Sunday. Coach Becky Hammon said there should be more emphasis on penalizing hits to the head, telling reporters after the loss to the Mercury, “I think it’s something that people really have to start looking at, because people are dropping like flies with concussions.”

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Previous ranking: 10

Next 7 days: vs. SEA (June 17), @ MIN (June 21)

The Sparks fell 101-78 at the Lynx on Saturday, but let’s focus on the bright spots for Los Angeles: second-year forward Rickea Jackson, who missed games on May 30 and June 1 while in the concussion protocol, had a career-high 30 points in Wednesday’s 97-89 win over Las Vegas. And fellow post player Azura Stevens is averaging career bests in scoring (13.3) and rebounding (8.7) in her eighth WNBA season. That said, there is also a recent setback: Kelsey Plum, who leads the Sparks in scoring and assists, is out Tuesday with a leg injury.

Previous ranking: 9

Next 7 days: @ CHI (June 17), @ ATL (June 20), vs. DAL (June 22)

The Mystics have dropped four of their past five games since the end of May, including a 89-56 home loss to the Dream on Sunday in which Washington made only 3 shots from deep compared to Atlanta’s franchise-record 18. It was the Mystics’ lowest point total of the season and came only a week after they scored a season-high 104 against the Sun.

Previous ranking: 12

Next 7 days: vs. WAS (June 17), vs. PHO (June 21), @ ATL (June 22)

After losing to the Liberty and Dream earlier in the week, the Sky secured a much-needed pick-me-up Sunday with a 78-66 win at the Sun as Angel Reese got her first WNBA triple-double (11 points, 11 assists, 13 rebounds). Chicago has the league’s second-worst net rating at minus-14.6, ranking ahead of only Connecticut’s minus-22.

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Angel Reese has her first triple-double in the WNBA

Angel Reese records her first triple-double for the Chicago Sky with 11 assists, 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Previous ranking: 11

Next 7 days: @ IND (June 17), vs. PHO (June 18), vs. DAL (June 20), @ GS (June 22)

The Sun’s only game last week was their loss to the Sky, which highlighted just how much Connecticut’s offense and defense has struggled this season. The Sun have the league’s worst offensive rating (92.7) and lowest scoring average (71.3 points per game), plus the worst defensive rating (114.7). Somehow, the Sun still have one more victory than the Wings — but are also the only team that Dallas has defeated.

Previous ranking: 13

Next 7 days: vs. GS (June 17), @ CON (June 20), @ WAS (June 22)

The good news is that No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers has returned from the concussion protocol and illness, which kept her out four total games. She had 35 points in her return Wednesday, but Dallas still lost 93-80 at Phoenix. And just when the Wings looked like they could get back in the victory column Friday, the Aces outscored them 17-2 in the closing stretch of the 88-84 defeat.



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NWSL Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Kansas City?
Esports

NWSL Power Rankings: Can anyone stop Kansas City?

by admin



Jun 16, 2025, 02:30 AM ET

It’s Monday, and another week of NWSL action is in the books, which means it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.

Who’s climbing the table? Who’s in free fall? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 12 to come up with this week’s order of all 14 teams in the league. Let’s dive in.

Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Friday, June 20 vs. Angel City, 8 p.m. ET

When the Kansas City Current are firing on all cylinders, there’s no stopping them. Just ask Racing Louisville, who watched as three goals hit the back of their net inside the first 19 minutes at CPKC Stadium on Saturday. Between their rapid counter-attacking play — good luck dealing with Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper on the break — and their incisive possession approach, even a second-half flurry from the visitors couldn’t rob Kansas City of all three points in a 4-2 victory.

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Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Sunday, June 22 vs. Washington Spirit, 10 p.m. ET

One of the hottest teams in the league, San Diego collected their sixth win in their last eight games in a 3-2 victory over the Houston Dash on Friday. Playing away from home, the Wave got out to a 2-0 lead in the first half in no small part due to their interchanging attackers and surging runs from goal-scorer Kenza Dali out of midfield. Though they were outscored in the second half and conceded a sloppy goal to Yazmeen Ryan, Jonas Eidevall’s team continues to impress.

Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Friday, June 20 vs. Racing Louisville, 8 p.m. ET

If you look up “smash and grab” in the dictionary, it’ll show you a picture of the Orlando Pride after their 1-0 win over Bay FC. Alright, fine. It won’t. But it should. Despite allowing 20 shots and 1.7 xG on Friday, as per FBref, Orlando still managed a narrow victory thanks to none other than Barbra Banda. After a quick free kick on the left side of midfield, Banda surged into space, worked her way into the box, and capitalized on a deflection to score the game’s only goal. The Pride have a few defensive frailties to address, but they’ll take the three points.

Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Sunday, June 22 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET

Playing without head coach Jonatan Giráldez (not because of his upcoming move to France but because he and his partner were expecting their second child), the Spirit fell 2-0 to the Portland Thorns to close out the NWSL’s weekend slate. Washington’s narrow midfield helped them hold the majority of possession in Portland. But a sloppy turnover put them in a first-half hole and an inability to capitalize on any of their 13 shots kept them from digging their way out.

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1:59

Portland Thorns FC vs. Washington Spirit – Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Portland Thorns FC vs. Washington Spirit, 06/16/2025

Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Bay FC, 7.30 p.m. ET

Though they won the CONCACAF W Champions Cup last month, Gotham FC collected their first league win since April in a 3-0 victory over the Utah Royals on Friday. With a penalty kick goal from Esther Gonzalez and a pair of red cards, one to Jess Carter and one to Jaelin Howell, Gotham’s route to three points was far from uneventful. Still, the visitors largely controlled the game and Rose Lavelle made her second appearance of the year. Not bad for a road trip.

Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Chicago Stars, 10 p.m. ET

In the NWSL, there are few better ways to bounce back from a disappointing loss than by besting the Washington Spirit. Even with the Spirit in a state of managerial transition, the Portland Thorns’ 2-0 win was an impressive one over a team that hadn’t lost since the beginning of May. Between some timely high pressing and lethal transition attacking, Portland ended Sunday’s match worthy of earning all three points.

Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Utah Royals, 5 p.m. ET

Even playing on the road, it’s a challenge not to look at a draw with the Chicago Stars as two points dropped. Due to a poor start that featured their transition defense getting torn apart on two separate occasions inside the first 15 minutes on Saturday, it took everything in the Reign to claw back for a 2-2 draw. Yes, getting those two goals back not long before the final whistle helped salvage the outing, but consistency still lacks for Laura Harvey’s team.

Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Friday, June 20 vs. Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET

At their best, Racing Louisville have been a compact, effective defensive team that makes life absolutely miserable for anyone and everyone on their schedule. It’s that hard-nosed style that’s held them above the playoff line so far this season. But on Saturday in Kansas City, that collective defensive work was absent. Louisville was sluggish in transition, gappy in possession, and never in the game in a 4-2 loss to the Current.

Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Gotham FC, 7.30 p.m. ET

It’s difficult to see positives in a loss, but if there was ever a moment to do so for Bay FC, it’s after their narrow defeat to the Orlando Pride on Friday. While a deflected shot from Banda earned Orlando a 1-0 lead, Bay outplayed the Pride for most of the match. The home side used the ball well in possession and on set pieces, managing 20 shots compared to just seven for their opponents. So much was working for Bay FC — aside from the final touch.

Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Houston Dash, 7.30 p.m. ET

Saturday’s 2-1 win over Angel City was nervy, featuring a near-last minute winner in second-half stoppage-time from Brianna Pinto. But it was a well-earned three points for North Carolina, who outshot their hosts 24 to 13, even with Jaedyn Shaw and Ashley Sanchez both beginning the game on the bench. Playing out of Sean Nahas’ back-three setup, the Courage managed their third-highest xG total of the year and inched closer to the playoff line.

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1:58

Angel City FC vs. North Carolina Courage – Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Angel City FC vs. North Carolina Courage, 06/15/2025

Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Friday, June 20 vs. Kansas City Current, 8 p.m. ET

The second youngest team in the NWSL based on FBref’s average age weighted by minutes played metric, there were always going to be growing pains for Angel City in 2025. Those growing pains played out in real time in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, a game where the hosts allowed the opener in the first minute and the game-winner deep in second half stoppage time. Both Thompson sisters were bright, but there wasn’t enough in the attack to overcome Angel City’s sloppy defending inside their own box.

Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. NC Courage, 7.30 p.m. ET

Despite a surge in the second half where they outscored the Wave, the Houston Dash fell 3-2 to San Diego on Friday. Generating quality attacking chances in open play continues to be a struggle for Houston, who managed just two passes into the attacking penalty box on the evening, according to FBref. Yazmeen Ryan and Barbara Olivieri, who each scored against San Diego, provide a useful level of incision — but the two need help.

Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. ET

Things never seem to look up for the Chicago Stars for too long, do they? After Ludmila’s brace inside the first 13 minutes put Chicago ahead on Saturday, the Stars proceeded to ship two goals, one in the 87th minute and one in the 89th, to draw 2-2 with the Seattle Reign. The chance for a second win in 2025 was within their grasp, but it wasn’t to be.

Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Saturday, June 21 vs. Seattle Reign, 5 p.m. ET

From a sloppy penalty concession to incredibly sluggish recovery defending in their own half, Utah put in a sub-par performance against NJ/NY Gotham FC on Friday. Losing 3-0 in front of their home crowd, the Royals only managed six total shots despite trailing for all but nine minutes of the match. Friday’s disappointment was the latest reminder in a long string of such reminders that Utah have a ways to go as a club.



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