The Best Individual NFL Seasons of 2025

The countdown reaches its conclusion.

Over the past four installments, The S3 Top 100 NFL Players of 2026 has recognized the players who produced the finest individual performances during the 2025 NFL season. This wasn't a career achievement list. It wasn't based on popularity, fantasy football value, or reputation. Every ranking was built around one simple question:
Who had the best individual season in the NFL during 2025?

The final 20 players represent the very best football had to offer. MVP candidates. Award winners. All-Pro selections. Franchise cornerstones. These were the players who defined the NFL season.

20. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Houston Texans
Will Anderson Jr. officially arrived as one of the NFL's premier edge rushers. His relentless motor, elite athleticism, and ability to disrupt quarterbacks helped transform Houston's defense into one of the AFC's most dangerous units.

19. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Fred Warner once again reminded everyone why he remains the gold standard for off-ball linebackers. His instincts, leadership, and ability to impact every phase of defense made him indispensable.

18. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones remained one of football's most dominant interior defenders. His ability to collapse the pocket from the middle continued changing games on a weekly basis.

17. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
Patrick Surtain II delivered another shutdown season, consistently erasing the opponent's top receiving threat. Few defensive backs influenced offensive game plans the way Surtain did.

16. Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons remained one of the NFL's most feared defenders. Whether rushing the passer or attacking the backfield, Parsons consistently forced offenses to account for him on every snap.

15. T.J. Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers
T.J. Watt continued proving that consistency defines greatness. His pass-rushing ability, forced turnovers, and leadership kept Pittsburgh's defense among the NFL's elite.

14. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley reminded everyone why he remains one of football's most complete offensive weapons. His explosive running style and ability to contribute as a receiver helped fuel one of the NFL's top offenses.

13. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson once again delivered elite production despite facing constant defensive attention. His route running and playmaking ability remained second to none.

12. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
After returning to full health, Christian McCaffrey authored one of the league's greatest comeback seasons. His dual-threat production once again made him one of football's most valuable offensive players.

11. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson elevated himself into the conversation as the NFL's premier running back. His combination of vision, power, receiving ability, and explosive athleticism made him nearly impossible to defend.

The S3 Top 10 NFL Players of 2026

10. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua followed his historic start to his career with another dominant campaign. His toughness, reliability, and ability to produce in every situation helped power one of football's best passing attacks.

9. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja'Marr Chase remained one of football's most explosive offensive weapons. Few receivers changed games as quickly or as dramatically as Chase.

8. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes once again produced an elite season. Although others surpassed him statistically in 2025, Mahomes continued proving why he remains the NFL's standard at quarterback.

7. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow delivered one of the finest quarterback seasons of his career, combining elite accuracy, leadership, and efficiency while leading one of football's most dangerous offenses.

6. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen remained one of the NFL's most dynamic players, producing another MVP-caliber campaign through his arm, athleticism, and ability to create explosive plays.

5. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson once again reminded everyone why he is one of the league's most unique superstars. His dual-threat ability continued redefining the quarterback position.

4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
The NFL's Offensive Player of the Year put together the finest season of his career. Leading the league in receiving yards while consistently delivering explosive performances made Smith-Njigba one of the defining players of 2025.

3. Myles Garrett, EDGE, Los Angeles Rams
The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year authored one of the greatest pass-rushing seasons in league history. Garrett consistently dominated offensive tackles while setting the NFL single-season sack record.

2. Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Drake Maye's breakout campaign nearly resulted in league MVP honors. His poise, production, and leadership transformed New England into one of the NFL's biggest success stories while finishing just behind Matthew Stafford in one of the closest MVP races in decades.

The S3's NFL Player of the Year

1. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
The 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player sits atop The S3 Top 100 NFL Players of 2026.

Matthew Stafford enjoyed a remarkable renaissance, leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns while guiding the Rams to one of the NFL's best records. His command of Sean McVay's offense, ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations, and leadership throughout the season earned him his second career MVP Award.
No player had a greater impact on the 2025 NFL season than Matthew Stafford.

He is The S3's No. 1 NFL Player entering the 2026 season.

The Complete Top 10
1. Matthew Stafford
2. Drake Maye
3. Myles Garrett
4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
5. Lamar Jackson
6. Josh Allen
7. Joe Burrow
8. Patrick Mahomes
9. Ja'Marr Chase
10. Puka Nacua

Final Thoughts
Building The S3's Top 100 NFL Players of 2026 required one guiding principle: reward what actually happened during the 2025 season.

That philosophy produced a list that differs from traditional rankings. Award winners rose to the top. Emerging superstars climbed ahead of established veterans. Breakout performers received the recognition they earned. Rather than rewarding career résumés, this series celebrated the players who truly shaped the 2025 NFL season.

​The result is a Top 100 that reflects production, impact, and excellence—and one that will undoubtedly spark debate throughout the 2026 season.

Other Articles in this Series:
The S3's Top 100 NFL Players of 2026: Nos. 40–21 
The S3's Top 100 NFL Players of 2026: Nos. 60–41 
The S3 Top 100 NFL Players of 2026: Nos. 80–61 
The S3's Top 100 NFL Players of 2026: Nos. 100–81