NFL’s Best Half-Decade Team of 2020s (2020-2025)

Patrick Mahomes - Quarterback

Mahomes cemented his status as the face of the NFL from 2020–2025. Winning two Super Bowls and another MVP in this span, he redefined quarterback play with creativity, consistency, and big-game dominance. No player shaped the first half of the 2020s more than Mahomes so far.

Christian McCaffrey - Running Back

When healthy, McCaffrey was the most complete offensive weapon of the half-decade. His ability to dominate as both a rusher and receiver made him indispensable, especially after joining San Francisco. His versatility powered the 49ers’ offense and kept him in constant All-Pro discussions.

Justin Jefferson - Wide Receiver

Jefferson wasted no time making history, breaking records in his first four seasons. With unmatched consistency, highlight-reel grabs, and massive production, he became the league’s most reliable receiver. From 2020–2025, Jefferson was the gold standard at his position.

Ja’Marr Chase - Wide Receiver

Chase instantly transformed Cincinnati’s offense after his arrival in 2021. His chemistry with Joe Burrow fueled deep playoff runs, while his explosiveness made him one of the most feared receivers in football. He was the perfect complement to Jefferson as the other dominant wideout of the era.

CeeDee Lamb - Wide Receiver

Lamb grew into the Cowboys’ offensive centerpiece during this stretch, evolving from promising prospect to All-Pro star. His route running, toughness, and ability to thrive in big moments made him one of the most productive receivers of the early 2020s.

Travis Kelce - Tight End

Kelce continued his Hall of Fame trajectory by dominating the position well into his 30s. As Mahomes’ go-to weapon, he piled up record-setting playoff numbers and maintained unmatched consistency. From 2020–2025, Kelce remained the king of tight ends.

Penei Sewell - Left Tackle

Sewell emerged as one of the NFL’s premier young linemen after being drafted in 2021. His blend of size, agility, and power made him a cornerstone for Detroit’s resurgence. By 2025, Sewell was widely considered one of the league’s best tackles.

Zack Martin - Right Guard

Even in his 30s, Martin was the gold standard for offensive guards. His flawless technique and dominance in both pass protection and run blocking earned him multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro nods. He was the rock of Dallas’ line throughout the first half of the decade.

Creed Humphrey - Center

Drafted in 2021, Humphrey quickly became the NFL’s best center. Anchoring Kansas City’s line, he gave Mahomes clean pockets and helped stabilize the run game. His consistency and leadership made him an easy selection for this team.

Quenton Nelson - Left Guard

Nelson remained one of the NFL’s most physical and intimidating linemen through the first half of the 2020s. Despite some injuries, his dominance when healthy kept him among the league’s elite guards. His presence was key to Indianapolis’ offensive identity.

Tristan Wirfs - Right Tackle

Wirfs was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s 2020 Super Bowl run and quickly grew into one of the league’s best tackles. His strength and athleticism allowed him to dominate both in run blocking and pass protection, earning him multiple All-Pro honors by 2025.

Myles Garrett - Defensive End

Garrett terrorized quarterbacks throughout the first half of the decade, consistently ranking among the sack leaders. His freakish athleticism made him one of the most feared defenders in football. From 2020–2025, he was the face of Cleveland’s defense.

Nick Bosa - Defensive End

Bosa returned from injury to anchor San Francisco’s dominant defense. Winning Defensive Player of the Year and powering deep playoff runs, he became one of the league’s premier pass rushers. His impact off the edge made him a defining defensive star of the era.

Chris Jones - Defensive Tackle

Jones was the most disruptive interior defender of the first half of the 2020s. His ability to collapse pockets and dominate against the run made him a nightmare for offensive lines. As a leader of Kansas City’s defense, he played a key role in their Super Bowl titles.

Aaron Donald - Defensive Tackle

Though he retired in 2024, Donald’s dominance from 2020–2023 was impossible to overlook. Winning a Super Bowl, collecting Defensive Player of the Year honors, and remaining unblockable, he capped off his career as the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history.

Roquan Smith - Linebacker

Smith established himself as one of the best linebackers of the decade with his instincts and tackling ability. After his move to Baltimore, he became the centerpiece of their defense, excelling against both the run and the pass. His consistency made him a clear choice here.

Micah Parsons - Linebacker/Edge

Parsons exploded onto the scene in 2021, instantly becoming one of the most feared defenders in football. His versatility to dominate as a pass rusher or linebacker made him unique. By 2025, he was already in Defensive Player of the Year conversations every season.

Sauce Gardner - Cornerback

Gardner lived up to the hype immediately, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and establishing himself as a lockdown corner. His length, confidence, and ability to shut down elite receivers made him one of the faces of the league’s new generation of defenders.

Jalen Ramsey - Cornerback

Ramsey remained one of the NFL’s premier corners throughout the early 2020s. His physicality and versatility allowed him to match up with any receiver, and his leadership helped guide the Rams to their 2021 Super Bowl title. He was the standard for elite corners in this window.

Minkah Fitzpatrick - Safety

Fitzpatrick was a ballhawk and defensive leader for Pittsburgh, consistently making game-changing plays. His instincts and range allowed him to erase deep threats and create turnovers, earning multiple All-Pro honors in the first half of the decade.

Derwin James - Safety

When healthy, James was one of the NFL’s most complete safeties. His ability to cover, tackle, and even rush the passer made him a unique weapon for the Chargers’ defense. From 2020–2025, he showcased the versatility that made him a perennial Pro Bowler.

Justin Tucker - Kicker

No kicker defined the first half of the decade more than Justin Tucker. Known for his accuracy, consistency, and clutch gene, he hit historic field goals - including a record 66-yarder in 2021. From 2020–2025, he remained the gold standard for special teams.