2025 NFL Division, Playoff, Award Predictions

Photo via buffalobills.com

The 2025 NFL season is upon us. The opening night ring ceremony for the champion Philadelphia Eagles takes place this Thursday, September 4th, before a game against the division rival Dallas Cowboys.

So that means it's time to finalize some predictions. Unfortunately, I did not get around to writing a full preview for each NFL team this offseason, but this may serve as a mini-version of a season preview.

This article will go division by division, predicting the record for each team, along with a brief summary of my thoughts on each team, and an idea of how I think their season will go.

These record predictions are all collectively possible, as I went game by game for each team on playoffpredictors.com

Let us begin with the AFC:

AFC East:

1. Buffalo Bills: 13-4 (1 seed)

Owning a relatively easy schedule and the reigning NFL MVP, I have the Bills rolling through this season and coasting to the top of the division. This roster is very solid throughout, and Josh Allen takes them over the top.

There really is not a super troubling aspect of the schedule outside of first place matchups with KC and BAL. These will be crucial for playoff seeding.

2. New England Patriots: 9-8

The most improved team in the NFL, in these predictions and, in my opinion, on paper. New HC that knows how to win with subpar rosters. Evolving QB with much improved support at all positions on offense. The Patriots also get a slightly advantageous schedule, as the AFC East is scheduled to play the NFC South and AFC North this year, along with being a weaker division themselves.

I love what New England did this offseason, I love Drake Maye at QB, I love that Mike Vrabel can win close football games. This leads NE to around a .500 record, and a chance to sneak into the playoffs.

3. Miami Dolphins: 7-10

I do like Miami more than it may seem based off of my preseason power rankings, but I am not all the way there, like I am with New England. The recently added Rasul Douglas, but the secondary is still not good. The defense could be average, with Anthony Weaver in his 2nd year as DC and a strong DL that added 1st rounder Kenneth Grant.

But they have bad vibes, a potentially catastrophic OL and secondary, and a QB that has played 1 full season in 5 years. They look alright on paper, but the season will come down to the 50/50 games(ATL, CAR, LAC, CIN, PIT) and being able to compete in the division. If Tua stays healthy, and Tyreek Hill's brain stays intact, they may make a Wild Card push.

4. New York Jets: 6-11

It could get rough in New York. I have no idea why they decided to pay Justin Fields that much money. The only way this offense could operate is by leaning heavily into the run game with Fields, Breece Hall, and Braelon Allen running behind a young and athletic OL. And the defense has only gotten worse, and I'm not sure it will produce great results if new HC Aaron Glenn sticks with his man-to-man philosophy.

They have some good NFL talent which will win them some games, but I honestly think 6 wins this year is towards the top of their ceiling.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens: 13-4 (2 seed)

A complete roster topped off with one of, if not the, best players in the NFL at quarterback. There is really no hole to nitpick, another year with a roster with elite talent at the top, and strong depth where it is needed, like everywhere on defense. This is a competitive division, but Baltimore clearly stands above the rest. Harbaugh, along with coordinators Todd Monken and Zach Orr, commands one of the best staffs in the league.

Definitely a tough schedule, with matchups like KC, DET, BUF, MIN, GB, HOU, and LAR on top of their in division play, but this is one of the best teams over the last 6 seasons.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-7 (6 seed)

One of the stranger offseasons in 2025, they come out of it with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey (in a swap for S Minkah Fitzpatrick). But this defense should still be incredibly solid despite their age, with veteran pieces at all 3 levels. And I have a hard time believing that their offense will be worse than it was in 2024. This looks to be their best OL, and potentially best QB, this decade. We'll see if Arthur Smith can manufacture an efficient run game.

Overall, I just see another solid Pittsburgh roster, paired with a mediocre schedule. Outside of facing the NFC North and BUF, it does not appear as they will face major adversity through any stretches of this season. If they can capitalize off of another hot start, this is a playoff team.

3. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-8

Is this too unoriginal? I almost see this division as a replica of 2024, but what has really changed? PIT has some potential variance, but I see things staying stagnant. Cincinnati shows up with another great group of skills and a mediocre OL. Trey Hendrickson is back on defense, but if the youth on the DL(Jenkins, Stewart, Murphy) can't step up, it may yet again be a rough year defensively. There just isn't enough talent. And I find it hard to believe that Joe Burrow can top what he did last season.

Having to face BUF, JAC, DEN, and the NFC North, the middle stretch of the season will be a major test for the Bengals. Like I said, barring young talent stepping up defensively, this team will fall short of the playoffs.

4. Cleveland Browns: 3-14

I would be surprised if they got to 5 wins to be honest. That would mean Joe Flacco led a top 20 pass game, one of the rookie QBs figured out how to efficiently move the ball, or Myles Garrett and 1st round rookie Mason Graham led a top 10 defense. They are quite a bad team that does NOT have an easy schedule to face.

Not much to say here, maybe the defense can go back to being above average, as they do have the best defensive player in the NFL. And maybe Kevin Stefanski can get something out of one of their QBs. Good luck Browns fans.

AFC South

1. Houston Texans: 11-6 (4 seed)

HC DeMeco Ryans may be calling plays for the best defense in the NFL. Ferocious edge rushers, emerging LBs, and a talented, youthful secondary will be what leads this team to the playoffs. The most commonly asked question is the OL, which somehow (on paper), got worse from last year. However, I'd be surprised if they actually performed worse than last year, especially with a new OC. The biggest question in my opinion, is who besides Nico Collins will step up in the skills room? Stefon Diggs is gone, Tank Dell, Brevin Jordan, and Joe Mixon are out long term. How does the offense do enough to win in big games?

And CJ Stroud and the Texans will definitely have big games, with BUF, BAL, SF, LAR, TB, and the entire AFC West on the schedule. I have them winning the division, but it will definitely come down to how they fare in those divisional matchups, especially against Jacksonville.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: 10-7 (7 seed)

I have the Jaguars sneaking into the playoffs, thanks to new HC Liam Coen and predicting them to have a winning record within the division. Coen's ability to lead this team and help Trevor Lawrence steady out his play will dictate how far they go. The defense still isn't great by any means, but an improved secondary paired with a solid pass rush will not result in another bottom 5 defense.

Having to face the AFC and NFC West, overall this is not an extremely difficult schedule. Definitely possibly for the Jaguars to win double digit games, and potentially take the division.

3. Tennessee Titans: 6-11

The Titans are also one of the teams with the most improved rosters this offseason, starting at QB. The OL may not be great, but Tennessee invested into it for their young QB, and the same with the offensive weapons. Overall, this is one of the least inspiring teams in the NFL, but it's led by a rookie QB, and no position group (outside of maybe LB) appears as if it will be a major problem this season.

As long as Cam Ward becomes comfortable throughout the season, it is a success. And I think they will pick up a few wins along the way, with a somewhat easier schedule.

4. Indianapolis Colts: 5-12

This one feels wrong. I really do like the Colts, I have for years now. I love the WR room, RBs, TEs, DL, and they added Mooney Ward and Cam Bynum to the secondary. The OL lost a couple pieces this offseason, but it's not some terrible unit at all. The roster is incredibly solid, and I even like HC Shane Steichen, who led a team quarterbacked by Gardner Minshew 1 play away from the playoffs.

Their ceiling definitely could be 8, even 9 wins. This is probably their floor, but as I went through the schedule, this is where we landed. The last 7 weeks of the season, post BYE week, are games against JAC(2x), HOU(2x), plus KC, SEA, and SF. This stretch, particularly the divisional games, is really where the season is determined. That sounds silly, because of course the end of the year determines where you land, but coming out above .500 in this stretch could put them right near .500 for the season.

AFC West

1. Kansas City Chiefs: 13-4 (3 seed)

Another year, another Chiefs AFC West title. No Rashee Rice for 6 games, Joe Thuney is gone, Justin Reid is gone, Travis Kelce is older, and Trent McDuffie still hasn't signed an extension. But the OL is still strong, and Mahomes will lead an effective offense. A year 2 Worthy, a healthy Rice(for 10 games), and a healthy Hollywood Brown could be an explosive offense. I do feel as though this is the worst defense they've rostered over the last few years, short of the rookies stepping up. The run defense could be quite poor, and the secondary is not a strength whatsoever. I still trust a unit led by Steve Spagnuolo with Trent McDuffie and Chris Jones on the field.

In my game-by-game predictions, I have the Chiefs going on an 8 game win streak to end the year post BYE week. They play in a tough division, and have to face the NFC East, BUF, BAL, HOU and DET. And Houston is the only one of these (non-divisional) teams they face post BYE.

2. Denver Broncos: 11-6 (5 seed)

This Denver team really has no reason to not be improved from last season, where they had one of the best defenses in the NFL. Bo Nix in his 2nd year with a new and improved RB room and upgraded pass catchers, with Evan Engram and 2nd rounder Pat Bryant. And this top defense added a 1st round pick in Jahdae Barron, as well as Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. Bo Nix will not have a drop-off in year 2, let alone a significant one, under HC Sean Payton.

Playing in a tough division, the schedule sure isn't easy. Add on the NFC East, GB, and HOU, the Broncos will definitely be challenged. And they were not good against playoff opponents last season, and lost a lot of close games. However this year, I am more confident that these games will out them as a true playoff team, rather than as the team you want to face in the Wild Card.

3. Los Angeles Chargers: 9-8

The Chargers may have had one of the worst offseasons in the NFL, strictly off of losing All Pro OT Rashawn Slater. Between Slater, weird things happening with FA signees Najee Harris and Mekhi Becton, losing Joey Bosa and Poona Ford, I find it hard to say that the Chargers got better. But at the same time, this Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh led team is nothing to sneeze at. The weapons could definitely be better with some rookie additions, as well as the defensive front. Rookies and young players developing will take this team as far as they go. I think right now, too many stars have to align for the Chargers to have a great year. I trust DC Jesse Minter to produce a solid defense, and the offense will most likely be above average. But unless stars emerge or the offense, and/or defense for that matter, produces splash plays, I don't have super high hopes.

Like the rest of the division, they do not possess an easy schedule. Ending the year with PHI, KC, DAL, HOU, and DEN could bump them out of the playoffs, which is what I have happening.

4. Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11

Yet another team who could argue they are most improved. Although the Raiders argument comes from the basics of team building. They now have an established HC, an above average QB, and a generational RB (prospect). However, I do think this defense could easily be a bottom 5 unit in the NFL. Despite having an elite EDGE player in Maxx Crosby, they had to release a different elite DL in Christian Wilkins, due to locker room issues and protests about his foot injury from last season.

So while I think the Raiders will function at a higher level this year, and often give good teams fits, perhaps forcing the occasional upset, I still don't think this a .500 team. Particularly considering the schedule.

Onto the NFC...

NFC East

1. Washington Commanders: 10-7 (3 seed)

The tradition continues. It has been 20 years since a NFCE team has been repeat division champions, and I find it continues for another season. At first, Washington was a team I considered may drop out of the playoffs this year. In 2024 they had an easy schedule and won a lot of close games, two things that are not typically consistent year-to-year. Plus, I still don't see a lot of high end talent on this team, particularly defensively. But I do think this franchise has done a 180° organizational turnaround. Dan Quinn is a good HC and runs solid defenses. And I don't believe this will be a situation where Jayden Daniels takes a step back after an amazing rookie year due to a "natural regression to the mean" or "teams will figure him out." I think he's different and will rise above, which is why Washington wins the division in this scenario.

They definitely have a tough schedule, having to face the AFC West, NFC North, and the Eagles in 2 out of the last 3 weeks in the season. Those two games will be the deciding factor.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 10-7 (6 seed)

This is not meant to be an indictment of Philly. I still think they have an elite team. If I had to nitpick, I would point out the youth of the defense as a whole, and particularly the secondary. Relying on two year 2 CBs to be the staple of your secondary is not ideal. They still have a great D front, but losing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams in FA isn't going to come completely free of consequence. I expect the offense to still be fairly elite, although it is worth keeping an eye on Saquon Barkley, who is coming off nearly a 500 touch season. All I'll say is that I am NOT drafting him in fantasy. Also, they have a new OC, who was an internal promotion.

A major part of this Eagles prediction is the difficult schedule. Facing the NFC North, AFC West, as well as BUF, LAR, and TB is rough competition. Obviously every NFL game is competitive, but the Eagles don't have a "soft spot" on their entire schedule.

3. Dallas Cowboys: 6-11

How bad will this defense be without Micah Parsons? Yes, they still have playmakers in the secondary, but will there be as many plays to make without Parsons and Dexter Lawrence rushing the passer? There's a good chance 2024 breakout LB DeMarvion Overshown won't play in 2025 due to tearing multiple ligaments in his knee. I expect a disaster defensively, and don't see a good run game in their future. Sorry, unfortunately I no longer believe in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. I do like rookie RB Jaydon Blue, but he's never seen more than 130 carries in a season. The passing game could be the best statistically in the NFL, I wouldn't put that past Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens. At the minimum I expect Dak to lead the league in attempts.

The schedule is a rough road, just like the rest of the division, but that really doesn't factor much in to the record. I do think the offense provides them a floor in terms of W/L, and 6 wins is probably towards the bottom. I wouldn't be shocked at a full scale collapse, but I'd give a range of 5-8 wins.

4. New York Giants: 4-13

I was disappointed to have them with such a poor record, but it's hard to see, even with a "good" season, them approaching a .500 record. I like Daboll as a HC, they upgraded at QB and secondary in FA, and at TE, RB, and DL in the draft. And whoever you think they should start at QB will be better than what they had in 2024. I hope, and assume, Dart will get starts at LEAST after the BYE in Week 14. Just to see what he looks like. They're in a difficult spot because, even though I think Daboll is a great coach who can elevate an offense, if they are terrible again, do they fire him? If they do, then Dart has to learn a new system under a coach that didn't draft him, which rarely ever works out. I think this will be a promising year for the Giants, no matter what the record says.

I just spewed so many things I like in NY, why the bad record? They have the toughest preseason ranked schedule in the NFL, despite finishing in last place in 2024. Even if they play above expectations, I think 7 wins would be a stretch. Their win range is likely 3-6. Three wins will definitely result in a HC firing, although I think the overall record this year should redundant when it comes to the HC decision. It's about how this entire improving squad plays all 18 weeks of the season, especially Dart.

NFC North

1. Detroit Lions: 12-5 (1 seed)

Relative to the majority of the public, I am lower on the Lions. I expected to have them a bit lower record wise, losing both coordinators and an All Pro Center, but even winning 12 games is still a 3 game "drop-off," which for most teams would knock them out of a playoff spot. But Detroit still takes the division, and 1 seed here. They are still one of the most talented teams in the NFL, with enough youth that, with development, could supplement any losses from the 2024 roster.

They obviously play in a very competitive division, and have the first place schedule. which adds a road game versus KC. Detroit has 10 games post BYE, 4 being in division and 3 others being 2024 playoff teams. A tough final stretch, but I think Detroit will be in a groove by then.

2. Minnesota Vikings: 11-6 (5 seed)

I've been a fan of the Vikings all offseason, mostly due to the playcalling on both sides of the ball. The concern about stopping the run is still there, but the defensive personnel in the front 7 should be better than last year. The entire season really comes down to JJ McCarthy being able to produce a consistent offense. Despite how last year ended, Sam Darnold was an amazing QB, and it is fairly unrealistic to expect that level of production out of JJ in his first year starting. Another potential concern: 20% of the roster are rookies, and the depth isn't great.

I wouldn't be TOO surprised if these factors resulted in Minnesota dropping a bit farther this year, but like Detroit, this is still a three game drop-off. They also possess a challenging schedule, so if they do find their way into the playoffs, they will have been tested and deserve a spot as a top 7 team in the NFC. The floor and ceiling is really unknown, because a great JJ year can take them back to 14 wins, but if he plays like rookie Zach Wilson, it could be 7 wins.

3. Green Bay Packers: 10-7 (7 seed)

I was contemplating leaving this team out of the playoffs entirely, and then they traded for Micah Parsons. I may be underestimating Parsons' impact, because I still only have them with 10 wins, and Parsons may be enough to get Green Bay more than 1 extra win. But while they clearly benefit from this trade, Kenny Clark's absence will be felt up the middle. They do not have much experience at IDL without Clark. The secondary is potentially quite bad, especially if Xavier McKinney doesn't have 8 INTs again. I do love the offense, the OL is very solid and will produce a great run game with Jacobs. But it'll be up to Jordan Love in his 3rd year starting to take the offense over the top.

The final 9 weeks of the Packers season gets particularly rough, but I wouldn't be too surprised if they started 8-0. Then they have 5 divisional matchups, plus matchups against DEN, PHI, and BAL. I definitely think this is closer to their floor, with the ceiling being a division winner with 13 wins, but GB can only do that if they win more than 1 divisional game this season.

4. Chicago Bears: 6-11

Unfortunately, another last place finish in a stacked division. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Ben Johnson come in and immediately create a productive offense with all the pieces Chicago possesses, in fact I expect it. I am unsure how good the run game can be with the caliber of RBs they have, and how well Caleb Williams will iron out his inconsistencies from Year 1, which are the two things that could hold the offense back. The defense appears solid, lacking a bit of juice up front and overall depth.

I think the Bears are the team in this division that suffers the most from the schedule, with 10 opponents who made the playoffs in 2024(6 in division), plus SF and CIN. This is definitely the floor, in fact it might be below the floor, of the Bears record this year. I would not be surprised if they mustered double digit wins on the back of their former #1 overall QB. But that would be a big jump from the team and QB.

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8 (4 seed)

Tampa is one of my favorite teams preseason, I was surprised only having them at 9 wins. They will most likely start the year without Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs, which legitimately could cost them a game. The offense is exciting, with a good OL and deep skill groups. The question is having to break-in another OC, with Liam Coen now the HC in Jacksonville. The starting DL is strong, and the secondary has a couple nice pieces, but could use strong contributions from a rookie CB or two. The DL depth and LB core is questionable, with a 35 year old Lavonte David being the best LB on the roster. Overall, this is a strong team that should consistently put up high point totals.

The first place schedule the Bucs have could cost them a couple games, with PHI, DET and HOU on the schedule, in addition to facing the AFC East and NFC West. A good team that will win their division, whether with 11 wins or 8.

2. Carolina Panthers: 7-10

One of my darlings this offseason, I have lowered my expectations a bit. The WR group is young and exciting, but potentially quite imperfect. The OL has been invested in, and is a solid group that generated the 10th most yards per rush last season. Also isn't perfect, and paired with an offense led by Bryce Young, who knows what will happen with the offense? I love Young, but what version will we see? I am placing my chips on seeing the last 2 months of 2024, where he showed why he was the #1 pick. I've questioned the offense, but the defense was the worst in the NFL. But I think Tershawn Wharton from KC, Bobby Brown from LAR, and getting Derrick Brown back from injury immediately raises the floor defensively. As well as S Tre'von Moehrig, who is great in run support. So the worst run defense in 2024 adds immediate upgrades, and you're hoping All Pro CB Jaycee Horn stays healthy, and the rookie EDGE rushers can generate pressure. Don't have high expectations for the defense, but it won't be a bottom 5 unit.

The schedule is not inherently difficult, but there are no guarantees with a team like Carolina. I expect them to be an upgraded version from what they showed last year; a scrappy team that, with a bit of luck, can steal games from more complete teams.

3. Atlanta Falcons: 7-10

A lot of this season will come down to how well Michael Penix can quarterback this offense. Unfortunately, they just lost RT Kaleb McGary for the entire season, after losing C Drew Dalman as a FA. Plus, the pass catching depth is not strong. The hope is for Robinson and Allgeier to produce at an elite level in the run game, which will help open more passing lanes for Penix. Defensively, the front 7 might be one of the worst in the NFL. And the secondary is relying on 2 rookies to start along Pro Bowlers AJ Terrell and Jessie Bates. Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson will have to have elite performances as playcallers this year to have a winning record.

Not much about the schedule stands out, I just think it will be difficult to get to a .500 record when teams will be able to run down their throat paired with a young QB who is still growing.

4. New Orleans Saints: 3-14

Owning a new HC, the worst QB situations in the NFL, an uninspiring skill group, and a slightly below average defense, I would surprised if they weren't picking in the top 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The offensive line could be decent, led by C Erik McCoy, and if one of the young QBs can move the chains consistently, it may be a watchable offense. Individually, I like some of the players on the defense. But as an entire unit, led by DC Brandon Staley, is a bit weak.

There are winnable games on this schedule, which is why if the offense can not be stagnant, the Saints could be watchable. The division they play in isn't great, the AFC East is not extremely strong, and add on TEN and NYG. There are winnable games in the schedule for sure. I still would be surprised if they won more than 5 games.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers: 11-6 (2 seed)

One of the more tricky teams to predict, they still have one of the best top 5 player groupings in the NFL. With Williams, Kittle, Warner, Bosa, and McCaffrey, that's 5 perennial All Pros. The issues are an OL that has struggled in pass protection, as well as having to rely heavily on youth defensively. The hope is that DC Robert Saleh returning helps mitigate these worries, including the run defense, which was bottom 5 in the NFL in 2024. The DL was overhauled, bringing in 3 rookies and EDGE Bryce Huff(10 sacks in 2023 under Saleh), so it will hard to be worse than last season. I'm optimistic about Shanahan producing another efficient run game, and Brock Purdy doing enough to move the ball downfield for the offense to approach top 10 by many metrics.

Arguably the biggest reason the 49ers can win this division is the schedule. It's currently ranked the easiest in the NFL, so when going game by game, they all look winnable. If they come out with a winning record within the division, I think they'll take the West. The reliance on rookies does lower the floor to potentially even below .500, but I think the high end talent is too elite for that result.

2. Seattle Seahawks: 9-8

An incredibly balanced team with many new pieces creates a variety of outcomes. I like the defense, but I don't think it will be elite due to lack of elite pieces. Leonard Williams and Devon Witherspoon are the top guys, but outside of that, Seattle will need to generate splash plays(which they are capable of) to be a top 10 unit. Offensively, they do need multiple rookies to step up, and the OL to stay healthy. Sam Darnold with these pass catchers could have varied results. What will Tory Horton, Elijah Arroyo, and Cooper Kupp bring? Was Darnold in MIN a result of circumstance? I expect mixed results, which brings us just above .500.

I will say, if the offense can find consistency, the schedule can allow them to take a few extra games. The most interesting non-divisional games on the schedule are HOU, WAS, and MIN. I think Mike Macdonald can get the most out of his unit, and I would not be shocked if Seattle got to 11 wins. I also wouldn't be surprised if the offense was bottom 10 and they were sub .500.

3. Los Angeles Rams: 8-9

How many games will Matthew Stafford play? Even if he plays 17, I question if Los Angeles can win this division. Adding Davante Adams will make this offense elite(with Stafford), and the DL looks formidable with the addition of Poona Ford. But the LBs and secondary are borderline awful. Despite the DL, I'm not sure overly confident in the LBs being able to stop the run at a high level, and I'm definitely not confident in the DBs securing over the top and the perimeter. This is a team that will be competitive in all games(with Stafford), but is not immune to any team in the NFL. The depth in Los Angeles isn't particularly strong anywhere either.

The NFC West doesn't have a particularly hard base schedule this year, but the Rams having a first place schedule lands them BAL, PHI, HOU, and DET. That's quite the disadvantage compared to their divisional counterparts. Again, the McVay+Stafford led Rams can go on a ride with anyone, anywhere, so I won't count them out. And I'll admit, a part of this prediction is taking Stafford's health into account. If you told me he plays 17 games fully healthy(which I don't think he's ever done), I would give LA at least 11 wins.

4. Arizona Cardinals: 8-9

This feels a bit wrong. I've enjoyed the Cardinals roster the past couple years, with the exception of QB. And I like Gannon as a HC. Arizona won 8 games last year, and significantly improved their defensive front. Granted, that's really all that changed about this team. But it was a great change. So you'd think they would improve by at least one game this year, right? I thought so too, and it will come down to how they play in the division. I truly do think the defense can be solid, with a new look DL and adding rookie Will Johnson to an already decent secondary. The offense hasn't changed one bit. They have a good OL, with two bigger RBs to run behind it. Their WRs are a bit thin, but Trey McBride at TE helps that out. I just have a hard time picturing a consistent passing game with their current QB, which makes it hard to win in the NFL.

Like I had mentioned, the divisional games will make/break every teams chances, but particularly the Cardinals, who went 3-3 in division last year(sweeping SF). GB and CIN are truly the only significant showings on their schedule. I think a consistent passing game can take them to the top of the NFC West, even if that means just 9 wins.

It's fitting that this is the final division I write about, because I would not be shocked with a single outcome. So every cliche works here.

FULL STANDINGS: Playoff Seeding:

AFC East:

Bills 13-4 1. Bills

Patriots 9-8 2. Ravens

Dolphins 7-10 3. Chiefs

Jets 6-11 4. Texans

AFC North: 5. Broncos

Ravens 13-4 6. Steelers

Steelers 10-7 7. Jaguars

Bengals 9-8

Browns 3-14

AFC South:

Texans 11-6

Jaguars 10-7

Titans 6-11

Colts 5-12

AFC West:

Chiefs 13-4

Broncos 11-6

Chargers 9-8

Raiders 6-11

NFC East: 1. Lions

Commanders 10-7 2. 49ers

Eagles 10-7 3. Commanders

Cowboys 6-11 4. Buccaneers

Giants 4-13 5. Vikings

NFC North: 6. Eagles

Lions 12-5 7. Packers

Vikings 11-6

Packers 10-7

Bears 6-11

NFC South:

Buccaneers 9-8

Panthers 7-10

Falcons 7-10

Saints 3-14

NFC West:

49ers 11-6

Seahawks 9-8

Rams 8-9

Cardinals 8-9

NFL Award Predictions:

MVP: Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes brings in his 3rd MVP on the back of an incredible second half of the season, despite being the 3 seed. An explosive offense is back in KC, covering up the weakest defense the Chiefs have had in many years.

OPOY: Ja'Marr Chase

He put up such an impossibly good year in 2024, that it'll be hard to top. But I think he'll produce like the best WR in the NFL once again, on a team that airs it out often. And they can't deny him twice, right?

DPOY: Will Anderson

The best player on a great defense, the Texans D will have to be the ones carrying this team to the playoffs. An elite run defender who put up 11 sacks in 14 games last year, I believe is due for an even bigger breakout in his second year rushing across from Danielle Hunter. If he gets to the QB quicker than Hunter, he'll have the numbers.

OROY: Ashton Jeanty

The boring answer, but who else do you want? I'll take the generational prospect who is paired with a HC and OC who love to run the ball. The competition is limited, barring us witnessing another elite year from a rookie QB.

DROY: Abdul Carter

Again, the boring answer. But he is too special to say otherwise, and gets the benefit of having Brian Burns on the other side, potentially eating the double teams. He'll be amazing right away, and have the stats to back it up.

CPOY: Dak Prescott

The voters didn't give it to Dak coming off his injury in 2021 when he put up 4400 yards and 37 TDs, but he gets it this year. For Dallas to be productive at all this year, it will be on the arm of Dak Prescott. I expect the numbers to be so overwhelming, they have to reward him somehow.

POY: Lane Johnson

Another boring answer, but a new award deserves to go to an older player who may have stacked up these trophies in his prime. Johnson is still an elite pass protector, with incredibly low pressure rates at RT. The brand new award finds the 13 year veteran.

COY: Liam Coen

I have the Jaguars making the playoffs with 10 wins. A 6 win leap would much justify this award, and often it goes to a younger coach that exceeds expectations.

AFC Champion: Buffalo Bills

To prevent Kansas City from going to four straight, the Bills do it the year after Allen gets his MVP. After giving out many extensions the past year, this Bills core finally secures the 1 seed and gets over the hump to play in Levi's in February.

NFC Champion: Washington Commanders

Perhaps the most difficult choice in this entire lengthy article, I pick for the vibes. I have legit reasons to not pick every team in the NFC, including Washington. But I ride with the kid. I truly believe JD5 is really different, and can pogo jump the Commanders just high enough over the rest of the NFC.

Super Bowl Champion: Buffalo Bills

I'm not sure if there's a stronger core of guys who have been with a franchise for so long. Allen, Cook, Knox, Brown, Dawkins, Shakir, Rousseau, Epenesa, Oliver, Bernard, Milano, Johnson, Benford, White(kinda). All at least in their 4th year with Buffalo, all drafted, all extended. These guys have been through hell and back with each other. It's their time.

Super Bowl MVP: Joshua Patrick Allen

The resume has the cherry on top, at the stadium for his childhood team, in February 2026.

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more NFL articles and 49ers new and opinions!