Now that the preseason is over, let's make our final playoff predictions for each conference for the 2025 NFL Season.
With the regular season right around the corner, teams will begin making their roster cut downs and get to a 53-man roster. The playoffs are still months away, but we've got some predictions as to how they will shake out.
The playoff field in either conference does feel pretty wide open, so we're going to try are best to identify the 14 playoff teams from both conferences. Let's get into our final playoff predictions approaching the regular season.
Final playoff predictions approaching the regular season
AFC
1. Buffalo Bills
With one of the easier schedules in the NFL this year, the Buffalo Bills simply have to not mess up in the regular season, and they could definitely earn the top seed in the conference. Many people did think the 2024 NFL Season was the year for the Bills, but alas, it was not. Could 2025 bring better fortune?
2. Baltimore Ravens
Another team that has become dominant in the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens will earn the second seed in the AFC in our playoff predictions. Baltimore could have the best roster in the NFL and absolutely have the best QB in Lamar Jackson. Their playoff success is an entirely different story, but this team does have a path to another division title.
3. Denver Broncos
I am ready to predict a different division winner in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos not only have the best roster in the division, but they do have the best depth and might also have a QB who is better than people think. The Broncos have closed the gap with the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years, and it could tip the scales in their favor in 2025.
4. Houston Texans
Another AFC South title is coming for the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL Season. They've rebuilt their offensive line and also have the best roster, best QB, and best head coach, so there really isn't much more to say here.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs won all of their one-score games in the 2024 NFL Season, and that simply isn't going to happen in 2025. Their margins in 2025 will get even smaller, and they'll use their grip on the division for the first time in nearly a decade.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
I have been critical of the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, but how many other teams legitimately have a better shot at the postseason in the AFC than Pittsburgh? The main issue with this team has been their limited ceiling and not winning playoff games, but they should be able to get there this season.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
It doesn't feel like the LA Chargers got that much better this offseason, and it feels like they'll fall between 9-11 wins and settle into a Wild Card seed this year.
NFC
1. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels will flirt with MVP status, and the Washington Commanders will command their way to an NFC East division title and the first seed in the NFC playoffs, signaling a new era in the conference for years to come.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford should be on the field for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL Season, so he will help lead the LA Rams to a 12-win season and another NFC West title. This roster is young, explosive, and extremely well-coached. Expect big things from the Rams this year.
3. Detroit Lions
A bit of a regression is coming for the Detroit Lions, and it feels like 11 wins is what we could get from this team in the 2025 NFL Season. Not having Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn on the sideline is going to hurt, but the roster talent can pick things up.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For whatever reason, and I'll fully admit this, I was low on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this offseason, but I've changed my tune. They'll capture the NFC South title and again will host another playoff game this upcoming season. Their ceiling as a team is lower given their roster and the limitations of Baker Mayfield, but this franchise is well-run and are just outstanding at drafting and developing players, which is huge for sustaining success in the NFL.
5. Green Bay Packers
Again failing to win the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers will earn the top Wild Card seed in the NFC and could again win 11 games in the regular season.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are set to endure a Super Bowl hangover. Yes, they'll still make the postseason, but they're going to take a slight step back in the 2025 NFL Season and find themselves in the Wild Card tier.
7. Arizona Cardinals
I have been high on the Arizona Cardinals for the 2025 NFL Season. They retooled their weakest units and are a strong team on paper. Sure, Kyler Murray just hasn't really been a great QB in this league, but he's a good player, and he's now got a very strong coaching staff and supporting cast around him. The defense will also take a leap in 2025 under Jonathan Gannon, who now has a much better defensive line. A 10 or 9 win season is on the horizon for the Cardinals, and they'll sneak into the playoffs as the seventh and final seed.