Early Look: Predicting the AFC & NFC Playoff Brackets for the 2025 NFL Season

The dust has barely settled on the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, but the NFL world never sleeps. With free agency frenzy and the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, it’s time to gaze into our crystal ball and predict the playoff landscape for the 2025 season. Buckle up, because there are bound to be surprises!

AFC Playoff Picture: A Shifting Landscape

The AFC promises to be a battleground of familiar faces and rising contenders. Here’s an early projection:

Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West Winner): Despite some bold predictions of them missing the playoffs, counting out Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid is a fool’s errand. The Chiefs have re-signed key players like Kareem Hunt and continue to build a strong defense. They remain the team to beat in the AFC, and the road to the Super Bowl still runs through Arrowhead.
Buffalo Bills (AFC East Winner): The Bills, led by the explosive Josh Allen, are hungry to finally break through. They’ve consistently put up impressive offensive numbers, and with the addition of Joey Bosa to bolster their defense, they are a serious Super Bowl contender.
Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Winner): As long as Lamar Jackson is healthy, the Ravens are always a threat. Their strong running game, now featuring Derrick Henry, and an improved defense make them a tough matchup for anyone.
Houston Texans (AFC South Winner): C.J. Stroud’s impressive rookie season has ignited hope in Houston. With a solid defense and continued development on offense, the Texans are poised to take the AFC South crown.
Los Angeles Chargers (Wild Card): The Jim Harbaugh era begins in Los Angeles, and expectations are high. With a potentially improved offense and a focus on physicality, the Chargers could surprise many.
Denver Broncos (Wild Card): Don’t sleep on the Broncos. Their defense, bolstered by additions like Dre Greenlaw, is poised to be among the league’s best. If Bo Nix can take a step forward in his second year, Denver could be a dangerous wild card team.
Cincinnati Bengals (Wild Card): A healthy Joe Burrow is crucial for the Bengals’ success. Despite some potential roster concerns, the Bengals’ star power could carry them to a playoff berth.

AFC Playoff Notes: Colin Cowherd predicts the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens, and Patriots to make the AFC playoffs in 2025. The Steelers are always a tough out, especially with Mike Tomlin at the helm.

NFC Playoff Picture: A Battle for Supremacy

The NFC is shaping up to be a wide-open race with several teams vying for the top spot.

Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East Winner): The defending Super Bowl champions are determined to repeat. Despite losing some key pieces in the offseason, the Eagles have reloaded with talent and remain the team to beat in the NFC.
Detroit Lions (NFC North Winner): The Lions are no longer the lovable losers. With a strong roster and a potent offense, Detroit is poised to take the next step and contend for a Super Bowl title.
Atlanta Falcons (NFC South Winner): The Falcons are betting big on Michael Penix Jr. If Penix lives up to the hype, Atlanta could be a surprise contender in the NFC.
Los Angeles Rams (NFC West Winner): The Rams are quietly building a strong team. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Los Angeles could be a dark horse contender in the NFC.
Washington Commanders (Wild Card): The Commanders have been aggressive in free agency, acquiring Laremy Tunsil and retaining key players. With a promising young quarterback in Jayden Daniels and an improved defense, Washington could be a playoff contender.
Chicago Bears (Wild Card): The Bears are on the rise. With an upgraded offense and a strong defense, Chicago could be a surprise team in the NFC.
Seattle Seahawks (Wild Card): Despite some questions at quarterback, the Seahawks have a talented roster and a proven head coach. Seattle could sneak into the playoffs as a wild card team.

NFC Playoff Notes: Colin Cowherd predicts the Eagles, Lions, Falcons, Rams, Commanders, Bears, and Seahawks to make the NFC playoffs in 2025. The Packers are a team to watch, as Jordan Love looks to build on his progress from last season.

Early Playoff Matchups and Predictions

AFC Wild Card Round:

Chargers vs. Texans
Broncos vs. Bills
Bengals vs. Chiefs

AFC Divisional Round:

Chiefs vs. Bills
Ravens vs. Texans

AFC Championship:

Chiefs vs. Ravens

NFC Wild Card Round:

Commanders vs. Rams
Bears vs. Falcons
Seahawks vs. Eagles

NFC Divisional Round:

Eagles vs. Commanders
Lions vs. Falcons

NFC Championship:

Eagles vs. Lions

Super Bowl LXI:

Chiefs vs. Eagles

Early Prediction: Chiefs defeat Eagles

While the Eagles are a formidable team, the Chiefs’ experience and Mahomes’ brilliance give them the edge in a Super Bowl rematch.

Offseason Moves Shaping the Landscape

Several key offseason moves have significantly impacted the playoff outlook:

Stefon Diggs to the Patriots: This move gives the Patriots a much-needed boost at wide receiver and could help them compete in the AFC East.
D.K. Metcalf to the Steelers: The Steelers add a dynamic playmaker to their offense, potentially improving their playoff chances.
Geno Smith to the Raiders: Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas could provide stability at quarterback and make the Raiders a more competitive team.
Josh Sweat to the Cardinals: The Cardinals bolster their pass rush with the addition of Sweat, which could improve their defense.

The Road Ahead

Predicting the NFL playoffs is always a risky endeavor, but these early projections provide a glimpse into the potential landscape of the 2025 season. With free agency and the draft complete, teams will now focus on training camp and building chemistry. As the season unfolds, expect the unexpected, and be prepared for surprises along the way. One thing is for sure: the road to Super Bowl LXI will be filled with drama, excitement, and plenty of hard-hitting action.