Early Birds: Projecting the AFC and NFC Playoff Teams for the 2025 NFL Season

Early Birds: Projecting the AFC and NFC Playoff Teams for the 2025 NFL Season

The air is getting crisp, training camps are underway, and the scent of freshly cut gridiron is upon us. That can only mean one thing: NFL season is nearly here! While the Super Bowl LIX dust has barely settled after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s never too early to gaze into our crystal balls and predict which teams will be battling it out come January. Last year, the Washington Commanders surprised everyone by making it to the NFC Championship Game after a dismal 4-13 season the year before. Which teams will rise and fall this year? Let’s dive into some way-too-early projections for the 2025 AFC and NFC playoff picture.

AFC: A Shifting Landscape?

The AFC has been dominated by a few perennial powerhouses in recent years, but could we see some new blood emerge in 2025?

  • AFC East: Buffalo Bills

    It’s hard to bet against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. They’ve been a dominant regular season team for the last 5-6 years. The Bills added Joey Bosa and Maxwell Hairston on defense. While the New England Patriots are trending upwards under Mike Vrabel, and the Miami Dolphins possess explosive potential, Buffalo’s consistency and talent should see them reign supreme in the division.
    * AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

    Lamar Jackson, potentially coming off his third MVP season, leads a Baltimore Ravens team with an improved secondary and front seven, making them one of the most complete defenses in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals, with their high-powered offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, will be a threat, but the Ravens’ overall balance gives them the edge.
    * AFC South: Houston Texans

    C.J. Stroud’s impressive rookie season has ignited hope in Houston. While the Texans are rebuilding their O-line, the combination of Stroud and DeMeco Ryans gives them the inside track in a potentially competitive AFC South. The Tennessee Titans, potentially with Cam Ward under center, could be a surprise team, but the Texans’ overall talent should prevail.
    * AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers

    This is where things get interesting. While the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are always a threat, the Los Angeles Chargers, now fully under the Jim Harbaugh regime, are poised to make a leap. The Chiefs’ presence makes it tough for the Broncos to win the AFC West. Harbaugh’s track record of turning programs around suggests the Chargers could finally dethrone the Chiefs in 2025.

AFC Wild Card Contenders:

  • Kansas City Chiefs: It’s difficult to imagine a playoff bracket without Mahomes and Andy Reid. However, the rising competition in the AFC West could force them into a Wild Card spot.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: Never count out Mike Tomlin. Even with quarterback changes, the Steelers always seem to find a way to compete. The Steelers acquired four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who is nearing the end of his career.
  • Denver Broncos: A top 5 young defense that’s ascending with more new additions, Bo Nix ascending in year 2 under Sean Payton with new young key weapons.

NFC: A Battleground of Contenders

The NFC appears to be wide open, with several teams boasting legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

  • NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

    Despite a strong challenge from the Washington Commanders, the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory, remain the team to beat in the NFC East. The Eagles return to the NFC title game for a second straight season.
    * NFC North: Minnesota Vikings

    The NFC North is going to be brutal. It will be the strongest division in the NFL, and I suspect that means the four teams will eat each other’s lunch. Only two of the teams will make the postseason this year. The Vikings’ offense will be humming.
    * NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the NFC South favorite, but don’t overlook the Falcons — they started 2024 at 6-3 before Kirk Cousins struggled late. With Michael Penix Jr. under center, they sneak into the postseason.
    * NFC West: Los Angeles Rams

    Sean McVay has a loaded offense that added Davante Adams this offseason, and as the young defense continues to grow, LA’s outlook is bright.

NFC Wild Card Contenders:

  • Washington Commanders: The Commanders improved in 2025.
  • Green Bay Packers: The Packers arguably have a better roster in 2025.
  • Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are my NFC sleeper. They finished 8-9 in 2024, and their defense got better on paper.

The Road to Super Bowl LX

Predicting playoff teams this far out is an inexact science, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL season promises to be filled with excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From the potential resurgence of the Chargers to the Commanders quest to repeat their success, the storylines are already writing themselves.