Get ready for a wild ride as we revisit our 2025 NFL predictions and uncover some surprising twists and turns! The Seahawks' unexpected triumph left us all in awe, but we did nail the Jets' annual struggle.
Our bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season were a mix of spot-on insights and some major misses. Let's dive into the details and uncover the stories behind these outcomes.
But here's where it gets controversial... We predicted a Super Bowl showdown between Mahomes, Jackson, or Allen, but the real story was much more intriguing.
Best Team That Missed the Playoffs:
Pre-Season Prediction: We thought the Rams would falter due to Stafford's injury concerns and the emergence of Jayden Daniels in Washington. However, we also believed Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase would lead the Bengals to glory.
Reality Check: Stafford proved us wrong, winning the MVP award and leading the Rams to the NFC Championship game. Meanwhile, Burrow's season was cut short, and Daniels struggled with injuries.
MVP:
Our Take: Three of us were convinced Lamar Jackson would dominate, with Mahomes, Hurts, and Daniels as his main rivals. We also considered Mahomes and Daniels as potential MVP candidates.
The Verdict: Matthew Stafford took home the MVP trophy in a close race. Our predictions missed the mark, as none of our top picks made it to the top five in MVP voting.
Rookie to Watch:
Initial Thoughts: We had high hopes for Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter, and Cam Ward. Jeanty was seen as a potential franchise transformer, while Carter was expected to boost the Giants' pass rush.
Actual Outcome: Tetairoa McMillan stole the show as Offensive Rookie of the Year. Carson Schwesinger dominated on defense. Carter had a slow start, and Ward's season was forgettable. Other rookie QBs, like Tyler Shough and Jaxson Dart, made more of an impact.
AFC East:
Our Prediction: Buffalo was the unanimous choice, despite concerns about their defense. We acknowledged the Patriots' potential, but Buffalo was still favored.
The Twist: New England shocked everyone, claiming the division title with a 14-3 record. Buffalo managed a wildcard berth, but the Jets made history by not recording a single interception all season.
AFC North:
We Said: The Ravens were the clear favorites with their top-tier defense. We even called Jackson the best player in the NFL.
What Happened: The Ravens missed the playoffs, and Jackson had an inconsistent season plagued by injuries. Pittsburgh took the division with some gutsy wins and a brilliant defense.
AFC South:
Group Consensus: The Texans were the unanimous pick due to their top-five defense. We also considered Jacksonville's potential, but they were seen as too inexperienced.
The Real Story: Jacksonville and Houston emerged as the hottest teams, with Jacksonville claiming the division title under first-year coach Liam Coen. Trevor Lawrence and Josh Hines-Allen led the way.
AFC West:
Our Take: Three of us picked the Chiefs, while two went with Denver. We were impressed by the Broncos' defense and believed Bo Nix could lead them to success.
The Upset: Denver dethroned the Chiefs, ending their nine-year reign. The Broncos' defense dominated, and Nix thrived in Sean Payton's system. Meanwhile, Mahomes' disappointing campaign ended with an ACL tear.
NFC East:
Eagles Dominance: We predicted an Eagles sweep, praising their foolproof roster. However, we did consider the Commanders as a threat.
The Outcome: Philadelphia easily won the division, but their offense fell flat. Dallas finished as the runner-up, while Washington's offense failed to impress.
NFC North:
Green Bay's Reign: We unanimously picked Green Bay, believing the acquisition of Parsons would be a game-changer. We expected a wildcard battle between the Lions and Vikings.
Ben Johnson's Impact: Chicago surprised us all, with Ben Johnson turning Caleb Williams into a star. The NFC North was incredibly tight, with the Vikings and Lions narrowly missing the playoffs. The Vikings indeed missed Darnold.
NFC South:
Three-Way Battle: Three of us predicted a Buccaneers win, while the other two opted for the Falcons and Panthers. We believed the division was up for grabs.
Late Season Drama: The Panthers emerged as the division winners, despite a mediocre record. The Bucs and Falcons also finished with identical records, adding to the intrigue.
NFC West:
Competitive Division: We considered all four teams, with two of us favoring the 49ers, one picking Seattle, and another going with the Rams. The Cardinals were the dark horse.
Seahawks' Surprise: The Seahawks took the division crown, finishing with a remarkable 14-3 record. The Rams and 49ers were also in the mix, but it was Stafford's MVP season that sealed the deal for LA.
Super Bowl:
Our Predictions: Ravens, Broncos, or Eagles were our picks to face the Packers. We even predicted a Ravens-Eagles Super Bowl.
The Actual Champion: Seattle's dominant performance against New England in Super Bowl LX was a shock to all of us. We didn't see their defense dominating or Darnold playing at his best. Kenneth Walker III's impact was also a surprise.
And this is the part most people miss... Seattle's Super Bowl win was a testament to their resilience and an unexpected twist in the NFL narrative. So, what do you think? Were we too bold with our predictions, or did we miss some crucial factors? Let's discuss in the comments!
