Predicting NFL standings for each division in 2025
Will there be repeat winners? Surprises? A mix of everything? Some teams look like powerhouses while others are already headed for the 2026 NFL draft.
Here's how the 2025 NFL divisions will stack up…
AFC East
No surprises here, the Bills remain light years ahead of the competition. And no one will remember who finished second, much like few recall who finished behind Secretariat in his Belmont romp (it was Twice A Prince, the longest shot in the field of five).
Prediction: 1. Bills - 2. Patriots - 3. Jets - 4. Dolphins
AFC North
This division has three teams that would be considered playoff contenders and one that is destined to a high draft pick. Hopefully, the Cleveland Browns won't fall so far that they wind up with the first pick in the 2026 draft and have to decide whether to choose Arch Manning should he declare out of Texas. It seems like Cleveland already has a surplus of ordinary quarterbacks, although one did win a Super Bowl for another AFC North team. Typical.
Prediction: 1. Ravens - 2. Bengals - 3. Steelers - 4. Browns
AFC South
This division is another one-horse race — except, the team named for a horse isn't going to be that franchise. Unless the Houston Texans decide to stumble and fumble, they will rumble through the AFC South. Does it really matter who finishes behind the reigning division champs? (It doesn't.)
Prediction: 1. Texans - 2. Colts - 3. Jaguars - 4. Titans
AFC West
One tough division despite how dominant the Chiefs have been. Sean Payton and the Broncos are trending upward. Jim Harbaugh turned the Chargers' culture around in a year. Pete Carroll may act young and chipper but the Raiders will test every bit of his enthusiasm.
Prediction: 1. Chiefs - 2. Chargers - 3. Broncos - 4. Raiders
NFC East
It has been a long time since a team repeated as champions in this division. That, along with all the roster shuffling, is enough to give pause on whether the Philadelphia Eagles will be able to win the NFC East again. The challenge will be testing, but Washington figures to level off after its surprising season in 2024. The Cowboys are a quagmire. And Brian Daboll will likely be looking for another job after the Giants have another poor season. Jaxson Dart may have gone to Ole Miss, but he will not have the career Eli Manning had.
Prediction: 1. Eagles - 2. Cowboys - 3. Commanders - 4. Giants
NFC North
The Lions are a force. They have everything going for them. However, Dan Campbell's coordinators exited, which should dent the team. Matt LaFleur and the Packers are rock solid. Would love to stop reading about Jordan Love, injuries, and procedures. They are redundant season to season—still, time to give Green Bay a chance to run by Detroit in the NFC North. The Vikings will falter and have to wonder if the faith they put in J.J. McCarthy was worth it. Ben Johnson will start the Bears moving forward … slowly.
Prediction: 1. Packers - 2. Lions - 3. Vikings - 4. Bears
NFC South
Welcome to the land of mediocrity. Todd Bowles and his Bucs will squeak to another division title. Their NFC South dynasty will not be remembered for the series of division championships. It will be the tale of being the best of an ordinary lot. The Carolina Panthers will get better, just not sure they are ready to win nine or 10 games, which it will take to gain the postseason. The Falcons are going to watch Michael Penix Jr. How fitting would it be if the Saints wound up with the first pick and somehow were able to land Arch Manning on the team his grandfather led?
Prediction: 1. Buccaneers - 2. Panthers - 3. Falcons - 4. Saints
NFC West
A strong division with all four teams set to contend. Yes, that means the Arizona Cardinal are going to continue to improve. They won't win it all but they also won't finish last. With all the back issues Matthew Stafford is having there have to be concerns about how many games he will play for the Rams. The Seahawks have Sam Darnold, who has a solid corps of receivers. And no one should be surprised when the 49ers flip the script on their 2024 record.
Prediction: 1. 49ers - 2. Seahawks - 3. Cardinals - 4. Rams
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