NFL Playoff Predictions for the 2025 Season
By Matthew Reynolds | NILvana Sports
The 2025 NFL season is nearly here. Training camp is behind us, Week 1 is days away, and the path to January is already taking shape. Here’s a look at who I believe will punch their ticket to the postseason.
AFC Playoffs
#1 Seed: Kansas City Chiefs
The defending AFC champions remain the class of the conference. Patrick Mahomes may have faced scrutiny for a “down year” statistically, but history shows poking the bear rarely ends well. With Mahomes and Andy Reid still leading the charge, expect an eighth straight trip to the AFC Championship Game and home-field advantage again.
#2 Seed: Baltimore Ravens
Since Lamar Jackson’s arrival, the Ravens have consistently been contenders. With Derrick Henry now in the mix, Baltimore’s offense should be its most dynamic yet. A Week 1 showdown with Buffalo looms large, but I expect the Ravens to win it and secure the head-to-head tiebreaker that lands them the #2 seed.
#3 Seed: Buffalo Bills
The Bills trimmed veteran talent last offseason, but Josh Allen responded with an MVP campaign and another deep playoff run. While their opener against the Ravens may drop them to #3, this remains a team built for another January push.
#4 Seed: Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud and Houston’s young defensive core are ready to take the next step. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley should scheme around the offensive line’s shortcomings, keeping the Texans on track to dominate the AFC South and secure the #4 seed.
#5 Seed: Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wasted no time reviving the Chargers, and Year 2 should be even stronger. Los Angeles looks poised to improve on last year’s 11-6 record and edge Denver in the tiebreaker battle for the #5 spot.
#6 Seed: Denver Broncos
Bo Nix impressed as a rookie, and with one of the NFL’s elite defenses backing him up, Denver won’t be easy to beat. The Broncos may not win many shootouts, but steady offensive growth should be enough to lock down the #6 seed.
#7 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals paid Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but contract drama with Trey Hendrickson lingers. Expect an explosive offense paired with a suspect defense, forcing Cincinnati into shootouts. Unlike last year, they’ll win enough to slip into the playoffs at #7.
NFC Playoffs
#1 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles
Fresh off their 2024 Super Bowl title, the Eagles return with the league’s deepest roster. The “tush push” remains legal, and Philadelphia remains dominant. Pencil them in for the top seed in the NFC.
#2 Seed: Detroit Lions
Last year’s 15-1 run ended in heartbreak, but Dan Campbell’s Lions aren’t going away. Even with both coordinators gone, Detroit should repeat as NFC North champs and land just behind Philadelphia as the #2 seed.
#3 Seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Licht has quietly built one of the NFL’s strongest rosters. While Tampa may fall short of the Lions in a tiebreaker, they remain dangerous and ready for another playoff run as the #3 seed.
#4 Seed: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams nearly shocked the Eagles in last year’s Wild Card round. With an improved roster and Matthew Stafford healthy, Los Angeles should edge out San Francisco in a close divisional battle, earning the #4 seed.
#5 Seed: San Francisco 49ers
Injuries derailed last season, but a healthier squad will bring San Francisco back into contention. They’ll push the Rams for the NFC West title but settle into the #5 seed.
#6 Seed: Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love has kept Green Bay’s playoff streak alive, and that won’t change in 2025. The Packers didn’t make major offseason splashes, but their consistency and balance keep them in as the #6 seed.
#7 Seed: Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels is the real deal, but this year may bring a touch of regression. A Terry McLaurin contract dispute looms, and the magic of 2024’s upset run may not fully repeat. Still, Daniels carries Washington into the postseason as the #7 seed.
Big Picture: Less Parity in the Playoffs
My boldest prediction? Only three new playoff teams in 2025, with no new division winners. Traditionally, 6–7 fresh faces reach the postseason each year, but the 17-game schedule has shifted that balance. Instead of boosting parity, the extra game allows elite teams to separate further. Expect more of the same this season.
