Image Source: Ben Arthur,Greg Auman,Henry McKenna,Ralph Vacchiano,Eric Williams
Key Takeaways:
- The 2025 NFL season has been full of surprises, with teams like the Patriots, Jaguars, Bears, Steelers, and Panthers making the playoffs, while the Chiefs, Lions, Ravens, Vikings, and Buccaneers are out.
- The Texans, with the NFL’s best defense, are predicted to make a run to Super Bowl LX.
- At least four lower seeds are expected to win on Wild Card Weekend.
- The Rams are predicted to win Super Bowl LX, with Puka Nacua potentially becoming the ninth receiver to win Super Bowl MVP.
- Neither top seed, the Broncos and Seahawks, are expected to win a postseason game.
Introduction to the 2025 NFL Season
The 2025 NFL season has been full of surprises, with many unexpected teams making the playoffs. As one expert noted, "sometimes crazy things happen in the NFL. Presumptive first-round picks slide to Round 5, grandfathers return to play quarterback, coaches get fired after 18 years with a team, the Cowboys trade their best player." This unpredictability has led to a wide-open postseason, with many teams having a chance to make a deep run. As the article states, "the AFC feels wide open — no Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow — but Houston is also the NFL’s hottest team, entering the playoffs with a league-best nine-game winning streak."
The Texans’ Chances
The Texans, with the NFL’s best defense, are predicted to make a run to Super Bowl LX. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has postseason experience and has shown an ability to do enough to help Houston win low-scoring games. The team’s young wide receivers have stepped up, and the run game has been more potent in recent weeks, with rookie running back Woody Marks leading the charge. As the article notes, "Houston’s swarming defense gives the Texans a chance to make a deep postseason run." The Texans’ chances are further bolstered by their recent performance, with the team winning its final four road games of the regular season.
Wild Card Weekend Predictions
At least four lower seeds are expected to win on Wild Card Weekend. Greg Auman notes, "I’m not even sure this is that bold. Of the six teams hosting games this weekend, only the Eagles and Patriots are favored, so you have the natural 5-seed-over-4-seed games with the best wild card beating the worst division champs, but then potentially the 7-seed Packers over the Bears and the 6-seed Bills over the Jaguars." This unpredictability makes for an exciting weekend of football, with many teams having a chance to pull off upsets. As Auman states, "some of the best teams in these playoffs have the least experienced quarterbacks, so fans will trust known playoff commodities like Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford."
The Rams’ Chances
The Rams are predicted to win Super Bowl LX, with Puka Nacua potentially becoming the ninth receiver to win Super Bowl MVP. Nacua has had a stellar season, leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards per game. He has a reputation for making highlight-reel catches and could be the key to the Rams’ success in the postseason. As the article notes, "Puka Nacua led the NFL in receptions (129) and receiving yards per game (107.2) this year. Can he finish his stellar season as the Super Bowl MVP?" The Rams’ chances are further bolstered by their strong team performance, with Nacua being a key contributor to their success.
The Top Seeds’ Chances
Neither top seed, the Broncos and Seahawks, are expected to win a postseason game. The Broncos have been flirting with danger all season, playing 13 one-score games and winning 11 of them. However, this is not sustainable, especially with a quarterback who is not Patrick Mahomes. The Seahawks have also had close calls, but it’s hard to trust Sam Darnold as a big-game quarterback. As Ralph Vacchiano notes, "both the Broncos and Seahawks will be one and done." The Broncos’ and Seahawks’ chances are further diminished by their recent performance, with both teams struggling in close games.
The Steelers’ Chances
The Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, have a chance to make a deep run in the postseason. Rodgers has been up to the task, leading Pittsburgh to a critical victory over the Ravens in Week 18 to reach the playoffs. The Steelers will get WR1 DK Metcalf back after a two-game suspension, and the AFC is wide open, with the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals all watching from home. As Mike Tomlin said, "this was the vision in the spring when we pursued him. That’s why you do business with a 41-, 42-year-old guy, a been-there done-that guy with a résumé like his. He’s not only capable, he thrives in it." The Steelers’ chances are further bolstered by Rodgers’ experience and the team’s recent performance, with the team winning critical games down the stretch.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL postseason is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. With many teams having a chance to make a deep run, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top. As the article notes, "crazier things have happened" in the NFL, and this postseason is sure to be full of surprises. With the Texans, Rams, and Steelers all having a chance to make a deep run, and the top seeds struggling, it’s going to be a wild ride. As the experts predict, "the road to the Super Bowl doesn’t really run through Denver and Seattle," and it’s going to be a battle between the other teams to see who will come out on top.
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-playoffs-preview-bold-predictions-postseason