SPORTS

The NFL 2025 Season: A Look at the Biggest Predictions

USAThu Sep 04 2025

The 2025 NFL season is set to kick off with a bang, and experts have plenty of predictions to share.

Opening Games and International Showdown

  • Defending Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles, will face off against their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in the opening game.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, marking the NFL's return to the country.

Conference Champions and Surprise Contenders

Experts are divided on whether the Eagles and Chiefs will repeat as conference champions or if other teams like the Cowboys will exceed expectations.

MVP and Player of the Year Speculations

  • AFC's top quarterbacksPatrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen—have dominated the MVP awards in recent years, but Joe Burrow is seen as a strong contender this season.
  • If Burrow wins MVP, his top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, could also be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year.
  • On the defensive side, Micah Parsons has been a hot topic, but experts are favoring Aidan Hutchinson for Defensive Player of the Year.
  • Rookies like Ashton Jeanty and Abdul Carter are generating buzz for their potential impact on the field.

Coaching Under Scrutiny and Team Projections

  • Shane Steichen and Kevin Stefanski face pressure due to uncertain quarterback situations.
  • The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars are seen as teams on the rise.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings are expected to struggle.

Playoff Contenders

Despite the dominance of the AFC's top quarterbacks, there's still hope for other teams to make a run in the playoffs. The Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs are all seen as strong contenders to advance to the Super Bowl.

Conclusion

As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on these key players and teams to see if the predictions hold true.

questions

    If Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift won the Super Bowl, what would their victory dance look like?
    What evidence supports the prediction that Joe Burrow could win MVP over established quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson?
    Is there a hidden agenda behind the Athletic staff's predictions that favors certain teams or players?

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