Predicting the NFL season is a bit like trying to catch a greased pig—just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, everything slips through your fingers. And boy, did the 2025 NFL season prove that point. We thought we had it all figured out, but the Seahawks blindsided us, while the Jets… well, let’s just say they stayed true to form. But here’s where it gets controversial: did we really miss the mark, or did the NFL just decide to rewrite the script entirely? Let’s dive in and revisit our predictions, with a healthy dose of humility and a few ‘I told you so’ moments sprinkled in.
The Head-Scratching Headlines
Our September predictions were bold—Mahomes, Jackson, or Allen in the Super Bowl? It seemed like a safe bet, right? After all, the AFC had to produce one of them. But the NFL had other plans. Mike Vrabel’s New England Patriots staged a comeback for the ages. The Bears went from cellar-dwellers to NFC North champs under Ben Johnson. Daniel Jones dazzled in the first half of the season. And who could forget the dynamic duo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Sam Darnold? Yet, aside from correctly calling the Jets’ annual implosion, our crystal ball was more foggy than clear. Seriously, who saw Drake Maye becoming an MVP contender? And this is the part most people miss: even the experts were left scratching their heads this season.
Revisiting the Predictions: Hits, Misses, and Surprises
Best Team to Miss the Playoffs
What We Said: The Rams would falter due to Matthew Stafford’s injury concerns, while Washington would thrive under Jayden Daniels. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, would be close but no cigar. The Bears would improve but fall short.
What Happened: Stafford not only stayed healthy but won MVP, leading the Rams to the NFC Championship. Burrow’s turf toe derailed Cincinnati’s season, and Daniels’ injuries left Washington in the dust. The Bears? They won the division. Bold question: Did we underestimate Stafford’s resilience, or did he simply defy all odds?
MVP Race
What We Said: Lamar Jackson’s revenge tour was a lock, with Josh Allen, Mahomes, and Daniels as contenders.
What Happened: Stafford and Maye battled it out in the closest MVP race since 2003. Of our predictions, only Allen cracked the top five. Controversial take: Did we overvalue the usual suspects and ignore the league’s rising stars?
Rookie to Watch
What We Said: Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter, and Cam Ward were our picks.
What Happened: Tetairoa McMillan and Carson Schwesinger stole the show. Jeanty was productive, but the Raiders needed more. Ward’s season was forgettable, and Carter’s slow start didn’t live up to the hype. Thought-provoking question: Are we too quick to crown rookies before they’ve proven themselves?
Divisional Deep Dives
AFC East: We called Buffalo a lock, but New England snatched the division. The Jets? They made history—by not recording a single interception. Bold statement: Did the Patriots’ success expose flaws in the Bills’ dominance?
AFC North: The Ravens were our pick, but injuries and inconsistency left them out of the playoffs. Pittsburgh took the division, thanks to a solid defense and Aaron Rodgers’ steady hand. Controversial interpretation: Was Baltimore’s collapse a result of bad luck, or deeper systemic issues?
AFC South: We backed the Texans, but Jacksonville under Liam Coen emerged as a force. Trevor Lawrence took a leap, and the Jags look poised for future success. Question for the audience: Did we underestimate the impact of coaching changes this season?
AFC West: We were split between the Chiefs and Broncos. Denver’s defense and Bo Nix’s emergence ended Kansas City’s reign. Counterpoint: Was Denver’s success a fluke, or the start of a new dynasty?
NFC Showdowns
NFC East: The Eagles won, but their offense sputtered. The division was a mess, with no team topping .500. Bold question: Is the NFC East the weakest division in football?
NFC North: We picked Green Bay, but Chicago’s Ben Johnson turned Caleb Williams into a star. The Vikings and Lions narrowly missed out. Controversial take: Did we overlook the impact of coaching in this division?
NFC South: We were split, but the Panthers took the title despite an underwhelming season. Thought-provoking question: Does this division need a complete overhaul?
NFC West: The Seahawks dominated, with Stafford and Purdy leading the Rams and 49ers in a tight race. Bold statement: Was Seattle’s success a one-off, or are they the new kings of the West?
Super Bowl Surprise
What We Said: Ravens, Broncos, Eagles, or Packers.
What Happened: Seattle vs. New England. Neither team was on our radar. The Seahawks’ defense and Darnold’s heroics in the NFC Championship were unexpected. Maye’s Super Bowl performance? Not so much. Final question: Did this season prove that predicting the NFL is an impossible task, or did we simply miss the signs?
As we look back, it’s clear that the 2025 NFL season was a wild ride. We may not have seen it coming, but that’s what makes football so thrilling. Now, we want to hear from you—where did we go wrong, and what surprised you the most? Let the debate begin!
