Picking All 14 Teams to Make the 2025 NFL Playoffs: A Bold Forecast for a New Era

Published: September 3, 2025

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, the league is buzzing with anticipation. The offseason has been packed with blockbuster trades, franchise-altering draft picks, and coaching changes that could reshape the playoff landscape. With 14 teams now vying for Super Bowl glory—seven from each conference—the path to the postseason is longer but no less treacherous. In this deep dive, we’ll project all 14 playoff teams, break down the logic behind each pick, spotlight key X-factors, and explore the biggest threats to our predictions.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and map out who’s in, who’s out, and why.

AFC Playoff Picture: A New Balance of Power

The American Football Conference is undergoing a quiet revolution. The Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty remains a force, but challengers are rising. The AFC is deeper than ever, with parity making every division a potential minefield.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West Champions)

Record Projection: 12–5

Even at age 37, Patrick Mahomes continues to defy time. With Andy Reid still orchestrating one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses and Travis Kelce still catching dimes in the red zone, the Chiefs remain the team to beat. The addition of a young edge rusher in the draft and improved health along the offensive line should keep KC atop the AFC West.

Why They’re In:

• Mahomes’ late-game magic is still unmatched.
• Reid’s playoff mastery (10+ postseason wins this decade).
• A favorable late-season schedule with only one top-10 team after Week 12.

X-Factor: Rookie linebacker DeShawn Woods could solidify a defense that ranked 22nd in points allowed in 2024.

2. Buffalo Bills (AFC East Champions)

Record Projection: 11–6

Josh Allen is entering his prime, and with Stefon Diggs re-signed and a revamped secondary featuring new CB Christian Gonzalez, Buffalo is built for January football. Sean McDermott’s defense is poised for a top-5 finish, and the offense has more balance than ever.

Why They’re In:

• Allen’s dual-threat ability remains elite.
• The AFC East is weaker than in recent years (more on that later).
• Strong finish to 2024 (won 7 of last 9) sets momentum.

X-Factor: Quarterback depth. If Allen gets hurt, backup Tyree Robinson must avoid the turnover issues that plagued him in 2023.

3. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Champions)

Record Projection: 13–4

Lamar Jackson is back and healthier than ever after a full offseason. The Ravens’ offensive line was overhauled in free agency, and the defense added pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to complement Roquan Smith. With a run-heavy offense and a top-tier defense, Baltimore is built for cold-weather dominance.

Why They’re In:

• Jackson’s MVP-caliber ceiling.
• Best rushing attack in the NFL (projected 180+ YPG).
• Schedule: Only two games against projected 11-win teams.

X-Factor: Can the passing game sustain efficiency with a young WR corps? Zay Flowers must take a leap.

4. Houston Texans (AFC South Champions)

Record Projection: 10–7

The rise of C.J. Stroud is the most exciting storyline in the AFC. After a stellar rookie season, the 2023 No. 2 overall pick returns with more weapons—thanks to the addition of veteran WR Adam Thielen—and a defense that improved dramatically after Week 8 last year.

Why They’re In:

• Stroud’s poise and decision-making are rare for a young QB.
• Strong running game with Dameon Pierce and rookie RB Jonathon Brooks.
• AFC South is the league’s softest division.

X-Factor: Head coach DeMeco Ryans’ ability to manage close games. The Texans were 3–6 in one-score games in 2024.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (Wild Card)

Record Projection: 10–7

Justin Herbert is due for a bounce-back year after battling injuries and inconsistent protection. With a healthier offensive line and a dynamic duo at WR (Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston), the Chargers’ offense could explode. On defense, rookie safety Tyreke Johnson anchors a young, aggressive secondary.

Why They’re In:

• Herbert’s ceiling is top-3 QB when healthy.
• Favorable late-season matchups (vs. DEN, at JAX, vs. CAR).
• Mike Williams’ return from injury adds red-zone punch.

X-Factor: Can defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill generate more pressure without constant blitzing?

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (Wild Card)

Record Projection: 9–8

It’s Year 2 for rookie QB Kenny Pickett, and the Steelers are betting big on his development. With a brutal running game led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and a defense that returns nearly everyone—including T.J. Watt—the Steelers are built for physical, low-scoring games.

Why They’re In:

• Strong defense (top 8 in DVOA projected).
• Schedule includes multiple winnable games against weaker AFC and NFC foes.
• Mike Tomlin’s .500-or-better streak (17 seasons) is safe.

X-Factor: Pickett’s turnover rate. He threw 15 INTs in 2024—must cut that in half.

7. Cleveland Browns (Wild Card)

Record Projection: 9–8

Deshaun Watson, despite past struggles, has a chance to redeem his tenure in Cleveland. With a healthy Nick Chubb returning and WR Amari Cooper providing a reliable target, the Browns’ offense could finally click. The defense, led by Myles Garrett, is consistently strong.

Why They’re In:

• Chubb’s presence stabilizes the run game and play-action.
• Garrett is a perennial double-digit sack threat.
• Weak late-season slate (three games vs. sub-.500 teams).

X-Factor: Watson’s health and consistency. If he plays 15 games and cuts down on sacks taken, Cleveland wins 10.

NFC Playoff Picture: Shifting Dynasties and Rising Powers

The NFC is defined by change. The reign of the 49ers and Eagles is being challenged. A new generation of quarterbacks is emerging, and the balance of power is tilting west—and south.

8. Detroit Lions (NFC North Champions)

Record Projection: 12–5

The Lions are no longer a surprise team—they’re a powerhouse. Jared Goff is playing at an All-Pro level, the offensive line is dominant, and the defense has playmakers at every level. With Dan Campbell’s “ROAR” culture fully embedded, Detroit is poised for a deep run.

Why They’re In:

• Most balanced team in the NFC.
• Best offensive line in football (per PFF).
• Home-field advantage at Ford Field is a nightmare for visitors.

X-Factor: Can rookie CB Terrion Arnold handle No. 1 receiver duties in the playoffs?

9. San Francisco 49ers (NFC West Champions)

Record Projection: 11–6

Even after losing George Kittle to injury late in 2024, the 49ers remain a juggernaut. Brock Purdy is fully entrenched as the starter, and the running game—with Christian McCaffrey still elite and rookie RB Trey Benson adding explosiveness—is unstoppable. The defense, led by Nick Bosa, is as ferocious as ever.

Why They’re In:

• Kyle Shanahan’s offense is too versatile to stop.
• Purdy’s low turnover rate (only 7 INTs in 2024).
• Depth across the roster—especially on defense.

X-Factor: McCaffrey’s health. At age 31, can he stay fresh through January?

10. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East Champions)

Record Projection: 10–7

Jalen Hurts is back and fully healthy after missing time with a shoulder injury. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith forming one of the league’s best WR duos, and a rebuilt offensive line, Philly’s offense should return to top-5 form. The defense took a hit with Haason Reddick’s departure, but rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner could be a steal.

Why They’re In:

• Hurts’ dual-threat ability opens up the entire offense.
• Strong coaching from Nick Sirianni.
• NFC East is winnable despite Washington’s rise.

X-Factor: The new linebacker corps. Can Nakobe Dean and Omar Speights handle the middle?

11. Washington Commanders (Wild Card)

Record Projection: 9–8