The 2025 NFL Season: Analysis and Predictions for Fans
The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a bang on Thursday night, with the current Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, facing the Cowboys. The match will take place at 8:20 PM ET on NBC, marking the start of an exciting campaign.
Week 1 continues on Friday in Brazil, where the Chiefs will face the Chargers in São Paulo at 8 PM ET, broadcast on YouTube. On Sunday, the day includes 13 games, highlighting the matchup between the Bills and the Ravens on “Sunday Night Football” at 8:20 PM ET on NBC. The opening week concludes with “Monday Night Football”, with the Vikings visiting the Bears at 8:20 PM ET, broadcast on ESPN and ABC.
To celebrate the return of American football, NFL reporters have evaluated the strengths and concerns of all 32 teams. In addition, key analyses for fans are included, such as tips for winning in fantasy leagues and bold predictions. The odds of each team winning their division and reaching the playoffs are presented, along with projected win totals and the difficulty of the schedule. Depth charts, schedules, and rosters for each team are also included.
The season will culminate on February 8th at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the most outstanding teams, according to the Football Power Index (FPI):
1. Baltimore Ravens
Playoff chances: 78.6%Division win probabilities: 52.6%Projected Wins: 10.4Calendar difficulty: Most difficult ninth2024 Record: 12-5Greatest strength: Lamar Jackson, the most explosive player in the league. In 2024, he led the NFL in yards per pass attempt (8.8) and yards per carry (6.6). With Jackson, Baltimore has a 70-24 (.745) record and aspires to the Super Bowl title.Major concern: Tyler Loop. The biggest change is going from Justin Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, to Loop, a rookie. Of the 128 kickers who attempted 20 or more kicks as rookies, 19 reached or exceeded 85% accuracy.Key quarterback statistic: Jackson looks to build on a record-breaking season, setting personal bests in passing touchdowns (41) and passing yards (4,172). He could become the first quarterback since Peyton Manning (2003-05) to be named All-Pro in three consecutive seasons.How to win your fantasy league: Zay Flowers, a reliable receiver in the Ravens’ offense, who averaged 12.2 points per game in 2024.Bold Prediction for 2025: Running back Keaton Mitchell will have at least four games with more than 20 fantasy points.Image: From left to right: Jayden Daniels, T.J. Watt, Pete Carroll, Bijan Robinson, Cam Ward, Ja’Marr Chase. Illustration by ESPN.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Playoff chances: 76.1%Division Win Probability: 56.0%Projected Wins: 10.3Calendar difficulty: Fourth most difficult2024 Record: 14-3Greatest Strength: Exceptional running game. Saquon Barkley, the leading rusher of the 2024 season, propelled the Eagles to their second Super Bowl title. They operate behind one of the best offensive lines in the league.Major concern: Replacements in the secondary. The Eagles lost safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Darius Slay, and haven’t clearly identified their replacements.Key quarterback statistic: With Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator, Hurts ranked fourth in QBR using motion, behind Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Brock Purdy.How to win your fantasy league: DeVonta Smith. The receiver has finished each of the last three seasons in the top 20 in PPR scoring.Bold Prediction for 2025: Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo will record at least 5.0 sacks and finish in the top 10 in pass rush win rate.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Playoff chances: 74.8%Division win probabilities: 46.8%Projected Wins: 10.3Calendar difficulty: 11th most difficult (tie)2024 Record: 15-2Greatest strength: The combination of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, the best coach and quarterback combination in the league.Biggest concern: Protecting Mahomes’ blind side with a rookie and a second-year player switching positions.Key quarterback statistic: If Mahomes reaches the AFC Championship Game for the eighth consecutive season, he will tie Tom Brady (2011-18) for the longest streak of conference final starts since the 1970 merger.How to win your fantasy league: Isiah Pacheco, the running back. Bet on a healthy Pacheco.Bold Prediction for 2025: The Chiefs will have at least 12 plays of 40+ yards in the regular season.Image: Patrick Mahomes analysis.
4. Detroit Lions
Playoff chances: 65.6%Division win probabilities: 38.4%Projected Wins: 9.7Calendar difficulty: Second most difficult (tie)2024 Record: 15-2Biggest strength: Ground attack. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could be featured running backs on almost any NFL team.Major concern: Offensive line. Key losses on the offensive line raise questions about offensive production.Key quarterback statistic: Jared Goff is ranked 23rd in QBR under pressure.How to win your fantasy league: Jameson Williams. Williams had 16 receptions of 20 or more yards last season.Bold Prediction for 2025: Aidan Hutchinson will record at least 100 pass wins.
5. Buffalo Bills
Playoff chances: 81.1%Division Win Probability: 66.5%Projected Wins: 10.6Calendar Difficulty: Easier Novena (tie)2024 Record: 13-4Greatest Strength: Josh Allen. Allen has been the NFL MVP and has broken franchise records.Main concern: Changes in defense. Investment in the defensive line and the health of some key players are crucial.Key quarterback statistic: Allen signed a six-year extension with $250 million guaranteed.How to win your fantasy league: Khalil Shakir. The Bills’ route tree maximizes his after-the-catch skills.Bold Prediction for 2025: Dalton Kincaid will record at least 900 receiving yards.
6. Green Bay Packers
Playoff chances: 56.4%Division Win Probability: 29.0%Projected Wins: 9.2Calendar difficulty: Fifth most difficult (tie)2024 Record: 11-6Strongest asset: Offensive experience, with Jordan Love and his key receivers.Major concern: The Packers face a change in their defense with the addition of Micah Parsons.
