NFL playoff predictions: Division winners and wildcard teams in the NFC conference
We’ve walked through every stage of the Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 schedule. I gave my thoughts on the pecking order of the NFC West division.
Now, it’s time to zoom out to the NFC conference at large. Who will be the four division winners, the number one seed, and the three wildcard entrants?
Part 1: The Opening Quarter
Part 2: Litmus Test Before the Bye
Part 3: Clash Against the NFC South
Part 4: A Potentially Tough Close
Part 5: How I see the NFC West shaking out
NFC division winner predictions:
NFC East:
It’s tough to predict against the reigning Super Bowl champs in the Philadelphia Eagles. Still, I think Philly has some structural challenges for the upcoming season. Their pass rush isn’t as talented as we are used to, Saquon Barkley is due for regression, and the question still remains whether Jalen Hurts can pick up the slack if there is much.
The Washington Commanders seem like a team on the rise with Jayden Daniels; however, just because they made it to the NFC championship game a year ago doesn’t mean they are primed for success again in 2025. Washington was very fortunate to convert fourth downs at a high rate, the defense was below average under Dan Quinn, and I want to see Kliff Kingsbury replicate his success at offensive coordinator before I truly buy in.
I’m going to buck the consensus and pick the Dallas Cowboys to win the east. We go through these cycles all the time with Dak Prescott. He misses time with injury and we simply forget how consistently good he is. Fortunately for Prescott, CeeDee Lamb has help at receiver with George Pickens. This is a great stylistic fit for the Cowboys. The defense is talented enough.
Rams fans know Brian Schottenheimer well. This was far from the sexiest head coaching pick this offseason. Still, Schottenheimer has remained an underrated offensive coach during his time in the NFL. You know the jet sweep that took the league by storm over the last decade? Well, Schottenheimer implemented the motion into the Rams’ offensive during his time with the Rams to deploy Tavon Austin as a gadget player. Sean McVay continued the jet sweeps and it reached new heights with Todd Gurley in the backfield, catching fire across other NFL offenses.
Winner: Cowboys
NFC North:
I could honestly see any team in the NFC North emerge as the winner.
It’s hard not to be bullish on the Chicago Bears with Ben Johnson pulling the string for Caleb Williams. He knows his franchise quarterback needs to be protected and the team went to great lengths to rebuild the offensive line. Chicago has collected talent on defense and has given the Detroit Lions tough fits in recent years.
The Green Bay Packers are a little too volatile for my liking. While Jordan Love has had his fair share of shining moments, he’s overall one of the least accurate passers in the league.
While I was a big fan of JJ McCarthy in the draft, it feels a year too early to jump onto the bandwagon for the Minnesota Vikings. I trust Kevin O’Connell to get the most out of—what is basically—a rookie quarterback.
That leaves us with the Lions. Jared Goff brings a high floor as a consistent signal caller. It will be a monumental year of his career to show he can have success without Johnson and work to shed the “system QB” label. Simply put, the Lions have too much talent across the board under Dan Campbell’s fiery leadership to bet against them.
Winner: Lions
NFC South:
The Carolina Panthers showed promise towards the end of last season amidst a career turnaround by Bryce Young. For 2025, we can probably right them off in regards to the postseason along with the New Orleans Saints.
I’m optimistic about both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons this season. I think both teams will make the playoffs, although the firepower of Tampa Bay gives them a slight initial edge.
These are the Bucs’ pass catchers. Impressive group.
- Mike Evans
- Chris Godwin
- Cade Otton
- Emeka Egbuka
- Jalen McMillan
- Trey Palmer
- Sterling Shepard
To give Atlanta some credit, when the sun sets on the season I think we will be talking about Michael Penix as the next great franchise quarterback. Most thought the Falcons were crazy when they surprised and took him in the top 10 last year, despite having a significant need for defensive help. I appreciate the conviction and am looking forward to the coming reconciliation.
Winner: Buccaneers
NFC West:
If you want my deep analysis on the NFC West, you can click Part 5 of the season preview above.
I think the Rams will narrowly edge out the Arizona Cardinals for the division crown while the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks will disappoint. The ascent of the Cardinals comes at the expense of Kyle Shanahan and Sam Darnold.
Winner: Rams
Wildcard teams:
1 – Eagles
2 – Cardinals
3 – Falcons
Full playoff seeding:
1 – Lions
It’s tough to repeat as the one seed, but there might not be another team that has the week-to-week consistency of Detroit.
2 – Buccaneers
Think this is crazy? Well, Tampa finished as the three seed last year and only got better (outside of losing Liam Coen).
3 – Cowboys
Dallas gets the edge over LA because of playing in a weaker division. Teams in the NFC West will beat up on each other to an extent, prevent one from emerging too far out in front.
4 – Rams
5 – Eagles
A divisional round rematch in this year’s wildcard. This time it’s in Los Angeles and there is no reason to worry about snow.
6 – Cardinals
7 – Falcons
