The battle between humans and AI hasn't quite reached T2 levels just yet, but it's clear the computers are pulling ahead. Unwilling to sit on the sidelines while the algos become our overlords, we've decided to strap on our figurative helmets and get in on the action.
So, below you'll find two human takes on how the 2025 NFL regular season will unfold. We've each gone through the entire schedule, team by team, week by week, separately projecting who will win during opening weekend, on Thanksgiving Day, in each season finale and every game in between. You'll find our conference seeding for the entire playoff field, including our individual picks for the eight division winners and six wild-card teams.
Sure, our two sets of season-long projections might not be rooted in advanced metrics, sophisticated models or fancy formulas, but we can tell you in no uncertain terms that we considered the important stuff ... like revenge games, longstanding team stats involving players and coaches no longer with those clubs, and -- most importantly -- gut instincts.
Who needs thousands or even millions of simulations when one of the two scenarios featured below is destined to come to fruition? (It's pretty clear which one.)
Can't wait to hear the positive feedback. Try not to reach out all at once.
AFC PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
| Ali's AFC Playoff Field | Rank's AFC Playoff Field |
|---|---|
| 1. Bills (15-2) | 1. Bills (12-5) |
| 2. Ravens (14-3) | 2. Broncos (12-5) |
| 3. Chiefs (12-5) | 3. Bengals (11-6) |
| 4. Texans (10-7) | 4. Texans (8-9) |
| WILD CARDS | WILD CARDS |
| 5. Broncos (11-6) | 5. Chiefs (11-6) |
| 6. Chargers (10-7) | 6. Ravens (11-6) |
| 7. Bengals (10-7) | 7. Raiders (10-7) |
AFC EAST
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Ravens (SNF) | L | W |
| Week 2: at Jets | W | L |
| Week 3: Dolphins (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 4: Saints | W | W |
| Week 5: Patriots (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 6: at Falcons (Mon) | W | L |
| Week 7: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 8: at Panthers | W | W |
| Week 9: Chiefs | W | W |
| Week 10: at Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 11: Buccaneers | W | W |
| Week 12: at Texans (Thu) | W | L |
| Week 13: at Steelers | L | W |
| Week 14: Bengals | W | L |
| Week 15: at Patriots | W | L |
| Week 16: at Browns | W | W |
| Week 17: Eagles | W | W |
| Week 18: Jets | W | W |
| Final Record: | 15-2 | 12-5 |
Rank explains his picks …
High point: Week 9 vs. Chiefs.
After playing in the Wild Card Round six years in a row, the Bills need to get the No. 1 seed this year. They need it. And while it's nice for them to beat the Ravens early on, a victory here -- which would be Buffalo's fifth straight regular-season triumph over K.C. -- could determine whether or not Josh Allen and Co. get the top spot. (Spoiler alert: They do, at least according to our projections.)
Low point: Weeks 14 and 15.
This two-game set -- vs. Cincinnati and at New England -- looks like the toughest stretch for the Bills. I have them falling to the Bengals, who have won two of these teams' three meetings in the Allen era (and that one loss came before Joe Burrow arrived on the scene), and the Patriots, whom I like a lot this year.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 vs. Ravens.
The Bills have a narrow edge (3-2) in the five games these teams have played since Lamar Jackson became the Ravens' starter, following up last season's 25-point regular-season loss in Baltimore with a two-point home win in the infamous "Mark Andrews dropped pass" Divisional Round playoff game. Buffalo makes it two in a row.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 1st
- Will the Bills make the playoffs? Yes.
Not only will the Bills make the playoffs -- I have them taking the AFC this season. They have Allen, the reigning MVP, and while they haven't exactly surrounded him with a wealth of receiving help, they did recently extend James Cook, and they upgraded defensively. Buffalo is finally ready to make the leap.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Colts | L | W |
| Week 2: Patriots | W | W |
| Week 3: at Bills (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 4: Jets (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 5: at Panthers | L | L |
| Week 6: Chargers | W | L |
| Week 7: at Browns | L | L |
| Week 8: at Falcons | L | L |
| Week 9: Ravens (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 10: Bills | L | L |
| Week 11: Commanders (Madrid) | L | L |
| Week 12: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 13: Saints | W | W |
| Week 14: at Jets | L | L |
| Week 15: at Steelers (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 16: Bengals (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 17: Buccaneers | L | W |
| Week 18: at Patriots | L | L |
| Final Record: | 5-12 | 6-11 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Opening month.
The Dolphins have a real nice opportunity to kick things off with some wins. They begin with a road match in Indianapolis, which I have them taking because the Colts are, well, the Colts. Then the Fins get the Patriots and the Jets at home early, when the South Florida weather tends to still be quite warm. It could be a great start for Miami.
Low point: Weeks 9-11.
Getting consecutive home games in the middle of the season seems great -- until you find out they will be played against the Ravens (on a short week) and the Bills, with an ensuing trip to Madrid to face the Commanders. Hard to see the Dolphins doing well throughout that stretch. In fact, I have them dropping all three to run a losing streak to seven games.
Toughest game to call: Week 7 at Browns.
On paper, the Dolphins should win this one -- with should being the operative word. While both teams are riddled with question marks, I'm going with the Browns.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Dolphins make the playoffs? No.
Hard to believe they are at this point, especially when you consider how well the Mike McDaniel era started. But there is a dark cloud over this team following a lackluster 8-9 Year 3 under the coach, with ominous feelings increasing after a pair of apparently disastrous joint practices with the Bears and Lions. Jalen Ramsey was traded and seemingly threw shade at McDaniel on a recent podcast appearance, and Tyreek Hill could be on his way out of town, as well. It's a rough scene in Miami right now.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Raiders | L | W |
| Week 2: at Dolphins | L | L |
| Week 3: Steelers | L | L |
| Week 4: Panthers | W | W |
| Week 5: at Bills (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 6: at Saints | L | L |
| Week 7: at Titans | W | W |
| Week 8: Browns | W | W |
| Week 9: Falcons | W | W |
| Week 10: at Buccaneers | L | L |
| Week 11: Jets (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 12: at Bengals | L | L |
| Week 13: Giants (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 14: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 15: Bills | L | W |
| Week 16: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 17: at Jets | W | L |
| Week 18: Dolphins | W | W |
| Final Record: | 7-10 | 9-8 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 9 vs. Falcons.
After a tough early stretch, the Patriots reel off three straight wins, culminating in this victory over Atlanta, which pushes them to 5-4 -- and the way I see it, they will not fall below .500 again this season.
Low point: Weeks 16 and 17.
A pair of road games against the Ravens and Jets dash New England's playoff dreams.
Toughest game to call: Week 2 at Dolphins.
The Patriots should be able to handle the Dolphins ... right? But I just can't ignore the fact that New England has just two wins in Miami since 2013.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Patriots make the playoffs? No.
It's not hard to like what New England has been doing. Mike Vrabel is a top-notch head coach. Drake Maye could take a step forward. The Pats also might have grabbed the best running back in the draft. I can see them proving me wrong and reaching the playoffs -- but I reserve the right to be a little dubious because, at this point, I just don't think they are ready to run with the big dogs consistently enough to make the cut.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Steelers | W | W |
| Week 2: Bills | L | W |
| Week 3: at Buccaneers | L | L |
| Week 4: at Dolphins (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 5: Cowboys | W | W |
| Week 6: Broncos (London) | L | W |
| Week 7: Panthers | L | W |
| Week 8: at Bengals | L | L |
| Week 9: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 10: Browns | W | W |
| Week 11: at Patriots (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 12: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 13: Falcons | W | W |
| Week 14: Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 15: at Jaguars | W | L |
| Week 16: at Saints | W | W |
| Week 17: Patriots | L | W |
| Week 18: at Bills | L | L |
| Final Record: | 7-10 | 10-7 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Weeks 1 and 2.
Not only do I see the Jets kicking things off with a REVENGE GAME win over Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, but I think they keep it going the following week against the Bills (who will themselves be coming down from a big season-opening win over the Ravens) to start 2-0 for the first time since 2015.
Low point: Weeks 3 and 4.
That's also the last year the Jets won in Miami -- and unfortunately for them, they drop a 10th straight as guests of the Dolphins, slipping to 2-2 after also falling to the Bucs on a Florida road trip.
Toughest game to call: Week 6 vs. Broncos in London.
The opposing team for this British battle snapped a playoff drought with a 2024 turnaround. Can the Jets follow in the Broncos' footsteps by being the surprise breakout team of the AFC in 2025?
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Jets make the playoffs? No.
The Jets are flying (pun intended) under the radar this season, as the "other team" (along with the Bears) that raided the Lions' coaching staff. As great as new head coach Aaron Glenn is, don't sleep on new coordinator Tanner Engstrand and what he could mean for the offense this season. I'm seeing Gang Green in the playoff picture this year. Sorry for raising your hopes, Jets fans, by writing that ... because I think this team will fall just short, extending its postseason absence to a 15th season.
AFC NORTH
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Bills (SNF) | W | L |
| Week 2: Browns | W | W |
| Week 3: Lions (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 4: at Chiefs | W | L |
| Week 5: Texans | W | W |
| Week 6: Rams | W | W |
| Week 7: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 8: Bears | W | W |
| Week 9: at Dolphins (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 10: at Vikings | L | L |
| Week 11: at Browns | W | L |
| Week 12: Jets | W | W |
| Week 13: Bengals (Thanksgiving) | W | W |
| Week 14: Steelers | W | W |
| Week 15: at Bengals | L | L |
| Week 16: Patriots | W | W |
| Week 17: at Packers | L | W |
| Week 18: at Steelers | W | L |
| Final Record: | 14-3 | 11-6 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 5-9.
After the Ravens start 2-2, a victory over the Texans commences a four-game winning streak in which they handle some quality opponents. Baltimore doesn't have a lot of stumbles from week to week. Alright, maybe just one ...
Low point: Week 11 at Browns.
It's not like I believe the Browns are the better team -- far from it. But the Ravens have lost three of their last four in Cleveland, setting the stage for this AFC North upset.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Bills.
This one is so difficult to put my finger on, it also earned this spot in my breakdown of the Bills' slate. This is not quite a REVENGE GAME for Mark Andrews, but it might be an AVENGE GAME. Poor guy; he's going to see his playoff drop so many times during the run-up to Week 1.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Ravens make the playoffs? Yes.
The Ravens have the safest floor of just about any team in the AFC (maybe the Bills have a slight edge). Baltimore is going to make the playoffs. Really, it's just a matter of seeding. I might not be as hyped about the Ravens as Ali, but I certainly don't have much of an argument against his prediction.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Browns | W | W |
| Week 2: Jaguars | L | W |
| Week 3: at Vikings | W | L |
| Week 4: at Broncos (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 5: Lions | L | W |
| Week 6: at Packers | L | L |
| Week 7: Steelers (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 8: Jets | W | W |
| Week 9: Bears | W | W |
| Week 10: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 11: at Steelers | W | L |
| Week 12: Patriots | W | W |
| Week 13: at Ravens (Thanksgiving) | L | L |
| Week 14: at Bills | L | W |
| Week 15: Ravens | W | W |
| Week 16: at Dolphins (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 17: Cardinals | W | W |
| Week 18: Browns | W | W |
| Final Record: | 10-7 | 11-6 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Weeks 7-9.
The Bengals have a tough three-game stretch at home, beginning with a prime-time showdown with Pittsburgh, followed by bouts against the Jets and the Bears, a pair of resurgent franchises that promise to bring plenty of fight. I have Cincinnati winning all three.
Low point: Weeks 3 and 4.
The Bengals have demonstrated a commitment to training camp and the preseason, with Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase playing right off the bat in the preseason. It feels like the team is going to get off to a hot start -- or at least try to. Even for a squad as good as this one, taking on back-to-back roadies against the Vikings and Broncos (on Monday night in Denver) is a big ask.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Browns.
I'm kidding. Barely. Remember what happened last year, when we were all certain the Bengals were going to destroy the Patriots in Week 1, and then they suffered a 16-10 loss that ultimately kind of kept them out of the playoffs -- and, by extension, maybe even the Super Bowl? A high as I am on Cincinnati, it makes sense that I feel a little wary, especially considering this team's record in Cleveland (1-4) over the past five seasons.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 1st
- Will the Bengals make the playoffs? Yes.
It seems like the Bengals are going to try to compete without a defense this season, with Trey Hendrickson's status fully in limbo and few impact additions to a unit that finished 25th overall in 2024. But that's fine. They barely had a defense last year and they were still one of the most frightening teams in the league. The Bengals will end up winning the AFC North this season.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Bengals | L | L |
| Week 2: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 3: Packers | L | L |
| Week 4: at Lions | L | L |
| Week 5: Vikings (London) | L | L |
| Week 6: at Steelers | W | L |
| Week 7: Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 8: at Patriots | L | L |
| Week 9: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 10: at Jets | L | L |
| Week 11: Ravens | L | W |
| Week 12: at Raiders | L | L |
| Week 13: 49ers | W | L |
| Week 14: Titans | W | L |
| Week 15: at Bears | L | L |
| Week 16: Bills | L | L |
| Week 17: Steelers | L | W |
| Week 18: at Bengals | L | L |
| Final Record: | 4-13 | 3-14 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 7 vs. Dolphins.
It's tough to see the pathway to many victories for the Browns, who go winless through Week 6 for the first time since they went winless for the entire season, back in 2017. This year, they get a break at home against the spiraling Dolphins. Now, you'll notice that I also have them beating the rival Ravens and Steelers, but getting off the schneid -- and avoiding a second season of infamy in less than a decade -- is crucial.
Low point: Week 12 at Raiders.
Coming one week after a huge upset win over the Ravens, this loss sparks a five-game skid that pretty much wraps up the Browns for 2025, putting their spot in the 2026 NFL Draft order front and center.
Toughest game to call: Week 15 at Bears.
Bears fans (like me) still remember crumbling against Joe Flacco in Cleveland in 2023, helping facilitate the Browns' unlikely playoff run that year. Things seem much brighter in Chicago, but you'll forgive me for still feeling snakebitten when it comes to this matchup.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Browns make the playoffs? No.
Flacco led this team to the postseason two years ago, and Cleveland made a huge mistake letting him walk after that. He's back now -- but he's also 40 years old. Stranger things have happened than Flacco making more improbable magic, but I'm hard pressed to see this roster competing for a playoff spot.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Jets | L | L |
| Week 2: Seahawks | W | W |
| Week 3: at Patriots | W | W |
| Week 4: Vikings (Dublin) | L | W |
| Week 5: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 6: Browns | L | W |
| Week 7: at Bengals (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 8: Packers (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 9: Colts | W | W |
| Week 10: at Chargers (SNF) | W | L |
| Week 11: Bengals | L | W |
| Week 12: at Bears | W | L |
| Week 13: Bills | W | L |
| Week 14: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 15: Dolphins (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 16: at Lions | L | L |
| Week 17: at Browns | W | L |
| Week 18: Ravens | L | W |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 8-9 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 4 vs. Vikings in Dublin.
The Steelers were an obvious pick to play in Ireland, given the Rooney family's history with the country, where the late Dan Rooney was appointed U.S. Ambassador by then-President Barack Obama. The trip is made even sweeter by a win that vaults the Steelers to a 3-1 start.
Low point: Week 17 at Browns.
Not only does this game cost the Steelers a chance to sweep the series for the first time since 2021, but it gives them their first sub-.500 season since the Mike Tomlin era began -- nearly two decades ago.
Toughest games to call: Week 14 at Ravens; Week 18 vs. Ravens.
You can look at the history of these two clubs to try to figure out who has the advantage. But you just never know how this series will go, especially with Aaron Rodgers -- who last faced the Ravens in 2021, when he beat them as an MVP-hoarding QB for the Packers -- in the mix.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Steelers make the playoffs? No.
There is no doubt in my mind that Rodgers makes this team much better than it would be with Mason Rudolph under center. How much better? I can see him playing nice for a while, but, well, he's already complaining about his helmet. Tomlin has done some great work in the past; that said, winning with the 41-year-old at QB might be too big a hurdle, even for him.
AFC SOUTH
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Rams | W | L |
| Week 2: Buccaneers (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 3: at Jaguars | W | L |
| Week 4: Titans | W | L |
| Week 5: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 6: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 7: at Seahawks (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 8: 49ers | W | W |
| Week 9: Broncos | W | W |
| Week 10: Jaguars | L | W |
| Week 11: at Titans | L | W |
| Week 12: Bills (Thu) | L | W |
| Week 13: at Colts | W | L |
| Week 14: at Chiefs (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 15: Cardinals | W | L |
| Week 16: Raiders | L | W |
| Week 17: at Chargers | L | L |
| Week 18: Colts | W | L |
| Final Record: | 10-7 | 8-9 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 9 vs. Broncos.
On the back of a hot start (including this, the final victory in a second win streak), the Texans hit midseason with a commanding 7-1 overall record and a 2-0 mark in the division.
Low point: Weeks 10-12.
The Jags and Titans should be much tougher draws this year. I see both teams getting a game back on the Texans in the second half of the campaign, when they've had time to acclimate to a new head coach (Liam Coen in Jacksonville) and QB1 (Cam Ward in Tennessee), respectively. Speaking of evening the score, the Bills make amends for 2024's loss in Houston with a resounding win in Week 12 that tightens the AFC South race.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Rams.
These are two solid teams set to start the season with significant question marks on offense. Will Matthew Stafford's back injury prevent him from suiting up -- or, at the very least, limit his pocket mobility against Houston's ferocious pass rush? Will the Texans' overhauled offensive line jell from the jump, and will Joe Mixon (ankle) be available? Week 1 is always good for a surprise or three.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 1st
- Will the Texans make the playoffs? Yes.
The Texans have more overall continuity and talent than their division-mates, which is why they're my pick to take the South for a third straight season. Growing pains in places like Tennessee and Jacksonville won't last forever, though, which is why both Rank and I expect a fair amount of volatility in the division race.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Dolphins | W | L |
| Week 2: Broncos | L | L |
| Week 3: at Titans | L | W |
| Week 4: at Rams | L | W |
| Week 5: Raiders | W | L |
| Week 6: Cardinals | L | L |
| Week 7: at Chargers | L | L |
| Week 8: Titans | W | L |
| Week 9: at Steelers | L | L |
| Week 10: Falcons (Berlin) | L | L |
| Week 11: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 12: at Chiefs | L | L |
| Week 13: Rams | L | W |
| Week 14: Texans | W | L |
| Week 15: at Seahawks | L | L |
| Week 16: 49ers (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 17: Jaguars | L | W |
| Week 18: at Texans | L | W |
| Final Record: | 4-13 | 5-12 |
Ali explains his picks
High point: Week 1 vs. Dolphins.
Obviously, no team wants to crest in Week 1, but a victory in the Colts' home opener could assuage a lot of the concerns currently swirling around this team. While I don't have that win dominoing into additional dubs, it's plausible to think a positive start could translate to more early-season success.
Low point: Week 12 at Chiefs.
Playing at Arrowhead immediately after a bye week is like having a final exam on your first day back from Thanksgiving break. Not ideal.
Toughest game to call: Week 10 vs. Falcons in Berlin.
The Colts could reclaim some good vibes in an otherwise-challenging campaign by fending off the Falcons in Deutschland. As the designated team, they might have some extra motivation to show out for the Berlin crowd. Will it be enough to slow a rising Atlanta squad?
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Colts make the playoffs? No.
If we could bank on consistent quarterback play, Indy has enough surrounding talent to warrant probably twice as many wins in this exercise.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Panthers | W | L |
| Week 2: at Bengals | W | L |
| Week 3: Texans | L | W |
| Week 4: at 49ers | L | L |
| Week 5: Chiefs (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 6: Seahawks | W | W |
| Week 7: Rams (London) | W | W |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: at Raiders | L | L |
| Week 10: at Texans | W | L |
| Week 11: Chargers | L | L |
| Week 12: at Cardinals | L | L |
| Week 13: at Titans | W | L |
| Week 14: Colts | L | W |
| Week 15: Jets | L | W |
| Week 16: at Broncos | L | L |
| Week 17: at Colts | W | L |
| Week 18: Titans | L | W |
| Final Record: | 7-10 | 6-11 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 7 vs. Rams in London.
Several impressive early-season performances, including an upset of the Rams at Wembley, have the folks in Duval feeling spicy. The Jags hit their Week 8 bye with as many wins as they had all of last season.
Low point: Week 14 vs. Colts.
The first in a string of three straight losses, this defeat to their division rivals drops the Jags under .500 on the year -- where they spend the remainder of the season. A real turning point for Liam Coen and his crew in his first year at the helm.
Toughest game to call: Week 2 at Bengals.
The Jags figure to be sizable underdogs in this one, but the Bengals have been notorious for their slow starts during the Joe Burrow era. So, how about a juicy Jags upset?
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Jaguars make the playoffs? No.
If Trevor Lawrence plays to his lofty potential, I could see Liam Coen doing to DeMeco Ryans what Ryans did to Coen's predecessor, Doug Pederson, in 2023: Unseating the reigning division champs in Year 1. Hard to count on that kind of immediate turnaround, though, especially with the AFC West and NFC West comprising a chunk of the schedule.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Broncos | L | L |
| Week 2: Rams | L | W |
| Week 3: Colts | W | L |
| Week 4: at Texans | L | W |
| Week 5: at Cardinals | L | L |
| Week 6: at Raiders | W | W |
| Week 7: Patriots | L | L |
| Week 8: at Colts | L | W |
| Week 9: Chargers | L | W |
| Week 10: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 11: Texans | W | L |
| Week 12: Seahawks | L | L |
| Week 13: Jaguars | L | W |
| Week 14: at Browns | L | W |
| Week 15: at 49ers | L | L |
| Week 16: Chiefs | L | L |
| Week 17: Saints | W | L |
| Week 18: at Jaguars | W | L |
| Final Record: | 5-12 | 7-10 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Weeks 17 and 18.
Not much goes right for the Titans in the win-loss department this year, but rounding out the campaign with consecutive victories produces the kind of positive momentum rebuilding teams long for heading into the offseason.
Low point: Weeks 12-16.
The pain that accompanies Tennessee's five-game skid makes the team's end-of-season high that much more euphoric.
Toughest game to call: Week 7 vs. Patriots.
Emotions will be elevated in Mike Vrabel's return to Nashville. Nobody wants to lose to their predecessor/successor.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Titans make the playoffs? No.
If Cam Ward's rookie season mirrors those of some of last year's newbie passers, then throw this projection into the trash. (Feel free to do so anyway.) But I'll have reservations as long as the offense remains "mid." Tennessee was far more competitive in 2024 than the team's record indicated, and I suspect that could be the case again this year.
AFC WEST
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Titans | W | W |
| Week 2: at Colts | W | W |
| Week 3: at Chargers | L | W |
| Week 4: Bengals (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 5: at Eagles | L | L |
| Week 6: Jets (London) | W | L |
| Week 7: Giants | L | W |
| Week 8: Cowboys | W | W |
| Week 9: at Texans | L | L |
| Week 10: Raiders (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 11: Chiefs | W | W |
| Week 12: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 13: at Commanders (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 14: at Raiders | L | L |
| Week 15: Packers | W | W |
| Week 16: Jaguars | W | W |
| Week 17: at Chiefs (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 18: Chargers | W | W |
| Final Record: | 11-6 | 12-5 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 18 vs. Chargers.
The Broncos secure their best regular-season record since their Super Bowl-winning 2015 season, knock the Chargers down a peg and clinch the top wild-card spot -- all in one game.
Low point: Week 17 at Chiefs.
Denver's two-week roller coaster ride of emotions begins with an unhappy holiday. The Broncos arrive at Kansas City on Christmas Day with the division lead on the line, only to lose at Arrowhead for the 10th straight time.
Toughest game to call: Week 7 vs. Giants.
This is one of the many picks that might make me look foolish. But weird stuff happens every season. A Russell Wilson revenge-game triumph probably won't be the weirdest.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 1st
- Will the Broncos make the playoffs? Yes.
Although Rank might be slightly higher on the Broncos than I am, we both expect big things from Bo Nix & Co. in 2025. The franchise addressed each of its most pressing needs this offseason (my colleague Dan Parr went 5-for-5), adding key playmakers on both sides of the ball that should help the team progress through January. Denver hasn't been this stacked in at least a decade.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Chargers (São Paulo; Fri) | W | L |
| Week 2: Eagles | W | W |
| Week 3: at Giants (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 4: Ravens | L | W |
| Week 5: at Jaguars (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 6: Lions (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 7: Raiders | W | L |
| Week 8: Commanders (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 9: at Bills | L | L |
| Week 10: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 11: at Broncos | L | L |
| Week 12: Colts | W | W |
| Week 13: at Cowboys (Thanksgiving) | W | L |
| Week 14: Texans (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 15: Chargers | L | W |
| Week 16: at Titans | W | W |
| Week 17: Broncos (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 18: at Raiders | L | L |
| Final Record: | 12-5 | 11-6 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 17 vs. Broncos.
After enduring a slog of a season and the tightest AFC West race in years, the Chiefs clinch the division on the penultimate weekend with a win over Denver. Exacting revenge on the Eagles in Week 2 is a close second, though.
Low point: Week 15 vs. Chargers.
Although K.C. claims the West for a 10th consecutive season, the franchise suffers its first .500 or worse showing in the division (3-3) since 2014.
Toughest game to call: Week 11 at Broncos.
Patrick Mahomes rarely drops back-to-back games, and Andy Reid almost never loses after a bye, so why do I have both occurring on the same Sunday afternoon? Because I think Kansas City's humbling on the biggest stage has diminished its aura of invincibility around the league. The Broncos, for their part, have been chipping away at the Chiefs' mystique since Sean Payton arrived in 2023, winning both matchups at Mile High (last year's season finale probably shouldn’t count ... but it plays to my narrative, so whatever) and keeping the two contests in K.C. close. So who better (or worse, depending on your perspective) than Denver to deliver another dent in Kansas City's armor?
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Chiefs make the playoffs? Yes.
Weeks 2 (Eagles), 4 (Ravens) and 9 (Bills) should be appointment viewing, and all three are toss-ups in my eyes. But as you can probably tell by now, I have high expectations for the entire AFC West, so all of those division games -- yes, even the Raiders matchups -- should provide plenty of drama. And still ... I'm simply too chicken to predict anything less than a 12-win season for K.C., at least not while No. 15 is QB1.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Patriots | W | L |
| Week 2: Chargers (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 3: at Commanders | L | W |
| Week 4: Bears | W | L |
| Week 5: at Colts | L | W |
| Week 6: Titans | L | L |
| Week 7: at Chiefs | L | W |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: Jaguars | W | W |
| Week 10: at Broncos (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 11: Cowboys (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 12: Browns | W | W |
| Week 13: at Chargers | W | W |
| Week 14: Broncos | W | W |
| Week 15: at Eagles | L | L |
| Week 16: at Texans | W | L |
| Week 17: Giants | L | W |
| Week 18: Chiefs | W | W |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 10-7 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Weeks 13 and 14.
The Raiders snap their division losing streak (which will have reached nine games, dating back to last year's 0-6 mark) when they zap the Bolts in L.A. and then take down Denver seven days later. They finish the year with three consecutive AFC West wins to round out a solid debut season for Pete Carroll.
Low point: October.
Three straight losses, including to the Colts and Titans, sour the new regime's start and force some much-needed reflection during the team's Week 8 bye.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Patriots.
This tone-setting season opener between two of the most respected coaching retreads certainly seems to skew toward the home team, but I think the Pats will have more unresolved questions when Week 1 hits: Is Christian Gonzalez healthy? How has the reworked O-line come together? Has Drake Maye absorbed enough of Josh McDaniels' offense?
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Raiders make the playoffs? Maybe.
I am finding it very difficult not to be swept up in Pete Carroll's enthusiasm and expectations for this team. Maybe I'm delusional, but to me, the Pete Carroll-Geno Smith-Maxx Crosby trio will never quit, and that chip-on-their-shoulder relentlessness should serve the club well in the NFL's toughest division -- especially when the late-season grind sets in.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Chiefs (São Paulo; Fri) | L | W |
| Week 2: at Raiders (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 3: Broncos | W | L |
| Week 4: at Giants | L | L |
| Week 5: Commanders | W | L |
| Week 6: at Dolphins | L | W |
| Week 7: Colts | W | W |
| Week 8: Vikings (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 9: at Titans | W | L |
| Week 10: Steelers (SNF) | L | W |
| Week 11: at Jaguars | W | W |
| Week 12: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 13: Raiders | L | L |
| Week 14: Eagles (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 15: at Chiefs | W | L |
| Week 16: at Cowboys | W | W |
| Week 17: Texans | W | W |
| Week 18: at Broncos | L | L |
| Final Record: | 10-7 | 10-7 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 15 at Chiefs.
After two painful losses, the Chargers earn their signature win of 2025 by handing Patrick Mahomes only his 15th loss ever at Arrowhead. (In this one-man simulation, Mahomes sits out Week 18's loss to Las Vegas, since K.C.'s seeding is already set.)
Low point: Week 18 at Broncos.
Losing consecutive games after the bye is less than ideal, but it's not nearly as frustrating as failing to unseat the rival Broncos from the AFC's fifth seed in the finale. L.A. thus gets locked into the sixth spot, setting up Chargers-Chiefs III on Wild Card Weekend.
Toughest game to call: Week 8 vs. Vikings.
I don't know … there's something about Jim Harbaugh facing his former QB, in prime time, near the midseason mark that gives me pause. This portends to be a real litmus test for both squads.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 4th
- Will the Chargers make the playoffs? Maybe.
Although I've picked L.A. to beat Kansas City, Houston and Washington this season, I also have the Bolts losing at the Giants and at the Dolphins -- two teams we have finishing well under .500. The Chargers' 7-4 mark this season against clubs projected to have losing records is tied with the Bucs for the worst among my 14 playoff picks. I am fascinated to see how far this team goes. I'll be watching.
