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.
NFC PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
| Ali's NFC Playoff Field | Rank's NFC Playoff Field |
|---|---|
| 1. Eagles (14-3) | 1. Eagles (12-5) |
| 2. Rams (11-6) | 2. Bears (11-6) |
| 3. Packers (11-6) | 3. Seahawks (10-7) |
| 4. Buccaneers (9-8) | 4. Panthers (9-8) |
| WILD CARDS | WILD CARDS |
| 5. 49ers (11-6) | 5. Rams (10-7) |
| 6. Lions (9-8) | 6. Packers (10-7) |
| 7. Bears (8-9) | 7. 49ers (10-7) |
NFC EAST
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Eagles (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 2: Giants | W | W |
| Week 3: at Bears | L | L |
| Week 4: Packers (SNF) | W | L |
| Week 5: at Jets | L | L |
| Week 6: at Panthers | W | L |
| Week 7: Commanders | W | W |
| Week 8: at Broncos | L | L |
| Week 9: Cardinals (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 10: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 11: at Raiders (Mon) | W | L |
| Week 12: Eagles | L | W |
| Week 13: Chiefs (Thanksgiving) | L | W |
| Week 14: at Lions (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 15: Vikings (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 16: Chargers | L | L |
| Week 17: at Commanders (Thu) | L | W |
| Week 18: at Giants | W | W |
| Final Record: | 7-10 | 8-9 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Weeks 17 and 18.
The Cowboys close the season with games against divisional foes, the Commanders and Giants. This stretch could make or break a return to the playoffs if things go a little better than either of us is forecasting during Brian Schottenheimer's first season. The rosy end to the year edges out a triumphant Thanksgiving Day victory against the Chiefs and a hierarchy-reinforcing sweep of the Commanders for recognition here.
Low point: Week 6 at Panthers.
The Cowboys have done a nice job adding pieces like George Pickens to support Dak Prescott as he returns from an injury-interrupted season, but I'm not sure why they've resisted extending Micah Parsons. It's caused a preseason distraction that could have been avoided. In my scenario, the bad vibes spill over into a rough start that reaches its nadir in this loss to the Panthers, which drops the 'Boys to 1-5.
Toughest game to call: Week 3 at Bears.
It's a Matt Eberflus REVENGE GAME, people. My guess is, the Bears gain 500 yards but have to settle for a bunch of field goals. In all seriousness, both teams failed to make the playoffs last year but should be expected to challenge this year.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Cowboys make the playoffs? No.
I like the Cowboys to be very good in divisional play, and I'd be higher on them if the Parsons saga hadn't stained their preseason. Still, there is a chance for this team to get hot under Schottenheimer, a former wunderkind who got plenty of seasoning before finally taking his first turn at a head-coaching gig. We will see what happens.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Commanders | L | L |
| Week 2: at Cowboys | L | L |
| Week 3: Chiefs (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 4: Chargers | W | W |
| Week 5: at Saints | L | W |
| Week 6: Eagles (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 7: at Broncos | W | L |
| Week 8: at Eagles | L | L |
| Week 9: 49ers | W | L |
| Week 10: at Bears | L | L |
| Week 11: Packers | L | W |
| Week 12: at Lions | L | L |
| Week 13: at Patriots | W | L |
| Week 14: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 15: Commanders | W | W |
| Week 16: Vikings | L | L |
| Week 17: at Raiders | W | L |
| Week 18: Cowboys | L | L |
| Final Record: | 6-11 | 4-13 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Weeks 4 and 5.
The Giants have a window to potentially stack a couple of wins together here, when they host the Chargers (who will be making the dreaded early East Coast start), then visit the rebuilding Saints. Just don't look at the weeks immediately after, or -- for reasons that I will explain next -- before.
Low point: Weeks 1-3.
At Commanders, at Cowboys, vs. Chiefs is a tough way to start things off. If the Giants struggle during this stretch, the New York tabloids might become, let's say, unfriendly toward the Brian Daboll regime.
Toughest game to call: Week 11 vs. Packers.
This seems a little spicy, and so many things can change here, but I do love the Giants to pull off what figures to be an upset in this spot. After all, the Packers could be smarting a little coming off a huge Monday night loss to the Eagles -- I'm not just being a Green Bay hater as a Bears fan. (OK, maybe I am a little.)
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Giants make the playoffs? No.
Could Jaxson Dart leap over Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to lead the Giants to the playoffs this year, proving both of us wrong here? Or could one of the vets even pull it off? Sure. I'm not saying it's likely. But we saw some weird stuff last year, so never say never. One thing I can say for certain: draft Malik Nabers in fantasy.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Cowboys (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 2: at Chiefs | L | L |
| Week 3: Rams | W | W |
| Week 4: at Buccaneers | W | W |
| Week 5: Broncos | W | W |
| Week 6: at Giants (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 7: at Vikings | W | W |
| Week 8: Giants | W | W |
| Week 9: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 10: at Packers (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 11: Lions (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 12: at Cowboys | W | L |
| Week 13: Bears (Fri) | W | W |
| Week 14: at Chargers (Mon) | W | L |
| Week 15: Raiders | W | W |
| Week 16: at Commanders (Sat) | W | L |
| Week 17: at Bills | L | L |
| Week 18: Commanders | L | W |
| Final Record: | 14-3 | 12-5 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Weeks 1-5.
In their first five games of the season, the Eagles face four teams that made the 2024 playoffs ... and the Dallas Cowboys. Expect a huge win to kick off 2025, and then I'm looking for a real opportunity for them to establish their dominance as the reigning, defending, undisputed NFL Super Bowl champions.
Low point: Weeks 16 and 17.
Losing consecutive away games against a developing divisional threat (Washington) and AFC power (Buffalo) would be understandable -- but it could have a huge impact on the Eagles if they have any unexpected hiccups elsewhere on the calendar.
Toughest game to call: Week 2 at Chiefs.
The Super Bowl rematch. The Eagles left no doubt about their supremacy in New Orleans, but I have a feeling Andy Reid is going to have something special planned for this one.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 1st
- Will the Eagles make the playoffs? Yes.
Expectations are going to be high in Philadelphia this season, and for good reason. Most of the key components of the Lombardi-winning squad are back. Adding Azeez Ojulari was a pretty nice move, and I like what this team did in the draft, continuing to stock great players. The Eagles are going back to the playoffs -- and perhaps all the way back to the Super Bowl.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Giants | W | W |
| Week 2: at Packers (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 3: Raiders | W | L |
| Week 4: at Falcons | W | W |
| Week 5: at Chargers | L | W |
| Week 6: Bears (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 7: at Cowboys | L | L |
| Week 8: at Chiefs (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 9: Seahawks (SNF) | W | L |
| Week 10: Lions | L | W |
| Week 11: Dolphins (Madrid) | W | W |
| Week 12: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 13: Broncos (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 14: at Vikings | W | W |
| Week 15: at Giants | L | L |
| Week 16: Eagles | L | W |
| Week 17: Cowboys (Thu) | W | L |
| Week 18: at Eagles | W | L |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 7-10 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 1 vs. Giants.
The Commanders surprised a lot of folks last year when they went on an incredible run all the way to the NFC Championship Game. Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons by an NFL quarterback since Cam Newton. There's no better way to begin the follow-up than by jumping out of the gate with a win over a divisional foe.
Low point: Weeks 7-9.
After a high-profile Monday Night Football showdown Caleb Williams and the Bears in Week 5, the Commanders face a pair of roadies against the Cowboys and Chiefs (on MNF, no less), followed by a Sunday Night Football clash with the Seahawks. This could be the pivot point of the season -- and in my scenario, reality hits hard, dropping Washington to 3-6.
Toughest game to call: Week 10 vs. Lions.
The Commanders embarrassed the No. 1-seeded Lions in the playoffs last year; it was pretty bad for the boys in Honolulu Blue. This will be Dan Campbell's opportunity to exact REVENGE -- or be exposed once again. I really had a tough time with this one, but am leaning Washington.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Commanders make the playoffs? No.
As wild as the Commanders' run was last year, they are still just two years removed from being at the bottom of the NFL. So, yes, while they are obviously better than they were, objective observers would concede that Washington seriously overachieved in 2024. That's not to say they can't get better this season. But it feels like a course correction is looming.
NFC NORTH
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Vikings (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 2: at Lions | L | L |
| Week 3: Cowboys | W | W |
| Week 4: at Raiders | L | W |
| Week 5: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 6: at Commanders (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 7: Saints | W | L |
| Week 8: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 9: at Bengals | L | L |
| Week 10: Giants | W | W |
| Week 11: at Vikings | L | L |
| Week 12: Steelers | L | W |
| Week 13: at Eagles (Fri) | L | L |
| Week 14: at Packers | W | W |
| Week 15: Browns | W | W |
| Week 16: Packers (Sat) | L | W |
| Week 17: at 49ers (SNF) | L | W |
| Week 18: Lions | W | W |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 11-6 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 18 vs. Lions.
Oh my gosh, could you imagine if Dan Campbell and the Lions are the only thing standing in the way of the Bears claiming a No. 2 seed in the playoffs? Spoiler alert: I have Chicago taking this one.
Low point: Weeks 8 and 9.
The NFC North faces the AFC North this season, and the Bears will take on the Ravens and Bengals in back-to-back road contests, which will be a nice test. Even the most optimistic Chicago fan would settle for a split, but know it could be much worse -- like the pair of losses I forecast here, dropping the Bears to .500 heading into the second half of the season.
Toughest game to call: Week 14 at Packers.
You should never expect to go to Lambeau and win. Never do that. Then again, Caleb Williams has never lost in Green Bay. Maybe it really is a new day ...
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 1st
- Will the Bears make the playoffs? Yes.
You hear it from Bears fans every year. This is the year. But this REALLY feels like it. Chicago landed one of the hottest coaching candidates in recent memory. Williams threw for 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns amid total chaos as a rookie in 2024. And don't overlook new coordinator Dennis Allen's defense, which I think will carry the Bears in the early part of the season.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Packers | L | W |
| Week 2: Bears | W | W |
| Week 3: at Ravens (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 4: Browns | W | W |
| Week 5: at Bengals | W | L |
| Week 6: at Chiefs (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 7: Buccaneers (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: Vikings | W | W |
| Week 10: at Commanders | W | L |
| Week 11: at Eagles (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 12: Giants | W | W |
| Week 13: Packers (Thanksgiving) | W | L |
| Week 14: Cowboys (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 15: at Rams | L | L |
| Week 16: Steelers | W | W |
| Week 17: at Vikings (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 18: at Bears | L | L |
| Final Record: | 9-8 | 8-9 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Opening month.
Plenty of eyes will be on the Lions following the offseason defections of key members of the coaching staff, and I have them responding well, racing out to a strong start ...
Low point: Weeks 5-6.
... Until that momentum comes to a crashing halt in consecutive road matchups against the Bengals and Chiefs, kicking off a stretch where the Lions struggle with inconsistency and the changes in the coaching ranks finally start to take their toll.
Toughest game to call: Week 10 at Commanders.
Again, we come to this potential REVENGE GAME for the Lions and Dan Campbell, who will no doubt be hyped -- and I find it as vexing as I did when weighing Washington's schedule above. Ultimately, as much as I would love it narratively, it's tough for me to predict a Detroit win here.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Lions make the playoffs? Maybe.
Remember, it's not just offensive wizard Ben Johnson who left the staff. Tanner Engstrand and Antwaan Randle El are gone, along with Aaron Glenn -- this coaching brain trust was decimated. Lions fans need to be realistic about the adjustments that will be necessary this season, especially with the offensive line in a state of transition in its own right.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Lions | W | L |
| Week 2: Commanders (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 3: at Browns | W | W |
| Week 4: at Cowboys (SNF) | L | W |
| Week 5: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 6: Bengals | W | W |
| Week 7: at Cardinals | W | W |
| Week 8: at Steelers (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 9: Panthers | W | W |
| Week 10: Eagles (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 11: at Giants | W | L |
| Week 12: Vikings | W | W |
| Week 13: at Lions (Thanksgiving) | L | W |
| Week 14: Bears | L | L |
| Week 15: at Broncos | L | L |
| Week 16: at Bears (Sat) | W | L |
| Week 17: Ravens | W | L |
| Week 18: at Vikings | L | W |
| Final Record: | 11-6 | 10-7 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 8 at Steelers.
Oh man, this road battle against Aaron Rodgers will be amazing -- amazingly hyped up, that is. In the end, Rodgers' former squad stays on an early roll while taking some of the starch out of Pittsburgh's own encouraging start, dropping the Steelers to 4-3.
Low point: Week 10 at Eagles.
Two of the NFC's most successful franchises over the past decade or so square off in a huge prime-time showdown for both teams, who come into this matchup with identical 7-1 records -- and the Eagles prove their superiority for the moment, ending the Packers' seven-game winning streak. The emotional letdown gives this setback an edge in this category over being swept by the Bears for the first time since 2007.
Toughest game to call: Week 17 vs. Ravens.
After that aforementioned pair of losses to Chicago, Green Bay enters this one at 9-6 and in a fight for a playoff spot. I had a difficult time here, because the game will take place in December, when the Packers usually play their best, and it will be in Green Bay. But I took the Ravens, who will be in their own seeding fight in the AFC. I'm sure you're surprised.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Packers make the playoffs? Yes.
The Packers are a very good team, and they will make the playoffs for the third straight time. Adding veteran running back Josh Jacobs to the offense worked out great last season, and rookie receiver Matthew Golden is going to be a stud this year. Plus, Jeff Hafley's defense might actually be better than the group that ranked fifth overall in 2024.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Bears (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 2: Falcons (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 3: Bengals | L | W |
| Week 4: Steelers (Dublin) | W | L |
| Week 5: Browns (London) | W | W |
| Week 6: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 7: Eagles | L | L |
| Week 8: at Chargers (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 9: at Lions | L | L |
| Week 10: Ravens | W | W |
| Week 11: Bears | W | W |
| Week 12: at Packers | L | L |
| Week 13: at Seahawks | L | L |
| Week 14: Commanders | L | L |
| Week 15: at Cowboys (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 16: at Giants | W | W |
| Week 17: Lions (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 18: Packers | W | L |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 7-10 |
Rank explains his picks ...
High point: Week 5 vs. Browns in London.
Minnesota plays in Dublin and London in back-to-back weeks, which, I've got to say, is pretty cool -- and while the Steelers in Ireland will be tough, at least the Vikings get to head home with this win over the Browns in their back pocket.
Low point: Weeks 7-9.
After their transatlantic trip, the Vikings get a bye -- then hit a three-game skid. They have some tough matchups in that stretch, and the long time away could really impact them.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Bears.
Myopic Bears fans (like me) think their Ben Johnson-infused team is going to the playoffs this year. What better time for the Vikes to pull off a huge win than in J.J. McCarthy's first career regular-season start, on the prime-time stage of Monday Night Football? Ultimately, though, I just can't pull the trigger in Minnesota's favor.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Vikings make the playoffs? No.
I like the Vikings' general approach, and I believe McCarthy is going to be a great quarterback in Minnesota. The floor is pretty high for him, and I thus wouldn't be surprised if he and his squad undercut my analysis here by making a run to the playoffs similar to what Bo Nix and the Broncos accomplished last year. For now, though, I have to treat McCarthy like a rookie, which means factoring in the bumps that could keep his team's immediate ceiling on the lower side.
NFC SOUTH
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Buccaneers | W | L |
| Week 2: at Vikings (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 3: at Panthers | W | W |
| Week 4: Commanders | L | L |
| Week 5: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 6: Bills (Mon) | L | W |
| Week 7: at 49ers (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 8: Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 9: at Patriots | L | L |
| Week 10: Colts (Berlin) | W | W |
| Week 11: Panthers | L | L |
| Week 12: at Saints | W | W |
| Week 13: at Jets | L | L |
| Week 14: Seahawks | W | L |
| Week 15: at Buccaneers (Thu) | L | W |
| Week 16: at Cardinals | W | L |
| Week 17: Rams (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 18: Saints | W | L |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 6-11 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 10 vs. Colts in Berlin.
Unfortunately, this isn't Atlanta's year. But a win on the international stage, along with a 4-2 record in the division, are both quality consolation prizes.
Low point: Week 11 vs. the Panthers.
With how I have their season playing out, this is the game the Falcons wish they had back, because a home win over the Panthers would've given them a chance to tie the Bucs at 9-8 and sneak into the playoffs via their superior divisional record. Instead, Atlanta finishes with nine total losses, allowing Tampa to sit its starters in the regular-season finale.
Toughest game to call: Week 13 at Jets.
I have as good a feel for the Jets' season as I do the Falcons', which is to say, not a great one. It'll be fun to see what the discussion is around these two teams, and this game, a few months from now.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the Falcons make the playoffs? No.
I think the Falcons will be frisky this year -- an opinion fueled by high expectations for Atlanta's offense. But as promising as the improved pass rush might look on paper, I won't be convinced the team has fixed its issues in that area until I see it when the games count. My week-by-week breakdown perfectly, and unintentionally, captures the overall uncertainty I have for this squad: The Falcons are the only team I've picked to win seven or more games without ever going back to back.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Jaguars | L | W |
| Week 2: at Cardinals | L | W |
| Week 3: Falcons | L | L |
| Week 4: at Patriots | L | L |
| Week 5: Dolphins | W | W |
| Week 6: Cowboys | L | W |
| Week 7: at Jets | W | L |
| Week 8: Bills | L | L |
| Week 9: at Packers | L | L |
| Week 10: Saints | W | W |
| Week 11: at Falcons | W | W |
| Week 12: at 49ers (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 13: Rams | L | L |
| Week 14: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 15: at Saints | L | W |
| Week 16: Buccaneers | W | W |
| Week 17: Seahawks | L | W |
| Week 18: at Buccaneers | W | L |
| Final Record: | 6-11 | 9-8 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Division record.
Four of Carolina's six projected wins are within the NFC South, marking just the second time the franchise has posted a winning divisional record in the previous 10 seasons.
Low point: Week 9 at Green Bay.
Unable to translate competitive performances -- including this close one at Lambeau -- into Ws, the Panthers hit the midpoint with just two wins on their ledger.
Toughest game to call: Week 1 at Jaguars.
If Bryce Young's sophomore resurgence carries over into Year 3 and the team's revamped defense clicks from the jump, Carolina could certainly win at Jacksonville. If that happens, then the projections for Weeks 2-4 could look as silly as my forecasted loss for the Panthers here. A strong start would do wonders for this franchise.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 1st
- Will the Panthers make the playoffs? Maybe.
The 2025 Panthers could be a prime example of a team that's better than its projected record. I am fully aware that I might be a prisoner of the moment with my pessimistic prognostication, and so I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina's real-life win total looks closer to Rank's prediction than mine.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Cardinals | L | L |
| Week 2: 49ers | L | L |
| Week 3: at Seahawks | L | L |
| Week 4: at Bills | L | L |
| Week 5: Giants | W | L |
| Week 6: Patriots | W | W |
| Week 7: at Bears | L | W |
| Week 8: Buccaneers | L | W |
| Week 9: at Rams | L | L |
| Week 10: at Panthers | L | L |
| Week 11: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 12: Falcons | L | L |
| Week 13: at Dolphins | L | L |
| Week 14: at Buccaneers | L | L |
| Week 15: Panthers | W | L |
| Week 16: Jets | L | L |
| Week 17: at Titans | L | W |
| Week 18: at Falcons | L | W |
| Final Record: | 3-14 | 5-12 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Weeks 5 and 6.
Back-to-back wins give the devoted NOLA fans something to celebrate -- and rookie Tyler Shough a moment of respite in an otherwise challenging rookie season.
Low point: Weeks 7-14.
Five road trips over seven games is a lot for any team.
Toughest game to call: Week 12 vs. Falcons.
Went back and forth on this game until ultimately siding with Atlanta. But I wouldn't count out a rested Saints team making a statement at home against a hated rival.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 4th | Rank: 4th
- Will the Saints make the playoffs? No.
There are enough veteran leaders on hand for New Orleans to win twice as many games as projected, presuming competent quarterback play. But I'd be surprised if this team doesn't encounter its fair share of growing pains as it ushers in a new era of Saints football.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Falcons | L | W |
| Week 2: at Texans (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 3: Jets | W | W |
| Week 4: Eagles | L | L |
| Week 5: at Seahawks | L | W |
| Week 6: 49ers | W | W |
| Week 7: at Lions (Mon) | W | L |
| Week 8: at Saints | W | L |
| Week 9: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 10: Patriots | W | W |
| Week 11: at Bills | L | L |
| Week 12: at Rams (SNF) | L | L |
| Week 13: Cardinals | W | L |
| Week 14: Saints | W | W |
| Week 15: Falcons (Thu) | W | L |
| Week 16: at Panthers | L | L |
| Week 17: at Dolphins | W | L |
| Week 18: Panthers | L | W |
| Final Record: | 9-8 | 7-10 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Weeks 6 and 7.
Wins against San Francisco and at Detroit prove the Bucs are the real deal, and establish them as legit contenders in the conference.
Low point: Start of the season.
I think the Bucs will be very good this season, and even into the postseason, but their road begins with some bumps due to the absence of All-Pro Tristan Wirfs, the cloudiness surrounding Chris Godwin's return and the new (albeit familiar) voice in Baker Mayfield's helmet. Tampa could certainly outperform my projection early on, but I'll be more confident in the timing of the team's eventual course correction once its talented left tackle and sure-handed WR2 return to the starting lineup.
Toughest game to call: Week 16 at Panthers.
Considered both the Bills (Week 11) and Rams (Week 12) for this spot, as I think Tampa's offense could be rolling by midseason. But I'm picking Round 1 with the Panthers because it has the hallmarks of a trap game: It's a divisional matchup, on the road, late in the year, and the Bucs will know they can still clinch the NFC South the following weekend if needed (SPOILER: they do).
FINAL VERDICT
- Division finish: Ali: 1st | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Buccaneers make the playoffs? Maybe.
When this team is at full strength, I think they can be a problem for anybody -- including the mighty Eagles. The eight losses might seem like a lot, but what truly matters is they earn their ticket into the tournament. At that point, Tampa has the pieces to make a real run in the NFC.
NFC WEST
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Saints | W | W |
| Week 2: Panthers | W | L |
| Week 3: at 49ers | L | L |
| Week 4: Seahawks (Thu) | L | W |
| Week 5: Titans | W | W |
| Week 6: at Colts | W | W |
| Week 7: Packers | L | L |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: at Cowboys (Mon) | W | L |
| Week 10: at Seahawks | W | L |
| Week 11: 49ers | L | W |
| Week 12: Jaguars | W | W |
| Week 13: at Buccaneers | L | W |
| Week 14: Rams | L | L |
| Week 15: at Texans | L | W |
| Week 16: Falcons | L | W |
| Week 17: at Bengals | L | L |
| Week 18: at Rams | W | L |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 9-8 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 10.
After winning consecutive road games, including this matchup at Seattle, the Cardinals hit the midpoint at 6-3, putting themselves in the thick of the NFC West race. As far as first halves go, Arizona couldn't ask for much more.
Low point: Week 13 and on.
A tough one at Tampa at the end of November kicks off a brutal stretch that includes home-and-away tilts against the Rams, as well as trips to Houston and Cincinnati. This gauntlet ultimately dooms the Cardinals' playoff chances.
Toughest game to call: Week 9 at Cowboys.
This one feels like a true toss-up right now, so I'm giving the edge to the quarterback who's never lost at AT&T Stadium -- in high school, college or the pros (Kyler Murray improves to 9-0 there after this Week 9 dub.)
FINAL VERDICT
- Division rank: Ali: 3rd | Rank: 4th
- Will the Cardinals make the playoffs? No.
I think the Cardinals offense will be more consistent this season, so I was surprised when I ultimately had them losing five of their final seven games, just as they did last year. Even though the bottom falls out after Thanksgiving, I suspect many of those December games -- like at Houston and against Atlanta -- will end up being close. Don't count on Arizona being an easy out this season.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: Texans | L | W |
| Week 2: at Titans | W | L |
| Week 3: at Eagles | L | L |
| Week 4: Colts | W | L |
| Week 5: 49ers (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 6: at Ravens | L | L |
| Week 7: at Jags (London) | L | L |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: Saints | W | W |
| Week 10: at 49ers | W | W |
| Week 11: Seahawks | W | L |
| Week 12: Buccaneers (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 13: at Panthers | W | W |
| Week 14: at Cardinals | W | W |
| Week 15: Lions | W | W |
| Week 16: at Seahawks (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 17: at Falcons (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 18: Cardinals | L | W |
| Final Record: | 11-6 | 10-7 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 17 at Falcons.
This hard-fought victory at Atlanta locks L.A. into the No. 2 seed entering the final Sunday. In turn, Sean McVay is able to rest his starters in advance of Lions-Rams II on Wild Card Weekend -- the next iteration of one of the league's best rivalries.
Low point: Week 7 vs. Jaguars in London.
Reeling from a stinging defeat at Baltimore in Week 6, L.A. is stunned by Jacksonville the following Sunday in front of a boisterous Wembley crowd. The Rams, at 3-4, return to the West Coast with question marks about their Super Bowl legitimacy.
Toughest game to call: Week 15 vs. Lions.
The Rams could absolutely get revenge for their 2024 playoff loss to the Eagles in Week 3 and/or surprise Baltimore three weeks later, but it was hard to pick against the home squads in both of those matchups. That same calculation is why I ultimately took the Rams in L.A. over the Lions. But, honestly, hearing "Jared Goff" chants after a Detroit win at SoFi is a totally plausible outcome.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division rank: Ali: 1st | Rank: 2nd
- Will the Rams make the playoffs? Yes.
After an inauspicious start, the Rams put questions about Matthew Stafford's back to rest (if he's not right, don't expect this prediction to be, either) and accomplish something they've yet to do in the Sean McVay era: sweep November. Since 2017, L.A. has posted the 24th-best win percentage (.429) during the month -- twice going winless and never going undefeated. Their 5-0 mark in November -- part of a win streak that extends through mid-December -- propels the Rams to the NFC West title.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: at Seahawks | W | L |
| Week 2: at Saints | W | W |
| Week 3: Cardinals | W | W |
| Week 4: Jaguars | W | W |
| Week 5: at Rams (Thu) | L | L |
| Week 6: at Buccaneers | L | L |
| Week 7: Falcons (SNF) | W | W |
| Week 8: at Texans | L | L |
| Week 9: at Giants | L | W |
| Week 10: Rams | L | L |
| Week 11: at Cardinals | W | L |
| Week 12: Panthers (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 13: at Browns | L | W |
| Week 14: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 15: Titans | W | W |
| Week 16: at Colts (Mon) | W | W |
| Week 17: Bears (SNF) | W | L |
| Week 18: Seahawks | W | W |
| Final Record: | 11-6 | 10-7 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: September.
Healthier and refocused after last year's fourth-placed finish in the West, the 49ers kick off the campaign with a convincing win at Seattle, setting the stage for a flawless first month.
Low point: Week 10 vs. Rams.
Instead of evening the season series with L.A., the Niners fall yet again to their rivals in SoCal. The defeat not only delivers a massive blow to San Francisco's division title hopes, it extends the Niners' head-to-head losing streak to five games (including playoffs).
Toughest game to call: Week 6 at Buccaneers.
A win at Tampa is certainly possible; San Francisco will be coming off a post-TNF mini-bye and hasn't lost to the Bucs since 2018 (including a narrow victory on the road last year after the bye). But four road trips over the first six weeks and the Bucs' high-octane offense combine to take their toll on Kyle Shanahan's crew.
FINAL VERDICT
- Division rank: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
- Will the 49ers make the playoffs? Yes.
As high as I am on the 49ers, even great teams have bad games. And I see a few that fit the bill this year, including at New York and at Cleveland. But no matter. The Niners' favorable slate affords them some room for error. Welcome back to the dance, San Fran.
| Schedule | Ali's Picks | Rank's Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1: 49ers | L | W |
| Week 2: at Steelers | L | L |
| Week 3: Saints | W | W |
| Week 4: at Cardinals | W | L |
| Week 5: Buccaneers | W | L |
| Week 6: at Jaguars | L | L |
| Week 7: Texans (Mon) | L | L |
| Week 8: BYE | -- | -- |
| Week 9: at Commanders (SNF) | L | W |
| Week 10: Cardinals | L | W |
| Week 11: at Rams | L | W |
| Week 12: at Titans | W | W |
| Week 13: Vikings | W | W |
| Week 14: at Falcons | L | W |
| Week 15: Colts | W | W |
| Week 16: Rams (Thu) | W | W |
| Week 17: at Panthers | W | L |
| Week 18: at 49ers | L | L |
| Final Record: | 8-9 | 10-7 |
Ali explains his picks …
High point: Week 5 vs. Buccaneers.
After back-to-back losses to begin the season, Sam Darnold & Co. scoop up three straight W's, none more impressive than this victory over the eventual NFC South champion Bucs. The win pushes Seattle above .500 for the first and last time in 2025.
Low point: Week 9 at Commanders.
The third in a run of five consecutive defeats, the loss at Washington lands hardest. Despite having a week off to prepare, and the added benefit of catching the Commanders on short rest fresh off a loss at Kansas City, the 'Hawks are unable to capture a potentially season-altering victory at the midpoint.
Toughest game to call: Week 13 vs. Vikings.
Will Sam Darnold's familiarity with Brian Flores' defense give the 'Hawks an edge? Or will the Vikings DC exploit his former QB's weaknesses? Is home-field advantage enough to cancel out the disparity between Seattle's O-line and the Vikings' pass rush? And where is J.J. McCarthy in his development? Matchups like this one make this exercise fun (and ripe for future ridicule).
FINAL VERDICT
- Division rank: Ali: 4th | Rank: 1st
- Will the Seahawks make the playoffs? Maybe.
The Seahawks' offensive unknowns seemed to influence the final win-loss decision whenever more stable operations appeared on the calendar. The significant offseason changes, plus the projected rebound by San Francisco, cloud Seattle's 2025 outlook.
