7 Bold Predictions for the Second Half of the 2025 NFL Season

We’re officially halfway through the 2025 NFL season. As wild as it is to say, it feels like kickoff was just yesterday — yet so much has already changed. With playoff pictures forming and contenders separating from pretenders, here are my bold predictions for the second half of the year.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba Sets the Single Season Receiving Record

The Seahawks have been feeding him targets all season, and defenses simply can’t stop him. He’s had nearly 100 yards in almost every game, displaying elite route-running, hands, and chemistry with Sam Darnold. If he stays healthy, the volume alone could carry him into the record books. The Seahawks have been feeding him targets all season, and defenses simply can’t stop him. Smith-Njigba will set the all-time single-season receiving yards record and become the first 2,000-yard receiver in NFL history.

The Chiefs Comeback To Win the AFC West Title

It might not sound bold at first, but when you look at the standings, the Kansas City Chiefs have work to do. They enter the second half of the season two games behind in the AFC West — not even in a playoff spot right now — but I believe they’ll chase down both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers to win another division title.

The Broncos’ defense has been solid, but injuries are starting to pile up — including to Pat Surtain II — and Bo Nix has been too inconsistent for my liking. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is playing the best football of his career, which is saying something. As Kansas City’s receivers get healthy and the offense starts clicking again, I just can’t pick against Mahomes. Until someone actually dethrones them, the Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC West.

Ravens Comeback to Win AFC North; Knock Steelers Out of Playoffs

Despite starting the season 1–5 and fielding one of the league’s worst defenses early on, the Baltimore Ravens are starting to get healthy—and dangerous. I’m predicting they’ll storm back to win the AFC North, knocking the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the playoffs entirely in the process.

The Steelers’ defense has been inconsistent, and their offence has looked stale. Aaron Rodgers has been serviceable, but the supporting cast hasn’t stepped up—DK Metcalf has been disappointing, the run game has vanished, and Mike Tomlin still hasn’t fixed the offense. Meanwhile, if Lamar Jackson stays healthy, the Ravens have the balance and momentum to complete the comeback and reclaim the division crown.

The Patriots Win a Playoff Game

The Buffalo Bills will rally to win the AFC East. After an up-and-down start, Josh Allen and company are finally finding their rhythm. But the real story in this division might be in New England.

I believe Drake Maye leads the Patriots to a playoff victory a year after a 4-13 season. Maye has taken the leap to become a superstar quarterback and has inserted himself into the MVP conversation. With Mike Vrabel in the Coach of the Year mix and the Patriots playing tough, defensive-minded football, their physical style can travel. To me, New England is one of the top three or four teams in the AFC right now — and they’re built to win in January.

Kyler Murray Is Named QB2

I don’t think Kyler Murray plays another snap for the Arizona Cardinals. After Jacoby Brissett led the team to a Week 9 win, I believe Arizona sticks with him for the rest of the season. The front office doesn’t want to risk another Murray injury, which would make him harder to move in the offseason.

As long as Brissett stays healthy, the Cardinals are ready to quietly close the Kyler Murray chapter and look toward a reset in 2026.

The Eagles Don't Win a Playoff Game

The Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, will win the NFC East — but lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite their talent, this team just feels off. The vibe around the locker room mirrors that of the 2023 Eagles team that stumbled after a Super Bowl appearance. They’ll finish strong enough to take the division in what’s been a weak NFC East, but I don’t see them making another deep postseason run.

The Seahawks & Rams Face Off in the NFC Championship Game

My final prediction: the NFC Championship Game will feature an all-NFC West matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.

These are the two best teams in the NFC right now — by far. The Eagles have been too inconsistent, the Buccaneers are riddled with injuries, and both the Lions and Packers lack the week-to-week reliability to compete.

Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford have arguably been the two best quarterbacks in the NFC this season. Mike Macdonald and Sean McVay are both elite coaches. The Seahawks boast a top-three defense, while the Rams have a top-three offense. Both teams are balanced, explosive, and playing their best football at the right time.

If these two meet in the NFC title game, it’ll be must-watch football.