Last September I wrote an NFL predictions article in the first issue of the 2023 Hill News sports section, and picked the 49ers to beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl 27- 23. In reality, the Chiefs beat the 49ers 25-22 in overtime to win it all, so my prediction was pretty close. This year, I hope to be even better, and with the NFL season starting this week, here are my predictions for the 2024-2025 season.
AFC Predictions
#1: Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Last year the Chiefs had some struggles in the regular season, finishing 11-6 and then having to play two road playoff games to get to the Super Bowl. This year, I think they’ll come out firing and look to lock up the top seed and easiest road to the championship.
#2: Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
The Ravens had a stellar 2023-2024 regular season, led by NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, and I think that success will be replicated for the most part this season, although they’ll fall just short of the top seed.
#3: Houston Texans (11-6)
CJ Stroud was the breakout rookie of last season, and I don’t foresee a sophomore slump for the Texans star, especially alongside newly acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
#4: Buffalo Bills (11-6)
While the Bills lost a lot of key players from last season, they still have Josh Allen and a solid supporting cast for their superstar, along with a defense that I think is underrated. The Jets and Dolphins will be close to them, but I still like the Bills to win the AFC East.
#5: New York Jets (10-7)
The Jets will get QB Aaron Rodgers back this season, and the boost he gives their offense and the Jets outstanding defense will be enough to get them to the playoffs.
#6: Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Just like the Jets, the Bengals had their 2023-2024 season derailed when their star QB went down with an injury. Joe Burrow is back healthy for this season, and he’ll lead the Bengals back to the postseason.
#7: Miami Dolphins (9-8)
The Dolphins had a disappointing end to a very promising season last year, and while I predict they’ll regress slightly, I think they’ll still sneak into the playoffs.
NFC Predictions
#1: San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
No surprise here. I think the 49ers have the best team in the NFC by far and I expect them to lead the conference once again this season.
#2: Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
The Eagles had an awful end to last season after looking like the best team in the league through their first 11 games. This year, I think the addition of Saquon Barkley will provide a huge boost to their offense and they’ll get the two seed.
#3: Green Bay Packers (12-5)
Jordan Love is a star, and he showed that in the playoffs last year. This Packers team will continue to improve this season and win the NFC North.
#4: Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
The Falcons made the questionable offseason move of signing Kirk Cousins and then drafting Michael Penix Jr. early in the first round. While this move may hurt them in the future, Cousins is a big upgrade at QB from last season and I think the Falcons will win the NFC South.
#5: Detroit Lions (11-6)
The Lions had a fantastic year in 2023-2024, and were agonizingly close to making the Super Bowl. This year, I think they will still be solid and make the playoffs, but lose out on the division.
#6: Dallas Cowboys (10-7)
The Cowboys look to be set up for another solid but not amazing season, which will involve a playoff appearance and likely an early exit.
#7: Chicago Bears (9-8)
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, drafted by the Bears with the first overall picks, has all the makings of a future superstar, and I predict he’ll get his career off to a good start and lead the Bears to the playoffs.
Super Bowl Prediction 49ers over Ravens 29-23
The 49ers will cruise through the NFC, while Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the Ravens defense will get them past the Chiefs and to the Super Bowl. In the big game, after coming so close in 2020 and 2024, I think this is the year the 49ers finally get a coveted Super Bowl victory.