5 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Season

Every season, we get surprised. A team everyone loved falls apart. A coach nobody believed in turns things around. A QB comes out of nowhere. So let’s get ahead of it. These are five bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season- some might sound wild now, but give it time.

Five Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Season:

Pete Carroll Wins Coach of the Year

Pete’s back- and the Raiders already feel different. He’s brought in energy, accountability, and most importantly, structure. This team was scrappy last year, especially on defense, and now they’ve got a true identity. Geno Smith is a clear upgrade at QB, and Ashton Jeanty gives them real juice out of the backfield. They extended Maxx Crosby- the heart of the team- and added smart pieces over the offseason. The offense doesn’t need to be explosive, just steady. With Carroll running the show, the Raiders will have a winning record, play physical football, and look like a completely different operation. That’ll be enough to put him in the Coach of the Year conversation, and he might win it.

The Lions Don’t Win the NFC North

People are acting like Detroit is a lock. They’re not. Losing both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn is going to hurt- those two were a huge part of what made this team dangerous. The offense will lose some of its creativity, and overall, I just don’t think they’ll have the same edge they did last year. Meanwhile, the Bears finally have an actual team led by Ben Johnson, and the Packers and Vikings are loaded with young talent. I just don’t see the Lions holding onto the crown. They’ll be in the mix, but I don't see them running the North again.

The Browns Start Three Different QBs

QB instability is about to hit Cleveland hard. I think Deshaun Watson gets traded at some point, but even if he doesn’t, he’s not making it through the season as the clear-cut guy. It’s going to be a mess. Expect them to roll out Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, who took a major fall in the draft but may have a shot to get reps late in the year. It won’t just be injuries either, it’ll be inconsistent play. By the end of the season, the Browns still won’t know who their long-term guy is.

Baker Mayfield Finishes Top 5 in MVP Voting

You can laugh, but Baker’s been trending up. The Bucs believe in him, and he’s comfortable in this offense. With good protection, Mike Evans still balling, and a young core around him, he’s in the best spot he’s ever been in. He’ll cut the turnovers, be efficient, and keep the Bucs in the playoff race. He’s going to play the best football of his career- and don’t be shocked when he finishes top 5 in MVP voting.

The Seahawks Win the NFC West

This division is there for the taking. The 49ers are elite, but always one injury away from disaster. The Rams are aging and didn’t make any major upgrades. The Cardinals? They always collapse down the stretch. That leaves Seattle, who quietly got better. Sam Darnold won’t light it up, but he’ll manage the offense just fine with Cooper Kupp, who they acquired this offseason, and JSN. And Mike Macdonald’s defense is going to be aggressive, physical, and a problem for teams that can’t protect. Ten wins might win this division- and Seattle can get there.