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10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Playoffs. Read 10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Playoffs
10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Playoffs
The regular season is in the books, and the playoff field is set. With Wild Card Weekend beginning in a few days, it’s time to make some bold predictions for the postseason. Who will break out? Who will disappoint? Let’s dive in!
No. 10 - Jayden Reed Emerges As Top GB Playmaker
Jayden Reed is no stranger to being a high-end playmaker in the games that matter most. During his rookie season, the wideout emerged as a legit must-start fantasy option over the final eight games, tallying 17.4 PPR points per game with seven total TDs (five receiving).
In last year’s postseason contest, Reed led Green Bay’s wideouts in total yards in their loss to the Eagles. While Christian Watson has emerged as the team’s WR1, do not be surprised if Reed is the only one who makes the big play, given his ability to produce as both a pass catcher and a rusher.
No. 9 - Bryce Young Throws for Under 100 Yards in Playoff Debut
The Panthers limped into the postseason thanks to a three-way tiebreaker in the NFC South. They will have their hands full in their opening match against the high-powered Rams. While 24-year-old Bryce Young has shown an impressive clutch gene times this season, his yardage totals leave a lot to be desired.
Over his last six, Young has totaled just 174.8 passing yards per game with a 10:4 TD:INT. While he threw for 206 yards and three scores against the Rams in the earlier meeting, Young has stumbled down the stretch and could take an even further step back in a high-pressure environment.
No. 8 - Christian McCaffrey Eclipses 150+ Total Yards in Wild Card Round
After an injury-riddled 2024 season, Christian McCaffrey has bounced back in a big way in 2025. Through 18 games, the superstar running back has taken 311 carries for 1,202 yards and 10 scores. Through the air, McCaffrey has brought in 102 receptions for another 924 yards and seven scores.
In Wild Card Weekend, he will face an Eagles defense that sits near the middle of the pack in terms of stopping the run. They enter this weekend, averaging 124.5 rushing yards per game. With wideout Ricky Pearsall still dealing with his lingering knee injury, this offense could run through McCaffrey.
No. 7 - GB Defense Shuts Down Caleb Williams
The Green Bay defense enters the postseason without superstar Micah Parsons leading the way as he suffered a torn ACL during the final stretch of the campaign. Despite this, they enter the postseason allowing just 21.2 total PPG and the 11th-fewest passing yards per game. The first time they faced Caleb Williams, they held the former USC standout to just 186 yards with two scores and one turnover.
In their rematch, Williams got the better result, totaling 250 yards with two scores and no interceptions. However, the postseason is a different beast. With Rashan Gary leading the pass rush and Trevon Diggs bolstering the secondary, expect this Green Bay defense to lead the way in their Wild Card upset.
No. 6 - Justin Herbert Tosses Over 300 Yards in Wild Card Upset
Justin Herbert is 0-2 in his postseason career and will finally snap the skid with an upset victory against the high-powered No. 2-seeded New England Patriots. Last season, Herbert stumbled against the Texans, posting a 1:4 TD:INT with only 242 yards. He finished the contest with a 40.9 passer rating and completed only 14 of his passes.
The Patriots enter Wild Card Weekend allowing just 193.5 rushing yards per game. However, with rookie Omarion Hampton still finding his footing following his ankle injury, Herbert will need to put the team on his back to secure the victory.
No. 5 - Josh Allen Leads Postseason in Rushing Scores
Josh Allen turned in another MVP-caliber campaign in 2025. Despite the Bills earning the No. 6 seed in the conference, Allen totaled 3,668 passing yards with a 25:10 TD:INT. However, he was even more lethal with his legs, adding 579 yards and an impressive 14 scores on 112 carries. His 14 rushing scores were just one shy of a career-high and marked his third-straight season tallying double-digit rushing touchdowns.
Allen was the only QB this season who hit the double-digit rushing score mark. With Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson not in the AFC field this postseason, Allen has a real chance to reach the Super Bowl, despite spending the entire AFC postseason on the road (assuming all other top seeds win). If he does, Allen will lead the entire playoffs in rushing scores.
No. 4 - Eagles Return to Super Bowl
The Eagles marched their way to the Super Bowl last season but are expected to have a much tougher path this season. Despite this, the Eagles have the skill and experience to represent the NFC in February once again. They will open the playoffs with potentially the toughest match-up on Wild Card Weekend against the 49ers.
If they can get past the 49ers, they will likely avoid the Seahawks or Rams (assuming the underdog Panthers and Packers lose) until the NFC Championship Game, which would give them a much easier second-round matchup, facing the projected Bears. Their defense has been turning the corner, holding their opponents to under 20 points in all but one game in December.
Even if they were to face the Rams in the second round, they have already defeated them 33-26 earlier this season.
No. 3 - Aaron Rodgers Leads Steelers to Wild Card Upset
Following an underwhelming stint with the Jets, Aaron Rodgers had little time to make an impact in Pittsburgh, leading them to an AFC North title in thrilling fashion. During Sunday’s victory over the Ravens, Rodgers led the way, going 31-for-47 with 294 yards, one score, and no turnovers.
Rodger and company will have to face one of the league’s most potent defensive units in Houston, but will have home-field advantage, which opens the door for an upset. Given Rodgers’ nearly two-decade experience in postseason football, do not be surprised when the Steelers are sitting in the Divisional Round. With wideout DK Metcalf set to return from his suspension, this offense could have just enough upside to take down Houston.
No. 2 - Both Top Seeds Fall in the Divisional Round
This season, both No. 1 seeds (Broncos and Seahawks) waited until Week 18 to fully lock in their position at the top of the conference. While both teams were very consistent all season, they were not as dominant as previous No. 1 seeds, like the Kansas City Chiefs have been in most of the 2020s.
The Seahawks will likely face a tough Rams team (assuming they beat the Panthers and the top seeds take care of business in their matchups), and the Broncos could face potential MVP Josh Allen (if the Patriots take down the Chargers). The Broncos have shown inconsistency on offense, totaling just 23.3 total PPG (placing them in the middle of the league). At the same time, the Seahawks will rely on Sam Darnold under center, who has posted a modest 6:4 TD:INT over his last six contests.
No. 1 - Josh Allen Claims Elusive Lombardi Trophy
Rounding out our list of bold predictions will be Josh Allen finally taking home the Lombardi Trophy. This season, the Bills will not have to face the Kansas City Chiefs but will enter the AFC as the No. 6 seed, meaning they will have to travel in all three rounds before reaching the Super Bowl (assuming the No. 7-seeded Chargers do not reach the AFC Championship).
They will open against the AFC South Champions, the Jacksonville Jaguars, before likely marching into Denver to take on the top seed in the conference. While he does not have many high-upside playmakers in his offense (outside of RB James Cook), Allen can put on the Superman cape when he needs to, as he has shown numerous times this season.
This season, Allen has led the Bills to two double-digit fourth-quarter comebacks.
