2025 NFL Playoff Predictions: NFC Power Rankings Revealed
Every NFL season, teams are fighting for one goal: a Super Bowl Championship. To get there, they must first clinch a bid to the playoffs. In 2020, the NFL added a third wildcard spot in each division, giving two extra teams per year a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl.
If you are unfamiliar with the NFL playoff format, every division winner makes the playoffs, no matter what. For example, in 2010, the Seattle Seahawks made the playoffs with a 7-9 regular season record after taking home the NFC West crown. After the division winners, the teams with the three best records in the conference that weren’t division winners claim a wildcard spot.
Now that you know the playoffs work, let’s look at some playoff predictions for the NFL 2025 season for the upcoming NFC conference.
How Will the NFC Play Out?
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are looking for a repeat performance after the Super Bowl title in 2024. They return with most of the star core intact, including Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. Don’t be surprised to find the Eagles back at the top, as they have a top 5 offense and defense.
Los Angeles Rams
After falling to them in the divisional round last season, the Rams look to get revenge on the Eagles. They even added superstar wide receiver Davante Adams during the offseason to boost their offense. Expect the Rams to run the NFC West during the NFL 2025 season!
Green Bay Packers
The Packers made the most significant offseason move, trading for superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Cowboys for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Adding Parson gives the Packers the elite pass rusher they have been looking for. Additionally, the Packers used their first-round pick on wide receiver Matthew Golden in April.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers look to take advantage of a division that has been down for several years in the NFC South. The Buccaneers return quarterback Baker Mayfield and add an elite young wide receiver via the NFL Draft in Emeka Egbuka.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers struggled during the 2024 season, finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record. That record was a result of a multitude of injuries throughout the season. Now, let’s fast forward to today, where the 49ers project to win 10.5 games. Expect the 49ers to be right in the thick of the playoff race with Christian McCaffrey back in full health.
Detroit Lions
The Lions took over the regular season in 2024, finishing with a 15-2 record and the number one overall seed in the NFC. Sadly, they fell victim to Jayden Daniels and the explosive Commanders offense in the playoffs. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took the head coaching position in Chicago, which is a cause for concern for the Lions’ offense. I still expect them to make the playoffs, but it will be a dog fight up to the season’s final game in an improved NFC.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings surprised the NFL during 2024, finishing only one game out of the number one overall seed in the conference. Fast forward to 2025, and the Vikings look to repeat that success. Second-year quarterback JJ McCarthy looks to lead the charge for a Vikings offense led by star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The offense made one significant addition in the offseason, trading for former 49ers running back Jordan Mason. Mason should add a goal-line running threat that the offense was missing during 2024.
Who Will Make the NFL Playoffs?
As you can see, some teams I have left out of my prediction. Those are the Commanders, Cowboys, Falcons, and Cardinals. Sadly, every team can’t make the playoffs in the NFL, but I expect those four teams to do their best to make a run at those final three wild-card spots.
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FAQs
Who are the top NFC playoff contenders for 2025?
The Eagles, Rams, Packers, Lions, and 49ers headline the NFC playoff picture, with the Vikings and Buccaneers fighting for wildcard spots.
Which team is most likely to surprise in the NFC?
The Minnesota Vikings are a dark horse. With JJ McCarthy developing fast and Justin Jefferson in his prime, they could shock the NFC again.
Can the Eagles repeat as Super Bowl champions?
Absolutely. With Jalen Hurts and a stacked offense/defense, the Eagles can dominate again. The only question is whether the NFC can catch up.
