The 2025 NFL offseason simply started, with the Philadelphia Eagles being topped Tremendous Bowl LIX champions. And free company and the draft each nonetheless lie forward. Nevertheless it’s by no means too early to start out enthusiastic about subsequent season and the battle for Tremendous Bowl LX.
We requested 13 of our NFL specialists — Matt Bowen, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Kalyn Kahler, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, Jason Reid, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Mike Tannenbaum, Lindsey Thiry, Seth Walder and Subject Yates — to make predictions for the season’s Tremendous Bowl matchup and MVP winner. In addition they picked offseason strikes they wish to see, breakout candidates and groups that would regress in 2025.
Might an AFC group apart from the Chiefs attain (and win) the Tremendous Bowl? Are the Lions going to be worse after shedding their two coordinators? Can Jayden Daniels proceed his quick ascension and win MVP? Let’s get into our early predictions, beginning with whether or not the Eagles will run it again.
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Tremendous Bowl 2026 picks | MVP picks
Offseason want record | Breakout candidates
High regression candidates
What’s your early Tremendous Bowl LX choose?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Lions over Ravens. Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, that is nonetheless Dan Campbell’s soccer program. And with go rusher Aidan Hutchinson anchoring a wholesome protection, the Lions will edge out Lamar Jackson in Tremendous Bowl LX.
Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL reporter: Payments over Rams. The Buffalo breakthrough will occur after the group provides key gamers this offseason. The Rams are usually not far off — their protection will likely be elite subsequent season.
Dan Graziano, nationwide NFL reporter: Chiefs over Commanders. I am not taking the results of one sport to imply the Chiefs are performed successful Tremendous Bowls with Patrick Mahomes. Sit up for two weeks of “Is Jayden Daniels the following Mahomes?” conversations main as much as the Tremendous Bowl subsequent season.
Kalyn Kahler, nationwide NFL reporter: Eagles over Payments. The Chiefs will repair their left sort out spot, however I feel the Payments will lastly have Kansas Metropolis’s quantity within the postseason. And below GM Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles have proven they’ll succeed regardless of shedding coordinators, so the departure of Kellen Moore will not sabotage their plans of successful back-to-back Tremendous Bowls.
Pamela Maldonado, sports activities betting analyst: Bengals over Commanders. Daring predictions are usually not for the weak. The Bengals want to bounce again after a disappointing 2024 season, and the Commanders are an intriguing lengthy shot after making the NFC Championship Recreation. With important cap area, each groups may make impactful strikes to bolster their rosters and make the large sport.
Eric Moody, fantasy analyst: Payments over Lions. Many thought these two groups would make the Tremendous Bowl this previous season. I do not suppose both wants many adjustments rosterwise to make the leap.
Jason Reid, Andscape senior NFL author: Ravens over Eagles. Jackson can full his ascent to the highest of the league by dazzling all through the playoffs and serving to the Ravens dethrone the defending champs.
Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Payments over Lions. America will get the Tremendous Bowl it wished the earlier season, as Josh Allen lastly wins the AFC and Detroit has one other robust (and more healthy) season regardless of new coordinators on each side of the ball.
Ben Solak, NFL analyst: Ravens over Packers. The Packers ought to solely get higher with time, as they seem to be a younger group with sufficient assets to make one or two splash additions this offseason. The AFC will nonetheless be extremely contentious, however the Ravens did an incredible job weathering the mind drain of final offseason and can enter 2025 with rather more stability.
Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst: Ravens over Lions. Arguably two of the perfect groups in 2024 get to the large sport in 2025. Baltimore’s youth will vastly enhance within the secondary, and Hutchinson will register 18 sacks to win Defensive Participant of the 12 months.
Lindsey Thiry, nationwide NFL reporter: Ravens over Eagles. With the return of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and a number of other key gamers on a standout protection, the Eagles have the roster and know the method to make one other Tremendous Bowl run. However the Ravens — after having their postseason runs finish prematurely the previous three seasons — lastly end the job with bolstered safety round Jackson.
Seth Walder, NFL analyst: Packers over Bengals. The Packers have been the youngest group in snap-weighted age this season, and so they have been nonetheless fairly good! If they’ll discover extra of a go rush and see development from a few their broad receivers (which may be very a lot within the playing cards given their age and underlying metrics), the Packers can take that subsequent massive step.
Subject Yates, NFL analyst: Ravens over Eagles. The battle of the birds. Baltimore has the gamers in place to make a run, nevertheless it should show that it has the capability to recover from the playoff hump. I feel the Ravens will achieve this in opposition to Philly, which is effectively arrange for one more deep run subsequent season.
Who’s your choose for subsequent season’s MVP?
Bowen: Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals. I assumed Burrow ought to’ve obtained extra MVP votes after throwing for 4,913 yards and 43 touchdowns, which each led the league. Nevertheless, with an improved Bengals protection in 2025 and a ticket to the playoffs, Burrow will take residence the award.
Fowler: Burrow. What he did this previous season was ridiculous, however he was punished in MVP voting due to the group’s shedding report for a lot of the season. He’ll make certain Cincinnati will get off to a warmer begin in 2025.
Graziano: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. No group has repeated as NFC East champion in 20 years. So because the Eagles cannot win the division, I say Washington builds on Daniels’ rookie success and continues to ascend shortly.
Kahler: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. After shedding to the Eagles, Mahomes stated his two Tremendous Bowl losses encourage him greater than anything. I’ve talked along with his private coach, who noticed firsthand how the primary loss modified Mahomes, and based mostly on that, I anticipate Mahomes to return with a brand new stage of focus and willpower behind an improved offensive line.
Maldonado: Burrow. He elevates the Bengals’ offense each season. He does not must “construct on his success” — he simply must be Burrow, and the sport follows.
0:54
Burrow assured Bengals can get again to Tremendous Bowl
Joe Burrow talks in regards to the missed alternatives from this season and why he expects the Bengals to get again to a different Tremendous Bowl sooner or later.
Moody: Daniels. He was acknowledged because the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months and completed seventh in MVP voting. The Commanders have roughly $59 million in cap area, per Roster Administration System, together with seven draft picks, to allow them to proceed to construct round him.
Reid: Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens. This time, Jackson leaves no wiggle room for MVP voters. He’ll produce the best statistical season — by far — for a quarterback in NFL historical past. And in a landslide vote, Jackson will win his third MVP award.
Schatz: Josh Allen, QB, Payments. There’s nothing fallacious with going with the perfect quarterback within the league, however who’s that at this level? Mahomes will most likely sail by means of one other common season at 90% peak effectivity, which leaves us with Allen, Jackson and Burrow. Since I am selecting the Payments to go to the Tremendous Bowl, Allen would doubtless be coming off an incredible season, so let’s predict a second straight trophy for him.
Solak: Jordan Love, QB, Packers. The rule of thumb is to search out the beginning quarterback of a group that wins its convention. If the Lions take a step again as a consequence of their coordinator adjustments, the Packers ought to push for a division title on the again of a productive Love marketing campaign — and so they get a third-place schedule!
Tannenbaum: Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. He’ll be in his second season with coach Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman. The Chargers may even signal the Bengals’ Tee Higgins and draft Miami’s Elijah Arroyo, giving Hebert two extra playmakers for him to spice up his MVP case.
Thiry: Daniels. With a season of expertise, together with a postseason upset of the top-seeded Lions, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the 12 months will proceed his meteoric rise. The important thing in his capacity to take action? The Commanders’ retention of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, offering Daniels the continuity to develop at a speedy tempo.
Walder: Mahomes. When doubtful, give me the perfect quarterback on the planet. At the same time as his numbers have dipped over the previous couple of years, he has remained elite on third down. I believe the Chiefs will spend the offseason determining how they’ll get extra out of early downs, which might assist Mahomes’ numbers rebound.
Yates: Jackson. He practically secured his third MVP this previous season as an unstoppable drive. He wants to enhance on his postseason play, however the Ravens ought to be a wins machine once more in 2025.
What’s one transfer you wish to see this offseason?
Bowen: Vast receiver Tee Higgins indicators with the Commanders. Including one other perimeter goal for quarterback Jayden Daniels ought to be an offseason precedence for Washington. It has the cap area to pair Higgins with Terry McLaurin, giving Daniels two difference-makers within the passing sport.
Fowler: The Browns commerce Myles Garrett to the Payments. Buffalo’s lack of pass-rush prowess confirmed in key moments of the playoffs, particularly in opposition to the Chiefs. Time to rectify that in an enormous approach.
Graziano: The Bengals prolong Ja’Marr Chase and re-sign Higgins. They should rebuild their protection, however the offense is particular and they need to at the least be enthusiastic about methods to maintain it intact.
Kahler: The Browns commerce Garrett to the Lions. Think about Aidan Hutchinson and Garrett enjoying collectively. That is the perfect transfer Detroit could make to get them to the Tremendous Bowl subsequent season.
Maldonado: The Giants commerce up for the No. 1 choose to draft quarterback Cam Ward from Miami. The ripple results throughout the draft can be wild, and pairing Ward with younger expertise comparable to Malik Nabers may very well be a factor of magnificence.
Moody: Vast receiver Chris Godwin indicators with the Jaguars. The breakout of broad receiver Jalen McMillan and tight finish Cade Otton makes Godwin expendable if the Buccaneers wish to enhance different areas of the group, particularly given his harm historical past. I may see Godwin becoming a member of his former offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, and enjoying alongside Brian Thomas Jr.
Reid: Higgins indicators with the Commanders. Daniels can take an enormous step ahead with the assistance of Higgins. And for the remainder of the NFC East, Higgins and McLaurin will show to be a nightmare pairing.
Schatz: Higgins indicators with the Payments. I would really like for this to occur as a result of it makes my different predictions for 2025 more likely to be right — and Payments followers deserve a championship group.
Solak: Higgins indicators with the Patriots. I assumed Drake Maye had a quietly spectacular season within the face of appalling broad receiver play. The Patriots want a star receiver quick if they are going to maximize his rookie window.
Tannenbaum: The Browns commerce Garrett to the Lions. This transfer would give Detroit the perfect pass-rushing duo within the league and the within observe to characterize the NFC within the Tremendous Bowl.
Thiry: Vast receiver Davante Adams indicators with the Chargers. If the Jets transfer on from Adams, the Chargers ought to signal him ASAP. In Jim Harbaugh’s first season, they misplaced within the wild-card spherical with a floundering offense. Justin Herbert wants a real No. 1 receiver, and Adams matches the invoice.
Walder: Cornerback D.J. Reed indicators with the Commanders. With Daniels on his rookie contract for just a few extra years, the time is now for Washington — and it has the cap area so as to add a bounty of expertise. Reed has constantly been a robust nook for the Jets over the previous three seasons, and he would make a robust tandem with Mike Sainristil.
Yates: Guard Trey Smith indicators with the Bears. Smith figures to be one of the crucial coveted free brokers and will money in on the richest guard contract ever. A deal in Chicago would assist defend Caleb Williams within the Ben Johnson-led offensive scheme.
Identify one group, coach or participant who will escape within the 2025 season.
Bowen: Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Underneath Ben Johnson, I anticipate Odunze to raise his sport as a three-level goal for quarterback Caleb Williams. And with Keenan Allen doubtless heading to free company, Odunze will see a bump in quantity because the No. 2 reverse DJ Moore.
Fowler: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons. All the pieces is ready up for him — a viable supporting solid, a robust working sport and a winnable NFC South. Atlanta will showcase his immense abilities in 12 months 2.
Graziano: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals. How shortly we neglect, proper? All people thought Harrison would slide proper into NFL stardom, however it might take a minute even for the can’t-miss guys. Harrison nonetheless has all the talents that made us love him heading into the draft, plus a yr within the league.
Kahler: Caleb Williams, QB, Bears. If the Bears enhance their offensive line, I anticipate Williams to have the season all of us thought he would in 2024, pushing himself into the identical dialog as Jayden Daniels. Johnson will coach him more durable and free him up so he feels possession of the offense.
Maldonado: The Broncos. After exceeding expectations in 2024, the Broncos are effectively positioned for fulfillment with a robust offensive line, protection and monetary flexibility. They’ve roughly $50 million in cap area for this upcoming season, per Roster Administration System.
Moody: The Bears. They landed the perfect head teaching candidate in Johnson. Pairing Johnson with Williams may pay fast dividends, particularly if Chicago improves its offensive line in free company and thru the draft. That is much more promising given the Bears’ expertise on protection.
1:20
Ben Johnson tells Stephen A. his plans for Bears, Caleb Williams
New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson joins Stephen A. Smith on “First Take” to debate how he plans to take the franchise ahead.
Reid: Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Due to accidents at wideout (particularly Rashee Rice), the Chiefs requested numerous Worthy throughout his rookie season. However he delivered, and he’ll have a sensational sophomore yr.
Schatz: Drake Maye, QB, Patriots. It’s important to suppose the Patriots will considerably improve their offensive line this offseason, giving Maye time to throw and present his pure abilities. He completed the 2024 season with 2,276 passing yards and 421 speeding yards in simply 12 begins.
Solak: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Packers. A number of the most impactful linebacker play in 2024 got here from the second-round rookie, who seems to be sooner than each different participant on the sector at his greatest. If Cooper improves in protection, he’ll have a Fred Warner-esque influence on the Packers’ protection.
Tannenbaum: Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. With a full offseason, he’ll vault into celebrity standing. Washington will definitely improve its offensive line and depth at talent positions, and Daniels will solely proceed to enhance.
Thiry: Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. The 49ers drafted Pearsall with the intention that he would play a bigger position in his second season, however after recovering from a gunshot wound, he was wanted sooner than anticipated following a sequence of accidents to teammates. After a full offseason with quarterback Brock Purdy, together with the doubtless departure of Deebo Samuel Sr. (requested a commerce), Pearsall will show why the 49ers took him within the first spherical.
Walder: Keion White, DL, Patriots. He break up his time aligning as an edge rusher and a defensive sort out this previous season, however his numbers as an inside rusher have been astounding. White’s 21% go rush win price at defensive sort out would have ranked first by lots if he certified. I feel he’s a future double-digit sack participant.
Yates: Williams. I overestimated the infrastructure in place in Chicago for Williams’ rookie season, however I am bullish on the fast influence Johnson may have in getting Williams on observe this season. Depend Moore and Odunze on this class as effectively.
Which group will take a step again within the 2025 season?
Bowen: Steelers. The late-season fade creates concern, as does the quarterback place. Sure, the Steelers may re-sign both Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, however additionally they want so as to add some playmaking expertise at receiver reverse George Pickens. This offense wants a significant enhance to make the playoffs in 2025.
Fowler: Vikings. A slight step again. They’ll stay playoff-caliber, nevertheless it’s robust to duplicate a 14-win season when a number of key free brokers are poised to depart and the offense may very well be breaking in a brand new quarterback.
Graziano: Texans. The offensive coordinator change felt like a panic transfer that I discovered alarming, they most likely cannot depend on the identical type of yr from Joe Mixon, and the protection carried them for a lot of the season. It is more durable to maintain defensive group excellence year-over-year, so until their offensive line and receiver corps get a lot better, this group may fade just a little. (I simply do not know who will catch them of their division!)
Kahler: Buccaneers. Carolina may very well be constructing one thing with Bryce Younger, and Michael Penix Jr. is able to enhance the Falcons, so competitors within the NFC South will take a step up this season. Will Baker Mayfield have the identical success with Josh Grizzard as his third offensive coordinator in Tampa?
Maldonado: Lions. Dropping each their offensive and defensive coordinators presents a significant problem, as historical past exhibits groups usually battle in related conditions. Whereas the Lions are loaded with expertise, these teaching adjustments may shrink the hole between them and the remainder of the NFC North.
Moody: Buccaneers. The NFC South will not be as simple for the Buccaneers in 2025 prefer it was in 2024. Mayfield may have one other new offensive coordinator, and hitting on three straight OC hires is uncommon.
Reid: Vikings. So many issues went proper for them in 2024. It is tough to think about they may have as many issues break their approach, particularly with a possible change at quarterback.
Schatz: Commanders. When a group pulls off a magical run to the convention championship regardless of not being one of many two or three greatest groups within the convention, you often see a step again the next season. And when quarterbacks are nearly as good as Jayden Daniels was as a rookie, they often do not take the step ahead that followers anticipate as a result of they’re already excellent and there is not a lot room to enhance.
Solak: Chiefs. They have been 12-0 in one-score video games all through final season. That will not maintain occurring! (It’s going to most likely maintain occurring.)
Tannenbaum: Vikings. Sam Darnold performed extraordinarily effectively in 2024. However whether or not it is him or J.J. McCarthy because the starter in 2025, it is going to be onerous to duplicate that type of quarterback success.
Thiry: Lions. If you end up nearly as good because the Lions have been in 2024 (proper up till that early playoff exit), your teaching workers will get raided. So anticipate to see some rising pains early, and perhaps some fatigue after failing in two straight emotional playoff runs, earlier than they arrive to and surge down the stretch once more.
Walder: Broncos. The only method to choose a regression candidate is to search for groups with elite defenses and mediocre offenses. It is simply so onerous to repeat defensive success yr after yr, and Denver ranked solely fifteenth in EPA per play on offense. Sure, Bo Nix may progress in 12 months 2. However he additionally may not!
Yates: Lions. The Lions are going to be wonderful subsequent season, however once you tie for essentially the most wins within the NFL, you will have essentially the most room to fall. They’re my early choose to win the NFC North, nevertheless it may very well be by means of a 12-5 season versus a 15-2 season.
