Lombardi Hunting: NFC Edition
2-part series of Jaime's initial predictions for the 2025 NFL season alongside key questions that need answers for their success this year
We are closer to the start of the NFL 2025-2026 season with every passing minute. Teams have concluded mandatory minicamps and are a month away from the start of training camp. Of course, every team strives to win the Super Bowl, but as we know, there will be teams that exceed their expectations, and others who will completely fall short.
This is the second half of my two-part series where I submit my initial predictions for the upcoming season as well as state what is the key issue each team needs to resolve. I take into account last season’s performances, as well as offseason moves and scheduled matchups to make my predictions. Ultimately, some teams will fall short even if their situations are good, while there can also be teams seemingly in bad spots who figure it out and surprise everyone. That’s the beauty of sports: you never truly know until the games are played.
This part covers the NFC, home to iconic franchises like the Cowboys, Packers, Eagles, and 49ers. This conference has more fluctuation than the AFC, which makes predicting records both fun and tricky. Nevertheless, I feel confident in my predictions and am excited to see if I’m proven right or wrong. Let’s jump into the records, from best to worst (and playoff teams in bold):
San Francisco 49ers 14-3
Key: Can they stay healthy?
Kyle Shannahan’s Niners tenure has been swayed by injuries. Last year was their worst case of the injury bug since 2020. Pivotal starters like Christian McCaffrey, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Aiyuk, and Talanoa Hufanga either suffered season ending injuries or missed extended time. San Francisco had other issues outside of injuries, but they had an AGL (Adjusted Games Lost) of 141.2: the next closest was Vegas with almost 119. When healthy, San Fran either makes it to the Super Bowl or NFC Championship. With the easiest schedule of 2025, the Niners should be back in contention if they can avoid a season-long trip to the hospital.
Philadelphia Eagles 13-4
Key: Can they repeat?
No surprise here, but Philly will contend for another Super Bowl after playing in two of the last three. The Eagles did lose some big free agents in Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Darius Slay, but Howie Roseman replenishes this team every offseason. The team continues to be stacked at every spot: a great run game with Saquon Barkley; a lethal passing attack led by Jalen Hurts; a powerful defense with players like Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, and Reed Blankenship. I am predicting some losses, but I’d be remiss to not say that the Eagles should be favored in every game next year.
Detroit Lions 12-5
Key: Will losing both coordinators be too much to overcome?
The Lions had a franchise-best 15 wins last season, holding a 27-7 overall record and a conference championship appearance in the past two years. Jared Goff and Matt Campbell have continued to lead this franchise to new heights, even if this year ended early with a Wild Card loss to the Commanders. Now Campbell faces a new challenge: replace both of his coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who are now head coaches and also took some staff with them. The Eagles went through a similar situation after the 2022-2023 season, so Campbell will need to prove he can hire and promote the right people to keep this team in contention.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-6
Key: Can Baker Mayfield repeat last year’s performance under new OC?
Baker has reinvented his career in Tampa after a tumultuous journeyman period. In the past two seasons Baker has combined for 8,544 yards, 69 touchdowns and a 67.9% passer rating. Now he has to deal with his third different offensive coordinator: Dave Canales in 2023 (now Carolina HC), Liam Coen in 2024 (now Jaguars HC), and now Josh Grizzard for 2025. Grizzard was the team’s passing game coordinator last year, so there’s close experience working alongside Baker. Nevertheless, Tampa’s floor is high if Baker continues to perform at this level, allowing their ceiling to be higher if he exceeds it.
Chicago Bears 11-6
Key: Will Ben Johnson unlock Caleb Williams?
Chicago might have finally done the right move to ensure they have their franchise passer in Caleb Williams- they hired a competent offensive mind. Ben Johnson lit up the league with Jared Goff, Jamhyr Gibbs, and Amon Ra St. Brown in Detroit the past few seasons. Now he gets his chance to fix his former rival in the Chicago Bears. Johnson’s arriving to Chicago with the main goal of unleashing Caleb, who posted respectable numbers last season. If this happens, Chicago is primed to be a playoff contender and maybe even have their first 4k yard passer in franchise history.
Atlanta Falcons 10-7
Key: Can Penix elevate Atlanta to the playoffs?
Amidst a confusing combo of signing Kirk Cousins to an expensive long-term contract and drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, Atlanta seemingly enters this season with a potential answer at quarterback. Penix is poised to start for the Falcons after only getting three games of real NFL action and looking decent in one win and two overtime losses. However, a full offseason of the team focusing on Penix as the starter should do wonders for him. Getting real practice reps with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney should aid his development. Penix’ second year will be pivotal in Atlanta’s quest for the heir to Matt Ryan’s crown.
Washington Commanders 10-7
Key: Can Jayden Daniels repeat an amazing rookie campaign?
Jayden Daniels was everything Washington hoped for last year, leading the Commies to a 12-5 record and a conference championship appearance. Now for his sophomore season in the NFL, Washington’s front office added Deebo Samuel, Laremy Tunsil, and Javon Kinlaw. Safe to say they saw visions of Lombardi trophies with Daniels’ rookie year and are working towards setting him up for success (although Terry McClaurin’s contract dispute is concerning- just pay him). The former Heisman trophy winner flashed tremendously in his first year, which makes it hard to top the following year unless he’s truly special.
Los Angeles Rams 10-7
Key: How much does Matthew Stafford have left?
Stafford is undeniably in the pantheon of 21st century golden age of quarterback play, and his Rams tenure finally brought him that much deserved Super Bowl ring. Now for 2025, Los Angeles should be gearing up for their next quarterback search, as Stafford turned 37 earlier this year. The Rams still have a very solid team around him, even adding Davante Adams after trading Cooper Kupp to Seattle. All they need to do is avoid two uncontrollable factors: injuries and father time knocking on Stafford’s door. Would love to see one more run for this legend, but with a healthy Niners squad and a first place schedule, it won’t be easier.
Green Bay Packers 9-8
Key: Have they found their WR1?
The Packers have a talented wide receiver core, but neither of their catchers broke a thousand yards. Jordan Love distributed the ball plenty throughout the pass catchers, with their top four receivers and tight end Tucker Craft each being targeted over 50 times. Now, the team adds Matthew Golden and Savion Williams to a room of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontavius Wicks, and an injured Christian Watson. Safe to say it’s pretty crowded, with some potentially on the trade block. What we do know is that Love has a good rapport with his targets and it will be on Golden and Williams to bring value to the group that will make them stand out and emerge as that top target for Green Bay.
Dallas Cowboys 8-9
Key: Will they figure out the running game?
Dak will return for next year to an improved wide receiver corps with the addition of George Pickens. The main question on offense now returns to one they’ve had for two years: who is the lead back? Two years ago, it was Tony Pollard, who they let go to Tennessee. Last year, it was Rico Dowdle, who signed with Carolina this offseason. Now, it’ll be either former Bronco Javonte Williams, former Eagle and Panther Miles Sanders, or 5th round pick Jaydon Blue out of Texas. Dallas only produced 100.3 rushing yards per game, 6th worst in the league. We know the passing game will be lethal with Dak, Ceedee Lamb and Pickens, but the offense will need a stout run game- either with a bell cow or by committee- if they want to return to the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings 7-10
Key: Will JJ McCarthy play as good- if not better- than Sam Darnold?
Darnold played himself last year into a 100 million dollar contract with Seattle, leading the Vikings to an astounding 14-3 record. Even though he revitalized his career, it was only possible because of the untimely season-ending injury to JJ McCarthy. After a year, Minnesota will now get to see what their 1st round pick can do in the renowned Kevin O’Connell system. This projection is low, mostly because I’m tempering my expectations on McCarthy, especially after his meniscus injury last season. But as we saw this season, Minnesota’s roster is certainly geared up for a playoff run. A repeat of last season outside the end of year collapse could grant the Vikings a division win and maybe even a playoff win. For now, we’ll keep it low.
Carolina Panthers 7-10
Key: Is there enough around Bryce Young?
Bryce’s horrific early season slump corrected itself by the end of the year, even if it did not lead to many wins. Carolina enters with some renewed faith in their former first overall pick. Even with the trust in Young, the team worked on filling up the roster with talent this offseason. They drafted Tet McMillan with their first pick to be their #1 catcher and signed Rico Dowdle to back up Chuba Hubbard. Defensively, they beefed up the front with free agency signing Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown, and Patrick Jones, alongside drafting Nick Scourton early. I don’t think these moves will push the needle much, but they are a step in the right direction.
Seattle Seahawks 6-11
Key: Can Sam Darnold perform up to his new contract outside of Minnesota?
Seattle went through changes in the offseason, but they feel… odd. They traded Geno Smith to the Raiders and DK Metcalf to the Steelers while trading for Cooper Kupp and signing Sam Darnold to a big contract. These aren’t exactly upgrades, although they drafted pretty well and added DeMarcus Lawrence to the defense. Darnold will have to prove his chance in Minnesota wasn’t a fluke if Seattle is to head anywhere after shipping away Geno, whose career also revived while being the starter these past three seasons post Russell Wilson’s exit. I don’t think things will break in their favor this time, with a healthy Niners squad and games against Tampa, Houston, and Washington.
Arizona Cardinals 5-12
Key: Is this Kyler Murray’s last year in Arizona?
Feels like a decent bet to say Arizona is due for a change of scenery in regards to the quarterback position. The team was sneakily competitive last year finishing with an 8-9 record after consecutive 4-13 seasons. Kyler Murray was also good, posting almost four thousand passing yards and scoring 26 total touchdowns. But after six seasons and only a wild card loss to the Rams in 2021 to show for it, Murray’s time in Arizona is shortening by the minute. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the Cardinals will do enough this year to warrant a continued Murray tenure, especially in an increasingly competitive NFC. Both Kyler and the Cardinals will look for a fresh start next year.
New York Giants 2-15
Key: When will they hand the keys to Jaxson Dart?
Being completely honest, New York could be good, or at least will be better than this record. But this is very much a “prove it” spot for the Giants. They’re playing against both the AFC West and NFC North, while also drawing a healthy 49ers. They have the defensive personnel to challenge these teams, with a defensive front of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter, alongside a secondary of Paulson Adebo, Jevon Holland, and Deonte Banks. They almost redid the whole quarterback room, signing both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as veteran presence while drafting Jaxon Dart in the first round. Dart will play for New York, but the question is when do they hand the offense to him. Again, New York will certainly overcome this projection, but I need to see it before I take them out of the basement. At least they’re not New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints 0-17
Key: Will they win a game?
Speaking of: this team is in a horrid spot. The Saints are at 77 million dollars of dead cap and Derek Carr unfortunately had to medically retire this offseason. Carr, while past his prime, leaves the Saints passer room with: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and 2025 2nd rounder Tyler Shough. This is pretty bad, and it doesn’t help that both top receivers in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are returning from injuries and the team’s top stars like Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, and Cameron Jordan are nearing the end of their careers. I genuinely do not like them over any team they’re playing, even if they most likely win a divisional game or sneak in an upset somewhere. But any win with this team would be an upset, so it begs the question: are they going to win a game next year? I say no.