As the highly anticipated 2025 NFL season gets ready to launch, excitement is building among fans and analysts alike. Kicking off on Thursday night, the season opener will feature a thrilling matchup between the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and their fierce NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys. This rivalry has been intensified by the summer's contract dispute involving star pass rusher Micah Parsons, making this game a must-watch.
On Friday night, the action continues as the NFL returns to Brazil for an exciting game between the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers. As the season unfolds, many are curious whether the Eagles and Chiefs will reign supreme in their respective conferences once again, or if the Cowboys will surprise skeptics and exceed expectations.
In our latest analysis, we asked The Athletic’s NFL writers and editors to share their insights and predictions for the upcoming season. Among the standout players are Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, who have collectively claimed five of the last seven MVP awards. Notably, only Mahomes has led his team to a Super Bowl victory. The only active AFC quarterback capable of defeating Mahomes in the playoffs is Joe Burrow, who narrowly edged out Jackson for MVP consideration this year.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders also received votes, showcasing the emerging talent in the league. If Burrow secures the MVP title, his top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, who led the NFL in receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns last season, could be a strong contender for Offensive Player of the Year.
On the defensive side, new pass rusher Micah Parsons has made headlines throughout the offseason and is the favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, our staff leaned towards Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions, who had a promising start before a broken leg sidelined him last season. Parsons finished in second place, while Pat Surtain II of the Denver Broncos also garnered attention as the only defensive back to receive multiple votes.
In the rookie category, Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, is generating buzz as an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He significantly outperformed the draft's top picks, including Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans and Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is expected to play both ways. On the defensive side, Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick, has shown immense potential, making him a player to watch this season.
As the season approaches, several coaches are already feeling the heat. Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts is under pressure to secure consistency at the quarterback position, or risk a disappointing season. Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins faces a tough schedule and uncertainty with his quarterback, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
Brian Daboll of the New York Giants is also on the hot seat, especially with a challenging early-season schedule that includes games against the Chiefs and Eagles. The pressure is mounting, and decisions regarding starting quarterback Russell Wilson could prove pivotal.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, our analysts predict the Baltimore Ravens may finally break through to the Super Bowl, despite Lamar Jackson's mixed postseason history. The Buffalo Bills are also expected to make a strong showing, even surpassing the Chiefs in some predictions. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers are seen as top contenders in the NFC, with the Lions seeking their first Super Bowl appearance.
As we dive into the 2025 NFL season, the excitement is palpable. Will the Eagles defend their title? Can the Chiefs claim another championship? The answers await as we kickoff what promises to be a thrilling season filled with surprises, standout performances, and intense rivalries.
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as we continue our Countdown to Kickoff series, part of our partnership with NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube TV, where The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
