5 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Season!

The 2025 NFL season will kick off on September 4 when the Dallas Cowboys travel to Lincoln Financial Field to square off against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Though the season is still over two months away, let’s go over some bold predictions for the upcoming campaign, including one about Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans.

**Written by Dharya Sharma**

**Founder/Owner of SharmSports.** **NFL contributor at The Sporting News**

Cam Ward and the Titans will make the playoffs

Last season, we saw rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lead the Washington Commanders to the playoffs and NFC Championship Game. This year, it’s Cam Ward’s turn.

Though the Titans probably won’t be in the AFC Championship game, I think a playoff berth is a possibility, especially with Tennessee being in a weak AFC South division. Ward has all the tools necessary to be a franchise quarterback, and if he leads the Titans to the postseason in his rookie year, the hype will be at an all-time high.

Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders will finish 2nd in the AFC West

Many have the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos over the Raiders, but this team really intrigues me.

The hiring of Pete Carroll as head coach was excellent, and Geno Smith will be a massive upgrade at quarterback over Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers, and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty are also a nice set of playmakers.

The defense, led by superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby, should also be solid if the secondary can hold its own.

Las Vegas may not be flashy, but I think they’re going to shock the world and find a way to finish second in the AFC West, only behind the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers will win the NFC South

The Panthers, especially quarterback Bryce Young, showed a ton of promise towards the end of the 2024 season and are in the position to compete for the NFC South crown.

The offense around Young is looking promising, as Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette are a solid trio at receiver, while Chuba Hubbard returns as the starter at running back after quietly having an impressive 2024 campaign.

The defense should also be solid, led by defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Carolina also added a couple of new pieces to the unit this offseason in safety Tre’von Moehrig and linebacker Josey Jewell in free agency and edge rusher Nic Scourton in the draft.

This Carolina team is flying under the radar, but they have the potential to win the NFC South in 2025 with Dave Canales in his second year as head coach.

Matthew Stafford and The Rams will win the NFC

The Rams gave the Philadelphia Eagles their best challenge during their Super Bowl run last season, as Sean McVay’s squad narrowly fell to the eventual champions on the road by a score of 28-22.

As long as Stafford and McVay are there, the Rams will be playoff contenders. However, I think they’re going to go a step further in 2025 and reach the Super Bowl for the second time in five seasons.

I loved the addition of Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nacua, and the defense, especially the deep pass rusher, is incredibly scary. Paired with the consistent play of Stafford and the touchdown-scoring machine in Kyren Williams, Los Angeles is primed for one final run in the Stafford McVay Era.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens finally get over the hump, win Super Bowl LX

At some point, the Baltimore Ravens have to win a Super Bowl in the Lamar Jackson Era. The 27-year-old would cement his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history with a Super Bowl title, and I think this is the year for the Ravens.

The defense should be stout once again, and the offense will always be productive with Jackson at the helm and Derrick Henry in the backfield. Also, a championship for Henry would put him in the conversation for being the greatest running back in history.

The playoffs have been incredibly up and down for Jackson and Baltimore. However, this just feels like the year Jackson finally hoists that trophy after years of heartbreak.