Key Highlights
- The 2025 NFL season is halfway through, and thoughts have turned to the play-off picture.
- Some teams are sure to miss out on post-season while others seem nailed-on contenders.
- Pundits discuss the chances of MVP-winning quarterbacks missing out on play-offs.
- The article analyzes potential wild-card spots in both AFC and NFC conferences.
NFL Play-off Picture: Contenders and Pretenders
With the NFL season having passed its halfway mark, attention has shifted towards determining which teams will qualify for this year’s play-offs. The 2025 season is set to feature a mix of both sure-to-make-it contenders and potential pretender teams that may fall short.
AFC Conference: A Surprise-Ridden Race
The AFC Conference has been filled with unexpected results, as the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos have all topped their divisions with an 8-2 record. Meanwhile, Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills (6-3), Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs (5-4), and Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens (4-5) are all playing catch-up.
Phoebe Schecter, a former assistant coach at the Buffalo Bills, expressed optimism about the team’s prospects: “The defence needs some work, but when you have Josh Allen you’re going to be contenders.”
Kansas City Chiefs and Their Defensive Strength
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently third in the AFC West behind Denver and the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite this, Schecter believes they remain a contender due to their strong defensive performance: “The defence has been strong throughout, even when the offence was figuring it out, and we saw that in the years of Tom Brady at New England.”
Epstein further supports this view, stating: “Nonetheless, the Chiefs are contenders. The defence has been strong throughout, even when the offence was figuring it out, and by the end of it, you should be afraid because they figured it out.” Epstein also anticipates that the Chiefs’ offensive line may weaken as Joe Alt is recovering from injury.
Baltimore Ravens: A Turnaround in Sight?
The Baltimore Ravens have had a challenging start to the season with only one win. However, Schecter remains optimistic about their prospects, given recent performances and upcoming matchups against weaker opponents.
Epstein adds his perspective on the team’s potential resurgence: “I think that Baltimore are contenders. The offence is settling, the defence is getting healthier and they’re about to play the Browns, the Jets and the Bengals before they see the Steelers.” He also expresses concerns over the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive inconsistency and quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ struggles with target accuracy.
Wild-Card Contenders in AFC North
The Cincinnati Bengals are seen as a potential wild-card contender under Joe Burrow’s leadership. However, their defence has been allowing more points than any other team.
Schecter concludes: “The Bengals could beat out the Steelers when healthy, so let’s go for it,” emphasizing her belief in Joe Burrow’s recovery and potential impact on the play-off race.
NFC Conference: Competitive Races and Contenders
In the NFC, there are two standout contenders in their respective divisions – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) and the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles (7-2). Both teams have strong performances to date.
Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams: AFC West Rivals
The NFC West is highly competitive with both Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams boasting a 7-2 record. The Rams are highlighted for their balanced team approach, particularly under the leadership of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford:
Matthew Stafford led the Rams to a memorable Super Bowl victory in 2022 – and they host the Seahawks this Sunday.
Epstein praises the Rams’ overall performance: “The Rams are such a complete and balanced team, and Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level.”
San Francisco 49ers and Their Uncertain Future
The San Francisco 49ers (6-4) have had a favourable run schedule but face potential challenges due to injuries. Schecter remains optimistic about their chances, believing they could still make the cut.
Will it be the 49ers, the Bears or maybe even the Carolina Panthers behind the Bucs in the NFC South?
NFC North: A Tight Race
The NFC North features a tight race with potential for up to three teams qualifying from each division. The Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) have not met expectations but still possess one of the best defences in the league according to Epstein.
Conclusion
Play-off Race Heats Up
The 2025 NFL season’s play-off race is heating up, with numerous teams vying for the coveted spots. As we approach the final weeks of the regular season, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring each team’s performance to predict who will emerge victorious in this year’s play-offs.
