The NFL schedule was released on May 14. That means we know every game from Week 1 through Week 18 — and no time like the present to make some way-too-early predictions and rank the games from weakest to strongest as the league kicks off its 2025 season.
Former first overall selections in the NFL draft meet as Bryce Young heads into this third season and Trevor Lawrence starts over with another coach. The Jaguars have Travis Hunter. How many plays he sees on offense and defense could create their own betting market. The feeling is that the Panthers have improved, and the Jaguars are still rather ordinary. Prediction: Panthers 24, Jaguars 16
The Kellen Moore era gets underway at the Superdome, and things are looking anything but super for the Saints. After Derek Carr’s retirement, they have a bunch of random names on the roster at quarterback. The Cardinals have been showing signs over the past two seasons, and now is the time to get it right. Prediction: Cardinals 24, Saints 14
Another matchup of teams that are coming off mediocre campaigns. The Colts have to hope Anthony Richardson finally stays healthy and delivers what they wanted when they made him a high first-round pick. Otherwise, it is Daniel Jones and we have seen how he has played in a blue uniform already in his NFL career. The Dolphins will go as far as Tua Tagovailoa can be the starting quarterback. And there is no assurance of how long that will last. Prediction: Colts 23, Dolphins 20
The Buccaneers look to keep their strange run of consecutive NFC South championships going. Baker Mayfield is the franchise QB the team has sought since Tom Brady retired not too long ago. Michael Penix Jr. should be the starting QB for Atlanta. What does that mean for Kirk Cousins? Misery on the sidelines or a new home? Keep an eye on that situation. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and the Bucs’ receivers should give the Falcons fits. Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Falcons 27
NFC West foes meet in the Great Northwest as the 49ers hope they can keep players off the injured list to rebound from an 11-loss season. The Seahawks go from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold. While Seattle is at home, don’t be surprised when the 49ers show what was expected of them in 2024. Prediction: 49ers, 27, Seahawks 23
10. *Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
Oh, the revenge game possibilities. Justin Field at QB for the Jets against, um, maybe, um, Aaron Rodgers if he decides to grace the Steelers with his presence. It shouldn’t matter who is playing here because this feels like a low-scoring game and the Steelers will spoil Aaron Glenn’s head coaching debut. Prediction: Steelers 16, Jets 13
*This game moves to 15 on the rankings if Rodgers decides not to play for the Steelers.
AFC North teams from Ohio battle. The Browns have their own quarterback carousel in camp. Will it be Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, or last but not least Shedeur Sanders. The Bengals have been sluggish out of the gate plenty. They won’t be in 2025 as Joe Burrow lights up Cleveland. Prediction: Bengals 31, Browns 16
Will this be JJ McCarthy against Caleb Williams in a battle of high draft picks in the 2024 draft? And if McCarthy isn’t ready who will Kevin O’Connell bank on at quarterback. The Vikings were a playoff team last year that only lost to the Lions and Rams. The Bears have a long way to go under Ben Johnson and this is just a start. Prediction: Vikings 27, Bears 16
7. New York Giants at Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels makes any Commanders game worth watching even if it is against the Giants. Not buying into the law firm of Wilson, Winston & Dart with the Giants. Will Brian Daboll make it through the season? Prediction: Commanders 33, Giants 17
The reason for this nearly making the top five is the possibility that Cam Ward starts at quarterback. The first overall pick would have a stiff test against Denver, particularly its wonderful secondary. Sean Payton has Bo Nix, who has a year under his helmet as a starting QB. That’s enough reason to pick the Broncos. Prediction: Broncos 24, Titans 10
C.J. Stroud and the Texans draw a tough matchup in Week One. There is the Rams’ defense, which thrived last year despite losing Aaron Donald to retirement. Matthew Stafford gets Davante Adams to go with Puka Nacua. Kyren Williams is a great at RB. Prediction: Texans 27, Rams 23
The opening game of the season is the main reason this one is in the top five. The Cowboys should have their hands full with the Super Bowl champs and a Lincoln Financial Field crowd ready to roar. Look for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley to have fun at the expense of the Dallas defense. Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17
3. Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (Brazil)
This game sounds like it should be high-scoring. Don’t count on it as both teams have solid defenses. Patrick Mahomes also has not been putting up huge numbers as he did early in his career. Prediction: Chargers 23, Chiefs 20
2. Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
NFC North foes get together at Lambeau. The Lions have seen the better of this series in recent years after a long dry stretch. Don’t be surprised if Matt LaFleur has the Packers sharp and ready. Prediction: Packers 24, Lions 21
Like there was any other game that provided as intriguing a matchup as the AFC North and AFC East champs dueling in the opening week? Prediction: Bills 30, Ravens 23
