2025 AFC Division Winner Predictions

The second half of the season is a different story. From Weeks 10 through 17, the Bills will face opponents such as the Bengals, Steelers, Eagles, Buccaneers and Texans. That’s why Buffalo must come out of the gate strong.

Led by MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills’ offense should remain hard to beat. With pass catchers like Khalil Shakir and second-year receiver Keon Coleman, and a strong running game featuring James Cook and Ray Davis, this offense is poised to continue thriving.

The Bills’ defense should also contribute. Headlined by Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau, Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford, it will still present problems for opposing offenses.

Projected Remaining AFC East Standings

2. New England Patriots

3. Miami Dolphins

4. New York Jets

AFC South: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are the best team in a division full of uncertainty. Between the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans, no one comes close to the Texans.

This season, the Texans will face the NFC and AFC West, along with their six games against their division opponents. As a result of winning the division last year, Houston will also face other teams that finished first in their division, including Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Buffalo.

Despite C.J. Stroud’s sophomore slump, he will look to bounce back to his rookie-year form. The offense around him is well-rounded and includes names like Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb, Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. The only concern that could slow down the Texans is their offensive line.

While the offense is stacked, the defense holds its own as well. With Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Pitre and Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans should improve from being the sixth-best defense. With the recent additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and E.J. Speed, the depth is immeasurable.

Though the Jaguars pose a potential threat to steal the top spot, the Texans remain the team to beat.

Projected Remaining AFC South Standings

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

3. Tennessee Titans

4. Indianapolis Colts

AFC West: Denver Broncos

Though it may come as a shocking pick, the Broncos are the team that could dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver has the youth and skill needed to beat any team in a tightly contested division.

When previewing their 2025 schedule, it is well-balanced and built to set them up for success. Starting the season with the Colts and Titans offers an easier start. After that, spreading out opponents like the NFC East and their division rivals allows them to find a better rhythm throughout the season.

A defense featuring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II and other playmakers like Zach Allen, Talanoa Hufanga, Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are a group motivated to be the best. After finishing last season as the seventh-best defense, expect them to make a jump into the top five.

In terms of offense, second-year quarterback Bo Nix looks to build on an exciting rookie season and avoid the sophomore slump. Depth pieces such as rookie R.J. Harvey, J.K. Dobbins, Marvin Mims Jr., Courtland Sutton, and Evan Engram should give Nix plenty of options to move the ball all around the field.

Let’s not forget the Broncos narrowly missed sweeping the Chiefs last season, after losing a tightly contested 16-14 matchup where their last-second field goal was blocked.

Projected Remaining AFC West Standings

2. Kansas City Chiefs

3. Las Vegas Raiders

4. Los Angeles Chargers

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

After a disappointing loss to the Bills in last season’s divisional round, the Ravens come into this season with a chip on their shoulder. Even though they’re projected to win their division, the Pittsburgh Steelers always make it a tough battle.

Starting strong will be crucial for the Ravens after a tough six-week stretch. To open the season, they face opponents such as the Bills, Browns, Lions, Chiefs, Texans and Rams. In addition to playing five playoff teams in the first six games, they have five of their six division games in the second half of the season.

Though the schedule presents a challenging , the Ravens have the tools for success. Led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, Baltimore has plenty of playmakers surrounding him. This list includes Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Derrick Henry, and newly signed DeAndre Hopkins. This offense alone should create mismatches all around the field.

On the other hand, the defense is a scary sight for opposing offenses. This offseason, Baltimore prioritized improving the secondary by signing Jaire Alexander and drafting Georgia safety Malaki Starks. Pairing Starks with star safety Kyle Hamilton could create the best safety duo in the league, ahead of Detroit’s duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

The front seven is also well-rounded. Between names like Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Kyle Van Noy, and second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson, quarterbacks will surely have their hands full all season.

The only threat to the Ravens’ chance at another AFC North division title is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have won eight of the last ten matchups.

According to FanDuel, the Ravens are tied with the Bills for Super Bowl favorites. In a season full of high expectations, the Ravens have immense pressure to execute.

Projected Remaining AFC North Standings

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Cincinnati Bengals

4. Cleveland Browns

Potential AFC playoff picture

• 1 Seed: Buffalo Bills
• 2 Seed: Baltimore Ravens
• 3 Seed: Denver Broncos
• 4 Seed: Houston Texans
• 5 seed: Pittsburgh Steelers
• 6 seed: Kansas City Chiefs
• 7 Seed: New England Patriots

Just Missed

• Cincinnati Bengals
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Las Vegas Raiders