2025 NFC Division Winner Predictions

The Cowboys also improved their offensive line by adding Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Booker bolsters a unit that includes Cooper Beebe, Tyler Smith, Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele. With more time in the pocket, the Cowboys’ offense has the potential to rank among the top five in the league.

Cowboys Defense

Between Micah Parsons‘ contract situation and the injury rehabs of Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown, the defense may take some time to find their groove. Despite that, with depth pieces like Dante Fowler, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, DaRon Bland, Malik Hooker and Kenneth Murray, they could weather the storm.

Overall, the Cowboys have the best chance to win the division. Between the Commanders and Eagles, it will be interesting to see which team challenges Dallas the most.

Remaining NFC East Standings Projections

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. Washington Commanders

4. New York Giants

NFC West: Los Angeles Rams

The NFC West should be a fun division to watch this season. Regardless of who’s competing, the action is always worth tuning in for.

Rams Offense

With quarterback Matthew Stafford still at the helm, Los Angeles has the best signal-caller in the division.

At age 37, Stafford still produces even if it’s not quite at the level of his Detroit Lions days. Last season, he threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The addition of wide receiver Davante Adams vastly improves the Rams’ receiving corps. Pairing Adams with Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell gives Stafford plenty of options to spread the ball around. Tight end Tyler Higbee is also worth mentioning, as having a reliable target over the middle can be crucial to moving the chains.

Another key piece to the Rams’ offensive success is Pro Bowl running back Kyren Williams. Drafted out of Notre Dame in 2022, Williams has played a major role in revitalizing the run game. Last season, he rushed 316 times for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, after fumbling five times and losing three, ball security will be an area he needs to improve. Fortunately, heading into this season, he was ranked No. 85 on the NFL’s Top 100 list.

Rams Defense

On the other hand, the young defense — featuring players like Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Kamren Kinchens and Quentin Lake — should allow the Rams to play fast and physical.

With veterans such as Poona Ford, Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams and Kamren Curl, the mix of experience and youth could help the unit take a step forward. After finishing 26th in total defense last season, the Rams will aim to make the necessary leap to create a well-balanced team.

The 49ers pose a potential threat to challenge Los Angeles for the top spot, but with their own issues, the Rams should be in the driver’s seat to win the division. One team that could quietly sneak into contention is the Arizona Cardinals.

Remaining NFC West Standings Projections

2. Arizona Cardinals

3. San Francisco 49ers

4. Seattle Seahawks

NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No surprise here: the Buccaneers are the clear favorites in the NFC South. Even with the Panthers and Falcons improving slightly, Tampa Bay remains a step above the competition.

Buccaneers Offense

Since revitalizing his career in Tampa Bay, quarterback Baker Mayfield has led the Buccaneers to success in the post-Tom Brady era.

This season, he’ll be surrounded by the best roster in a while. The Buccaneers’ receiving options include Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton. In the running game, the duo of Bucky Irving and Rachaad White should continue to perform and wear down defenses.

Another player to watch is 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka. Coming from Ohio State, there are many qualities to like about him. With savvy route running, a team-first mentality and the ability to produce, Egbuka is poised to be the X-factor.

Let’s not forget that Ohio State has recently produced receivers like Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave. Egbuka has the potential to join this group early in his career.

Buccaneers Defense

The defense is one that deserves attention.

Led by team veteran Vita Vea, Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay will look to improve on last season’s No. 18 ranking and push into the top 10. Signing Haason Reddick in free agency should bolster the pass rush and help the secondary — featuring Antoine Winfield Jr., Zyon McCollum, Tykee Smith and Dean — create more turnovers.

Two players from the 2023 draft class — YaYa Diaby and Calijah Kancey — should continue to develop and contribute meaningful snaps. Both players are expected to blend in well and help the defense thrive.

While the NFC South is the Buccaneers’ to lose, it’s up to the Panthers and Falcons to see if they can make a run at the top spot and challenge the favorites.

Remaining NFC South Standings Projections

2. Atlanta Falcons

3. Carolina Panthers

4. New Orleans Saints

NFC North: Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are the team best positioned to take down the Detroit Lions.

With Detroit losing coordinators Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets and Ben Johnson to Chicago, the Lions lose stability in key areas. Another interesting note: former Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randall El also joined Johnson on the Bears’ staff.

Bears Offense

With a new era underway, the Bears should be ready to compete.

Revamping the offensive line this offseason with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson signals that protecting second-year quarterback Caleb Williams is a top priority. According to Yahoo Sports, Williams was sacked 68 times last season, the third-most in NFL history.

If Williams is protected, the offense should thrive. In the passing game, there is a plethora of options, including D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and free-agent acquisition Olamide Zaccheaus. With so many weapons, Williams will be able to spread the ball around and consistently move the chains. With no clear player for defenses to key on, the offense should be able to play fast and free.

Complementing the passing game is a strong ground attack featuring D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, both of whom should also benefit from the upgraded offensive line. Swift finished just 41 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season in 2024. If all three phases of the offense are in sync, the Bears’ offense will be difficult to stop.

Bears Defense

On defense, the secondary stands out as the strongest unit on the team. It features Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard and Tyrique Stevenson. The group combined for six interceptions last season and showed an ability to generate timely turnovers. While Gordon went without an interception this season, he was still valuable enough to earn a contract extension this offseason.

The front seven for the Bears should also shine this season. After signing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, he joins a defensive line group of Gervon Dexter, Montez Sweat, and Dayo Odeyingbo. That group alone has the potential to wreak havoc against opposing offenses. With linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds backing them up, the front seven should help generate turnovers alongside the secondary.

Even in a division that includes the Lions and Packers, Chicago has the talent and coaching to make some noise this season. With J.J. McCarthy expected to start for the Vikings, Minnesota remains an unknown factor.

Remaining NFC North Standings Projections

2. Detroit Lions

3. Green Bay Packers

4. Minnesota Vikings

Potential NFC Playoff Picture

1 Seed: Cowboys

2 Seed: Buccaneers

3 Seed: Rams

4 Seed: Bears

5 Seed: Eagles

6 Seed: Falcons

7 Seed: Commanders

Just Missed

• Arizona Cardinals
• Carolina Panthers