Super Bowl 2024: The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII for their fourth NFL championship in the Super Bowl era. Can Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes do what no one ever has and win three in a row? That’s only one of the major talking points as the 2024 season kicks off.
We have our typical Super Bowl favorites and long shots, but we also have a few surprises thrown in to impact a competitive playoff picture. Below, we dive into our early playoff predictions for the 2024-25 football season, going division by division, complete with our predicted Super Bowl outcome.
Related: 10 worst NFL starting quarterbacks right now, including Bryce Young
Who will be the Super Bowl 2025 winner? Check out Sportsnaut’s predictions, which are updated each week during the regular season.
Predicting NFL playoff teams, Super Bowl 2025 winner
AFC West champions: Kansas City Chiefs
After winning back-to-back Super Bowls and retaining their top players aside from L’Jarius Sneed, how could we pick against Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes? Winners of the AFC West every year dating back to 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs return as one of the NFL’s best teams in 2024. Xavier Worthy gives Mahomes a speed demon again, and his presence is already paying dividends. They may only have a plus-eight point differential, but we’re still sold on the Chiefs returning to dominance.
As great as the Chiefs have been, the Los Angeles Chargers have a chance to take a major leap forward under Jim Harbaugh. Justin Herbert is one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the league, and he still has more room for growth. They’ve passed the test so far, with the running game suddenly looking like the strength of LA’s offense, but that’s to be expected with Coach Harbaugh in town.
Stay up to date on the latest Los Angeles Chargers news and rumors
Until a better QB than Gardner Minshew arrives, the Las Vegas Raiders will be behind most of the competition, thanks to a lack of coaching experience. Antonio Pierce might be able to create a spark, but the Raiders don’t have enough playmakers on offense to make a difference. But they’ll give each and every opponent a good fight, which gives the Raiders a chance to stick around in the playoff race.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos’ future is in Bo Nix’s hands. Sean Payton finally gets his young quarterback, but Nix is the most experienced QB in the 2024 draft class, meaning he’ll have a chance to get better results than Russell Wilson right away. Unless Nix flashes his star potential early on, we’re predicting the Broncos will finish in last place in the AFC West, but the Raiders aren’t far ahead. Despite being the oldest of this year’s rookie quarterbacks to earn a start so far, Nix has shown some early growing pains, averaging just 5.0 YPA. That won’t win many games in Denver.
AFC West prediction
- Kansas City Chiefs – Division winners
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Denver Broncos
AFC North champions: Baltimore Ravens
As long as Lamar Jackson is healthy, the Baltimore Ravens will always be considered a threat in the AFC North. An 0-2 start puts the Ravens in a tough hole to dig out of, but they have one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL, which should serve Baltimore well once the temperatures drop.
After a slow start, we didn’t get a fair look at the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 after Joe Burrow was lost for the season. But all that’s in the past now. Or so we thought. Working without Tee Higgins plus a version of Ja’Marr Chase that isn’t in football shape, Burrow finished with the fifth-fewest passing yards of his career in Week 1. They bounced back in Week 2, but still ended up 0-2. Don’t fret, these big cats will bounce back once they’re up to full speed.
Mix Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson + Justin Fields? It sounds perfect on paper. With zero losing seasons in 17 years, we wouldn’t bet on Russ or Fields crashing Tomlin and T.J. Watt’s party. In fact, we expect the Steelers to compete for a playoff spot, too. Who knows, they might even win the AFC North. Fields has gotten the first crack at the starting gig, and he might not ever look back. Yet, the dual-threat weapon will have to find a way to get some touchdowns on the board too.
With what’s likely to return as one of the NFL’s best defenses, the Cleveland Browns have been shaky early on. Much of their success depends on whether Deshaun Watson can become more consistent. If so, the Browns have the potential to be a powerhouse. But we haven’t seen it yet. Cleveland’s offensive line needs to get healthy before we can evaluate this offense too closely.
AFC North prediction
- Baltimore Ravens – Division winners
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cleveland Browns
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AFC South champions: Houston Texans
The Houston Texans’ new additions were on full display in Week 1. Joe Mixon rumbled for over 150 yards, and Stefon Diggs scored two touchdowns. Yet, the defense allowed three 50-yard plays against Anthony Richardson and 27 points overall. The Texans didn’t look dominant in Week 2 either. While Houston’s defense limited Chicago to just 205 yards, the Texans couldn’t capitalize and run away with the game offensively. They’re 2-0, but a tougher schedule may have delivered a different result.
There’s no doubt the Jacksonville Jaguars underachieved last season, and we’re not sure if they’ve improved the roster enough since. The Jaguars battled in Week 1 against a top-notch Dolphins offense, and if Travis Etienne didn’t fumble in the end zone, Jacksonville might not be winless. But by failing to score more than 18 points in their first two games, we’re starting to have serious doubts about the Trevor Lawrence-Doug Pederson pairing.
Anthony Richardson showed signs of being a superstar against Houston, but he also failed to complete more than 50% of his passes. Yet the Colts still scored 26 points despite the inconsistent passing performance from their young QB. Richardson responded with a 3-INT game in Week 2, showing he still has some growing to do before the Colts become a threat.
The Tennessee Titans were in a position to win in Week 1 before Will Levis literally threw the game away. Yet, the fact that Brian Callahan’s team was in control for most of the game is a positive sign early on. The story was the same in Week 2 against the Jets, where Levis had yet another crucial turnover in a one-possession game. We don’t have high expectations for the Titans in what’s likely to be a retooling season. This year is all about evaluating Levis and identifying hidden gems.
Related: NFL QB Rankings: From 32-1, who’s the best and worst NFL QB?
AFC South prediction
- Houston Texans – Division winners
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Indianapolis Colts
- Tennessee Titans
Related: 2024 NFL Power Rankings
AFC East champions: Buffalo Bills
Through two games without Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen is still Josh Allen. It sounded crazy in the offseason, but the Bills just might be better off in the long run without their All-Pro receiver. Without a clear top target, Allen is playing with more freedom, not worrying about feeding Diggs as much as he can handle. The receiving corps is still a work in progress, but with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, the Bills still have enough weapons to win with.
The New York Jets may or may not have had a playoff roster a season ago. We never got to find out. But Aaron Rodgers is back with a vengeance in 2024. Robert Saleh’s defense got bulldozed in Week 1 by a backup running back. But there’s no way this trend continues. Expect the Jets to bounce back after getting punched in the mouth in San Francisco. Narrowly defeating the Titans is a small step of progress, but the Jets need to have a convincing win over New England on Thursday for anyone to take them seriously.
Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle make for a dangerous quartet. If Anthony Weaver can take what he learned in Baltimore and apply it to the Miami Dolphins’ defense, this could become much more than just one of the NFL’s best offenses. The Dolphins were back to making it splash through the air, but their ground game mustered just 3.2 yards per carry in Week 1. Mike McDaniel has plenty of time to figure it out. But the more urgent concern is making sure Tua Tagovailoa can get back to 100% after yet another concussion and hitting the IL.
Jerod Mayo seems more than equipped to spark a quick turnaround, but does he have the roster to match? The Patriots had one of the NFL’s most surprising upsets with a Week 1 win over Cincinnati. Yet, without identifying a playmaker who’s capable of taking a game over, we’ll pause on predicting New England to maintain this momentum in a crowded AFC East division despite giving Seattle a tough fight in Week 2.
AFC East playoff prediction
- Buffalo Bills – Division winners
- New York Jets
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
Related: Updated NFL defense rankings
AFC Wild Card spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets
We can’t bet against one of the NFL’s best QBs in Joe Burrow. This is a motivated Bengals team that has already experienced what it’s like to reach a Super Bowl. Losing the big game and failing to come close to returning ever since has to eat away at these big cats, but they have the elite talent to get back in the game in the 2024-25 NFL Playoffs.
Again, we love the Russ/Tomlin duo. They’re far too competitive to be anything but focused on improving from their effort a season ago, and this roster does have a good mix of star talent and youth brimming with potential. Who knows what they can do with a new locker room leader, even if Fields runs away with the job?
With Aaron Rodgers returning, we expect Robert Saleh’s defense to hold up their end of the bargain. If Rodgers can propel the New York Jets offense to league-average or better levels, they should be able to sneak into the playoffs.
Related: Super Bowl odds: Every team’s championship futures for 2024 NFL season
NFC West champions: San Francisco 49ers
Just like in 2023, the San Francisco 49ers will be back to being one of the NFL’s best teams in 2024 too. Brock Purdy one of the best game managers in the NFL. With Kyle Shanahan pressing the buttons on offense, the 49ers won’t have any issues scoring points. The same goes on defense, with one of the most fearful front sevens in football, even after losing Arik Armstead. Even without Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers haven’t had any trouble running the ball. It’s early, but the 49ers look like NFC favorites.
Thanks to Mike Macdonald, the Seattle Seahawks may finally have a defense capable of competing for the division crown. Geno Smith is off to a strong start, and if the rushing game can be a consistent strength, the Seahawks could become big threats in the NFC West.
Jonathan Gannon had the Arizona Cardinals playing inspired football last season. That carried over into a near upset against Buffalo in Week 1 before a dominant 31-point win over the Rams in Week 2. Kyler Murray is back to making magic, but now he has a new toy by the name of Marvin Harrison Jr. Once this young roster realizes what they’re capable, the Cardinals could make some real noise.
The Los Angeles Rams are always in a good place with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford at the helm. Les Snead has a knack for discovering gems. But not even McVay or Snead can prevent the rash of injuries that have hit the Rams. When healthy, with some of the very best players in the NFL, the Rams have a very high ceiling. But right now their floor is low, due to having so many replacement pieces filling major roles.
Stay up to date on the latest Los Angeles Rams news and rumors
NFC West prediction
- San Francisco 49ers – Division winners
- Seattle Seahawks
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
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NFC North champions: Detroit Lions
Now that everyone knows what the Detroit Lions are capable of, it’s all about seeing if Dan Campbell’s team can rise to the challenge of repeating it. Jared Goff showed he’s equipped to lead an explosive scoring attack, and these young Lions are only poised to keep improving. There were some second-half hiccups against Matt Stafford in Week 1, but Ben Johnson’s masterful playcalling was on full display in overtime where David Montgomery ran over the Rams on the path to victory. But Dan Campbell had some clock management blunders that may have cost Detroit a chance to move to 2-0. Nevertheless, this is still the deepest roster in the NFC North.
One of the youngest rosters in 2023 is naturally expected to take a major leap forward in 2024. The Green Bay Packers added a much-needed playmaker to the secondary by signing Xavier McKinney, who got an interception in his season debut. There are still questions along the offensive line, but Jordan Morgan brings hope. Now Jordan Love’s dealing with an injury that could knock him out anywhere from 3-6 weeks. The Packers’ playoff odds ride in the hands of Malik Willis, who passed his first test with flying colors.
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Sam Darnold has been superb through two weeks, and that’s come without T.J. Hockenson. Aaron Jones breathes some life into the running game, providing a much-needed boost. The remade pass rush is consistently getting home too. Can the Vikings maintain this success? With Kevin O’Connell in command of the offense, and Brian Flores on defense, this team is in good hands.
Stay up to date on all Minnesota Vikings news and rumors
Teams who pick this high this often are usually set up for a big year, eventually. That could happen in 2024 for the Chicago Bears, but it’s not looking good right now. Caleb Williams was labeled as a generational talent, but there are only so many C.J. Stroud types who can make a franchise-altering immediate impact. Reality has sunk in after two weeks, with the understanding that Williams needs more experience before carrying this team to the playoffs.
NFC North prediction
- Detroit Lions – Division winners
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Chicago Bears
Related: NFL MVP odds 2024
NFC South champions: Atlanta Falcons
It’s a whole new world with Kirk Cousins plugged in as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback. Suddenly this offense went from being one of the NFL’s worst to one with the potential to be one of the best. The Falcons have already seen both sides of the coin, with Cousins showing some mobility flaws and a tendency to make risky throws. However, that’s also included a never-die-easy mentality that led to a last-minute win in primetime on the road in Week 2. We don’t know what to expect from this Falcons team yet, but they need to create more pressure.
The gang’s back in town with the return of Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, which gives the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a high floor. They came back with a vengeance with a 37-point game in Week 1. After winning a Wild Card game last season, the Bucs may be ready to prove they’re better than everyone gives them credit for.
While there were ebbs and flows, Derek Carr is a good quarterback, and Chris Olave is a great receiver. But the New Orleans Saints are always fighting themselves when it comes to the salary cap. All those concerns went down the drain in a massive 47-10 win over the Panthers in Week 1. The Saints proved it wasn’t a fluke with a 25-point win over Dallas in Week 2 to give New Orleans the NFL’s best point differential after two weeks. We’ll see where this team stands in Week 6, after facing the Eagles, Falcons and Chiefs.
The Carolina Panthers spent big bucks in free agency, and while we commend them for getting Bryce Young more help, spending $153 million on two guards feels very dangerous. Unfortunately, our fears came true with a 37-point blowout loss in Week 1. Now they’ve already benched Young just 18 starts into his career. The anonymous NFL exec was right, this team is a disaster.
NFC South prediction
- Atlanta Falcons – Division winners
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New Orleans Saints
- Carolina Panthers
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NFC East champions: Dallas Cowboys
Hate ’em or love ’em, the Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL thanks to the emergence of Dak Prescott as a legit MVP candidate and Micah Parsons as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. Other complementary pieces like CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and DaRon Bland are just cherries on top for Jerry Jones’ team. It all came together in Week 1, just hours after Prescott’s extension. Are the Cowboys really one of the NFL’s best teams again? Their performance in Week 2 suggests otherwise.
Can we just say we love the Saquon Barkley signing? Robbing a rival of a local talent who’s eager to show his former team what they’re missing out on? Sign us up. He proved the Eagles right with a three-touchdown debut. The Eagles still have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, and you know Howie Roseman will continue being aggressive if he sees a crack in the foundation.
With a new franchise quarterback set to arrive in D.C., it’s all sunshine for the Washington Commanders. Having an electric playmaker like Terry McLaurin should lead to a better rookie QB experience for Jayden Daniels, and this isn’t Dan Quinn’s first time whipping a defense into shape. It just might not happen right away, especially considering how bare the roster was after parting with several key pieces ahead of last year’s trade deadline.
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Even if New York Giants fans are calling for a replacement, Daniel Jones is set for a bounce-back season that will win over the hearts of the locals again. That is, unless the newly remade offensive line lets him down again. The front office prioritized mid-tier players over paying Saquon Barkley, and now the Giants are already kicking themselves. Hopefully the pass rush can make enough of a difference to salvage the defense too.
NFC East prediction
- Dallas Cowboys – Division winners
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- New York Giants
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NFC Wild Card predictions: Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints
The Eagles have shown they’re capable of playing at a very high level. But we haven’t seen coach Nick Sirianni’s team look like a Super Bowl unit since they lost to the Chiefs. A full offseason, along with more changes to the coaching staff, should help turn things around, and this is still one of the best rosters in the NFL.
Baker Mayfield is armed with a potent duo of pass-catchers and if Bucky Irving creates a spark in the running game, the Bucs could have something special. They’re off to a hot start and already have a roster that knows what it takes to not only reach the playoffs, but also keep their cool and get a win when everyone counted them out.
Green Bay was primed to hold the final Wild Card spot, but Love’s injury could cost them a few wins. That leaves just enough space for a rising Saints team to make it back to the NFC Playoffs again. Derek Carr is playing the best football of his career, and the Saints aren’t just beating teams, they’re pummeling them.
Related: NFL Q&A: Super Bowl LIX start time, channel, date, and how to watch
Who will win Super Bowl 2025?
Who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIX? We look at our predictions for the NFL Playoff bracket.
Who is predicted to win the Super Bowl? Let’s project the path to Super Bowl LIX.
NFL playoff bracket: Full postseason predictions for AFC and NFC
AFC Playoffs
- Chiefs
- Ravens
- Bills
- Texans
- Bengals
- Steelers
- Jets
- Wild card round: Ravens over Jets, Bills over Steelers, Texans over Bengals
- Divisional round: Chiefs over Texans, Ravens over Bills
- AFC Championship Game: Chiefs over Ravens
Related: How much does a Super Bowl ad cost?
NFC Playoffs
- 49ers
- Lions
- Cowboys
- Falcons
- Eagles
- Buccaneers
- Saints
- Wild card round: Lions over Saints, Cowboys over Buccaneers, Eagles over Falcons
- Divisional round: 49ers over Eagles, Cowboys over Lions
- NFC Championship Game: 49ers over Cowboys
Sportsnaut predicts that the San Francisco 49ers will defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game, while the Kansas City Chiefs top the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.
It will set the stage for an interesting Super Bowl LIX rematch between two teams with storied histories. The 49ers have won five Super Bowls across seven appearances, while the Chiefs have won three out of the five times they reached the final stage.
We don’t see that changing in February when Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes show what the NFL’s best QB can do.
- Super Bowl 2025: Kansas City Chiefs 34, San Francisco 49ers 24
