Bold Predictions for 2025 NFL Season

34 views
Sports

#nfl #predictions #2025

2025 NFL Predictions: Super Bowl, Playoffs and Award Winners From MMQB Staff - Sports Illustrated

Introduction

The NFL season is in full swing, but it's never too early to make bold predictions for the future. The MMQB staff at Sports Illustrated has done just that, filling out their brackets and picking a champion for the 2025 season. But it's not just about the Super Bowl, our writers and editors have also chosen their MVPs, coaches and rookies of the year.

Key Details

The panel has predicted that the 2025 Super Bowl will see a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Chiefs coming out on top. As for the MVP, the staff has chosen Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is poised to take his game to the next level in the coming years. For Coach of the Year, the panel is split between the New England Patriots' Bill Belichick and the San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan.

Impact

These predictions not only give us a glimpse into the future, but also shed light on the current state of the league. The dominance of young quarterbacks like Jackson and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs is evident, while experienced coaches like Belichick and Shanahan continue to thrive in the league. These predictions also serve as a reminder that the NFL is continuously evolving and anything can happen in the next few years.

About the People Mentioned

Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is a professional American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, he played college football at the University of Louisville, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as the most outstanding player in college football. Jackson was selected by the Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson began his NFL career as a backup but quickly became the Ravens' starting quarterback during his rookie season after an injury to the incumbent starter. He is known for his dual-threat ability, combining exceptional passing skills with elite rushing talent, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. In his rookie season, he led all quarterbacks in rushing yards with 695 and scored five rushing touchdowns. His breakthrough came in the 2019 season when he earned the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award unanimously. That year, he accounted for 3,127 total yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a league-best 14–2 record. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro, highlighting his status as one of the NFL’s premier players. Jackson’s playing style emphasizes speed and agility, which has revolutionized the quarterback position by blending traditional passing with significant rushing contributions. Despite regular-season success, his teams have faced challenges in the playoffs, with the Ravens experiencing early exits. As of 2025, Jackson remains a key figure for the Ravens, although his availability has at times been affected by injuries. He continues to be regarded as a central player in the Ravens' efforts to compete for a Super Bowl championship, maintaining relevance as one of the NFL’s most exciting and influential quarterbacks.

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Lavon Mahomes II, born September 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas, is an American professional football quarterback known for his exceptional performance in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas Tech University, where he led the top college division in passing yards and touchdowns during his junior year and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy. Mahomes entered the NFL when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him 10th overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft[1][2][4]. Mahomes quickly established himself as a premier quarterback. In 2018, his first full season as a starter, he threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, becoming just the second quarterback in NFL history to achieve those milestones in a single season. That year, he won both the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, becoming the youngest player ever to win the league MVP[1][2][5]. He led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances, winning three championships in 2020 (Super Bowl LIV), 2022 (Super Bowl LVII), and 2023 (Super Bowl LVIII). Mahomes earned Super Bowl MVP honors in all three victories, joining legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks with at least three Super Bowl MVP awards. In 2024, he helped the Chiefs reach a third consecutive Super Bowl, a first in the Super Bowl era, though they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles[1][2][3][5]. Mahomes is also notable off the field for his philanthropic efforts through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, focusing on supporting underprivileged youth. He is married to Brittany Matthews, with whom he has two children. Mahomes remains a central figure in the NFL, recognized both for his dynamic playing style and leadership[4].

Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick is a highly accomplished American football coach, best known for his tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). Beginning his NFL coaching career in 1975 as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts, he worked with several teams, including the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and notably the New York Giants. As the Giants’ defensive coordinator starting in 1985, Belichick helped develop a dominant defense that contributed to two Super Bowl victories in 1986 and 1990. In 1991, Belichick became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, where he coached for five seasons. After assistant coaching roles with the Patriots and New York Jets, he was briefly named Jets head coach in 2000 but resigned after one day. Soon after, he took over as head coach of the Patriots, beginning a transformative era. Under Belichick’s leadership from 2000 to 2023, the Patriots became one of the NFL’s most dominant franchises. The team won six Super Bowl championships (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2019), the most by any head coach in NFL history, with quarterback Tom Brady playing a key role in this success. Belichick earned three AP NFL Coach of the Year awards (2003, 2007, 2010) and set numerous records, including most playoff victories (31). The Patriots also made nine Super Bowl appearances and won 17 AFC East division titles during his tenure. Belichick is recognized for his strategic expertise, especially on defense, and his ability to adapt and rebuild championship teams over decades. After leaving the Patriots, he became the head football coach at the University of North Carolina, connecting with his family’s coaching legacy. His father, Steve Belichick, was a longtime assistant coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of North Carolina, influencing Bill’s deep football knowledge from a young age[1][2][5][6][7].

Kyle Shanahan

Kyle Michael Shanahan, born December 14, 1979, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL)[2]. He is the son of two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan, growing up immersed in football culture and experiencing firsthand what it takes to lead at the highest level[3]. Shanahan attended several high schools as his father moved between coaching jobs, before playing college football as a wide receiver at the University of Texas at Austin[2]. Shanahan began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UCLA in 2003, then transitioned to the NFL as an offensive quality control coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004–2005)[1][4]. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks included roles as wide receivers coach for the Houston Texans (2006), where he later became the youngest offensive coordinator in NFL history at the time[1][3]. Over the next decade, Shanahan served as offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, Washington (then Redskins), Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons, establishing a reputation as one of the league’s most innovative offensive minds[1][3]. His tenure with the Falcons was particularly notable: in 2016, Atlanta led the NFL in scoring and reached Super Bowl LI, earning Shanahan recognition as the NFL’s Offensive Assistant Coach of the Year[2][3]. In 2017, Shanahan was named the 20th head coach of the San Francisco 49ers[4]. Despite a challenging 0–9 start in his first season, he engineered one of the NFL’s most dramatic turnarounds, leading the 49ers to an 8–0 start the following year[1]. Under his leadership, the 49ers have become perennial contenders, winning three NFC West division titles, making four postseason appearances, and reaching the NFC Championship Game four times[2]. Shanahan has guided the team to two Super Bowl appearances (LIV and LVIII), though the 49ers have yet to win a championship under his tenure[2]. His offensive systems are widely regarded as among the most complex and effective in the league, blending motion-heavy schemes with precise situational strategy[3]. As of 2025, Shanahan remains one of the NFL’s most respected coaches, known for his strategic acumen and ability to develop talent. With a regular season and postseason record of 72–54 as a head coach, his impact on the 49ers’ resurgence and sustained competitiveness is clear[1]. His recent achievements include another deep playoff run and Super Bowl appearance, cementing his status as a central figure in the current NFL landscape[2].

About the Organizations Mentioned

MMQB

The **Monday Morning Quarterback Club (MMQBC)** is a charitable organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, primarily focused on raising funds to support children’s health in the local community. Established with a passion for football, the club’s distinguishing mission is fundraising rather than sports itself. Its charitable arm, the **Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation (QCHF)**, directs financial support to fulfill medical needs for children and young adults whose needs might otherwise go unmet. In 2024 alone, MMQBC contributed $2.4 million to various children's health organizations in Alabama, demonstrating significant impact and community service[1][3]. MMQBC meets regularly during the fall season at The Harbert Center, where members engage in programs and fundraising activities. The club’s history is deeply tied to local healthcare improvements, including funding critical resources such as medical transport helicopters and supporting specialized institutes like the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education. These efforts underscore the organization’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services for children[1]. Beyond fundraising, MMQBC fosters a strong community spirit among its members, sharing stories of positive outcomes such as children thriving after cancer treatment or receiving best-in-class healthcare thanks to the club’s contributions. The club’s influence extends to supporting over 680 organizations, reflecting a broad network of beneficiaries that benefit from the club’s philanthropic efforts[1][3]. While MMQBC is distinct from the sports media entity known as The MMQB (a Sports Illustrated NFL-focused publication), it holds a notable position in the nonprofit sector related to children’s health in Alabama. Its ongoing fundraising, charitable grants, and community engagement continue to mark it as a vital player in improving pediatric healthcare outcomes locally[1][3].

Sports Illustrated

**Sports Illustrated (SI)** is a pioneering American sports magazine launched in August 1954 by Time Inc. founder Henry Luce, initially a risky venture into dedicated sports journalism at a time when sports coverage was considered trivial[1][4][8]. The magazine debuted with a baseball-themed cover and struggled financially for its first 12 years, but transformed under managing editor Andre Laguerre starting in 1960, who introduced innovations such as full-color photography and redesigned layouts, doubling circulation and boosting advertising revenue from $12 million to $72 million by the mid-1970s[2][3][6]. SI became renowned for its high-quality sports reporting, combining in-depth storytelling with striking photography, setting a new standard for sports journalism and influencing the entire industry[5]. It was the first full-color weekly magazine in 1983, leveraging advanced printing technologies, and won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence twice—an unprecedented achievement for a sports magazine[1][4]. One of SI’s most notable and culturally impactful initiatives is its annual **Swimsuit Issue**, launched in 1964 by Laguerre. This issue became a major commercial success and pop culture event, widely recognized beyond the sports world for its photography and celebrity models[2][3][8]. Ownership of Sports Illustrated has changed multiple times. Originally part of Time Inc., it was sold to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in 2018. Editorial operations were licensed to The Arena Group until early 2024, when licensing issues led to editorial staff layoffs. In March 2024, publishing rights were licensed to Minute Media, which planned to revive both print and digital editions, though in May 2024 the magazine missed delivering a print issue for the first time in its 70-year history, signaling ongoing challenges in the digital age[1]. Despite recent struggles, SI remains a symbol of innovative sports journalism and multimedia branding, known for blending sports culture with business and technology advancements in magazine publishing.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. Established in 1960, the team competes in the National Football League (NFL) and is a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. Here is a comprehensive overview of the organization: ## Organization and Business As a sports organization, the Chiefs are primarily involved in managing and operating a football team, including player recruitment, training, and game operations. The team is owned by the Hunt family, led by Clark Hunt, and is managed under the leadership of Head Coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs play their home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere and record-breaking crowd noise levels. ## History The Chiefs have a rich history, having won four Super Bowl titles, including Super Bowl IV, Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and several division championships. The team has been successful under the guidance of notable coaches like Hank Stram and Andy Reid. The Chiefs are celebrated for their iconic red and gold uniforms and their passionate fan base. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Titles**: The Chiefs have won four Super Bowls, with recent victories in 2020 and 2023. - **Division Championships**: They have won numerous AFC West division titles. - **Record-Breaking Crowd**: In 2014, Chiefs fans set the world record for loudest crowd noise at 142.2 decibels. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Chiefs are competing in the AFC West alongside teams like the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. They currently have a roster featuring key players such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The team is working to maintain its competitive edge while adapting to changes in the NFL landscape. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Stadium**: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is one of the

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The **Tampa Bay Buccaneers** are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. While the Buccaneers are not typically associated with business or technology, their organizational structure and achievements offer insights into successful team management and strategic planning. ### History and Achievements The Buccaneers joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team, initially struggling with a league-record 26 consecutive losses. However, they quickly turned their fortunes around, reaching the NFC championship game in their fourth season. The team achieved significant success in the early 2000s, winning Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, marking their first world championship. They secured their second Super Bowl title in 2021, winning Super Bowl LV. The Buccaneers have a strong legacy with 11 Pro Football Hall of Famers and 14 members in their Ring of Honor[4][8]. ### Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Buccaneers are performing well, currently standing at 5-1 in their division. They are led by Head Coach Todd Bowles, who has received high praise from players for his efficiency and receptiveness to feedback[5][6]. The team's ownership, the Glazer family, has faced mixed reviews from players regarding investment in facilities and team culture[5]. ### Notable Aspects - **Strength Coaching**: The Buccaneers have one of the top strength coaching programs in the NFL, with players praising the individualized plans they receive[5]. - **Facilities and Travel**: While the team's travel arrangements have been criticized for lack of comfort, they have a well-regarded training facility, the AdventHealth Training Center[4][5]. - **Community Engagement**: The Buccaneers are actively involved in community initiatives, though specific details on technology or business innovations are limited. Overall, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a successful sports organization with a rich history and strong team

Baltimore Ravens

## Introduction to the Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the National Football League (NFL). The team was established in 1996 after Art Modell relocated the Cleveland Browns franchise, marking a new era for football in Baltimore following a 12-year absence of professional football in the city[3][4]. ## History The Ravens' name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," reflecting the city's literary heritage. The team began as an expansion franchise but quickly gained success due to its strong defensive lineup, led by players like Ray Lewis[2][4]. The Ravens secured their first Super Bowl victory in 2001 and their second in 2013[2][3]. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Wins**: The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, in 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV) and 2013 (Super Bowl XLVII)[2][3]. - **Consistent Performance**: The team has maintained a strong defensive reputation and has frequently appeared in the playoffs, with notable seasons like 2006 and 2019[1][3]. - **Division Titles**: The Ravens have won several division titles, including back-to-back AFC North titles in 2018 and 2019 under quarterback Lamar Jackson[3]. ## Current Status As of recent years, the Ravens have experienced resurgence, led by dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team has made the playoffs multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2023[3]. The Ravens continue to be a competitive force in the NFL, known for their strong team culture and innovative approaches to the game. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Leadership**: The team is owned by Steve Bisciotti, who has been instrumental in maintaining the franchise's success[3]. - **Fan Engagement**: The Ravens have a dedicated fan base, with games played at M&T Bank

New England Patriots

The **New England Patriots** are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the AFC East division. Founded in 1960 as the Boston Patriots, the organization has grown into one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, renowned for its competitive success and innovative team management. The Patriots’ business operations are led by chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group portfolio spans sports, entertainment, real estate, and venture investing, highlighting the organization’s strong business foundation beyond football[4]. Historically, the Patriots are celebrated for their six Super Bowl titles, a testament to sustained excellence particularly during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. However, recent years have been challenging; the team missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and experienced coaching instability with three different head coaches in as many years. In 2025, Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and successful Tennessee Titans coach, was hired as head coach to restore competitiveness and culture, bringing optimism for reversing the franchise's declining trend[3][8]. On-field, the Patriots began the 2025 season with a promising 4-2 record, their best start since 2019, and lead the AFC East division[2][3]. The roster has transformed significantly, with the 2025 team marking the first since 1992 without any players who contributed to the franchise’s Super Bowl wins, indicating a full rebuild[3][5]. The team’s defense employs a base 3-4 scheme, supported by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, while the offense aims to capitalize on innovative strategies under Vrabel’s guidance[2][5]. Off the field, the organization is investing $50 million into a new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium, expected to open in 2026, addressing longstanding concerns about outdated locker rooms, cramped weight rooms, and travel accommodations[1]. Player welfare improvements include enhanced famil

San Francisco 49ers

## Overview The San Francisco 49ers are a storied professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. Founded in 1946, the 49ers were the first major league professional sports team in San Francisco and one of the first on the U.S. West Coast, marking them as pioneers in the region’s sports history[2]. ## History and Dynasties The organization’s legacy is defined by two dynastic eras. The first came in the 1980s and early 1990s, when the 49ers, led by head coach Bill Walsh and quarterback Joe Montana, became known as “The Team of the Eighties,” winning four Super Bowls in that decade (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV) and a fifth in 1994 (XXIX) under Steve Young[1][2][3]. This period established the 49ers as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, renowned for innovative offensive schemes, legendary players like Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott, and a culture of sustained excellence[5]. The transition from Montana to Young exemplified the team’s strategic foresight in personnel management, ensuring continued success even as star players aged or departed[5]. ## Key Achievements The 49ers have won five Super Bowl championships, tying them among the most successful NFL franchises[1][2]. They also hold eight NFC Conference championships, most recently in 2023[1]. Their 1984 season remains historic: they became the first NFL team to win 15 regular-season games in a 16-game schedule, finishing 18-1 overall and dominating Super Bowl XIX[5][6]. The team’s all-time record stands at 630-526-16 as of the 2025 season[1]. ## Current Status and Business Aspects In recent years

🔗 Connected Events Overview

Discover related stories and their connections to this article

10
Connected Events
10
People Involved
37
Total Tags
163
Total Views

📊 Quick Insights

Most Recent Event: 03 Sep 2025
Time Span: 1 month
Most Popular Tag: nfl
Average Views: 16

📅 Connected Events Timeline

Explore connected events with detailed insights and relationships

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

👥 People Involved in Connected Events

👤

Tautu Suamataia

1 mention in connected events

View all blogs

🏢 Organizations & Products

Key entities mentioned across connected events

🏢 Organizations

New England Patriots Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Seattle Seahawks Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Kansas City Chiefs Chicago Bears San Francisco 49ers Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys Stanford Hospital

🛍️ Products

DeAndre Hopkins Todd Gurley Sony Michel James White

💡 Connected Events Insights

Discover patterns and trends across related stories

📈
163
Total Engagement
⏱️
1 month
Time Span
🎯
37
Total Topics

🔥 Trending Topics