Here are my predictions for the AFC playoffs next season. The 2024-2025 NFL season is coming up soon as the draft is just a week away. Here are the teams that will be playing in the AFC postseason in 2025.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. Kansas City Chiefs
After winning back-to-back Super Bowls the Chiefs seem like early favorites to win once again in 2025. With little change to the team, Kansas City still has Patrick Mahomes and an elite defense which lands them as the number one seed for the AFC playoff picture.
2. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2023. Quarterback CJ Stroud had the greatest rookie quarterback season in NFL history and led the Texans to a division championship. With improvement across the rest of the team, Houston should be an early favorite to make a deep playoff run in the AFC playoffs.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been at the top of the AFC ever since they drafted quarterback Joe Burrow. With injuries in 2023, the Bengals struggled and missed the playoffs. With Burrow back next season, the Bengals should be primed for another playoff appearance in the hope of finally getting back to the Super Bowl.
4. New York Jets
The Jets had a very disappointing season in 2023 after the injury to Aaron Rodgers. Fortunately, the Jets still have an elite defense, and Rodgers will be back next year. With making improvements to the offensive line and receiving core the Jets should be very competitive in the AFC playoffs.
5. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins looked like Super Bowl contenders in 2024 until they lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs. Miami lost a couple of key pieces on their defense which they need to fill in the draft. Luckily the Dolphins can return most of their explosive offense from 2023 to try to return to the AFC playoffs in the hope of making it to the Super Bowl.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the last couple of years. The Steelers usually sneak into the AFC playoffs every season but struggle to win in the postseason. To try to get over the hump Pittsburgh has revamped its quarterback room to try to match its incredible defense. With the addition of Russel Wilson, the Steelers should be set up for another successful season with the hope of making a playoff run.
7. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have been a tough team to predict this offseason. After an amazing season in 2023, the Ravens lost a lot of key players in the offseason. While Baltimore has superstars like Lamar Jackson and Kyle Hamilton, they also have many holes across their defense and offensive line. Playing in a tough division there is a chance the Ravens struggle, but they are still able to make it into the AFC playoff picture here as the seven seed.
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