We are officially halfway through the 2025 NFL regular season, which means it’s time for our midseason predictions. Today, the EssentiallySports NFL staff will give their picks for every division winner, every Wild Card team, their Super Bowl matchup and a couple of awards.

Before we start things off, since we never formally gave our preseason Super Bowl picks, here’s who we all chose before the season started (scouts honor)

Preseason Super Bowl Pick

Tim Wood, NFL Editorial Chief: Buffalo Bills

Mike Fisher, Cowboys and National NFL Senior Writer: Buffalo Bills

Ryan Ward, National NFL Senior Writer: Buffalo Bills

Luke Hubbard, NFL Senior Writer: Kansas City Chiefs

Abhishek Singh, NFL Content Lead: Kansas City Chiefs

Reubyn Coutinho, NFL Editorial Manager: Green Bay Packers 

Utsav Jain, NFL Writer: Buffalo Bills

Division Winners

AFC East

Wood: Buffalo Bills

They’re the more seasoned team, period. They will win on Dec. 14th in Foxborough. But the Pats aren’t going away.

Ward: Buffalo Bills

The New England Patriots have definitely made things interesting in the AFC East this season, but in the end, I think the Bills kick it into high gear while Drake Maye and company struggle to keep up.

Hubbard: New England Patriots

I believe the Buffalo Bills are the slightly better team, but when you look at the remaining schedules, there’s really no question who should win this division. This could come down to who wins their Dec. 14th matchup, but I’m leaning New England.

Singh: Buffalo Bills

The Patriots have set the pace in the AFC East with consistency on both sides of the ball, but the Bills are still right on their heels. If Josh Allen and company keep firing the way they have been, I expect Buffalo to overtake New England down the stretch and claim the division crown.

Coutinho: New England Patriots

There’s just something about the Patriots this season that screams AFC East champions. New England should win the December rematch with the Bills, and coast to the title courtesy of their easier strength of schedule. I’m picking them to go 6-2 over the next eight; Buffalo will go 6-3 to close the season. 

Jain: Buffalo Bills

The Bills are getting in the groove here, so they end up on top in the end. Allen’s rushing like never before. Add clinical throws, you get the magic recipe.

Fisher: Buffalo Bills

AFC North

Wood: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens made the necessary move at the trade deadline, and the Steelers couldn’t or didn’t. Baltimore is getting healthy, they’re getting their swagger back, and they will sweep the Steelers. I would not be shocked to see the Ravens go 5-0 and the Steelers go 0-5 over the next five.

Ward: Pittsburgh Steelers

The obvious preseason pick was the Baltimore Ravens, but I’m not sure they can catch up to Aaron Rodgers and company during the second half of the season. The Steelers are the safe pick right now.

Hubbard: Pittsburgh Steelers

I really wanted to go with the Ravens here, but they end the year with a three-game stretch against the Patriots, Packers, and Steelers. They could go 0-3 to end the year, so I’m sticking with the team that has a two-game lead.

Singh: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have quietly taken control of the AFC North with their gritty, defensive brand of football, and they’ve shown the ability to win tight games. The Ravens have the firepower to make things interesting, but Pittsburgh’s balance and discipline should carry them to a hard-fought division title.

Coutinho: Baltimore Ravens

While chatting with Tim Wood today, I made a bold claim that the Steelers will go 0-5 and the Ravens will go 5-0 in the next five. They’ll just have some tough games against the Patriots and the Packers. Should my claim come true and the Ravens go down in week 16 and 17, and should the Steelers beat the Lions, Browns and Dolphins after an 0-5 run, we’ve got ourselves a contender for the week 18 Sunday Night Football. We want the 8-8 Steelers hosting the 9-7 Ravens. 

Jain: Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson just reminded us what the league’s been missing. With their latest additions, and with Jackson balling like it’s the playoffs right after coming back from injury, it’s the Ravens all the way.

Fisher: Baltimore Ravens

AFC South

Wood: Indianapolis Colts

Even if the Colts were to go .500 the rest of the way, the Jaguars and Texans would need to do something special, and I just don’t see either team putting together an extended win streak.

Ward: Indianapolis Colts

This is a no-brainer. Indianapolis is without a doubt the best team in the division and will likely cruise to the division title unless injuries pile up or the Jaguars have some kind of unexpected second-half resurgence, which I don’t see happening.

Hubbard: Indianapolis Colts

There’s not really much competition here. The Jags aren’t as good as their record says, and the Colts are in full-on win now mode.

Singh: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have been the class of the AFC South, dominating at home and flexing balance on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars are still within striking distance, but with Indy’s +109 point differential and control of the division, it feels like the Colts are driving this AFC South train full speed toward the crown and there’s no stopping it.

Coutinho: Indianapolis Colts

Who else? Like really? Mathematically, even the Titans can still win. But let’s be real. The Colts traded away their future. They’re in it to win it now and Daniel Jones had his bad game at a really good time. I think Indy would be fine with one or two more losses as well to get those slumps out the way ahead of January. 

Jain: Indianapolis Colts

They’ve got all the momentum going for them right now. They said they’re going to make Jim Irsay proud, and I haven’t seen a single reason not to believe them yet.

Fisher: Indianapolis Colts

AFC West

Wood: Los Angeles Chargers

This is a heart pick. But backed up by looking at schedules. I think the Chargers have the easiest path of the three contenders. They’re going to lose to the Chiefs at Arrowhead and I think the division comes down to Week 18, Chargers-Broncos in Denver. Whatever is going on with the Chiefs, the consistency is not there.

Ward: Denver Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs are starting to make things interesting in the AFC West, but the Broncos seem to have something special brewing in the Mile High City, even if there are still questions about Bo Nix.

Hubbard: Kansas City Chiefs

This is my “bold prediction” (I know it’s not so bold, they’re a literal dynasty, but still). I know KC is two games back, but Denver’s going to stop having these miracle fourth-quarter comebacks eventually. The way they’re winning is not sustainable, and KC can make up those two games in Weeks 11 and 17 when they face Denver.

Singh: Los Angeles Chargers

The Broncos may be riding high right now, but Harbaugh’s Chargers are quietly charging up the standings with the kind of balance and resilience that can win the division. Justin Herbert has the offense humming, and the defense has been solid as well. If they keep their foot on the gas, the Bolts might just shock the West and steal the AFC West crown. I’m honestly surprised not to include the Chiefs in the division race, but it feels like Andy Reid is already shifting his focus toward the playoffs. It seems Kansas City has all but waved the white flag on the regular season; their priority now is simply making it to the playoffs.

Coutinho: Kansas City Chiefs

It’ll come down to the two games between Denver against Kansas City. I got a good feeling about Denver this season, but they’ve still got five divisional games remaining. The Raiders games aside, I see them going 0-3 here. Also, the Chiefs schedule has them at the Allegiant Week 18; that’s a way better game than hosting the Chargers with the divisional title (and a wildcard spot) on the line 

Jain: Kansas City Chiefs

November is going to be very difficult for the Chiefs, especially after the Week 9 they’ve just had. But they could make yet another classic comeback and run away with the title. Counting on the Mahomes Magic to reignite. 

Fisher: Kansas City Chiefs

NFC East

Wood: Dallas Cowboys

I’m just zagging here, honestly. I’m tired of all things Eagles. I want to see the Cowboys shock the world and live up to their potential.

Ward: Philadelphia Eagles

No team in the division stands a chance against the defending Super Bowl champions. Philadelphia is far from perfect this season, but Nick Sirianni’s squad is among the NFC’s elite once again and should hold off the Dallas Cowboys with relative ease.

Hubbard:Philadelphia Eagles

No contest here. Philly is three games up and much better than everyone else in the East.

Singh:Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have been flying high and look set to cruise to another NFC East title. The rest of the division is struggling to keep up, and with Philadelphia’s balance and consistency, they remain the clear favorite to finish on top.

Coutinho: Philadelphia Eagles

There’s just a no contest in the division at the moment. The Cowboys’ strength of schedule can see them push for a wildcard. I don’t see them being able to take this, unless there’s a huge swing. The worst I see the Eagles closing the season is 5-4; 4-5 if they lose to Dallas. But the Cowboys absolutely need the Eagles win and would need to beat Kansas City and the Chargers (and not slip up anywhere else). Not happening. I think they’ll lose Thanksgiving. 

Jain: Dallas Cowboys

Fully aware that this could end badly for me, I’m that guy who will say the Dallas Cowboys still have a chance. Even if I’m wrong, I’ll still pick them. Go Dallas! 

Fisher: Philadelphia Eagles

NFC South

Wood: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I don’t think Tampa has enough depth to even win a home playoff game, but they’re going to make the dance – only because there’s no other team that has the talent and cajones to overtake them at this point.

Ward: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The feel-good story in Tampa Bay will continue, with Baker Mayfield and company holding off the Carolina Panthers to come out on top. Mayfield’s squad has been as resilient as any team in the league while dealing with injuries to key players on both sides of the football.

Hubbard: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Again, no contest here. Carolina isn’t as good as their 5-4 record says, and Tampa is only going to get healthier.

Singh: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have been steady and disciplined all season, leading the NFC South with solid play on both sides of the ball. The Panthers have shown flashes, but Tampa Bay’s experience and consistency make them a safe bet for me to pick as division champions.

Coutinho: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I just don’t see any challengers in this division. Nope. It’s Tampa Bay’s division. I don’t even see any of the other three being involved beyond week 18. 

Jain: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They’ve got some tough games in November, but after that it looks pretty smooth. Mayfield is probably gunning for another 4,500 yard season, and I’m all for it. 

Fisher: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC North

Wood: Detroit Lions

This is heart and head. They’re deep, they’re battled tested and they have leaders I trust to deliver in big moments.

Ward: Detroit Lions

The Packers will put up a fight and even the Vikings might get a bit frisky, but Detroit has the better all-around squad in the division, with the best quarterback, Jared Goff, under center and perhaps the best head coach on the sideline with Dan Campbell.

Hubbard: Detroit Lions

This will come down to the Packers and Lions, and their Nov. 27th matchup could decide the winner of the division. I think it’ll be Detroit, but I don’t think either team is as good as most people think.

Singh: Green Bay Packers

The Packers hold a narrow lead in a tight NFC North race, showing enough consistency to stay on top. The Lions remain close behind and capable of a late push, but Green Bay’s steadier defense and balanced play will give them the edge to finish the season as division champions.

Coutinho: Chicago Bears 

It’s close in the North, but this will be the year for the Bears. Yes Green Bay is on top, but I’m backing Williams to come of age and go 2-0 against the Packers. I’d say the Bears will close out the regular season with an 8-1 run (13-4 overall)

Jain: Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell says, “Stay composed, handle your business, be patient.” I believe him.

Fisher: Detroit Lions

NFC West

Wood: Seattle Seahawks

I was on this before the bandwagon started, but I’m firmly on the wagon now. Getting Rashid Shaheed, that’s just icing. This was already the deepest, most fundamentally sound team in the division. They’re going to continue the dominance.

Ward: Los Angeles Rams

The second half of the season will be an all-out battle in the NFC West, but the experience of Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will prove to be the difference, as they’ll keep the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers at bay.

Hubbard: Los Angeles Rams

I love the Seahawks as much as anybody, and I think they’re going to be a real threat in the NFC, but I think the Rams take the division. Matthew Stafford is the best QB in the West, and I love their pass rush.

Singh: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks & Rams are neck and neck atop the NFC West, but Seattle’s road dominance and balanced attack give them a slight edge. The 49ers remain in the hunt and this might be unpopular but the Seahawks’ consistency & momentum will hand them the division title.

Coutinho: San Francisco 49ers

This is a team that finds a way. The Seahawks and the Rams look menacing, but I’d actually be happy to let Brock Purdy sit. Mac Jones and the 49ers got something going. Remember how the Patriots didn’t get Drew Bledsoe back the moment he recovered. Yep. Kyle. Please follow that. 

Jain: Los Angeles Rams

I’ve become a big believer in Matthew Stafford this season (just see my MVP picks).

Fisher: Los Angeles Rams

AFC Wild Cards

Wood: Patriots, Chiefs, Broncos

I’m seeing a full Steelers collapse and I have no faith in the Jaguars or Texans to outperform any of the above three teams over the second half. 

Ward: Patriots, Chiefs, Ravens

It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the AFC, with numerous intriguing scenarios that could play out. However, banking on the Chiefs and the Ravens returning to form is a safe bet, along with a surprisingly solid Patriots squad led by MVP candidate Drake Maye.

Hubbard: Bills, Chargers, Broncos

Fairly easy picks here. Loser of the AFC East between the Pats and Bills will make it, and then I don’t think there will be too much competition for the six and seven seeds. Baltimore could challenge, but I believe they are too far back.

Singh: Patriots, Broncos, Jaguars

Even with the Bills atop the division, New England’s defense and consistency make them an easy choice to grab a Wild Card spot. Broncos are too good to be left out; even if they finish just behind the Chargers, a 10+ win season should secure them a playoff berth. Jags have enough firepower to stay ahead of the pack in the Wild Card race, especially with Trevor Lawrence keeping the offense steady.

Coutinho: Bills, Broncos, Steelers

It’ll be close between the Broncos and the Chargers. It’ll be between the Ravens and the Steelers. Those week 18 games could be decisive. 

Jain: Patriots, Broncos, Chargers

I’m a big believer in Drake Maye’s competitive fire this season. That alone, will be a big reason for the Pats’ continued relevance. The Broncos have been pretty hot halfway through the season, too. The Chargers have a mixed bag of games going forward. If they can have more good weeks then bad, they’ve got a clear shot. 

Fisher: Patriots, Broncos, Chargers

NFC Wild Cards

Wood: Eagles, Packers, Rams

I didn’t pick them to win their divisions, but I think they’re all capable of causing a ruckus in January.

Ward: Packers, Seahawks, Vikings

The NFC West division is a beast this season, but in the end, I think the injuries will prove costly for the 49ers. That said, they’ll fall off while the Vikings get a boost with a young and motivated J.J. McCarthy. The Packers might contend for the NFC North division crown, but I believe the Lions are the better squad. The same can be said for the Seahawks finishing behind the Rams.

Hubbard: Packers, Seahawks, 49ers

There will be three NFC West teams in the playoffs. I feel pretty confident about that. That leaves one more spot, and I believe it’ll go to the second-place team in the North.

Singh: Rams, 49ers, Lions

Rams remain balanced and experienced, making them a near lock for a Wild Card spot even if they fall short in the NFC West. The 49ers are still dangerous with their depth and veteran core, while the Lions’ toughness and offensive firepower should help them edge out the Cowboys and Bears for the final playoff berth.

Coutinho: Packers, Seahawks, Rams

Chicago will do Green Bay a favor here as they will beat the Lions in week 18 to make it quite decisive. The Rams and Seahawks will take the other two spots in a really strong division. Can the Seahawks go deep? Darnold will face the questions after last season. I just don’t see anyone in the NFC mounting a real challenge for the 5-6-7. Maybe the Lions? Perhaps the Cowboys. Let’s see.

Jain: Seahawks, Packers, 49ers

The Seahawks are going strong, but they might falter against the Rams. The Lions have a better momentum going for them compared to the Packers. Niners is a heart pick. I’m waiting for Purdy to return and get some wins.

Fisher: Packers, Seahawks, 49ers

Super Bowl Matchup & Champion

Wood: Seahawks vs. Chiefs. – Seahawks win. 

I love what I’m seeing from Seattle. It’s not the sexy pick, but I’m rooting for Sam Darnold to fully exorcise the demons. I see Lions-Seahawks and Chiefs-Colts in the championships. Would love to pick Lions, but this feels like a lot of aura and talent converging for the ‘Hawks.

Ward: Rams vs Bills – Buffalo finally comes out on top!

The Rams will put up a hell of a fight with a prolific passing game, but I believe it is the Bills’ year to shine, with the franchise finally getting to lift that elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy when it is all said and done in February.

Hubbard: Rams vs Chiefs – Unfortunately, Chiefs win again.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned these past few years, it’s never bet against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. Because of that, I will pick the Chiefs to win the AFC, and the Super Bowl, every year until they prove I shouldn’t. For the NFC, I think the Rams are the most consistent team and have the best quarterback in the conference.

Singh: Chiefs vs Seahawks – Chiefs win.

Chiefs may have taken their foot off the gas during the regular season, but Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes know how to flip the switch when the lights are brightest. Seahawks, led by a balanced Darnold’s offense and a battle-tested defense, make it a fight to the finish. Still, Mahomes’ postseason magic proves too much once again Kansas City hoists another Lombardi Trophy.

Coutinho: Bills vs Packers – Bills get the job done.

It’s a dream Super Bowl. And it is very much possible for two teams I’ve placed in the Wild Card spots to come through. They’ll have had their bad days at the office gotten out the way, with Allen bringing years of playoff losses to the fore and beating Green Bay to lift the Lombardi. Oh, yes. Allen won’t do it like how Manning did for his first. Someone else will eliminate Kansas City. 

Jain: Bills vs. Rams – Bills win.

Stafford’s been one of my favorites this season. Not flashy, but doing just what needs to be done. He can continue doing that all the way till the end. Ultimately, Josh Allen takes it away.

Fisher: Bills vs Lions – Bills win.

NFL MVP

Wood: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

I’m praying he stays healthy. That’s the only thing that is stopping this beast from setting the records that Saquon should have. And I think the Colts will need to win Week 18 to get home-field field, so they’ll play Taylor to set records that voters can’t ignore in this vote.

Ward: Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The race for MVP will get interesting in the final stretch of the season, but if Tampa Bay keeps playing at a high level, Mayfield’s story will dominate the headlines and ultimately earn him the regular-season award.

Hubbard: Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Like I said earlier, I think Matthew Stafford is the best quarterback in the NFC, and now that Mahomes, Lamar and Allen all have MVPs, maybe they’ll share the love and not feel forced to give it to one of them (like they did last year).

Singh: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen has been everything I expected and more this season, carrying the Bills with his blend of power, poise, and playmaking. Seeing how Buffalo is trending and how Allen has elevated his efficiency and leadership, it’s clear this is his year to claim another MVP.

Coutinho: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

With him gone, the Ravens were bad. With him back, they are the favorites to win the AFC North. That’s how valuable and impactful he is. I don’t see them losing again this season. The AFC North scenario is just me trying to drum up some drama, but Lamar Jackson will just find another gear and rule the north. It won’t be unanimous, but it’ll be his third overall. 

Jain: Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots

Look at his energy, look at his throws. Look at that smile. How can you not pick this magnificent beast of a player for MVP? I’m sold.

Fisher: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Coach of the Year

Wood: Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks

New QB, new lead receiver, new mix of talent and yet, more consistency than last year. Yeah, I gotta give one of these awards to Seattle and I think this is the most likely one. (Though if Taylor doesn’t win MVP, it will be Darnold.)

Ward: Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts

This award either goes to Mike Vrabel or Stiechen, but considering Vrabel has already won this award once before, I think the Colts’ leader on the sideline will ultimately win over the voters, as long as Indianapolis can keep up its winning ways in the second half of the 2025 campaign.

Hubbard: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

I believe it’ll be Shane Steichen, but to add a little variety I’ll go with Mike Vrabel. The Pats head coach took them from a four-win team to 7-2 in one year. That’s Coach of the Year-worthy.

Singh: Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks

Mike Macdonald has transformed the Seahawks into one of the most balanced & disciplined teams in the NFL right now. Based on how Seattle has sustained consistency and outperformed expectations, I believe Macdonald’s steady leadership and defensive genius will earn him Coach of the Year honors.

Coutinho: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

Vrabel will take this. The AFC East title is still close, but Vrabel has awoken a sleeping giant. Drake Maye feels like the real deal. The ‘guy after the guy’ is really stepping up under his tutelage and this looks like a dangerous combination for years to come. 

Jain: Shane Steichen

It should be Mike MacDaniel! Just kidding. With the Colts rebuild, the only thing Steichen’s got to do now is keep things status quo and keep bringing home the wins with Daniel Jones. 

Fisher: Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts