After a long off-season full of free agents, the 2025 NFL draft is complete. The ultimate goal that all of the NFL teams work on in the off-season is to build a roster that will allow them to qualify for the 2025 playoffs. In 2025, all signs point to changes in the AFC. The most important of those changes is a template that teams can use to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs after the Philadelphia Eagles shut the Chiefs down in the Super Bowl. The Eagles exposed Mahomes’ weaknesses, and the Chiefs also struggled to run the ball between the tackles. As a result of being exposed, the Chiefs could have a down season; therefore, the door for new championship contenders in the AFC.
#7 Seed: Denver Broncos
During the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos turned a corner in their rebuilding process. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix led Denver back to the playoffs and should follow that up with another successful season. During their run to make the playoffs, the Broncos played fundamentally sound football against the other playoff contenders in the AFC. Denver Broncos returned to the playoffs by implementing a balanced offensive game plan and an opportunistic defense. The Broncos’ key playmakers and head coach Sean Payton return in 2025, and the Broncos will have another good opportunity to return to the playoffs.
#6 Seed: Indianapolis Colts
Despite the recent loss of their owner, Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts could have what it takes to earn a playoff spot in 2025. In 2025, the defense should continue to improve, with the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo coming to Indianapolis. The most significant question mark for the Colts is their quarterback position. During the off-season, the Colts started looking for answers by signing former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. As a result, in training camp, the Colts should have a competitive environment between Jones and former first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson. If Richardson or Jones can stabilize the Colts’ offense, a playoff run is possible for the Colts in 2025.
#5 Seed: Cincinnati Bengals
In 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals appeared to be one of the teams most likely to become the Kansas City Chiefs’ top rival during the playoffs for the next several seasons. Instead, the Bengals have suffered a series of injuries and setbacks that have resulted in the Bengals missing the playoffs two years in a row. During the off-season, the Bengals agreed to contract extensions with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The stage is set for quarterback Joe Burrow to return to the level he played in 2021 when he led the Bengals to the Super Bowl.
#4 Seed: Houston Texans
The Houston Texans appear to be a lock for the playoffs again in 2025, and they will be able to win another AFC South championship. Houston has a great competition of effective defensive players and an offense full of young talent. Quarterback CJ Stroud has shown he has what it takes to get the Texans to the top of their division. Stroud’s weapons on offense, like wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Joe Mixon, should allow the Texans to play football consistently enough to secure the division championship again. Advancing to the AFC championship game would be the progress the Texans need to make in 2025.
#3 Seed: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are the team in the best position to take advantage of a potential fall by the Chiefs. Jim Harbaugh leads the Chargers for a second season, and Harbaugh has a proven track record for elevating teams to the top of their division and conference. Along with Harbaugh, the Chargers also have Justin Herbert at quarterback, and Herbert needs an elite season to back up outsiders’ expectations of Herbert. In addition, the Chargers have stacked their running back room with former Steelers running back Najee Harris and 1st round draft pick Omarion Hampton. If the Chargers are going to make a big move in the AFC West, this is the best year to get it done.
#2 Seed: Buffalo Bills
During the last two seasons, the Buffalo Bills have stood on the precipice of becoming AFC champions. Unfortunately for Bills fans, Josh Allen and his teammates have come up short in their bids to upset the Kansas City Chiefs. During the regular season, the Bills lean hard on their running game and manage the game to help shorten games for their defense. The undoing of the Bills has been their tendency to become more pass-heavy while facing the Chiefs. Suppose the Bills can improve their offensive efficiency in pressure moments. Buffalo should be able to win the AFC East once again and make a run to the Super Bowl.
#1 Seed: Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are the most balanced team in the AFC. Baltimore has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and a freight train named Derrick Henry to run the ball behind that line. In addition to a strong running game, multi-talented quarterback Lamar Jackson led the Ravens offense. Not only has Jackson developed into an excellent passer, but he also possesses the athleticism to run the ball effectively. Over the last few years, the Ravens have added weapons to their offense to accentuate Jackson’s passing ability. Defensively, the Ravens are one of the best teams in the league when it comes to stopping the run. Baltimore’s defense does struggle against the best passing offenses in the NFL, but if they can limit their coverage errors, they should thrive in 2025.
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