During the NFL off-season, several teams have made changes to their roster that could reverse many trends from the 2024 season. In the AFC, several teams made specific improvements that will give them a chance to overcome the reign of the Kansas City Chiefs. In recent years, the NFC has experienced a significant amount of parity each season. During the 2025 playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles broke out of a multiple-year trend of losing in the post-season to move on to the Super Bowl and defeat the Chiefs. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Eagles have made a change in their offensive coordinator position, which potentially re-establishes the parity that has defined the NFC. The changes seen among the NFC teams have left the door open for several teams to step up and challenge the Eagles in the playoffs.
#7 Seed: Arizona Cardinals
Over the last few seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have been slowly on the rise. Coming into the 2025 season, the Cardinals have a clear-cut starting quarterback in Kyler Murray, and they have a stable of running backs with James Conner and Trey Benson leading the way. The Cardinals have also done a great job of building an elite group of receivers featuring tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Zay Jones. Along with a loaded offense, the Cardinals have the 11th-easiest schedule in the NFL. In addition, each team in the NFC West has significant strengths, along with potentially season-altering weaknesses.
#6 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles
During the 2024 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles overcame a series of challenges that had previously held them back in the postseason. The addition of running back Saquan Barkley gave Philadelphia the boost needed to win in the NFC and ultimately win the Super Bowl. Due to the NFL’s structure, coming back after winning a Super Bowl means the Eagles will face one of the most challenging schedules in the league in 2025. The Eagles have a new offensive coordinator in Kevin Patullo, which could create continuity issues early in the season on the offensive side of the ball. Additionally, the Eagles will have to face 11 opponents that played in the playoffs in 2024. For the Eagles to make another championship run, they will need a healthy mix of execution and luck.
#5 Seed: Detroit Lions
Two years ago, the Detroit Lions earned a trip to the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, but they came up short in San Francisco 31 to 34. Last season, Detroit made another historic run through the regular season despite suffering a large number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. The result was the Lions coming up short once again, this time at home against the Washington Commanders 45 to 31. Following that loss, the Lions lost their offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, to the Chicago Bears and their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, to the New York Jets. Both coaches capitalized on their success with the Lions to promotions to head coach positions. While the Lions will likely regress, they possess the talent necessary to return to the playoffs and have a chance to make another postseason run.
#4 Seed: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are a team on the rise in the NFC heading into 2025. Head coach Dan Quinn helped lead the Commanders to the NFC championship game in 2025. Washington has quarterback Jayden Daniels returning, along with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and has added wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. On the offensive line, the Commanders made several moves to improve their unit, including adding Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. During the 2025 season, the Commanders will play in several prime-time games with a much more difficult schedule. If the Commanders can build off of last season’s momentum with their improved roster, Washington has a good chance to rise to the top of the NFC East.
#3 Seed: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were easily the most disappointing team of the 2024 season. After a multiple-season run deep into the playoffs and the Super Bowl, the 49ers fell off a cliff with a 6-11 record. The cause of a significant drop in performance was a combination of several injuries to key playmakers, such as running back Christian McCaffrey, and locker room issues stemming from discontented players. When the 49ers are healthy, they remain one of the most talented teams in the NFC, led by offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan, who has an offense that could bounce back to an elite level. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has received a well-deserved contract extension, and the 49ers could come into the 2025 season with a loaded roster combined with one of the easiest schedules in the NFL.
#2 Seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are another NFC team that has quietly been the best in the NFC South during the last four seasons. Tampa Bay has continuity at quarterback with Baker Mayfield returning and an elite group of wide receivers that were only made stronger by 2025 draft pick Emeka Egbuka. Defensively, the Buccaneers have suffered numerous injuries throughout recent seasons, which has limited their ability to make a run in the postseason. Due to the Buccaneer’s recent success, offensive coordinator Liam Coen moved on to a head coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fortunately, the teams of the NFC South have struggled through several seasons. If those struggles continue, Tampa Bay will have time to experience some growing pains early in the season with new offensive coordinator John Grizzard.
#1 Seed: Green Bay Packers
During recent seasons, the NFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The rise of the Detroit Lions and a surge by the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 have overshadowed the consistent success of the Green Bay Packers. In 2025, the Vikings expect to start the season with rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy leading their offense. The Lions will likely experience a slide with multiple changes in their coordinator positions, and it remains unclear where the Chicago Bears fit into the NFC picture. By process of elimination, the Packers have a clear-cut starting quarterback in Jordan Love, and they have added more firepower to their offense by drafting wide receiver Matthew Golden. Defensively, the Packer’s defense has steadily improved, and Green Bay will be the complete team in the NFC North and potentially in the NFC.
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