Based on the most current NFL standings (just before the midseason point), here is how my initial predictions stack up. The 2025 season has already brought massive upsets and shifts, making for a fascinating comparison against my original vision!
NFC Reality Check
My NFC Takeaways:
- The NFC North - My Boldest Prediction Is Still In Play: I predicted all four NFC North teams—Packers (11-6), Lions (11-6), Vikings (10-7), and Bears (9-8)—would make the playoffs. While that is still statistically improbable, the depth of the division is proving me right. Heading into Week 10, the Packers (5-2-1), Lions (5-3), Bears (5-3), and Vikings (4-4) are all at or above .500 and are genuinely competitive. Three teams are currently fighting for two spots, and the Vikings aren't far behind, validating my early belief that this division would be the conference's deepest.
- The NFC West is a Beast: I clearly undervalued the Seahawks and Rams, who are both top contenders at 6-2 and challenging for the conference's best record alongside the Eagles and Buccaneers. My 7-10 prediction for them looks ridiculous now. I thought the division would run solely through San Francisco (13-4), but with the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers all sitting at six wins, the West has become arguably the toughest division in football.
- The NFC South is flipped: I was all-in on the Falcons winning the South at 10-7. In reality, the Buccaneers are the division leader at 6-2, and the Falcons are struggling at 3-5.
- The Cowboys Have Flat-Out Collapsed: My prediction that Dallas would be a solid, if slightly disappointing, 9-8 team that just missed the playoffs is proving to be far too generous. The Cowboys currently sit well below .500 at 3-5-1 and have become one of the biggest disappointments in the NFC, thanks in large part to a defense that has significantly regressed.
- Chicago is validating my jump prediction: My belief that the Bears would make a leap is proving true, as they are 5-3 and fully in the playoff conversation by Week 10.
AFC Reality Check
My AFC Takeaways:
- The Colts Came Out of Nowhere: My biggest miss is the Indianapolis Colts. I wrote them off at 5-12, and they are currently 7-2 and the AFC's top seed. My vision for the AFC South was completely wrong.
- This dramatic turnaround is fueled by the unexpected success of quarterback Daniel Jones. He has been sensational, leading the entire NFL in passing yards with 2,404 and piloting the league's top-scoring offense. Jones has proven to be the steady, high-efficiency quarterback the Colts needed, making them a legitimate Super Bowl contender I never saw coming.
- My AFC North Heavyweight Prediction Was a Total Swing-and-a-Miss: I had the Bengals and Ravens battling for the top seed. Both are struggling, with the Bengals at a shocking 3-6. The Steelers are the surprise Division leader at 5-3, a team I projected to miss the playoffs.
- Lamar Injury Somewhat Derailed Baltimore: The reason my Ravens prediction is so far off (a projected 12-win team at 3-5) is primarily due to an unforeseen mid-season injury. Star QB Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and missed three critical games. During his absence, the Ravens went 1-2, including two lopsided losses where the offense stalled without his dual-threat capability. While he has since returned, those losses sank the team's record and demonstrated how heavily the organization relies on his MVP-level play to compete for the AFC crown.
AFC East is Not Buffalo’s - The Drake Maye Effect: I was right that the East would be competitive, but I completely missed the emergence of the Patriots at 7-2, who are tied for the best record in the AFC. I pegged them for the last wild card spot, but they are now Division leaders.
The reason for this success is clear: second-year QB Drake Maye. He has vaulted into the MVP conversation, leading the NFL in completion percentage (74.1%) and posting a passer rating in the top five. His consistent, high-efficiency play, which includes an NFL record-breaking streak of 200+ yards and a 100+ rating, has single-handedly transformed the Patriots from a fringe team to a true Super Bowl contender.
- Confidence in the Broncos Paid Off Thanks to Bo Nix: My faith in the Broncos looks well-placed; they are 7-2 and proving they belong in the "True Favorites" tier. Rookie sensation Bo Nix is the main reason why. He has been a statistical darling, currently ranking in the top 10 in multiple major QB categories, including a league-leading sack rate and impressive numbers in total yards and touchdowns. More importantly, he's tied for the most game-winning drives this season, proving he has the clutch gene required to lead a 13-win team as I originally predicted.