2025 NFL Season Simulation: Surprising Outcomes and Key Storylines

Explore the surprising outcomes and key storylines from a detailed simulation of the 2025 NFL season, including playoff misses and unexpected champions.

The 2025 NFL season promises to be one of the most unpredictable yet, with a simulation revealing shocking outcomes and key storylines that could reshape the league's landscape. Here's a breakdown of the most notable events from this simulation:

Both Super Bowl LIX Teams Miss Playoffs

Eleven months after the Chiefs and Eagles faced off in Super Bowl LIX, both teams were left cleaning out their lockers after failing to secure playoff spots. The Eagles, once thought to be infallible, stumbled to a 6-8 record, while the Chiefs collapsed in the final week, missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

Aaron Rodgers Experiment Fails in Pittsburgh

The Steelers' gamble on aging superstar Aaron Rodgers didn't pay off. After a promising 3-2 start, a five-game losing streak sealed Pittsburgh's fate, marking Mike Tomlin's first losing season as head coach.

Broncos Steal AFC West Crown

Denver became the first team in a decade to dethrone the Chiefs from their AFC West crown. The Broncos secured the division title with an 18-15 win over the Chargers in Week 18, thanks to a smothering defense that ranked first in defensive EPA per play.

Cowboys Win Surprise NFC East Title

With the Eagles struggling, the Cowboys capitalized on the division's mediocrity. Dallas, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, clinched the NFC East with a 9-8 record, though they fizzled in the postseason.

Colts and Titans Shine in AFC South

The Colts, under coach Shane Steichen, unlocked the 2022 version of Daniel Jones, leading to a 10-7 record and playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Titans, led by rookie sensation Cam Ward, started 9-3 but limped into the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

Ravens Edge Bengals for AFC North Title

In a classic Week 15 showdown, the Ravens defeated the Bengals 41-38, securing the AFC North title. Baltimore went on to reach the AFC Championship Game, while the Bengals suffered a wild-card heartbreaker in Denver.

Cardinals Make Playoff Noise

The Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., secured a wild-card berth with a 9-8 record. Arizona routed the Falcons 35-14 in the wild-card round but fell short in the divisional round against the Vikings.

Saints Secure First Overall Pick

The Saints, predicted to be the worst team in football, lived up to expectations with a 5-12 record. New Orleans earned the first overall pick, sparking speculation about Arch Manning's NFL future.

Buccaneers' Unlikely Super Bowl Run

The Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield, shocked the NFL with an improbable run to Super Bowl LX. Tampa Bay defeated the Lions, Rams, and Vikings to reach the big game, where they fell to the Bills.

Bills Win Super Bowl LX

The Bills, led by MVP Josh Allen, finally broke through with a dominant 55-23 victory over the Buccaneers in Super Bowl LX. James Cook took home Super Bowl MVP honors with three touchdowns, capping off a historic season for Buffalo.

What to Read Next

Top Fantasy Football Pickups to Replace Joe Burrow and Boost Your Roster in Week 3
NFL

Top Fantasy Football Pickups to Replace Joe Burrow and Boost Your Roster in Week 3

Discover the best available quarterbacks and other key players to replace Joe Burrow and enhance your fantasy football roster for Week 3 of the NFL season.

NFL Week 3 Betting Insights: Key Matchups and Predictions
NFL

NFL Week 3 Betting Insights: Key Matchups and Predictions

Explore the top NFL Week 3 betting picks, including insights on the Colts, Commanders, and Bears, and key matchups to watch.

Tucker Kraft's Stellar Performance Signals a Promising NFL Season
NFL

Tucker Kraft's Stellar Performance Signals a Promising NFL Season

Tucker Kraft's impressive 124-yard game for the Green Bay Packers hints at a breakout NFL season, showcasing his potential as a top tight end.

Steelers Defense Struggles Continue: Can Pittsburgh Turn the Tide in the NFL Season?
NFL

Steelers Defense Struggles Continue: Can Pittsburgh Turn the Tide in the NFL Season?

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense faces ongoing challenges as they struggle to contain opponents, raising questions about their ability to rebound in the 2025 NFL season.

Broncos' Fourth-Quarter Collapse Leads to Heartbreaking Loss Against Colts
NFL

Broncos' Fourth-Quarter Collapse Leads to Heartbreaking Loss Against Colts

The Denver Broncos' fourth-quarter errors led to a stunning 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, highlighting critical mistakes and missed opportunities.

C.J. Stroud's Journey: Balancing Faith, Fame, and Football in the NFL
NFL

C.J. Stroud's Journey: Balancing Faith, Fame, and Football in the NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud shares his journey of balancing faith, fame, and football, focusing on personal growth and team success.

Geno Smith's New Era: Leading the Las Vegas Raiders to Glory
NFL

Geno Smith's New Era: Leading the Las Vegas Raiders to Glory

Geno Smith finds a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders, aiming to lead the team to success under the guidance of coach Pete Carroll.

NFL Week 2 Thrillers: Cowboys, Colts, and Bengals Stage Epic Comebacks
NFL

NFL Week 2 Thrillers: Cowboys, Colts, and Bengals Stage Epic Comebacks

Week 2 of the NFL season saw dramatic comebacks from the Cowboys, Colts, and Bengals. Dive into the thrilling finishes and what lies ahead for these teams.

Baker Mayfield Aims for Greater Success in Year 3 with the Buccaneers
NFL

Baker Mayfield Aims for Greater Success in Year 3 with the Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield seeks to build on his career-best season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, aiming for more wins and team success in Year 3.

Jim Harbaugh vs. Pete Carroll: A Rivalry Rekindled on Monday Night Football
NFL

Jim Harbaugh vs. Pete Carroll: A Rivalry Rekindled on Monday Night Football

Explore the intense, nearly two-decade-long rivalry between Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll as they face off again in the NFL.

Drake Maye's Stellar Performance Leads Patriots to Victory Over Dolphins
NFL

Drake Maye's Stellar Performance Leads Patriots to Victory Over Dolphins

Drake Maye showcased significant improvement as he led the New England Patriots to a thrilling 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins in NFL Week 2.

Sam Darnold Shines as Seattle Seahawks Dominate Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 Showdown
NFL

Sam Darnold Shines as Seattle Seahawks Dominate Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 Showdown

Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a commanding 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, showcasing his versatility and poise in a game-changing performance.

Joe Burrow's Turf Toe Injury: Impact on Bengals' Super Bowl Hopes and Jake Browning's Role
NFL

Joe Burrow's Turf Toe Injury: Impact on Bengals' Super Bowl Hopes and Jake Browning's Role

Joe Burrow's turf toe injury could sideline him for months, impacting the Bengals' Super Bowl aspirations. Jake Browning steps in as the starting QB.

NFL Overtime Strategy 2025: First vs. Second Possession Debate
NFL

NFL Overtime Strategy 2025: First vs. Second Possession Debate

Explore the evolving NFL overtime strategies for the 2025 season, focusing on the debate between taking the first or second possession in OT.

Chicago Bears' Defensive Struggles Continue in Crushing Loss to Detroit Lions
NFL

Chicago Bears' Defensive Struggles Continue in Crushing Loss to Detroit Lions

The Chicago Bears' defense faltered again in a 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions, marking their third 50-plus point game since 2024.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.