2025-26 NFL Season: A Rollercoaster of Predictions

The 2025-26 NFL season has unfolded in a way that few could have anticipated. Each week brought new surprises—upsets and unexpected outcomes—that really flipped the narrative of the entire season. As the playoffs approach, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit those preseason predictions. Let’s celebrate what we got right and, uh, poke fun at the misses.

This season serves as a reminder that making predictions in football can be tricky, to say the least.

“The Raiders will be a surprisingly good team” – Wrong

Alright, maybe I was a bit overly optimistic here. On paper, the Raiders seemed set for a breakout year. With a promising roster that included Geno Smith and a solid defense led by Maxx Crosby, I was convinced they were about to do something special. But, well, that didn’t pan out. They’re, um, eyeing that first pick instead.

“Christian McCaffrey will win Comeback Player of the Year” – Correct

This one wasn’t a stretch. McCaffrey has emerged as a strong candidate for the award, especially after his performance helped push the 49ers into the playoffs. Of course, if the Lions had been as good, we might have seen Aidan Hutchinson as a contender too.

“The Ravens will have the best defense in the NFL” – Wrong

Looking back at 2024, it didn’t seem far-fetched to think the Ravens could improve upon their already impressive defense. They were first in yards allowed and third in points. However, this year, that confidence was misplaced. Without Mike McDonald, who left a significant mark on the Seahawks’ defense, Baltimore struggled significantly. Ouch.

“Everyone in the NFC South will finish below .500” – Correct

The NFC can be unpredictable, but this prediction held true. The Panthers, Buccaneers, and Falcons all ended up with 8 wins and 9 losses, with Carolina edging out for a bye week. It’s safe to say the assessment of the division’s weakness held water.

“Lamar Jackson will win MVP” – Wrong

Injuries and a noticeable decline in performance changed this narrative. We had high hopes for Jackson and the Ravens this year, but once again, Baltimore fell short of expectations. It feels almost cruel; Jackson didn’t have the support we anticipated. For a long time, he relied on Mark Andrews, but now it’s really just Zai Flowers. Not ideal.

“Ja’Marr Chase is going to have a great year” – Correct

Ja’Marr Chase proved his talent this season, racking up over 1,400 receiving yards despite Joe Burrow being sidelined for most of the games. He had some strong moments with Joe Flacco and Jake Browning, but I think most of us were hoping for something closer to 2,000 yards. It was a good season, but maybe not the jaw-dropping spectacle we envisioned.

“Travis Hunter will win Newcomer of the Year” – Wrong

The Jaguars had a decent season, but it’s too bad they didn’t utilize Travis Hunter effectively. Instead of leveraging his talents in a versatile role, they placed him in situations that overloaded him. It’s hard to say if he’ll ultimately prove his worth, especially now after an injury that hindered his adjustment. I genuinely believed this could have been a breakout year for him; it’s disappointing we didn’t get more of a glimpse.

“The Chiefs will be Super Bowl contenders again” – Wrong

It’s baffling how quickly things can shift in the NFL. The Chiefs were thought to be cruising through, but 2025 was just a mess. All those narrow wins last year turned into losses, landing them at the bottom of the AFC West. Will they find their way back? It’s Kansas City, after all. Yet, it’s clear they need to shake things up to really get back on track.