The long wait is almost over. The NFL season is set to kick off Sept. 4 with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles facing their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys.

The NFL is often the most unpredictable league in sports, but here are predictions for each division winner for the 2025–26 season. 

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens (14-3)

The Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking playoff loss in January to the Buffalo Bills and will look to take the AFC crown.

The AFC North remains one of the league’s most competitive divisions, but quarterback Lamar Jackson’s offensive firepower makes Baltimore the favorite to win the division and secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

The uncertainty lies in the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver. Fifth-year veteran Rashod Bateman will look to finally break out and claim that role.

Projected standings:
Baltimore Ravens (14-3)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Cleveland Browns (5-12)

AFC West: Denver Broncos (12-5)

The Broncos are a young, hungry team entering the season with a promising QB in Bo Nix. Denver made key free-agent moves, adding safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers.

With the Kansas City Chiefs looking weaker than in years past, this could be Denver’s year to reclaim the division throne, especially with a defense that looks strong on paper.

Projected standings:
Denver Broncos (12-5)
Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)
Las Vegas Raiders (7-10)

AFC East: Buffalo Bills (11-6)

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The Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl window remains wide open as long as MVP quarterback Josh Allen leads the offense.

The Bills signed running back James Cook to an extension, bolstering their chances of finally reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in more than 30 years.

With New England’s protection issues for QB Drake Maye, Miami’s concerns over Tua Tagovailoa’s health, and the Jets’ continued struggles, Buffalo looks poised to stay on top of the division.

Projected standings:
Buffalo Bills (11-6)
Miami Dolphins (8-9)
New England Patriots (6-11)
New York Jets (4-13)

AFC South: Houston Texans (10-7)

The Texans are aiming for a third straight division title, but QB C.J. Stroud must bounce back from a season where he regressed in nearly every passing category and was sacked 14 more times than he was as a rookie.

The South looks weak overall, with Jacksonville failing to make major moves in free agency, Tennessee rebuilding around top pick Cam Ward, and Indianapolis relying heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor.

Projected standings:
Houston Texans (10-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Tennessee Titans (9-8)
Indianapolis Colts (5-12)

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

The defending Super Bowl champions look to repeat, re-signing All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and replacing Darius Slay Jr. and C.J. Gardner-Johnson with veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

With Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley powering the offense, Philadelphia remains the division favorite.

Projected standings:
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Washington Commanders (11-6)
Dallas Cowboys (9-8)
New York Giants (4-13)

NFC North: Green Bay Packers (12-5)

In year three of the Jordan Love era, the Packers look for a third straight playoff appearance and their first division title since moving on from QB Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay has drafted Texas receiver Matthew Golden and added cornerback Nate Hobbs. With the Lions losing key coordinators, the Vikings uncertainty about QB J.J. McCarthy’s health, and the Bears still rebuilding, the Packers could see an opportunity.

Projected standings:
Green Bay Packers (12-5)
Detroit Lions (11-6)
Minnesota Vikings (10-7)
Chicago Bears (8-9)

NFC West: Los Angeles Rams (11-6)

The Rams are aiming for a second straight division crown after the 49ers shed several key defenders.

Los Angeles parted ways with receiver Cooper Kupp, who signed with division rival Seattle, but replaced him with former All-Pro Davante Adams, pairing him with breakout star Puka Nacua.

Projected standings:
Los Angeles Rams (11-6)
Seattle Seahawks (9-8)
San Francisco 49ers (9-8)
Arizona Cardinals (7-10)

NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-6)

The Buccaneers are looking for a fifth straight division title. They drafted standout receiver Emeka Egbuka to pair with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Baker Mayfield resurrected his career in Tampa, throwing for 41 touchdowns and 4,500 yards last season.

Projected standings:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-6)
Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
New Orleans Saints (7-10)
Carolina Panthers (6-11)

Simon Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @simon_reseigh