5 Bold Predictions for the 2025 NFL Season

If you were around last year, you’ll remember that I made 5 bold predictions for the 2024 NFL season. I hit on two of them (40% ain’t bad when you’re swinging for the fences, right?). That’s the point of these predictions — they’re not supposed to be safe or easy calls. They’re bold.

So with that in mind, let’s dive into my 2025 Bold Predictions.

1. Riley Leonard Will Be the Colts’ Starting QB by the End of the Season

When it comes to quarterback headlines in Indianapolis, all the attention has been on Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson. Understandable. But here’s where it gets interesting: Riley Leonard — the sixth-round rookie out of Notre Dame — has quietly put himself in position to potentially steal this job.

Leonard’s preseason numbers don’t scream superstar, but they do scream competent (which, if you’re in Indianapolis right now, is all you can ask for): 345 yards and a 60.7% completion rate. He looked poised, efficient, and confident — three words that don’t always apply to Richardson or Jones.

Jones feels like a pure bridge option, and Richardson…well, the Colts may have already punted on him. Enter Leonard, the 22-year-old who’s less than a year removed from playing in the National Championship game right in Indy’s backyard.

Don’t be surprised if by December, Riley Leonard is the guy, and the Colts are quietly convinced they’ve found their QB of the future.

2. Bryce Young Will Win the PFWA’s Most Improved Player

Quick reminder: the NFL doesn’t have an official Most Improved Player Award, but the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) do. And last year, I nailed this prediction when I called Sam Darnold.

This year, I’m rolling with Bryce Young.

The 2023 No. 1 pick was widely considered a bust after a disastrous rookie season, especially when stacked up against C.J. Stroud’s meteoric rise. But toward the end of last year, Young started to flash — showing more command of the offense, better accuracy, and quicker decision-making.

Carolina still isn’t a contending team, but Young doesn’t need to drag them to the playoffs to prove he belongs. He just needs to stack competent, productive games. If that trajectory continues, he’ll not only silence the bust talk, he’ll also snag this award.

3. The Dallas Cowboys Will Finish Last in the NFC East

Okay, this one is the boldest of the bunch. I can admit it.

But stay with me.

The Eagles and Commanders are Super Bowl-caliber teams. That already puts Dallas in the bottom half of the NFC East. The question is: will they actually finish behind the Giants?

On paper, the answer’s no. But vibes matter.

In New York, things are positive. Russell Wilson has been named the Week 1 starter, but rookie Jaxson Dart looks ready to take over sooner rather than later. Add in rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, and Giants fans are buzzing.
In Dallas, things are chaos. The Micah Parsons divorce is ugly, the new head coach hasn’t stabilized anything, Jerry Jones is doing Jerry Jones things, and the vibes couldn’t be worse.

Yes, Dak Prescott is healthy. Yes, George Pickens is a nice addition. But when your star defender is staging a hold-in and your owner is more concerned with headlines than winning, you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

It’s bold, it’s spicy, and it could very well happen: the Cowboys finish last in the NFC East.

4. Jaxson Dart Will Win Offensive Rookie of the Year

Speaking of Jaxson Dart…

It’s only a matter of when, not if, he takes over for Russell Wilson in New York. I’m saying by Week 4, it’ll be the Jaxson Dart Show.

The Giants have the toughest schedule in football this year, and they’ll need a spark. Dart is that spark.

Yes, Travis Hunter is the popular pick for OROY. But I love Dart’s fit in New York, and the path for him is clear. And don’t forget — his teammate Abdul Carter could absolutely win Defensive Rookie of the Year. If they both do, it would mark the 3rd set of teammates in the last four years to sweep OROY/DROY (joining C.J. Stroud & Will Anderson in 2023 and Garrett Wilson & Sauce Gardner in 2022).

5. The Raiders and Patriots Will Compete for Playoff Spots

Is this likely? No. But is it bold? Absolutely.

The Raiders brought in Pete Carroll, who returns to the sideline with championship pedigree and instant credibility. Geno Smith leads the new-look backfield alongside rookie Ashton Jeanty, and with Maxx Crosby anchoring the defense, this team is going to be scrappy. The AFC West is brutal, but I can absolutely see three playoff teams emerging from it — with the Raiders as one.

Meanwhile, the Patriots brought in Mike Vrabel, who’s looking to restore “Patriot Way” culture. Second-year QB Drake Maye showed flashes as a rookie, and now he has a true No. 1 target in Stefon Diggs. Add in Vrabel’s experience in the postseason, and suddenly New England doesn’t look like a pushover.

Are these teams championship contenders? No. But don’t be shocked if both are alive in the Wild Card hunt come December.

BONUS: Will Howard is the Steelers’ QB of the Future

File this one under “hunches.”

The Steelers have been a QB carousel since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Aaron Rodgers is here, but only as a one-year rental. Rookie Will Howard may be starting the season on IR, but don’t sleep on him. He was a sixth-round pick, yes, but he’s also a national championship-winning QB with years of college experience.

If Pittsburgh is patient, Howard could develop into exactly the kind of stable presence this franchise has been craving. He’s not flashy, but he could be the answer.

Final Thoughts

As always, these predictions are meant to be bold — some more realistic than others. But that’s the fun of it. I hit on 2 of 5 last year, and I’ll happily take 40% again this year.

What do you think? Which of these predictions is most likely to hit, and which one sounds completely crazy? Let me know in the comments, and let’s revisit this in January.