One minute you are sitting on a seaside having fun with the summer time, and the following you are on the sofa for 10-plus hours watching nonstop soccer. That transition is in full swing, of us. The NFL returns this week, with the Philadelphia Eagles opening up Lincoln Monetary Subject, unveiling their newest Tremendous Bowl championship banner, and starting their title protection towards the Dallas Cowboys. After which we’re off to the races.
Earlier than we bounce into warp pace by the 2025 NFL season. We right here at CBS Sports activities are dolling out our predictions for the way the 12 months will unfold. We already gave you our best-bet win totals, and now it is time for who we consider will standing above their rivals as division champions. Main as much as Week 1, we requested our employees who they consider will end first in each single division, they usually’ve answered the decision beneath.
This is a rundown of the employees members making the picks: Pete Prisco, Tyler Sullivan, Jared Dubin, Josh Edwards, Cody Benjamin, Jordan Dajani, Zach Pereles, Garrett Podell, and John Breech.
Odds are through FanDuel Sportsbook.
AFC East
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Prisco: Payments. It is a runaway. The division is weak, the schedule is gentle and the expertise is in all places.
Sullivan: Payments. No staff is a much bigger favourite to win their respective division than Buffalo, and rightfully so. They’re in a Tremendous Bowl window, whereas the remainder of the division is both in a rebuild or on the verge of 1. Josh Allen and Co. ought to win this by a mile.
Dajani: Payments. The Payments are heavy, heavy, heavy favorites right here for good purpose. They could not lose a recreation till Week 9 … or later.
Edwards: Payments. Miami’s protection has evident holes. Justin Fields has not proven that he can lead a staff to be taken severely. New England is improved, however there are deficiencies on the roster. Buffalo just isn’t an out of doors the field victor, however they’ve the strongest case.
Dubin: Payments. They win this division yearly.
Benjamin: Payments. Is anybody even remotely geared up to problem Buffalo, until Josh Allen goes down for an prolonged time? If the Payments cannot make the deep playoff run they have been sniffing for years, nicely, when will they?
Podell: Payments. The Payments and reigning NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen have been arguably probably the most secure common season staff of the 2020’s. Buffalo leads the NFL in each scoring offense (29.1 factors per recreation) and scoring protection (19.6 factors per recreation allowed) throughout the final 5 seasons, they usually have gained the AFC East annually. Allen has additionally produced no less than 40 complete touchdowns within the final 5 years, the longest such streak in NFL historical past for a five-season file 215 since 2020. They’re going to win the division once more given the Patriots aren’t prepared to actually knock off the Payments’ crown, and the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets each have points.
Pereles: Payments. The Payments have gained the AFC East 5 straight years, they usually’re 24-6 towards the division over that span.
Breech: Payments. The Payments have gained this division for 5 straight years and I see no purpose to choose towards them now.
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AFC North
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Prisco: Ravens. The roster is deep and we all know with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson they are going to be explosive on offense. The protection will likely be higher as nicely.
Sullivan: Ravens. Possibly the deepest top-to-bottom staff within the NFL. I am not nervous by an Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers staff, nor am I shedding sleep over the Bengals who proceed to haven’t any defensive presence.
Dajani: Ravens. The Ravens are the perfect staff on this division. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are actually a dynamic duo, however Cincy nonetheless does not have a protection.
Edwards: Ravens. I need to choose the Bengals, however the protection is regarding. Baltimore added two promising rookies to its protection and nonetheless have Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The younger items alongside its offensive line have a 12 months collectively beneath their belt.
Dubin: Ravens. If the Eagles do not have the perfect general roster, I feel these guys do. No person else within the division has the identical two-way expertise.
Benjamin: Ravens. Boring? Possibly. However even when the Aaron Rodgers experiment pans out in Pittsburgh, the Steelers really feel like a wild card. The Bengals’ protection nonetheless has pink flags. Baltimore simply wants to remain wholesome.
Podell: Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens had the NFL’s best speeding offense (5.76 yards per carry) in a single season all time in 2024 whereas averaging the second-most yards per play (6.85) within the Tremendous Bowl period. That is largely to 2024 first staff All-Professional quarterback Lamar Jackson’s historic season, and operating again Derrick Henry nonetheless being Derrick Henry: his 1,921 yards speeding have been probably the most ever by a participant age 30 or older. They’re going to win the AFC North once more for the reason that Cincinnati Bengals nonetheless do not have a protection.
Pereles: Ravens. The Ravens’ remade and vastly improved secondary would be the key. In any other case, it is a very comparable roster to final 12 months and arguably the perfect — when it comes to top-line expertise and depth — within the NFL.
Breech: Ravens. The Ravens have the most effective all-around rosters within the NFL and though the Bengals might give them a scare, I feel Baltimore finally ends up profitable the division for the third straight 12 months.
AFC South
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Prisco: Texans. It will not be straightforward due to the offensive-line points, however they are going to win a so-so division due to the protection.
Sullivan: Texans. The Jaguars have me barely intrigued, significantly if Liam Coen can revitalize Trevor Lawrence, however this division nonetheless belongs to Houston. The Texans have one of many prime defenses within the NFL, and if the offensive line can get sorted out, the offense ought to be simply high quality with C.J. Stroud pulling the strings beneath heart.
Dajani: Texans. Houston just isn’t a Tremendous Bowl contender, however the Texans are nonetheless the perfect staff on this division. The protection will assist Houston keep on prime even when there are some rising pains with C.J. Stroud and his new offensive line and new offensive coordinator.
Edwards: Texans. It could not be a shock if any of those 4 groups gained the division, C.J. Stroud has been probably the most constant quarterback within the league and the protection has loads of expertise.
Dubin: Texans. No person on this division is sweet, however no less than Houston has a very good protection.
Benjamin: Jaguars. The Texans ought to stay a playoff staff. However the Colts and Titans are rebuilding. And the Jags would possibly even have juice as Trevor Lawrence feeds two dynamic younger cross catchers beneath Liam Coen.
Podell: Texans. The Houston Texans have a brand new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley, who comes over from the Los Angeles Rams, and a reshuffled offensive line. These additions plus the 2 Iowa State rookies (Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel) and operating again Nick Chubb ought to be sufficient to get quarterback C.J. Stroud enjoying extra like he did as a rookie. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. may be the NFL’s most terrifying cross speeding mixture. Houston three-peats within the AFC South.
Pereles: Texans. The Texans have the division’s greatest quarterback, vast receiver and protection. That is ok for me, even when the Jaguars and Titans ought to each be much-improved.
Breech: Texans. The AFC South QB state of affairs consists of Daniel Jones, a rookie (Cam Ward) and a QB who’s 2-13 in his previous 15 begins (Trevor Lawrence), which makes it really feel like a no brainer to take CJ Stroud and the Texans.
AFC West
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Prisco: Chiefs. They are going to be higher than they have been a 12 months in the past after they gained the AFC. The offense will likely be dynamic once more.
Sullivan: Chiefs. Denver is a reliable sleeper, however I am not choosing towards Patrick Mahomes till they really fall. The truth that Kansas Metropolis appears to have fastened the left facet of its O-line is an underrated story.
Dajani: Chiefs. I really like the Broncos and the trajectory they’re on, however I am not able to say the Chiefs’ reign is over.
Edwards: Chiefs. Predicting the Chiefs to win the division is hardly imaginative, however it has been a fruitful follow. Kansas Metropolis has gained the AFC West 9 consecutive years. The Raiders do not need sufficient expertise on protection. The Broncos and/or Chargers might make it fascinating, however it’s arduous to guess towards Patrick Mahomes.
Dubin: Chiefs. They win this division yearly.
Benjamin: Chiefs. Their Tremendous Bowl dud urged this would possibly lastly be the time for a scrappy foe just like the Broncos or Chargers to boost the division race. However come on. We’ll consider it once we see it.
Podell: Chiefs. The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have gained the final 9 AFC West titles, which is the second-longest division championship streak in NFL historical past. They path solely the Tom Brady-Invoice Belichick dynasty New England Patriots’ run of 11 consecutive division titles from 2009-2019. So long as each quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are round, they will be my AFC West choose till another person really takes their crown.
Pereles: Chiefs. The Chiefs gained 15 video games final 12 months because the least-explosive offense within the NFL. That is proper: the very least. Kansas Metropolis will likely be higher at left sort out, which was a catastrophe final 12 months, and the receiving corps is thrilling — and will likely be way more than that when Rashee Rice returns from suspension. The protection remains to be greater than ok, too.
Breech: Chiefs. Did you see what I wrote for the Payments? As a result of I’ll write the identical factor right here: The Chiefs have gained this division for 9 straight years and I see no purpose to choose towards them now.
NFC East
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Prisco: Eagles. It is arduous to repeat within the NFC East — hasn’t occurred since 2004 — however this staff has a lot expertise. They’ll win it once more.
Sullivan: Eagles. I wished to go along with the Commanders, however I simply could not get there. Philadelphia is simply too gifted and too deep to fade even with the fourth most troublesome schedule within the NFL.
Dajani: Commanders. The Eagles expertise a little bit of a Tremendous Bowl hangover, as Washington steals the division on the finish of the 12 months. After all, this can be a silly take if Jayden Daniels cannot keep wholesome.
Edwards: Eagles. There was a temptation to choose the Commanders, however there are too many questions on the protection. Philadelphia has loads of continuity and there may be extra confidence in all the operation.
Dubin: Eagles. I do know no one wins this division two years in a row, however Philly arguably nonetheless has the perfect roster in soccer and, barring damage, ought to win double-digit video games at minimal.
Benjamin: Eagles. We anticipate the Commanders and Cowboys to supply some hassle. However Philly nonetheless has an all-world offensive lineup. The Eagles’ protection could also be a bit lesser, however the entire group is simply too gifted to let the crown slip away simply.
Podell: Eagles. The Tremendous Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles are one of the crucial imposing defending champions in many years. The 2024 Eagles grew to become the second staff following the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to own the NFL’s speeding champion (2024 NFL Offensive Participant of the 12 months Saquon Barkley with 2,005 yards) and No. 1 complete protection (278.4 complete yards per recreation allowed) together with the 1992 Dallas Cowboys, who have been additionally Tremendous Bowl champions. Philadelphia’s whole offensive beginning lineup returns from 2024, which is sufficient to overcome a Micah Parsons-less Dallas Cowboys, a Washington Commanders squad that also has holes on protection and the New York Giants.
Pereles: Eagles. Philadelphia misplaced quite a bit defensively, however it does nearly as good a job as any staff drafting, buying and growing expertise. Quinyon Mitchell is a star within the making, and Jalen Carter is already there. Questions in regards to the second cornerback spot and the cross rush are warranted, however the offense brings again almost everybody, and there is simply an excessive amount of expertise prime to backside. For the primary time since 2001-04 (additionally the Eagles), we get a repeat NFC East champ.
Breech: Eagles. This division hasn’t produced a repeat champion in TWENTY-ONE YEARS, so I’m hesitant to choose the Eagles, however they’re the one staff within the NFC East that does not have an enormous query mark. I am unsure that the Commanders fastened their protection, the Cowboys are being run into the bottom by Jerry Jones and the Giants are the Giants.
NFC North
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Prisco: Packers. They have been the youngest staff within the league final 12 months, which implies loads of gamers bought good expertise. Now they are going to take the expansion steps younger gamers often do.
Sullivan: Lions. The arrival of Micah Parsons actually swings the stability of energy in the direction of Inexperienced Bay, who are actually the betting favourite. Nevertheless, regardless of shedding each coordinators, I nonetheless suppose Detroit has sufficient expertise to grind out one other division title.
Dajani: Packers. I feel the door is open for a staff to knock off the Lions given their coordinator turnover and traditionally robust schedule. I am going to take Jordan Love to lastly stay as much as expectations.
Edwards: Packers. Detroit suffered loads of turnover this offseason. Minnesota is introducing a rookie quarterback. Chicago could also be a 12 months away. The Packers really feel like the favourite heading into the season.
Dubin: Lions. The teaching employees and offensive line turnover concern me, however not sufficient to drop them behind the opposite division contenders.
Benjamin; Packers. Each staff on this division ought to be playoff-caliber, or near it. So long as Jordan Love and his restocked weaponry can keep wholesome, there is not any purpose to consider Matt LaFleur’s crop cannot vault to the highest.
Podell: Packers. The Inexperienced Bay Packers added All-Professional edge rusher Micah Parsons to the NFL’s youngest roster that had each a prime 10 scoring offense (27.1 factors per recreation, eighth-best within the NFL) and a prime 10 scoring protection (19.9 factors per recreation allowed, sixth-best within the NFL) in 2024. Plus, the Packers lastly added prime tier, younger receiving expertise with first-round rookie vast receiver Matthew Golden. Inexperienced Bay ought to be capable of snatch the NFC North crown again from the Detroit Lions after they misplaced each their offensive and defensive coordinators within the offseason.
Pereles: Packers. I used to be leaning Lions right here, however Micah Parsons is the right acquisition for Inexperienced Bay. Ace cross rushers coming into their prime aren’t alleged to be accessible. This one. by some means, was. A totally wholesome Jordan Love will assist quite a bit, too.
Breech: Packers. I used to be going to choose the Packers to win the NFC North BEFORE the Micah Parsons commerce went down, so as soon as the deal occurred, that made my choose even simpler.
NFC South
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Prisco: Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield will likely be within the MVP dialog and the protection will likely be a lot improved with a pleasant mixture of younger and outdated.
Sullivan: Falcons. Michael Penix Jr.’s numbers throughout his temporary time because the starter final season do not precisely bounce off the web page, however he handed the attention take a look at for me. With an improved cross rush, Atlanta — who has the fourth-easiest schedule within the NFL — leaps over the Bucs, who they swept in 2024.
Dajani: Falcons. The Falcons lastly knock off the Buccaneers due to Michael Penix Jr., James Pearce and Jalon Walker.
Edwards: Falcons. The NFC South is open for enterprise. It could not be a shock if Tampa Bay repeated, however there was a change at offensive coordinator and it looks like a division ripe for a shake up. Carolina might be a 12 months away and the Saints’ quarterback state of affairs is tenuous. Atlanta is flush with playmakers on offense and the protection ought to be extra able to speeding the passer, proper? Proper?
Dubin: Buccaneers. No person on this division is sweet, however no less than Tampa has an excellent offense.
Benjamin: Buccaneers. The Falcons might need a contact extra upside. We do fear about Tampa Bay’s sturdiness. However Baker Mayfield has confirmed to be the perfect warrior among the many division’s quarterbacks when it counts.
Podell: Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gained 4 consecutive NFC South titles, together with the final two with present Professional Bowl beginning quarterback Baker Mayfield. Accidents to each Professional Bowl vast receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have been a difficulty final 12 months, so the Buccaneers chosen Ohio State’s all-time catches chief Emeka Egbuka within the first spherical. Their full offense paired with a protection that completed 2024 permitting the second-fewest factors per recreation (17.0) within the ultimate seven video games of final season ought to be sufficient to go for 5 in a row. It is unclear if 2024 eighth general choose quarterback Micahel Penix Jr. will likely be able to problem the Buccaneers in his first full season because the Atlanta Falcons starter. Each the Carolina Panthers (protection) and the New Orleans Saints (quarterback) have main points.
Pereles: Panthers. That is my least-confident choose, however I would like one non-favorite. Bryce Younger carries over his sturdy end from final 12 months, and a remade protection is considerably improved. Derrick Brown missed virtually all of final season, an enormous purpose Carolina had one of many worst speeding defenses ever. With Brown again plus offseason signees Bobby Brown II and Tershawn Wharton and rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the entrance ought to be significantly better.
Breech: Buccaneers. Yearly, individuals discuss themselves into believing that somebody will lastly knock off the Buccaneers and it by no means occurs. This staff has quietly gained 4 straight NFC South titles and I feel they will make it a fifth.
NFC West
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Prisco: 49ers. It is easy to bury this staff, however it would not be clever. The celebrities are nonetheless round and that issues within the NFL.
Sullivan: 49ers. I am not overthinking this. Sure, the Rams are a horny choose and the Seahawks are even somewhat frisky, however San Francisco has the simplest schedule within the NFL this season and are due for constructive damage regression. They may remind individuals actual fast who they (nonetheless) are.
Dajani: Rams. The Rams got here only one or two performs away from internet hosting the NFC Championship recreation. Davante Adams goes to be enjoyable to look at reverse of Puka Nacua, and L.A. ought to have the most effective defenses within the NFL.
Edwards: Seahawks. San Francisco is changing quite a bit and they’re already coping with accidents. Matthew Stafford is injured in Los Angeles and the margins are razor skinny. Seattle has improved on each side of the ball and a part of me thinks they would be the most constant.
Dubin: 49ers. I used to be going to choose the Rams however Matthew Stafford’s again points and the Niners’ league-easiest schedule tipped me of their course.
Benjamin: Seahawks. Let’s get wacky. The 49ers have a pleasant scheme. The Rams have pristine expertise. However Seattle has underrated grit after a promising debut beneath Mike Macdonald. In a detailed division, why not?
Podell: Rams. The Los Angeles Rams got here the closest to knocking off the Eagles within the playoffs final season, barely shedding in a 28-22 NFC divisional spherical nail biter. Los Angeles upgraded at vast receiver, transferring from the oft-injured Cooper Kupp to Davante Adams. He and Puka Nacua comprise the most effective vast receiver duos in soccer, and the Rams have maybe the perfect defensive position expertise east of the New York Giants.
Pereles: 49ers. I’d hearken to arguments for any of the 4 groups profitable this division. Finally, I went for the 49ers, who’ve what might be the league’s best schedule. Kyle Shanahan has all the time bounced again from unhealthy seasons with good ones. It occurs once more this 12 months, too.
Breech: 49ers. Final 12 months, I picked the Rams to win the NFC West regardless of their lengthy odds (+350), however this 12 months, I simply do not belief Matthew Stafford’ again. I really suppose this division will come all the way down to ARIZONA and the 49ers. If San Francisco can keep wholesome, they could find yourself making all of it the best way to the Tremendous Bowl, which is being performed in their very own yard.
