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.