NFL Picks & Predictions
NFL 2025-26 Season Picks and Betting Tips
The NFL season 2025/26 will begin with all 32 clubs vying for dominance and bettors seeking an edge. NFL odds thrill each week, so a new season brings fresh opportunities to capitalize on the newest trends alongside the hottest performing clubs.
NFL Prediction: Who will win Super Bowl LX?
It will be an exciting NFL season once again, with last year's winners, the Philadelphia Eagles, seeking to retain the title. The Eagles defeated Super Bowl LIX 40-22, preventing the Kansas City Chiefs from achieving a historic third consecutive championship.
Philly brings back a stacked roster (bolstered by a league-best defense) into the 25/26 campaign, but repeating as champions is never easy. That's why FanDuel has them in third place at +750 to win Super Bowl LX.
Oddsmakers have the Baltimore Ravens pegged as early favorites for Super Bowl LX thanks to a deep, well-balanced roster and steady success under their current coaching staff. FanDuel lists them with odds of +650.
Offensively, former MVP Lamar Jackson teams up with power back Derrick Henry to lead one of the league’s most dynamic attacks, while the defense has been strengthened by key offseason additions that could make it one of the AFC’s toughest units.
Sportsbooks have the Buffalo Bills among the top contenders for Super Bowl LX, backed by a talented roster, recent playoff consistency, and a schedule that plays to their strengths. The offense is powered by MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen, while the defense has been reinforced with promising young additions that could elevate the unit to elite status.
The Chiefs, led by superstar Patrick Mahomes, remain a powerhouse despite last season’s Super Bowl loss. They had won the previous two titles and enter this year highly motivated.
Other top contenders include the San Francisco 49ers (who fell just short in a 22-25 loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVIII), the Buffalo Bills (a perennial threat still seeking an elusive first Super Bowl win), and rising teams like the Detroit Lions (who posted an NFL-best 15–2 record last year).
With so many strong contenders, the race to Super Bowl LX should be extremely competitive. Our prediction for Super Bowl 60 is the Chiefs. They have the experience of three straight Super Bowl appearances and boast an elite quarterback, so we foresee Kansas City lifting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2025/26 season. Our Prediction for Super Bowl LX: Kansas City Chiefs
2025-26 NFC Picks
The NFC image for 2025/26 combines familiar titans with ambitious newcomers. At the summit sit the Eagles, last year's champions of both the NFC and the Super Bowl. Philadelphia finished 14-3 last season with a powerhouse D and upgraded offense, and they will be seeking to reign over the league again this year.
But the 49ers continue to be the big threat. They lifted the NFC last season and still possess, on paper, the league’s most gifted roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. San Francisco will look to bounce back after a premature playoff loss last season.
Another rising team is the Detroit Lions, who surprised everyone by being tied for the NFL's best record with 15-2 and capturing the #1 seed in the NFC. The high-scoring offense of the Detroit high-powered offense topped the league in points, and this could carry over to this season. These squads head the majority of the preseason power rankings, and they should.
Challenging those front-runners will be other popular NFC squads. The Dallas Cowboys, for instance, always have plenty of talent and fanfare – but they haven’t reached an NFC Championship in decades. Dallas will try to finally get over the hump this season, but they’ll need to be more consistent (they managed only a 7-10 record last year).
The Minnesota Vikings are another contender to watch. They quietly went 14-3 in 2024, powered by a solid offense, yet had to settle for a wild card spot behind Detroit. Minnesota will be motivated to prove last year wasn’t a fluke.
Traditional powers like the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams are also in the mix. Green Bay adjusted well to a new era (going 11-6 with Jordan Love at quarterback) and could challenge in the NFC North.
Los Angeles rebounded to win the NFC West last season, demonstrating that their championship core from a few years ago isn’t done yet. On the other hand, some NFC teams are in rebuilding mode.
For example, the Chicago Bears struggled mightily (they were the only NFC North team with a losing record) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers have questions at quarterback. Overall, the NFC is top-heavy with a few elite teams, but it also has dark horses that could surprise.
After evaluating the conference, we see the Eagles and 49ers as the class of the NFC, with Detroit as a potential spoiler. The Eagles’ combination of an explosive offense and a stifling defense makes them the team to beat – we predict they will win the NFC for a second straight year and return to the Super Bowl.
Our pick for the NFC Championship is: the Philadelphia Eagles.
2025-26 AFC Picks
The AFC has been the NFL’s dominant conference in recent years, and it remains stacked with powerhouse teams and superstar quarterbacks. The road to the Super Bowl in the AFC still runs through the Chiefs. Kansas City has hosted the last five AFC Championship Games and appeared in the last three Super Bowls, winning two of them.
Although they came up short in last year's Super Bowl, the Chiefs were 15-2 last season and don't look to be running out of steam anytime soon. Headed by Patrick Mahomes (and Andy Reid on the sideline), the Chiefs would be the favorites to win the conference again this season.
Their biggest rivals this season would be the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. Buffalo came last season with a 13-4 record, making it to the AFC Championship game before being defeated by Kansas City on a last-minute finish.
With the Chiefs having eliminated the Bills from the playoffs four out of the last five years, they will be looking to bolster the pass rush and running game to help them advance for the first time.
Cincinnati had a slightly down year in 2024 (by their standards), but with Joe Burrow at quarterback, the Bengals are always a threat – recall that they reached the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. Also, keep an eye on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jags have quietly become contenders, winning their division in back-to-back years and featuring a rising star QB in Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville’s young squad gained valuable playoff experience and could be a dark horse in the AFC race.
What makes the AFC so brutal is its depth. The Ravens remain competitive (especially if former MVP Jackson stays healthy), and the Chargers have talent on paper capable of beating anyone on a given day.
Even teams that struggled recently could bounce back. For example, the New York Jets invested in veteran Aaron Rodgers and hope to see dividends this season, while the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins have the pieces to challenge for a wild-card spot if things break right.
Of course, not everyone in the AFC is on an upswing. The once-ruling New England Patriots are rebuilding and haven’t won a playoff game since Tom Brady’s departure. Both the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders also face challenging uphill battles within the powerhouse AFC West (both had losing seasons last year, observing Kansas City dominate the division).
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers were competitive but transitioning to a new era – they went 10-7 last season and will require more firepower on offense to advance further. The AFC is deep: about halfway through the conference, there's a reasonable expectation to make the playoffs, so the competition for those seven spots on the playoffs is fierce.
With strength at the top, we're expecting another Chiefs-Bills meeting (with Cincinnati and Jacksonville not too far behind). Ultimately, it's tough to place a bet against Mahomes and the Chiefs, who have shown a tendency to come up big for the big moments.
Kansas City’s blend of elite quarterback play, improved defense, and big-game experience should carry them to yet another AFC title and a berth in Super Bowl 60.
Our pick for the AFC Championship is: the Kansas City Chiefs.
How to bet on the NFL?
After familiarizing yourself with the season structure, incoming talents, and last season’s results, the first step to NFL betting is to familiarize yourself with the popular NFL betting types and football picks. Point spread bets remain the staple NFL bet, aiming to level the playing field between mismatched teams. Moneyline bets are straightforward bets on the predicted game-winner. While totals (over/under) bets predict the combined score of a game to a set number. Lastly, prop bets allow for wagers on specific game events such as passing yards, TDs, interceptions, etc.
Research is the key to successful sports betting. Staying up to date with team news, injury updates, and performances throughout the season will provide valuable insights. For example, the Jets were listed as one of the strongest teams in the 2023/24 season up until Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury.
Live betting is an increasingly popular option, adding an exciting dimension to a match by allowing bettors to bet as the game progresses. Some sportsbooks now allow users to watch the match directly in their app, creating an all-in-one experience.
Keep in mind that NFL betting should enhance your enjoyment of the games. By doing your homework before the match and strategically placing your bets, you can more deeply engage in each game, making them much more thrilling. Remember though that the goal is to add excitement, not to get out of your financial comfort zone. Gamble responsibly!
NFL Betting tips for beginners
Our NFL betting specialists at SportyTrader dedicate themselves to providing top-notch NFL match forecasts alongside key betting strategies to increase your odds of winning. Here are five key tips to keep in mind when betting on the NFL, according to our experts:
- Check the status of the team as a whole
- Take a look at individual performances
- Check the latest stats
- Consider the psychological aspect
- Take advantage of sportsbook promos
Tip #1: Check the status of the team as a whole
It’s important to check the current form of the teams you’re betting on, on both sides of the ball. A strong offense goes a long way but if the defense is letting everything through, then they will struggle to close out games.
Paying attention to this balance is key to placing a winning bet. Factors such as team comp, missing players due to sickness, injury, etc can greatly impact performance. You’ll also want to consider the effectiveness of a team’s running or passing game and the defense they’ll be facing. Coaches will adapt their strategy for the opponent, you should do the same with your betting strategy!
Tip #2: Take a look at individual performances
Our second tip is to always consider the impact of an individual player in a given match. Stars can change the course of the game, especially in the QB position. Similarly, a standout running back or wide receiver can turn the tide with a few big plays. Defensive players also play a key role and stars on defense can make the difference between a win and a loss.
If a star is missing for a particular match or perhaps they have been underperforming, you’ll want your betting strategy to reflect this change. Taking individual performances into account when making your betting strategy can help you make more accurate predictions.
Tip #3: Check the latest stats
Always consider stats before placing your sports bets, especially with the NFL. Stats can play the role of a crystal ball for your betting predictions. For example, a team’s offensive yard per game can tell you about their current ability to move the ball and score, while defensive stats like the number of sacks or interceptions can reveal their capacity to disrupt an offense. Also, take note of individual stats like passer rating or catch rate, these can give you clues about how the team will perform in the upcoming game.
Situational stats such as third down conversions or red zone efficiency are also important stats to consider for NFL bets. Analyzing these stats allows you to get a full picture of the strengths and weaknesses of a team beyond their win-loss record. By incorporating statistical analysis into your betting strategy, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of a successful wager.
Tip #4: Consider the psychological aspect
Another important factor that can greatly influence the outcome of a game is the current mental state of the players. The NFL season is often a series of ups and downs, how a team reacts to these highs and lows can tell you all you need to know about their performance.
Difficulties off the field or locker room hardships can cause a domino effect of poor team performance. For example, Antonio Brown was a rising star in the NFL until some serious allegations were brought against him. His performance was quickly impacted causing him to be released by the Raiders and then picked up by the Patriots where he played in only one game.
Tip #5: Take advantage of sportsbook bonuses
Signing up with multiple sportsbooks allows you to take advantage of the lucrative welcome bonuses that each offers. These offers are opportunities to increase your bankroll with minimal risk. Welcome bonuses are often in the form of deposit matches, where the sportsbook matches a percentage of your initial deposit, or no-sweat first bets, where the sportsbook will refund a losing first bet.
Several sportsbooks also offer NFL-specific promos throughout the season which you should take advantage of. In order to be able to see and use these promos, you’ll need to create an account with each of the top online sportsbooks. By taking advantage of these promos and multiple welcome bonuses, you’re placing yourself at a serious advantage.
What not to do for your NFL Predictions
Continuously adapting your betting strategy is key to succeeding in sports betting. Adapting to trends and steering clever of common missteps is essential for sustained success. Here are some typical errors to avoid when betting on the NFL:
- Don’t overvalue preseason matches! These matches historically don’t reflect a team’s true competitive form.
- Keep the weather in mind as the NFL season plays through the dead of winter. A team that typically plays in sunny and 75 will probably struggle in the snowy, below-freezing matches away from home.
- Don’t overlook the importance of the offensive and defensive lines. The battles at the line of scrimmage can make the difference between a win and a loss.
- Not comparing odds from multiple sportsbooks can be the difference between a small and a big gain.
- Rushing to break a losing streak with a bet on a team you’re unfamiliar with.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’re setting yourself up to skip some of the new bettor growing pains. Remember to always refine your betting strategy and not to limit yourself to only one team/betting option.
Bonus Available HereStats to consider for NFL predictions
When it comes to placing NFL wagers during the 2025/26 season, it would be good to utilize statistical knowledge obtained from last season. Key statistics for the 2024 season can inform about strengths, weaknesses, as well as betting tendencies of the rosters.
The following tendencies and statistics from the last season can be used to guide your predictions:
- Best records: The Chiefs and the Lions shared the best record during the regular season at 15–2; however, neither won the Super Bowl. That illustrates the reality that even the seed leaders aren’t a guarantee come the playoffs.
- High-scoring offense: The Lions led the NFL with 564 points scored in 2024 (33.2 points per game) and a +222 point differential – the highest in the league. Detroit’s offense was so potent that 564 points is the fourth-most ever scored by a team in a regular season.
- Stingy defense: The Eagles allowed only 303 points in the entire regular season (17.8 per game), which was the fewest points surrendered by any team. Philadelphia’s defense was ranked #1 in the league last year.
- 2,000-yard rusher: Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2024 – marking the 9th time an NFL player has hit the 2,000-yard benchmark for the season. His dominant rushing performance did much to enhance Philadelphia's offense.
- Efficient quarterback play: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw only 5 interceptions across 17 games in the 2024 season. He posted career highs in completion rate and passer rating while minimizing turnovers, highlighting the Eagles’ efficient offense.
- Chiefs’ improved defense: The Chiefs’ defense ranked in the top four for the second consecutive year. Once known primarily for their offense, the Chiefs have developed a well-rounded team – their defense has become one of the league’s best, which bodes well for sustained success.
- Mahomes’ output dipped (but wins didn’t): Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes failed to reach 4,000 passing yards for the first time as a starter last year. Despite somewhat lower stats than usual, he still led Kansas City to a 15–2 record, proving the Chiefs can win even without gaudy passing numbers.
- Back-to-back champions: Kansas City achieved a rare feat by winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 2023 and 2024, becoming the first team to repeat as champions since the 2004 New England Patriots. Their attempt at an unprecedented three-peat was foiled by Philadelphia in last season’s Super Bowl.
- 15-win curse: Teams with 15+ wins have not guaranteed a title. In fact, last season the 15–2 Chiefs and 15–2 Lions both fell short of a championship, continuing the trend that the last seven teams to win 15 or more games in a season did not win the Super Bowl.
- Bills’ playoff hurdle: The Bills have been consistently good but have struggled to get past Kansas City in the playoffs. The Chiefs have eliminated the Bills from the postseason in four of the past five years – a key rivalry to note when betting on the AFC title race.
- Road warriors: The Detroit Lions went 8–0 on the road in the regular season – an extremely impressive feat. It was the first time in franchise history the Lions were undefeated in away games. Bettors should note that top teams can win both at home and on the road, so don’t shy away from backing a strong team even in tough road environments.
- Close-game excellence: The Chiefs were a perfect 11–0 in one-score games (decided by 8 points or fewer) last season. Winning close games often comes down to coaching and quarterback play; Kansas City’s flawless record in tight contests reflects their clutch abilities.
- Historic division strength: The NFC North was historically strong in 2024 – the division’s combined winning percentage was the highest for any division in NFL history. For example, the Minnesota Vikings went 14–3 but only secured a Wild Card berth since Detroit won the division at 15–2. When evaluating teams, consider the strength of their division; a powerhouse division can produce multiple high-caliber teams (but they’ll also beat up on each other during the season).
- Underdogs can win outright: Last season’s Super Bowl is a prime example that favorites aren’t guaranteed – the Eagles entered as 1.5-point underdogs to Kansas City yet won the game convincingly by 18 points. Throughout the year, we saw several upsets in both regular season and playoffs.
Sharp bettors recognize the importance of firing on the underdog every so often, particularly within games where the clubs happen to be closer than the line would indicate.
With these numbers from last year, you can direct your 2025/26 bet strategy. Always take into account how a team did both on offense and on defense, how they did in high-stress situations (such as one-score games or away games), and how bet lines would undervalue some squads.
Merging statistical trends with the latest power rankings as well as matchup analysis throughout the week, you will be better able to make educated NFL predictions throughout the season.
NFL Week-by-week Betting Tips & Strategy
In addition to these useful stats for improving your NFL betting accuracy, there are some important tips to consider ahead of each week of games to ensure that you're dotting all of your i's and crossing your t's before submitting your betting slip:
- Look at the injury reports – Just a single significant absence, particularly at quarterback or along the line of scrimmage, can tip the scales substantially.
- Be attentive to travel schedules – Short-rested or cross-time-zone travel squads underperform, particularly those with early kickoff games.
- Home underdogs – The home underdogs tend to cover the spread historically more often than not, particularly within division games.
- Primetime game action – Primetime games on national networks tend to narrow spreads and escalate bet volume, creating value bets on unpopular clubs.
- Matchups over records – A team with a worse record may still be favored if they match up well schematically against the opponent. Look beyond standings when handicapping games.
In Conclusion: How to get your NFL bets right?
Let the information on this page serve as a tool for your betting strategy, the more tools you have, the better equipped you’ll be to achieve success. Don’t forget to consistently follow the league and the weekly developments to get an idea of team form.
The best piece of advice is to follow all of our predictions, carefully crafted by NFL experts who bring extensive experience and the use of algorithms to formulate their picks. These picks are 100% free so go ahead and place your bets with confidence!
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