Colin Cowherd Drops Bold Final NFL Standings Predictions on “The Herd”

Just weeks before the NFL regular season kicks off, sports analyst Colin Cowherd made headlines with his final predictions for the 2025 NFL standings during an explosive segment on The Herd. Known for his fearless takes and sharp insights, Cowherd offered a full breakdown of division winners, playoff teams, and surprise disappointments — and his predictions have fans across the league talking.

Cowherd’s NFC predictions began with the Philadelphia Eagles reclaiming control of the NFC East. He praised Jalen Hurts’ maturity, the team’s elite roster depth, and improved defensive secondary. Notably, Cowherd left the Dallas Cowboys out of the playoff picture entirely, citing a lack of chemistry and concerns over offensive regression. In his view, Washington and New York would round out the division, with little threat to the Eagles.

In the NFC North, Cowherd doubled down on the Detroit Lions as the division’s top team, pointing to their continuity, aggressive coaching, and leadership from Jared Goff. More surprisingly, he included the Chicago Bears — led by rookie QB Caleb Williams — as a playoff wild card, praising the franchise’s rapid rebuild. The Packers and Vikings, he suggested, will struggle to stay consistent.

Turning to the NFC South, Cowherd selected the Atlanta Falcons to finish on top, highlighting their explosive offense and a favorable schedule. Tampa Bay, Carolina, and New Orleans, he said, will be locked in mediocrity.

Perhaps the most controversial call came in the NFC West, where Cowherd chose the Los Angeles Rams to win the division, leaving the San Francisco 49ers out of the playoffs entirely. He argued that the Rams’ young talent and experienced leadership give them the edge, while the 49ers’ aging core and quarterback uncertainty would hold them back. The Seattle Seahawks were listed as a wild card team, reflecting Cowherd’s belief in Geno Smith’s resurgence.

On the AFC side, Cowherd stunned fans by picking the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West — ahead of the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. He cited Denver’s revamped offensive line and emerging QB Bo Nix as reasons for the shakeup, while warning that Kansas City’s run may be nearing its end due to fatigue and a declining supporting cast. Still, he kept the Chiefs in as a wild card team.

In the AFC East, Cowherd remained firm on the Buffalo Bills winning the division behind another strong campaign from Josh Allen. He excluded the Miami Dolphins from playoff contention, citing concerns over consistency and injuries. Over in the AFC North, he predicted the Baltimore Ravens would edge out the Cincinnati Bengals, with both making the postseason. For the AFC South, Cowherd favored the rising Houston Texans, calling them one of the most exciting teams to watch this year.

Cowherd’s playoff teams include bold picks like Chicago, Seattle, Houston, and New England, while notable omissions such as San Francisco and Miami sparked widespread debate online.

Love him or hate him, Colin Cowherd’s final standings for the 2025 season have once again proven his ability to stir conversation — and perhaps, predict the unpredictable.