2025 NFL Mid-Season Progress Report: Division-by-Division Breakdown
AFC EAST
New England Patriots (5-1) – Division Leaders
In a stunning turn of events, the Patriots lead the AFC East and have won four straight games. Drake Maye is playing like an MVP, commanding the offense with poise beyond his years. The Patriots’ upcoming schedule is favorable, giving them a legitimate shot at the playoffs for the first time in years. This rebuild appears ahead of schedule under new management.
Buffalo Bills (4-3)
The Bills have stumbled with back-to-back losses, including a clunky 24-14 defeat to the Falcons on Monday night. After their bye week in Week 7, Buffalo needs to regroup quickly. Josh Allen remains elite, but the team’s inconsistency has been concerning. A Week 9 showdown with Kansas City looms large. The Bills could use a deep threat and need to find a way to stop the run.
Miami Dolphins (1-6)
Miami is 1-6 after a no-show loss in windy Cleveland, yet owner Stephen Ross is reportedly sticking by head coach Mike McDaniel. Tight end Darren Waller suffered a pectoral injury late in their Week 7 loss, and Miami is a mess right now with speculation mounting about the end of the McDaniel era. The offense has been anemic, and the defense can’t stop anyone.
New York Jets (0-7)
The Panthers extended their winning streak to three by outlasting the Jets. The Jets haven’t scored a touchdown over the past two weeks and have only seven offensive TDs going back to Week 2. Aaron Glenn had to make a change to Tyrod Taylor after the offense stalled completely. At 0-7 heading into their Week 9 bye, this season is lost.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) – Division Leaders
Pittsburgh suffered its second loss of the season to a revamped Bengals squad on Thursday night. Despite the setback, the Steelers remain atop the AFC North. Aaron Rodgers completed 67.6% of his passes for a season-high 249 yards with four touchdown passes, bringing his season total to 14 (ranked 3rd). The Steelers’ defense remains stout, but they face tough tests ahead.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Joe Flacco out-dueled Aaron Rodgers, reminding everyone that it’s not that hard to win when you have Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on your side. The Bengals are competing despite being without Joe Burrow for months. They’re staying in the playoff hunt through sheer offensive firepower, but will need their defense to step up.
Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
As bad as things are in Baltimore, it’s hard to put a microscope on this team given the injuries. The Ravens are 1-5 following a 17-3 loss to the Rams in Week 6, but still have a 39% chance of making the playoffs. Lamar Jackson is expected to return from his hamstring injury that kept him out almost a month, which will be a huge bump for the Ravens receiving corps. They had a much-needed bye in Week 7.
Cleveland Browns (2-5)
The Browns won 31-6 in windy conditions against Miami, with Dillon Gabriel getting his first win as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. The Browns have had a revolving door at quarterback but found some success with Gabriel. Their defense remains one of the league’s better units, keeping them competitive despite offensive limitations.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts (6-1) – AFC #1 Seed
The Colts hold the best record in all of football as the only team with six wins entering Week 8, and they currently sit at the top of the conference as the one seed. Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor are both in serious MVP consideration. Jones appears in total command with zero turnovers, zero offensive penalties and only three negative-yardage plays against the Chargers. Taylor has 10 rushing TDs, re-approaching his 2021 level of dominance. Jones is completing 71% of his passes, is fifth in the league in passing yards, has 10 touchdown passes and is averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. The Colts’ 38-24 demolition of the Chargers proved they’re legitimate contenders.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
The Jaguars suffered a brutal 35-7 loss to the Rams in London, where Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns. Travis Hunter enjoyed his first big day in the NFL with 24.1 PPR fantasy points, though most came in garbage time after Brian Thomas Jr. suffered a shoulder injury. Trevor Lawrence looks completely lost. Jacksonville needs to regroup quickly after their bye week to stay in playoff contention.
Houston Texans (2-3)
The Texans earned their Week 6 bye after back-to-back wins against the Titans and Ravens. The offense has struggled to find its feet with C.J. Stroud often looking bewildered behind a horrid offensive line, but the defense continues to show up with Will Anderson Jr.’s 90.5 overall PFF grade ranking sixth among edge rushers. Nico Collins suffered a concussion in their Monday night loss to the Seahawks and will need to clear protocol to play in Week 8.
Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Signs of life emerged from Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick was 25-for-34 for 255 yards with one TD and one INT against the Patriots. The Titans even led 13-10 late in the first half before it fell apart. Tennessee is in full rebuild mode and playing for draft position at this point.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
The Chiefs demolished the Raiders 31-0 in Week 7, with Patrick Mahomes throwing for 286 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions (126.6 passer rating). Mahomes has thrown 11 touchdowns over the last four games and is returning to MVP form. The Chiefs started 0-2 for the first time since 2014 and their 4-3 start is their worst since 2021. However, getting Rashee Rice back paired with Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy gives Mahomes elite weapons again. Don’t count out the three-time defending AFC champions.
Denver Broncos (4-2)
The Broncos have the formula to win ugly through one of the best defenses in the NFL. The offense is 21st in EPA per play, totaling just 246 yards in a 13-11 win against the Jets in London, but the defense sacked Justin Fields nine times and has held opponents under 20 points in four of six games. Bo Nix continues developing, and Denver is surprisingly in the playoff mix.
Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
At 4-2, the Chargers have overcome their toughest battles. A late Darren Waller touchdown pushed the Dolphins to 26-24, but Justin Herbert heroics and a huge Ladd McConkey play got them into field goal range where Cameron Dicker made 5-of-5 field goals. Herbert has thrown six interceptions in his past five games, and the defense has allowed 27 or more points in each of the past three games. Injuries are mounting, but LA remains in contention.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
After being shut out in Kansas City, the Raiders have been outscored by an 84-point margin in their last six games, ranked 31st in the league. They gained just 95 total yards of offense on Sunday, the NFL’s lowest total in Week 7. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is standing firm with his trade request as the November 4 deadline approaches. Las Vegas heads into their bye as the only AFC West team under .500.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – Division Leaders
The Vikings fell to the Eagles at home, causing Minnesota to fall further behind in the playoff race while one of their most hated rivals took over. Jalen Hurts delivered his best game of the season in Week 7 and got both of his top receivers going, though this Eagles team still can’t run and struggles on defense. Philadelphia controls the East but has clear weaknesses to address.
Dallas Cowboys (4-3)
The Cowboys are fun again, scoring 40 points in a blowout win over the Giants. The Packers played Dallas to a 40-40 tie in Week 4 on Sunday Night Football. Dak Prescott is playing MVP-caliber football, and the offense is explosive. Questions remain about the defense and what moves they’ll make at the trade deadline.
Washington Commanders (3-4)
Jayden Daniels sustained a hamstring injury early in the second half against Dallas, forcing Marcus Mariota to finish the game. Daniels seemingly can’t catch a break, but after an MRI, the injury was deemed “not significant” per head coach Dan Quinn. Daniels’ 233 passing yards and 68 rushing yards on Opening Day were his season highs, which is concerning. The Commanders face a brutal stretch with games at Kansas City and home against Seattle and Detroit.
New York Giants (3-4)
In one of the craziest blown leads in recent NFL memory, the Giants entered the fourth quarter with a 19-0 lead over the Broncos, added 13 more points, but still blew their lead in a 33-32 loss on a last-second field goal. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart threw for three TDs and 283 yards, showing the offense is rejuvenated since the QB switch. The defense needs to maintain consistency for all four quarters.
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) – NFC #1 Seed
The Packers are the only team in the conference that has only lost once in the 2025 regular season. Despite their flaws, they’ve cost themselves fewer games than the rest of the NFC, even earning credit for the Week 4 tie in Dallas. Jordan Love has had an efficient start with a 10:2 TD:INT ratio through six games. Brandon McManus kicked a game-winning field goal in Week 7 against Houston, and Josh Jacobs has been stellar. The Packers control the NFC North for now.
Detroit Lions (5-2)
The Lions picked up a massive conference win on Monday, defeating the former 1-seed Buccaneers 24-9 on the back of an offensive masterclass taught by Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff. Gibbs broke 100 all-purpose yards for the first time since Week 2 with 136 rushing yards plus 82 receiving yards. San Francisco lost its leading defender, Fred Warner to a season-ending ankle injury, but Detroit lost offensive and defensive coordinators to other head coaching jobs, creating questions about sustained success.
Minnesota Vikings (4-3)
The Vikings are sticking with Carson Wentz as their starting QB for at least one more game despite the loss to Philadelphia. The Vikings moved the ball readily but trailed throughout because of poor red-zone performance (1-for-6) and a minus-two turnover ratio. A move to J.J. McCarthy feels certain now. McCarthy is dealing with an ankle injury and listed as limited in practice.
Chicago Bears (4-2)
Even the Bears are over .500 this season, a pleasant surprise for a team in transition. Ben Johnson’s arrival as head coach has energized the franchise. Caleb Williams is developing, and the offense is showing promise. The defense needs work, but Chicago is trending in the right direction. Of course, they looked good at this point last season and didn’t win another game. The difference is this team seems bought in to Ben Johnson’s leadership and Dennis Allen is getting a lot out of this defense. The Bears do have a favorable schedule the next few games, and could be facing the Ravens minus Lamar Jackson in Baltimore Sunday. Can they capitalize?
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) – Division Leaders
Mike Evans exited Monday Night Football versus the Lions and was diagnosed with a broken collarbone expected to sideline him 6-8 weeks. It’s unfortunate after Evans just returned from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss three weeks. Chris Godwin Jr. has missed two straight weeks and remains a question mark. Cade Otton led the Bucs with seven catches for 65 yards against Detroit. Despite the injuries, Tampa Bay leads the division.
Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
The 49ers rediscovered the magic of Christian McCaffrey on Sunday night against Atlanta. McCaffrey was responsible for most of the heavy-lifting with 201 all-purpose yards. Despite the loss to San Francisco, Atlanta has quietly assembled a solid season and remains in playoff contention with back-to-back wins prior to that setback.
Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Bryce Young picked up a high ankle sprain against the Jets and was replaced by Andy Dalton, who completed 4 of 7 passes for 60 yards to help Carolina secure the win. Young is expected to be out in Week 8. The Panthers have won three straight, with Jaycee Horn’s pair of interceptions helping stave off any New York comeback. Carolina is surprisingly competitive in the NFC South race.
New Orleans Saints (1-6)
The Saints dug themselves into a 20-0 hole in Chicago but were competitive after that. New Orleans is struggling mightily and appears headed for a high draft pick. The offense lacks playmakers, and the defense can’t get off the field.
NFC WEST
Los Angeles Rams (5-2) – Division Leaders
Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns in a rain-soaked 35-7 demolition of Jacksonville in London, exposing weaknesses in the Jaguars’ defense. Stafford is playing elite football, and the Rams look dangerous. Puka Nacua is progressing from his ankle injury, and the offense should only get better.
Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Rich Eisen debates whether the Seahawks or Rams are the most complete team in the NFC West. Sam Darnold and the Seahawks shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s playing great and that top-10 defense makes them a real threat in the NFC. Seattle is firmly in the wild card picture.
San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
At 4-2, the 49ers are in a positive position, but injuries continue stacking up. San Francisco lost Fred Warner to a season-ending ankle injury in the 30-19 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday, which could prove to be the biggest blow of all. The best defense in the league can carry the 49ers a long way if their offense can keep up. They rediscovered the magic of Christian McCaffrey on Sunday night against the Falcons. Brock Purdy’s injury status and the loss of Warner are major concerns.
Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Kyler Murray is dealing with a Lisfranc injury, and it looks like Jacoby Brissett will be Arizona’s starter going forward. The Cardinals had Week 8 byes along with the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks and Jaguars. Arizona is rebuilding and not expected to contend this season.
KEY INJURIES SHAPING THE SEASON
The 2025 season has been particularly brutal for star players:
- Mike Evans (Buccaneers): Broken collarbone, out 6-8 weeks
- Fred Warner (49ers): Season-ending ankle injury
- Lamar Jackson (Ravens): Expected back from hamstring injury in Week 8
- Jayden Daniels (Commanders): Hamstring strain, deemed “not significant”
- Bryce Young (Panthers): High ankle sprain, expected out Week 8
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings): Ankle injury, limited in practice
- Darren Waller (Dolphins): Pectoral injury
- Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars): Shoulder injury
- Nico Collins (Texans): Concussion
- Kyler Murray (Cardinals): Lisfranc injury
Early Playoff Picture Outlook
The AFC is led by the surprising Indianapolis Colts at 6-1, who have a 94% playoff probability according to NFL.com, the highest of any team in football. The Chiefs are heating up at the right time, while the Broncos and Patriots are exceeding expectations.
In the NFC, Green Bay holds the top seed at 4-1-1, but the conference feels wide open. Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia are all legitimate contenders, while the 49ers’ injury woes could derail their season.
With the trade deadline approaching on November 4, expect teams like the Buccaneers (needing receiver help after the Evans injury) to be active buyers, while sellers like the Raiders could move veterans for draft capital.
The second half of the season promises dramatic playoff races, trade deadline moves, and the return of injured stars that could reshape the entire landscape.
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)