Simulating the entire 2025 NFL season: The biggest storylines from one possible outcome

ESPN’s Football Power Index simulated the 2025 NFL season, revealing unexpected outcomes where both Super Bowl LIX participants missed the playoffs and the Buffalo Bills claimed their first championship. The simulation, conducted by analytics writer Seth Walder, played out one scenario from 10,000 possibilities, highlighting the NFL’s inherent unpredictability. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles failed to qualify for the postseason, with the Eagles finishing 8-9 after a mid-season collapse and the Chiefs losing a crucial Week 18 game to the Raiders, allowing the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West with a 9-8 record. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ gamble on Aaron Rodgers resulted in a 7-10 season, head coach Mike Tomlin’s first losing record, while the Indianapolis Colts surprised by winning the AFC South at 10-7 behind a resurgent Daniel Jones. The Tennessee Titans, led by rookie Cam Ward, started 9-3 but faded to a 9-8 wild-card finish. In the NFC, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the seventh seed after a 8-8 start and won their final game, then embarked on an improbable playoff run by defeating the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Minnesota Vikings. The Buffalo Bills dominated the regular season with a 13-4 record and MVP Josh Allen, advancing through the AFC playoffs by beating the Titans and Ravens. Super Bowl LX was a blowout, with the Bills winning 55-23 as James Cook scored three touchdowns for MVP honors. Other notable outcomes included the Arizona Cardinals winning a playoff game against the Falcons and the New Orleans Saints earning the first overall draft pick. This simulation provides engaging pre-season content, emphasizing that any team could defy expectations in the actual 2025 season.