Way-Too-Early 2025-2026 NFL Predictions

5: A fully healthy Aidan Hutchinson breaks the single-season sack record

Before suffering a gruesome leg injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, Hutchinson was on pace to win DPOY and break the sack record this past season.

He began the season with 7.5 sacks through five games, highlighted by a 4.5-sack performance against the Buccaneers in Week 2.

He was imposing his will on opposing offensive lines as he consistently put pressure on the quarterback every snap, and with a full offseason to recover, I don’t see a reason why Hutchinson can’t revert back to that type of production.

4: Bryce Young leads the Panthers to a winning record as they compete for a playoff berth

Bryce Young was benched by the Panthers after Week 2 of his sophomore campaign. It looked like the previous No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft was going to turn into a bust.

However, he returned as the starter in Week 8 vs the Broncos and flashed more than he had ever done throughout his rookie season.

Head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers organization put trust in Young to perform the remainder of the season and he did just that, finishing the season with 21 total touchdowns and a highlight five touchdown performance in Week 18 against the Falcons.

He showed more poise, comfort and confidence in the pocket. When faced with pressure, it seemed like the game was finally slowing down for him toward the latter half of the season.

Going into next season, the Panthers roster should only improve as they build around their young, developing quarterback.

3: Without a true, viable WR1, the Green Bay Packers regress and miss the playoffs

This may be one of the biggest surprises I am predicting, but I think it is definitely possible.

As much as Jordan Love has all the talent in the world, his decision-making is a big question mark in the future evaluation of him as a top-tier quarterback, who can lead the Packers to a Super Bowl.

When we look at the NFC North next year, every team is going to be competitive, especially with the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson leading the Chicago Bears, who have been viewed as the weak link for years.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs called out Green Bay’s wide receiver situation recently, wanting the organization to target an experienced wide receiver who has shown WR1 talent. They lack that reliable option at the wide receiver position.

Jayden Reed didn’t break out in his sophomore campaign, Christian Watson is injury prone, Romeo Doubs has had unfortunate head injuries, and Dontayvion Wicks hasn’t been consistent enough.

The NFC is becoming deeper than it was just a couple seasons ago. They didn’t improve last season, it is difficult to say if they are capable in 2025.

2: After cutting Cooper Kupp in the offseason, Puka Nacua wins the triple crown & OPOY

The Rams have already confirmed they are moving on from the 2021 triple crown and OPOY winner Cooper Kupp, who began to regress toward the end of the season.

Nacua is now looking to become the true number-one wide receiver and will have the opportunity with more targets and moving into the slot all season long.

Nacua is a special player with the way he creates separation. He had just below 1,000 receiving yards last season in just 11 games, averaging 90 yards per contest.

McVay likes getting his star players the ball and I don’t see why Matthew Stafford wouldn’t be able to target Nacua early and often.

1. 49ers will hoist the Lombardi in their home stadium, completing their quest for the franchise’s sixth Super Bowl victory

Call me insane but I am calling my shot. It may be an air ball but I’ll live with the results. The San Francisco 49ers will secure their sixth Super Bowl victory with a win in their home stadium.

If the 49ers front office is mature in their roster construction this offseason and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh helps bring life within the entire locker room, I will hold out hope.

Christian McCaffrey and Dre Greenlaw should be back fully healthy and bring an energy that was lost this past season. In addition, Aiyuk will hopefully be back stronger than before in the second half of the season.

Although I think they are dependent on many key players who are aging, looking at their 2025 schedule, it is considerably more favorable than last year.

The NFC is getting more competitive, however, the leadership and possible retooling of this 49ers team could open up a fresh start in all three facets of the game.

Owen Daszko is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email opd5073@psu.edu.