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AI Story Hour

Back by popular demand, AI Story hour. Today, I asked Gemini for estimated final standings of the 25/26 NFL season

Projecting the final standings for the 2025/26 NFL season is a fun exercise, but it's important to remember that this is purely an estimate based on recent performance, offseason moves, and a healthy dose of speculation. The NFL is famously unpredictable, and injuries, breakout players, and surprise collapses can change everything.

With that said, here is an estimated final standing for each division in the AFC and NFC for the 2025/26 season.

AFC

AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills: The Bills remain a strong contender with their core of Josh Allen and a talented defense. They've focused on re-signing key players, including their star quarterback and a few defensive standouts, which should keep them at the top of the division.

2. New York Jets: The addition of a new quarterback (Justin Fields) and continued development of young talent like Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner makes the Jets a team to watch. If Fields can elevate the offense, they could challenge for a playoff spot.

3. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have made some moves in free agency and have a solid roster. Their ability to compete will likely depend on the health and performance of their star players, and they'll have a tough time overcoming the Bills.

4. New England Patriots: After focusing on rebuilding through the draft and free agency, the Patriots will likely continue to improve but are still a year or two away from seriously contending for a division title.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens consistently field a strong team, and with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, their offense should be even more dynamic. They have a stout defense and a well-coached squad that makes them a favorite to win the division.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are always a threat with their explosive offense. While they've had some offseason changes, their core players are intact, and they should be in the mix for a Wild Card spot.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: With a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers could be a wildcard. However, they've also lost some key veterans and will need their new pieces to gel quickly to be competitive in a tough division.

4. Cleveland Browns: The Browns have made some changes, including signing quarterback Joe Flacco, but they've also lost some key players like Nick Chubb. They have a talented defense, but their offense may struggle to keep up in this division.

AFC South

1. Houston Texans: The Texans made some big moves in free agency, including signing running back Nick Chubb, and their young core of players continues to develop. They look like the clear frontrunner to win the division.

2. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have a solid foundation and made some key free agency moves to bolster their offensive and defensive lines. They should be competitive and could push for a Wild Card spot.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have a talented roster, but they've had some shakeups in the offseason, including trading away Christian Kirk. Their success will hinge on the performance of their young quarterback and how quickly their new pieces come together.

4. Tennessee Titans: The Titans have a new quarterback at the helm (Cam Ward) and are in a rebuilding phase. They will likely be at the bottom of the division as they work to build around their young talent.

AFC West

1. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions and remain the team to beat in the AFC. They've re-signed and extended key players, and their offense with Patrick Mahomes is still arguably the best in the league.

2. Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers have a new head coach and have made some changes to their offense, including the addition of Najee Harris. With a strong defensive core, they should be a Wild Card contender.

3. Denver Broncos: The Broncos have made some key free agency moves on defense and in their secondary. With a quarterback like Russell Wilson, they could surprise some people, but it will be a challenge to keep up with the Chiefs.

4. Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have added some intriguing young talent through the draft but have also seen some key players, including running back Josh Jacobs, leave in free agency. They are likely in a rebuilding year.

NFC

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles remain a powerhouse with a strong roster and have made key moves to bolster their defense. Their trade for John Metchie III and the addition of other players makes them a strong contender for the division title.

2. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have a talented team, but their offseason has been a bit quiet on the free agency front. Their success will depend on their core players staying healthy and performing at a high level.

3. New York Giants: The Giants have brought in a new quarterback (Russell Wilson) and have been active in free agency. They could be a sleeper team if their new additions gel quickly.

4. Washington Commanders: The Commanders are in a full rebuild mode. With a new coaching staff and several young players, they are unlikely to compete for a playoff spot this year.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers: The Packers have a talented young roster and made a strong run last season. With some key draft picks and free-agent additions, they are the favorites to win the division.

2. Detroit Lions: The Lions are a physical team that made a deep playoff run last season. They've re-signed some key players and will be a tough team to beat at home, making them a strong Wild Card contender.

3. Chicago Bears: The Bears have a young and promising team, and their 2025 draft class looks strong. They will likely show significant improvement but are still a year away from truly competing for a playoff spot.

4. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have been active in free agency, but with a new quarterback at the helm, their season will be dependent on how well they perform. It's likely a rebuilding year for them.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have a solid roster and have made some key moves to improve their defense in free agency. They are the most complete team in a weak division and should be the favorites to win the South.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are a talented team but have lost some key pieces in free agency. Their ability to compete will depend on how their young players and new additions step up.

3. New Orleans Saints: The Saints are a veteran team but have been relatively quiet in free agency. They will likely be a middle-of-the-pack team with a chance to compete for a Wild Card spot.

4. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are still in a rebuilding phase. They have a new running back in Rico Dowdle, but they still have a lot of work to do to improve their roster.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are one of the most talented teams in the league and are expected to be a top contender again. They've made some key moves in free agency to retain their core and add depth, and should be the favorites to win the NFC.

2. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have a high-powered offense and have made some key moves in free agency, including trading for Davante Adams. They will be a strong team and a likely Wild Card team.

3. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have made some big changes in the offseason, including trading for a new quarterback and wide receiver. Their success will depend on the new pieces gelling and their defense performing at a high level.

4. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have had a solid offseason, including a strong draft class. They are on the right track, but still have a lot of work to do to compete in this tough division.

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