What Insights Can We Gain from the NFL's First Half?

As the NFL reaches the halfway mark of the 2025 season, teams like the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are emerging as strong contenders, while the Kansas City Chiefs face an uphill battle for playoff positioning. Despite a lack of dominating teams, the playoff race is still wide open, with several divisions too close to call. The standout performances from quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Drake Maye have been highlights, but the struggles of stars like Patrick Mahomes raise questions about the Chiefs’ playoff prospects.

Last updated: 04 November 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

The NFL's 2025 season has entered a pivotal stage, with no team dominating the league. Each of the 32 teams has suffered at least two losses, showcasing a competitive landscape where playoff spots are highly contested. The Bills, after a critical victory over the Chiefs, have solidified their status as contenders, while the Eagles continue to lead the NFC East despite some inconsistent performances. The Chiefs, traditionally a powerhouse, find themselves in a precarious position, currently outside the playoff picture and facing a crucial stretch of games against divisional rivals.

Key takeaways

The Bills and Eagles are emerging as top contenders for the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs face significant challenges, currently outside the playoff spots.
Quarterbacks like Darnold and Maye are having breakout seasons, while Mahomes struggles.
The AFC West and NFC West are highly competitive, with multiple playoff contenders.
The race for playoff spots is wide open, with no team fully asserting dominance.

Timeline: how we got here

The NFL season began on 7 September 2025. Since then, teams have navigated through a series of ups and downs:

7 September 2025: NFL season kicks off.
1 October 2025: Teams start to showcase their strengths and weaknesses; early surprises include the performance of the New England Patriots.
8 October 2025: The Bills notch a significant win over the Chiefs, raising questions about Kansas City’s playoff viability.
22 October 2025: Mid-season trade deadline sees teams like the Eagles making moves to solidify their rosters.
29 October 2025: Chiefs suffer a crucial loss, leading to discussions about their playoff chances.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Bills' recent victory over the Chiefs has shifted perceptions, with Buffalo now viewed as a formidable force. The Eagles continue to strengthen their position in the NFC East with strategic trades that enhance their playoff prospects.

What was already established

Teams such as the Patriots have consistently shown improvement under new coaching, while the Chiefs, despite their history of success, struggle to maintain a competitive edge in the AFC West. Additionally, Darnold and Maye's strong performances have been a focal point, with both quarterbacks emerging as key players in their respective teams.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The NFL's popularity continues to grow in the UK, with increased viewership and engagement. As teams gear up for the playoffs, fans can expect exciting matchups and heightened interest in NFL-related merchandise and events.

Businesses and jobs

With the NFL's expansion into international markets, UK businesses involved in sports marketing, broadcasting, and merchandise sales are poised to benefit from the growing fanbase. Job opportunities in these sectors are increasing as well, particularly around major NFL events.

Policy and regulation

As the NFL navigates international expansions, UK regulations regarding sports broadcasting and sponsorship may evolve. The league's ties with British businesses could lead to changes in how sports are marketed and consumed within the UK.

Numbers that matter

7–2: Current record of the New England Patriots, leading their division.
6: Consecutive wins for the Patriots, showcasing their resurgence.
3–5: The Baltimore Ravens' record, hampered by injuries.
5–4: Carolina Panthers’ record, their best start since 2017.
15: Record number of hits on Patrick Mahomes during the Bills game.

Definitions and jargon buster

NFL: National Football League, the professional American football league in the United States.
Playoffs: The postseason tournament where teams compete for the championship.
Divisional games: Matches between teams from the same division, often crucial for playoff positioning.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Teams will focus on maintaining momentum as they head into the latter half of the season. For the Chiefs, the upcoming games against divisional rivals will be critical to their playoff aspirations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, teams will assess their roster strengths and weaknesses, potentially leading to strategic trades or player acquisitions before the playoffs begin.

Signals to watch

Upcoming matchups between divisional rivals could significantly impact playoff standings.
Injury reports on key players like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes will affect team prospects.
Performance trends of emerging quarterbacks like Darnold and Maye as the season unfolds.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on team standings and player performances.
Engage with NFL content to understand the implications of each week's games.
Support local businesses that benefit from NFL events in the UK.

Don’t

Assume playoff spots are locked in; the competitive landscape is still fluid.
Dismiss teams with poor records; upsets are common in the NFL.
Ignore injury updates, as they can drastically change a team's outlook.

Checklist

Review team standings weekly to gauge playoff potential.
Follow player injury reports to stay informed on key players.
Watch divisional matchups closely, as they can impact playoff races.
Engage with NFL discussions online to understand fan sentiments.
Attend local NFL events or viewings to support the sport's growth in the UK.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The unpredictability of the NFL means that playoff projections are merely educated guesses. Injuries can change the trajectory of teams rapidly, and inconsistent performances may lead to surprising outcomes. While certain teams appear strong now, the second half of the season is often full of twists, making it essential to remain cautious in predictions.

Bottom line

As the NFL season unfolds, the battle for playoff spots intensifies. While the Bills and Eagles are strong contenders, the Chiefs face significant challenges to remain in the playoff picture. With divisions still wide open, fans can expect an exciting second half of the season.

FAQs

Who are the current top contenders for the Super Bowl?

The Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles are currently viewed as the leading contenders, with strong performances so far this season.

What challenges are the Kansas City Chiefs facing?

The Chiefs are currently outside the playoff picture and must navigate crucial divisional games to secure a spot as they have struggled more than in previous seasons.

Which quarterbacks are having breakout seasons?

Sam Darnold and Drake Maye have emerged as top quarterbacks, demonstrating impressive performances that have significantly contributed to their teams' successes.