We’re officially at the halfway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape.

But here’s the thing, not every team sitting pretty in the standings right now will still be there in January. And some teams you’re writing off? They’re just getting started.

So, let’s cut through the noise. These are the five real Super Bowl contenders you need to take seriously, and the five pretenders who are going to flame out when it actually matters.

Who are the contenders and pretenders in the 2025 NFL season?

Contender: Kansas City Chiefs

Never. Count. Out. Patrick Mahomes.

Let’s be honest, if you’re writing them off this 2025 NFL season, you haven’t been paying attention for the last seven years.

This is a team with championship DNA in every fiber of its roster.

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