Claude 3.5 Sonnet Predicts the 2025 NFL Playoffs (Pre-Playoffs)
Claude 3.5 Sonnet attempts to accurately predict the 2025 NFL Playoffs before it starts...
Assuming an AI will somehow predict something that’s relatively unpredictable like the NFL playoffs with pristine accuracy is retarded.
AIs may have an edge in certain cases, but in a 1-and-done scenario (you have one bad game and you’re gone or one key injury and you’re at a disadvantage) - predicting the NFL playoffs accurately is highly difficult.
Odds that you’ll pick every game correctly before the playoffs begins are low (~0.1-1%). Due to the unpredictability in NFL post-season, you should not assume that an AI will automatically predict better than you.
Nonetheless, it’s still fun for me to see how well these AIs do and compare to my own predictions… Below are predictions by Claude 3.5 Sonnet for the 2025 NFL Playoffs prior to the playoffs starting.
2025 NFL Playoff Predictions (Claude 3.5 Sonnet Edition)
A.) Wild Card Round (Round 1)
Vikings (5) @ Rams (4)
Predicted Score: Rams 27, Vikings 24
Confidence Level: 65%
Key Factors: Rams’ run game with Williams (1,299 yards), Stafford’s playoff experience, improved secondary, and home-field advantage.
Packers (7) @ Eagles (2)
Predicted Score: Eagles 31, Packers 23
Confidence Level: 75%
Key Factors: Eagles’ dominant run game (Barkley: 2,005 yards), home field, and strong pass rush (41 sacks). Packers struggle against power running teams.
Commanders (6) @ Buccaneers (3)
Predicted Score: Buccaneers 34, Commanders 27
Confidence Level: 70%
Key Factors: Mayfield’s career year (4,500 yards, 41 TDs), balanced attack with Irving (1,122 rushing yards), playoff experience advantage, and Commanders’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Chargers (5) @ Texans (4)
Predicted Score: Texans 28, Chargers 24
Confidence Level: 60%
Key Factors: Stroud’s rookie poise (3,727 yards), Texans’ balanced offense with Mixon, and home-field edge.
Broncos (7) @ Bills (2)
Predicted Score: Bills 27, Broncos 20
Confidence Level: 70%
Key Factors: Bills’ playoff experience, home field, and turnover-creating defense. Broncos struggled on the road.
Steelers (6) @ Ravens (3)
Predicted Score: Ravens 24, Steelers 16
Confidence Level: 85%
Key Factors: Ravens’ strong run game, elite defense, and division dominance. Steelers' offensive limitations stand out.
B.) Divisional Round (Round 2)
AFC: Chiefs (1) vs Texans (4)
Predicted Score: Chiefs 31, Texans 20
Confidence Level: 75%
Key Factors:
Chiefs rested from a first-round bye.
Arrowhead’s playoff atmosphere challenges rookie QB C.J. Stroud.
Chiefs' playoff experience and 2024 defensive improvements give them a significant edge.
AFC: Bills (2) vs Ravens (3)
Predicted Score: Bills 28, Ravens 23
Confidence Level: 65%
Key Factors:
Bills’ home-field advantage in January.
Bills’ ability to generate turnovers and balance their offense.
Ravens’ strong run game keeps it close in a tough divisional rivalry.
NFC: Lions (1) vs Rams (4)
Predicted Score: Lions 34, Rams 24
Confidence Level: 70%
Key Factors:
Lions rested and playing at home in Detroit.
Lions’ explosive and balanced offense against an improved but outmatched Rams defense.
Lions’ late-season defensive improvements.
NFC: Eagles (2) vs Buccaneers (3)
Predicted Score: Eagles 31, Buccaneers 27
Confidence Level: 65%
Key Factors:
Eagles’ dominant run game led by Saquon Barkley (2,005 yards).
Eagles’ defense creates pressure and contains Baker Mayfield despite his strong season.
Home-field advantage tilts the scales for the Eagles.
C.) 2025 Conference Championships
AFC Championship: Chiefs (1) vs Bills (2)
Predicted Score: Chiefs 31, Bills 27
Confidence Level: 70%
Key Factors:
Chiefs’ playoff experience and Arrowhead’s electric atmosphere.
Chiefs' defensive improvements neutralize some of Buffalo’s offensive strengths.
Bills’ balanced offense and turnover-generating defense keep it close, but Chiefs excel in high-pressure moments.
NFC Championship: Lions (1) vs Eagles (2)
Predicted Score: Lions 34, Eagles 30
Confidence Level: 65%
Key Factors:
Lions’ home-field advantage and explosive offensive firepower.
Eagles’ run game keeps them competitive, but Lions’ defense steps up late.
Detroit crowd and controlled indoor conditions benefit the Lions.
2025 Super Bowl LIX (New Orleans)
Matchup: Chiefs (1) vs Lions (1)
Predicted Score: Chiefs 34, Lions 31
Confidence Level: 65%
Key Factors:
Chiefs’ extensive playoff and championship experience, led by Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
Chiefs’ defense continues its 2024 improvements, giving them a slight edge.
Lions’ dynamic and balanced offense keeps it close, but inexperience in big moments adds pressure.
Neutral site (indoor stadium) levels the playing field, but Chiefs excel in clutch scenarios.
Claude 3.5 Sonnet’s Key Factors for 2025 Playoffs:
Home Field Advantage: A significant factor in Wild Card and Divisional rounds.
Playoff Experience: Chiefs and Bills leverage experience, while newer contenders like Lions and Texans rely on rising talent.
Run Game and Defense: Teams with strong ground attacks (Eagles, Lions) and turnover-generating defenses (Ravens, Bills) find success.
Turnover Battle: Decisive in close games, particularly in the latter stages of the playoffs.
The 2025 postseason culminates in a thrilling Super Bowl matchup, with the Chiefs narrowly edging the Lions to secure another championship.