In a stunning forecast that’s sure to rattle Philadelphia Eagles fans, Sports Illustrated NFL columnist Conor Orr has released his bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season, and the outlook isn’t entirely rosy for the reigning Super Bowl contenders. In his list of 100 predictions published on Wednesday, Orr projects the Eagles will make a valiant return to Super Bowl LX but fall short against the Buffalo Bills.
Orr’s prediction comes with a reluctant nod to Philadelphia’s resilience. “Predicting the Eagles will return to the big game is a begrudging move on my part, but it’s a recognition that nearly all of the NFC front-runners have brutal schedules,” he wrote. He highlights the Eagles’ ability to “win ugly” and navigate a grueling slate, which he believes will secure them the NFC East title and a spot in the Super Bowl. However, the Bills, led by a “berserker mode” Josh Allen, are poised to capitalize on a softer schedule—featuring matchups against teams like the Browns, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints, plus winnable games within the AFC East. This favorable path, Orr argues, will keep Allen healthy and dominant, giving Buffalo the edge to claim the championship.
While Orr’s prediction isn’t exactly a long shot—both the Eagles and Bills are widely regarded as top Super Bowl contenders for 2025—it’s a bitter pill for Eagles fans dreaming of a repeat. The notion of Philadelphia reaching the Super Bowl only to lose is the kind of bulletin-board material that could fuel the team’s fire. Still, as Orr himself implies, May predictions are far from gospel. With the season months away, plenty can change, but for now, Eagles fans might want to brace themselves—and maybe save this article for some extra motivation come playoff time.