Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is a huge NFL fan, and he recently dished out his predictions for the 2025 season, via DraftKings Sportsbook. James was first asked to pick his sleeper team for the season and went with the Cleveland Browns.
“I was correct about the [Washington] Commanders being a sleeper team,” James said. “They cannot be a sleeper team after last year. So, Cleveland Browns.”
The Washington Commanders went from 4-13 in 2023 to 12-5 in 2024. James is backing the Browns, who went 3-14 in 2024, to have a similar turnaround.
James was next asked for his prediction for the Super Bowl LX matchup, and he’s backing the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs to get back to the big stage.
“I’m going Eagles-Chiefs again, James stated. “I mean, you got the best two teams, you got the best player in the whole NFL in [Patrick] Mahomes, and I think he wants some get back… I got no winner right now, but I hope it’s a good a** game.”
The last time we saw the same two teams play each other in back-to-back Super Bowls was back in the 1990s. The Dallas Cowboys took on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII, and the former would win on both occasions.
The Chiefs sure would love a rematch, but with a different outcome, as the Eagles won 40-22 in New Orleans earlier this year. That was actually some sweet revenge for the Eagles, as they had lost 38-35 to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. So, if these two do meet once again, it would be their third meeting in four seasons, which is impressive.
Speaking of impressive, that’s what Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season was, but he still finished runner-up for MVP. James thinks the Baltimore Ravens superstar will take home the award this upcoming season.
“This year I’m taking Lamar Jackson,” James concluded.
Jackson, a two-time MVP, only narrowly missed out, with 352 points compared to 378 for the Bills’ Josh Allen. Many believed the Ravens QB should have won it, and he certainly had a strong case after throwing for 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
You wouldn’t bet against Jackson having another special season, and he should be in the MVP race once again. If he does win, he’ll become just the seventh player to have three or more MVPs. Jackson will need to win some Super Bowls, however, if he is to ever get on James’ Mount Rushmore of NFL quarterbacks.
Where Jackson did get on, though, was on James’ list of the six players to watch in the 2025 season, via Pick 6.
“Six guys to watch, I think C. J. Stroud will have a bounce-back year after last year,” James said. “Wow, Lamar Jackson. It’s going to be interesting to see Deebo [Samuel] in Washington with that offense, with Jayden Daniels. I’m looking forward to seeing Deebo and what he brings to the table this year.
“He’s not a sleeper, but I love watching this guy play,” James continued. “He’s just a monster. I love Kyle Hamilton, safety from Baltimore. He’s just all over the field; he’s amazing. Tee Higgins, I think Tee Higgins will have another monster year. I think he’s slept on every single year, to be honest.
“I know you got Ja’Marr Chase there and obviously [Joe Burrow], but Tee Higgins is a absolute beast,” James added. “The receiver that was a rookie last year for the [Los Angeles] Chargers… Ladd McConkey, that’s my last one. Ladd McConkey, I think he gonna have a monster year.”
Those were interesting selections. Los Angeles Chargers’ Ladd McConkey was an unexpected choice, and it’ll be fascinating to see if he takes a big leap in his sophomore season after recording 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.
Will James be on point with all of his picks? Well, we’ll have to wait a few months to find out.
