WMS Pioneers Episode 13: A Look Back at Their NFL Picks
by Mike Catalino
This episode, recorded last summer, is a fun look back at Softeon’s leadership team and where their NFL predictions currently stand.
In our final episode of 2025, the Pioneers kick things off by talking about how NFL Next Gen Stats traces its technology back to the supply-chain world. Zebra Technologies pioneered the RFID tagging technology used in players’ shoulder pads and helmets, tech that originally came from warehouse and logistics environments.
Next, Softeon CEO Jim Hoefflin and CTO Mark Fralick break down where they expect the Green Bay Packers to finish and share their mutual frustration with the NFL’s expanded 17-game schedule.
Jim kicks it off:
“I don’t like 17 games. You can’t be .500. It’s impossible to be .500. My prediction is they will be .500.”
Mark quickly jumps in:
“Well, you could if you have a tie in one game. That comment ended up being unexpectedly prophetic. The Packers did tie their fourth game of the season against the Cowboys, a matchup that turned into the second-highest-scoring tie in NFL history, with a combined 80 points.”
Mark then gives his full prediction:
“I think three NFC North teams will make the playoffs—the Lions, Packers, and Bears—with the Packers earning a Wild-Card spot at 10–7. I think they’ll win a playoff game and go out in the second round.”
Mark Fralick, CTO, Softeon
Current status (through early December 2025):
| Team | Prediction Before Season | Current Record |
| Eagles (Patrick) | 12-4 | 8-4 |
| Packers (Jim) | 10-6 | 8-3-1 |
| Packers (Mark) | 10-6 | 8-3-1 |
The conversation then shifts to Softeon CRO Patrick Maley, who gives his take on the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions:
“I think they’ll go back to the Super Bowl. Whether they win, I don’t know. All their rookies have a year under their belt, Hurts had a great season, and they have a lot of talent.”
Patrick Maley, CRO, Softeon
Maley also previewed a matchup between the crew’s favorite teams: the Eagles traveling to Green Bay to take on the Packers. Looking back, the Eagles pulled out an ugly Monday Night Football win, 10–7, over the Packers.
The episode wraps with a discussion of the NFL Draft in Green Bay, which took place this past May.
- The Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden (WR, Texas) with the No. 23 overall pick. As of now in the 2025 season he has 24 receptions for 286 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per catch, and 0 touchdowns.
- The Philadelphia Eagles selected Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama) with the No. 31 overall pick. In the 2025 season thus far he has recorded 52 total tackles (29 solo), 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
As we head toward the end of what has been an exciting NFL season, it’ll be fun to revisit these predictions one more time and see how everything turned out. We also hope all of our customers and listeners are enjoying the season just as much as we are.
We’ll be back in 2026 with more episodes of The WMS Pioneers, continuing to share our deep expertise and industry insights with our listeners.
Listen to the full episode today and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or other popular podcast channels.
