Quick Read
- Denver Broncos and New England Patriots both lead the AFC at 10-2, with division titles within reach.
- Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams top the NFC after Week 13, while the Eagles and Packers remain in contention.
- Wild card races are wide open in both conferences, with teams like the Chargers, Colts, Bills, Lions, Cowboys, and Panthers still fighting for spots.
- Remaining schedules and divisional matchups are set to determine playoff seeding and wild card berths.
- Surprise teams (Broncos, Bears, Seahawks) have shifted the playoff landscape, making every remaining game crucial.
2025 NFL Playoff Picture: Five Weeks to Go, and the Race Is Fierce
The NFL’s regular season is entering its final stretch, and if Week 13 proved anything, it’s that the postseason field is anything but settled. After Thanksgiving’s dramatic tripleheader and a Black Friday upset, only five games remain for each team. Every snap, every drive, every late-game gamble now has playoff implications. So, who’s in, who’s out, and who’s still clinging to hope? Let’s break down the latest playoff picture as reported by CBSSports.
AFC: Broncos and Patriots Lead, But Wild Card Chaos Looms
The Denver Broncos (10-2) have emerged as a surprise powerhouse, riding a nine-game win streak and Bo Nix’s poised leadership. With matchups against the Chiefs and Chargers still ahead, Denver’s quest to unseat Kansas City atop the AFC West may come down to the wire. The New England Patriots (10-2) aren’t far behind, rejuvenated under Mike Vrabel and MVP-caliber play from Drake Maye. Their remaining schedule includes three games against teams with losing records, positioning them for their first division crown since the Tom Brady era.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) have steadied their season and now enjoy a favorable schedule, while the Baltimore Ravens (6-6) lead a muddled AFC North despite recent struggles. The Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills all sit at 8-4, each facing tough matchups in the season’s final weeks. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, have a shot at the wild card if they can secure a few key wins.
Just outside the playoff bracket, the Houston Texans (7-5) remain dangerous thanks to their league-best defense, while the Steelers and Chiefs (both 6-6) are fighting to keep their seasons alive. The Chiefs, typically dominant in late-season games, have shown signs of vulnerability—raising a crucial question: Can Patrick Mahomes rally his team for another playoff run?
NFC: Bears and Rams Surging, Packers and Seahawks in the Mix
In the NFC, the Chicago Bears (9-3) have silenced critics with a statement win over the defending champion Eagles, showing they might be more than just scrappy underdogs. Their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), remain in contention, bolstered by Jordan Love’s dynamic play and a Thanksgiving showcase that put the NFC North within reach.
The Los Angeles Rams (9-3) have rediscovered their swagger with Matthew Stafford at the helm, though a recent loss to the Panthers exposed defensive cracks. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-4), still reigning Super Bowl champs, are stumbling late in the year as injuries and fatigue mount. Tampa Bay (7-5) and Seattle (9-3) round out the top contenders, with the Seahawks’ physical defense setting the tone in a shutout win over Minnesota.
San Francisco (9-4) is holding steady despite Brock Purdy’s uneven performances, and the Detroit Lions (7-5) are hoping their young stars can keep them in the hunt. The Cowboys (6-5-1) and Panthers (7-6) remain relevant, especially with the Panthers coming off a morale-boosting upset of the Rams.
Who’s On the Bubble? Five Weeks of High Stakes
With the playoff field tightening, the distinction between “in” and “in the hunt” grows sharper. The Colts, Chargers, and Bills must navigate defensive gauntlets, while the Steelers and Chiefs are desperately seeking momentum. In the NFC, the Lions and Cowboys could shake up the standings with just one or two clutch wins. The Panthers, a half-game behind the Bucs and facing them twice, have a real shot to rewrite their season narrative.
Every remaining game is now a playoff audition. Teams like the Jaguars and Seahawks have the advantage of a softer schedule, but even one upset can derail postseason plans. The Packers, with three divisional games left, could see their fate swing wildly week to week. And as always, injuries, weather, and coaching gambles will play outsized roles in shaping the final bracket.
Key Remaining Schedules: What to Watch
- Broncos: Raiders, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Chargers
- Patriots: Giants, Bills, Ravens, Jets, Dolphins
- Bears: Packers (twice), Browns, 49ers, Lions
- Rams: Cardinals (twice), Lions, Seahawks, Falcons
- Eagles: Chargers, Raiders, Commanders (twice), Bills
- Packers: Bears (twice), Broncos, Ravens, Vikings
- Seahawks: Falcons, Colts, Rams, Panthers, 49ers
These matchups will likely decide divisional titles and wild card berths. For fans, every weekend from now until January feels like the playoffs have already begun.
The Human Drama Behind the Numbers
Beneath the statistics and standings lies a more compelling story. For the Broncos, it’s redemption after years of mediocrity. For the Bears, it’s the payoff of believing in a young core. The Patriots are writing a new chapter post-Brady, and the Jaguars may finally be shaking off the “undisciplined” label. Meanwhile, the Chiefs—so often the postseason darlings—face existential questions about their offense, and the Eagles must rediscover their championship edge.
Each team’s journey is marked by its own setbacks and comebacks. As the pressure mounts, veteran leadership, rookie bravado, and coaching strategy converge. Every fumble, interception, and fourth-down gamble will be scrutinized—not just for what it means today, but for what it signals about January’s battles.
The 2025 NFL playoff picture is as unpredictable as ever, with old dynasties challenged and new contenders rising. If the next five weeks mirror the drama of Week 13, fans are in for a wild ride—and no spot is truly safe until the final whistle. The heart of this season is not just who survives, but how they fight for every inch.