The year 2025 in the National Football League has decisively moved into its concluding phase. As we progress further into the thirteenth week, following the Thanksgiving Day games and an unexpected result on Black Friday, only five regular-season weeks are left on the schedule before the playoffs begin. Although the postseason lineup isn’t set, it’s beginning to materialize, particularly concerning the top seed positions, influenced by recent matchups.
The current group of contenders includes some surprise teams, notably the Denver Broncos, who emerged victorious in a captivating “Sunday Night Football” game for their ninth consecutive victory; the Chicago Bears, who dominated the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles the day after Thanksgiving; and the Seattle Seahawks, whose offense has thrived under the leadership of Sam Darnold at quarterback.
Considering the close of Week 13, where do all the playoff hopefuls stand? If the season were to end today, which teams would secure a playoff berth? And which teams still have an opportunity to enter the playoff race as the season winds down? Presented below is an updated analysis of the entire playoff landscape, including the remaining schedules for the primary contenders:
Complete playoff picture
The following is the current NFL playoff alignment, indicating which teams are in line for postseason participation:
AFC standings
- Denver Broncos (10-2)
- New England Patriots (10-2)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
- Buffalo Bills (8-4)
1. Denver Broncos (10-2)
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
Denver benefits from Bo Nix’s calm performance in crucial moments and a strong defense coordinated by Vance Joseph. The games against the Chiefs and Chargers in the season’s final weeks will likely determine whether the Broncos can prevent Kansas City from achieving its tenth straight division title. However, this team is almost guaranteed a spot in the January playoffs.
2. New England Patriots (10-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins
Drake Maye continues his MVP-level performance as a key player in Mike Vrabel’s team, and the remaining schedule gives them a good chance at winning their first AFC East title since Tom Brady’s last season with the team in 2019. Three of the Patriots’ final five opponents have losing records, and three of these games are against divisional rivals.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, at Colts, vs. Titans
The Jaguars have been inconsistent for most of the year but have now won three of their last four games, easily defeating the Titans on Sunday. Their relatively easy schedule to finish the season could send Liam Coen’s team into the playoffs with confidence.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
The Ravens moved into the lead in the AFC North after the Steelers lost to the Bills. Despite their talent, they’ve been making many mistakes, with Lamar Jackson struggling and John Harbaugh’s team losing possession frequently on Thanksgiving. The division title may be decided in a Week 18 game in Pittsburgh.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
Among the current wild card contenders, the Chargers are potentially in the greatest danger of losing their spot, despite a convincing win over the Raiders in Week 13. As the season progresses, the Bolts will face some of the NFL’s top defenses while struggling to protect Justin Herbert due to a weakened offensive line.
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
Can Daniel Jones recapture the effectiveness he showed earlier in the year that made him a surprise standout? He’ll need to against some tough defenses as the season ends, with most of Indianapolis’ remaining opponents having defenses that rank in the top 10 for fewest points allowed. Thus, the Colts are likely to continue falling in the standings.
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
Josh Allen is still capable of exceptional plays, as seen in Buffalo’s Week 11 win against Tampa Bay. However, Sean McDermott’s defense has been more inconsistent. While overtaking New England in the AFC East might be difficult, the Bills have a reasonable chance of securing a wild card spot if they can win two or three of their last five games.
In the hunt
The Texans (7-5) are still in contention in the South, with DeMeco Ryans’ defense ranked as the NFL’s best. The Steelers (6-6) remain a factor in the AFC North race despite losing five of their last seven games. The Chiefs (6-6) rediscovered their late-game ability against the Colts in Week 12, but Patrick Mahomes’ late heroics weren’t enough to overcome the team’s larger offensive problems on Thanksgiving.
NFC standings
- Chicago Bears (9-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
- Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
- Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
1. Chicago Bears (9-3)
Remaining schedule: at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions
The Bears, previously seen as more gritty than outstanding, are proving their status as contenders by defeating the Super Bowl champion Eagles convincingly. Their upcoming challenge will be holding off the Packers, their NFC North rivals.
2. Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
Remaining schedule: at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
Matthew Stafford is throwing with as much, if not more, confidence than in his debut season with the Rams when they won the title. However, the typically strong defense was absent in a Week 13 loss to the Panthers. Los Angeles should still be positioned to take advantage of weaker teams like Arizona and Atlanta in the future.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders
The reigning Super Bowl champions are struggling late in the season, having lost their last two games to the Cowboys and Bears. Vic Fangio’s tough defense appears to be wearing down, while the high-powered offense isn’t creating its usual advantage at the line of scrimmage.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers
Each year, the Buccaneers find a way to compete in the NFC South, regardless of the health of those around Baker Mayfield. Their remaining schedule suggests that a fifth consecutive division title is achievable, although their Week 12 loss to the Rams showed they may not be ready to compete with the top teams.
5. Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers
Despite losing to the Rams in Week 11, Seattle is likely to remain competitive for the NFC West title, thanks to Mike Macdonald’s strong defense. This defense was on full display in a Week 13 shutout victory over the Vikings.
6. Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
Matt LaFleur’s offense has been more inconsistent than usual this year, but the NFC North is still within reach, with three divisional matchups still to come. Also, the Packers performed well on Thanksgiving, led by Jordan Love and Micah Parsons, which could make them a surprisingly dangerous contender.
7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks
Brock Purdy has had mixed performances since returning from an injury. Nevertheless, the 49ers have been competitive throughout the year, and their defense is expected to gain confidence from upcoming matchups after strong performances against Carolina and Cleveland, including Sunday’s win over the Browns.
In the hunt
The Lions (7-5) are not as dominant as they were at this point last year, with Dan Campbell’s aggressive fourth-down decisions not always paying off, but their young, talented players should keep them competitive until the end. The Cowboys (6-5-1) are still working on their defense, but Dak Prescott is playing exceptionally well at quarterback, connecting effectively with George Pickens. The Panthers (7-6) remain in the thick of the NFC South race with Sunday’s upset win over the Rams. They are just a half game back of the Bucs, who they face two times down the stretch.
