With the NFL inching closer to the midpoint of the 2025 campaign, the postseason aspirations of many teams are beginning to intensify. The Week 8 schedule featured several critical matchups with significant implications for the playoff picture.
The New York Jets’ surprising victory likely diminished the Cincinnati Bengals’ chances in the AFC North. The Dallas Cowboys experienced a setback in their playoff pursuit with a loss to the Denver Broncos, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear poised to secure their fifth consecutive NFC South title.
The Indianapolis Colts currently boast the league’s best record and hold the top spot in the AFC, while the Green Bay Packers solidified their No. 1 position in the NFC with a noteworthy win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. The Kansas City Chiefs are also in contention for a playoff berth after defeating the Washington Commanders on Monday night.
The following is an analysis of the seven teams presently in playoff contention following Week 8. Along with these teams, a review of their upcoming games and an assessment of their playoff prospects is included, in addition to identifying potential contenders for a playoff spot.
AFC playoff picture
1. Indianapolis Colts (7-1)
The Colts possess a two-game advantage in the loss column in the AFC South standings, placing them in a favorable position to win the division. Indianapolis is not only expected to secure a playoff berth in January, but they also have the potential to contend for home-field advantage. They have also secured wins over the Broncos, Rams and Chargers — all teams with winning records.
2. New England Patriots (6-2)
The Patriots maintain their lead over the Bills in the AFC East due to the head-to-head tiebreaker and have capitalized on a manageable schedule, including Sunday’s victory over the Browns. New England is expected to challenge Buffalo for the division title, with a relatively easy schedule leading up to their bye week. At a minimum, the Patriots are a strong contender for a wild card spot based on their current performance.
3. Denver Broncos (6-2)
- Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Raiders, vs. Chiefs, Bye, at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
A convincing win over the Cowboys cements the Broncos’ status as contenders in the AFC West, ensuring they will remain competitive throughout the year. The schedule eases somewhat in the coming month, but the Broncos still face two games against the Chiefs. Denver is strengthening their case for a return to the playoffs.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Chargers, vs. Bengals, at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens
The Steelers are in danger of losing ground in the AFC North after consecutive losses, while the Bengals’ loss to the Jets offered some relief. The schedule intensifies considerably, with two games against the Ravens. Pittsburgh holds a two-game lead in the loss column in the division, underscoring the relative weakness of the AFC North.
5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, at Dolphins, vs. Buccaneers, at Texans, at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
The Bills regained momentum with a decisive victory over the Panthers on Sunday, keeping pace with the Patriots in the AFC East. A Week 9 win against the Chiefs would significantly boost the Bills’ season, as the game carries major playoff implications for both teams.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3)
- Remaining schedule: at Titans, vs. Steelers, at Jaguars, Bye, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
The Chargers secured a dominant win over the Vikings on Thursday, demonstrating their continued presence in the AFC West race. Wins over the Chiefs and Broncos provide a boost to the Chargers’ divisional aspirations and serve as potential tiebreakers. Los Angeles has an opportunity to make a significant push in November with two AFC South opponents on the schedule.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
- Remaining schedule: at Bills, Bye, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, vs. Chargers, at Titans, vs. Broncos, at Raiders
A victory over the Commanders on Monday night allowed the Chiefs to surpass the Jaguars (4-3) for the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Kansas City is one game behind in the AFC West, having previously lost to Los Angeles. The Chiefs have won five of their last six games and appear destined to make another Super Bowl bid.
Who’s in and who’s out?
The Chiefs (5-3) seem poised to secure a playoff berth, while Los Angeles and Denver also deserve recognition for maintaining their positions and winning this week. It appears likely that three AFC West teams will make the playoffs.
The Patriots and Bills are still vying for the AFC East title, and both teams are expected to reach the playoffs. The Ravens (2-5) earned a crucial win over the Bears to remain in contention in the AFC North, particularly with the Steelers’ loss to the Packers in Week 8. The Steelers maintain a significant lead in the division, but the Ravens are regaining Lamar Jackson, and Pittsburgh must face Baltimore twice. The Bengals (3-5) suffered a major blow to their divisional chances with their loss to the Jets.
The Colts are in control of the AFC South, but the Texans (3-4) are lurking as a potential playoff contender as the No. 9 seed. Jacksonville (4-3) still has a chance to secure a wild card spot. A playoff spot is up for grabs in the AFC, but it seems the AFC West will send three teams to the postseason. Houston would likely need to win the AFC South to qualify, with Denver and Los Angeles on their upcoming schedule (Broncos next week).
Here are the preliminary predictions for the AFC playoff teams through the Sunday slate of games in Week 8:
- Colts (AFC North)
- Chiefs (AFC West)
- Bills (AFC East)
- Steelers (AFC North)
- Patriots (wild card)
- Broncos (wild card)
- Chargers (wild card)
NFC playoff picture
| 1 |
Packers |
5 |
1 |
1 |
.786 |
| 2 | Eagles | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 3 | Buccaneers | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 |
| 4 |
Seahawks |
5 |
2 |
0 |
.714 |
| 5 | Lions | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 6 | Rams | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 |
| 7 | 49ers | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 |
1. Green Bay Packers (5-1-1)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, vs. Eagles, at Giants, vs. Vikings, at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
The Packers handled the Steelers in a contest between division leaders, maintaining their hold on the No. 1 seed. With the Eagles remaining competitive in the NFC, the Week 10 matchup could decide the top seed in the conference. Green Bay has a relatively favorable schedule following Philadelphia.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)
- Remaining schedule: Bye, at Packers, vs. Lions, at Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders
The Eagles enter their bye week with a two-game lead over the Cowboys in the loss column, aided by a head-to-head victory. They control the NFC East, but the Week 10 game against the Packers and the Week 11 showdown with the Lions are critical for home-field advantage.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
- Remaining schedule: Bye, vs. Patriots, at Bills, at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers
The Buccaneers are in command of the NFC South, extending their lead as all other teams in the division lost in Week 8. A loss to the Eagles diminishes their chances for home-field advantage, but the Buccaneers have an easier schedule following consecutive games against the Patriots and Bills.
4. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
- Remaining schedule: at Commanders, vs. Cardinals, at Rams, at Titans, vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers
The Seahawks had their bye week and took over the division lead as the 49ers lost to the Texans. Two games against the Rams and a rematch with the 49ers will be exciting, as the NFC West is a challenging division. It’s possible that three teams from the NFC West will make the playoffs.
5. Detroit Lions (5-2)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings, at Commanders, at Eagles, vs. Giants, vs. Packers, vs. Cowboys, at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears
The Lions remain the No. 5 seed, with the Packers winning during their bye week. Detroit has losses to Green Bay and Kansas City, but the Lions are among the most talented teams in the NFL. Their schedule, once perceived as difficult, has become somewhat less daunting.
6. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
- Remaining schedule: vs. Saints, at 49ers, vs. Seahawks, vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
A demanding schedule in November could decide the NFC West, but the Rams are firmly in the mix for the division title. Los Angeles holds the No. 6 seed as they were idle this week. The Rams are likely to secure a wild card spot (at a minimum) if Matthew Stafford remains healthy, making Los Angeles a Super Bowl contender in the NFC.
7. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)
- Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Rams, at Cardinals, vs. Panthers, at Browns, Bye, vs. Titans, at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries, potentially contributing to their Week 8 loss to the Texans. San Francisco relinquished the NFC West lead and dropped to third in the division. The schedule remains favorable, and the 49ers are already 3-0 in the NFC West. They are still a playoff contender, as no team outside the playoff picture has emerged as a clear contender.
Who’s in and who’s out?
The Packers continue to control the NFC North, but Detroit remains within striking distance. The division outcome may be decided by Thanksgiving, when Detroit and Green Bay meet in a rematch. Both teams are expected to make the playoffs regardless. Chicago (4-3) is also in contention for a playoff spot, currently holding the No. 8 seed (half a game out of the playoffs).
The Buccaneers have a firm grip on the NFC South. They are predicted to win the division.
The Eagles are in command of the NFC East, but face challenging games against the Packers and Lions following their bye week. A split in those games would be significant for Philadelphia. The Commanders (3-5) and Cowboys (3-4-1) continue to lose ground in their pursuit of a wild card spot in a competitive NFC.
The NFC West is strong, with two teams (Seahawks, Rams) at 5-2 after eight weeks. The 49ers are close behind at 5-3, currently occupying the final playoff spot. The NFC North and NFC West could impact each other in the playoff race, as their matchups could lead to some playoff seed adjustments. Despite the Bears’ loss this week, they should not be discounted.
The seven teams currently in playoff positions? They may very well be the seven teams to qualify in January, but Chicago is aiming to disrupt the status quo.
Here are the early predictions for the NFC playoff teams through the Sunday games in Week 8:
- Eagles (NFC East)
- Lions (NFC North)
- Buccaneers (NFC South)
- Rams (NFC West)
- Packers (wild card)
- 49ers (wild card)
- Seahawks (wild card)
