The National Football League enters the final stretch of its 2025 regular season with high-stakes drama unfolding across stadiums nationwide. Early clinches by powerhouse teams signal the start of an exhilarating postseason push, where every game could reshape the path to glory. In a season marked by surprising turnarounds and devastating setbacks, the playoff picture offers a mix of established favorites and underdog stories, all converging on the ultimate prize at Levi’s Stadium.
AFC Standings and Key Contenders
The American Football Conference presents a competitive hierarchy, led by teams demonstrating consistency and resilience. The Denver Broncos hold the top spot with a commanding 12-2 record, having already locked in a playoff berth and positioning themselves for potential home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Their dominance in the AFC West underscores a balanced offense and stout defense that has overwhelmed opponents.
Following closely, the New England Patriots sit at 11-3, commanding the AFC East with a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent. The Jacksonville Jaguars, at 10-4, lead the AFC South and boast a 96 percent playoff probability, reflecting their steady performance. The Pittsburgh Steelers round out the division leaders at 8-6 in the AFC North, though their grip remains tenuous amid a crowded field.
Wild-card positions add layers of intrigue. The Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills both stand at 10-4, occupying the fifth and sixth seeds, while the Houston Texans at 9-5 hold the seventh. Teams on the bubble, such as the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and Baltimore Ravens (7-7), face must-win situations to stay alive.
Seed
Team
Record
Division Position
1
Denver Broncos
12-2
1st AFC West (Clinched)
2
New England Patriots
11-3
1st AFC East
3
Jacksonville Jaguars
10-4
1st AFC South
4
Pittsburgh Steelers
8-6
1st AFC North
5
Los Angeles Chargers
10-4
2nd AFC West (Wild Card)
6
Buffalo Bills
10-4
2nd AFC East (Wild Card)
7
Houston Texans
9-5
2nd AFC South (Wild Card)
Several squads have bowed out, including the Kansas City Chiefs, whose campaign ended abruptly following quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending ACL tear. Mahomes underwent successful surgery to repair the injury, with recovery expected to span about nine months, sidelining him through offseason activities. This setback not only eliminated the Chiefs but also shifted dynamics in the AFC West, allowing the Broncos and Chargers to pull ahead.
NFC Standings and Rising Powers
Over in the National Football Conference, the Seattle Seahawks anchor the top with a 12-3 record, clinching a playoff spot after a thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Their NFC West lead highlights a resilient unit capable of comebacks under pressure.
The Chicago Bears have surged to 11-4, taking control of the NFC North following a dramatic overtime win against the Green Bay Packers, who now sit at 9-5-1. This turnaround from last season’s 5-12 mark gives the Bears a 97 percent chance of postseason entry and positions them as serious threats.
The Philadelphia Eagles, at 9-5, have clinched the NFC East for the second straight year, eliminating the Dallas Cowboys from contention in the process. As defending Super Bowl champions, the Eagles continue to build on their 40-22 triumph over the Chiefs last February, with quarterback Jalen Hurts delivering clutch performances despite modest passing stats in several wins.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead the NFC South at 7-7, while wild-card spots belong to the Rams (11-4), San Francisco 49ers (10-4), and Packers (9-5-1). Fringe teams like the Detroit Lions (8-6) and Carolina Panthers (7-7) remain in the mix, but the Cowboys’ elimination marks their second consecutive year missing the playoffs after three straight appearances from 2021 to 2023.
Seed
Team
Record
Division Position
1
Seattle Seahawks
12-3
1st NFC West (Clinched)
2
Chicago Bears
11-4
1st NFC North
3
Philadelphia Eagles
9-5
1st NFC East (Clinched)
4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7-7
1st NFC South
5
Los Angeles Rams
11-4
2nd NFC West (Wild Card, Clinched)
6
San Francisco 49ers
10-4
3rd NFC West (Wild Card)
7
Green Bay Packers
9-5-1
2nd NFC North (Wild Card)
Week 16 Clinching Scenarios and Pivotal Matchups
Week 16 has already delivered fireworks, with the Eagles’ division clinch and Bears’ statement victory. Remaining games hold the keys to more berths. For instance, the Bills can secure a spot with a win over the Cleveland Browns coupled with losses by the Texans or Colts. The Broncos eye the AFC West title and top seed with a victory against the Jaguars, provided the Chargers fall to the Cowboys.
In the NFC, the Bears can clinch with a Lions loss to the Steelers, while the 49ers need a win over the Colts to punch their ticket. These scenarios underscore the razor-thin margins defining the race, where injuries and pre-game tensions—like the Broncos-Packers skirmish—add unpredictability.
Playoff Schedule and Road to Super Bowl LX
The postseason kicks off January 10-13 with the Wild Card round, featuring six games across three days. Divisional action follows on January 17-18, leading to the Conference Championships on January 25. The culmination arrives February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marking the venue’s second Super Bowl hosting after 2016.
This historic Super Bowl LX pits the AFC and NFC champions in a matchup anticipated to draw global attention. Pregame entertainment includes Charlie Puth performing the national anthem, alongside Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones. The halftime show features Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, promising a high-energy spectacle following Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking performance last year.
As the regular season winds down, the 2025 NFL playoffs promise unforgettable moments. Teams like the Broncos and Seahawks have set the bar, but upsets loom large in a league where perseverance often trumps prediction. With legacies on the line, the journey to Santa Clara captures the essence of professional football’s enduring appeal.
