2025 NFL Playoff Picture: Check AFC & NFC Seeds, Bracket & Wild-Card Scenarios!

The 2025 NFL season has reached its crucial final stretch, with only five weeks of regular-season action remaining. Week 14 delivered a mix of surprises, high-stakes wins, and playoff implications, shaking up both the AFC and NFC playoff landscapes. Let us read and gauge the current picture, key matchups, and what it all means for seeding and teams on the bubble.

AFC Playoff Standings and Implications

With margins razor-thin, every matchup as per the AFC playoff picture influences seeding, tiebreakers, and home-field stakes. The race for the No. 1 seed remains fierce, and offers the crucial first-round bye and a smoother path to the conference title. 

1. Denver Broncos (11-2)

Remaining: vs. Packers
Denver remains atop the AFC, buoyed by Bo Nix’s late-game poise and a stellar defence. The Broncos’ remaining contests against the Chiefs and Chargers will likely determine the AFC West champion.

2. New England Patriots (11-2)

Remaining: vs. Bills
The Patriots are in strong shape for the AFC East crown. Two of their final four games are against teams with losing records, making New England favourites for a first-round bye.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)

Remaining: vs. Jets
After winning three of their last four games, the Jaguars’ lighter late-season schedule could propel them into a playoff spot with confidence.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)

Remaining: vs. Dolphins
The AFC North is tight. The Steelers have been inconsistent, but late-season wins could still push them into contention.

5. Buffalo Bills (9-4)

Remaining: @ Patriots
Josh Allen continues to be a game-changer. Buffalo’s path to a wild-card berth is feasible if they win two or three of their remaining five games.

6. L.A. Chargers (8-4)

Remaining: vs. Eagles
The Chargers face a tough closing schedule, including matchups against the league’s top defences, putting their playoff hopes at risk.

7. Houston Texans (8-5)

Remaining: vs. Cardinals
Led by a top-ranked defence, the Texans remain alive in the AFC South and could secure a wild-card berth with a strong finish.

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)

Remaining: @ Seahawks
Daniel Jones and the Colts must improve efficiency against tough defences to maintain playoff viability.

NFC Playoff Standings and Implications

The NFC playoff race is tightening as top contenders battle for seeding and home-field advantage. Teams in the hunt are pushing to secure Wild Card spots, while the conference leaders aim to lock in the coveted No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. As the standings shift week by week, the margin for error grows slimmer.

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)

Remaining: at Cardinals
Matthew Stafford and a potent offence have the Rams in position for a first-round bye, despite recent defensive lapses.

2. Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)

Remaining: vs. Bears
The NFC North remains competitive. The Packers hold a slight edge and could secure top seeding with key divisional wins.

3. Chicago Bears (9-4)

Remaining: @ Packers
The Bears’ upset of the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles proves they’re legitimate NFC contenders.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)

Remaining: at Chargers
The reigning champions are struggling, with defence showing signs of fatigue and inconsistent offensive output.

5. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

Remaining: vs. Buccaneers
Seattle remains in the NFC West hunt thanks to a physical defence and Sam Darnold’s consistency.

Also Read: NFL Week 14 Schedule (Dec 3–9) 2025: Check How to Watch, TV Channels, Times & Predictions!

6. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

Remaining: vs. Seahawks
Brock Purdy’s health and the defence’s confidence will be key for the 49ers’ playoff push.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

Remaining: vs. Panthers
The Bucs remain in the NFC South race, but late-season upsets could determine the division winner.

Key Notes & Scenarios

• Denver holds the top seed in the AFC based on conference record over New England.

• Houston edges Indianapolis in the AFC South on head-to-head results.

• Baltimore leads Kansas City and Miami for wild-card positioning due to conference record.

• The playoff bracket isn’t strictly fixed; top seeds face the lowest-seeded Wild Card survivors.

• Divisional matchups have home-field advantage for higher seeds.

You may also like to read: List of Top 10 NFL Coaches of All Time 2026: Check Wins, Super Bowls & Legacy!

Therefore, as the NFL regular season nears its conclusion, every win and loss could reshape the playoff picture. From late-season surprises to divisional showdowns, fans should stay tuned for an exciting sprint to the postseason.