2025 NFL Playoff Picture: Tight Races and Surprise Contenders After Week 13

The race for the NFL playoffs has entered its critical final phase. After Week 13, the postseason picture remains fiercely contested. With just five games left for each team, every result carries immense weight. The battle for division titles and wild card spots is wide open.

According to CBS Sports, the landscape features familiar contenders and surprising new leaders. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots currently lead the AFC. The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are atop the NFC. The final stretch will decide who advances to the tournament in January.

AFC Standings and the Wild Card Scramble

The Denver Broncos hold the AFC’s best record at 10-2. Their nine-game winning streak has been the story of the season. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has provided exceptional leadership. Their remaining schedule includes pivotal games against the Chiefs and Chargers.

The New England Patriots are also 10-2, leading the AFC East. Coach Mike Vrabel has revitalized the franchise. Quarterback Drake Maye is in the MVP conversation. Their path to a division title looks promising with a favorable schedule ahead.

The wild card race is incredibly crowded. The Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills are all tied at 8-4. Each faces a tough road to secure a playoff berth. The Houston Texans, at 7-5, remain in the hunt with the league’s top defense.

NFC Contenders Face Down-to-the-Wire Battles

In the NFC, the Chicago Bears sit at 9-3 after a huge win over Philadelphia. They have silenced doubters with a physical, complete team performance. Their final games include two crucial matchups against the rival Green Bay Packers.

The Los Angeles Rams are also 9-3 but coming off a surprising loss. Matthew Stafford is playing at an elite level again. The Seattle Seahawks match their 9-3 record thanks to a dominant defense.

The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles are 8-4 and dealing with injuries. The Green Bay Packers, at 8-3-1, are very much in the division race. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are among several teams fighting for the final spots.

Schedules Will Decide the Final Playoff Field

The remaining games will create heroes and end dreams. Denver faces the Raiders, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, and Chargers. New England plays the Giants, Bills, Ravens, Jets, and Dolphins. These matchups are essentially playoff games starting now.

In the NFC, the Bears play the Packers twice, along with the Browns, 49ers, and Lions. The Rams have two games against the Cardinals, plus the Lions, Seahawks, and Falcons. Every result will cause significant shifts in the standings.

Teams on the bubble must win immediately. The Bills, Colts, and Chargers cannot afford another loss. The same is true for the Lions and Cowboys in the NFC. The pressure is immense for every player and coach.

The 2025 NFL playoff picture promises a dramatic conclusion. Expect surprises, heartbreak, and clutch performances as the regular season winds down. The final bracket will be earned on the field through relentless competition.

Thought you’d like to know

Which teams currently lead the AFC playoff race?

The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots both lead the AFC with 10-2 records. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens currently lead their respective divisions as well. The wild card spots are held by the Chargers, Colts, and Bills.

Who are the top contenders in the NFC?

The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are the top seeds in the NFC at 9-3. The Seattle Seahawks also hold a 9-3 record. The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers are close behind in the standings.

Which teams are still in the wild card hunt?

In the AFC, the Texans, Steelers, and Chiefs are all within striking distance. In the NFC, the Lions, Cowboys, and Panthers are fighting for the final playoff positions. Every game is critical for these teams.

What are the most important remaining games?

Key matchups include Broncos vs. Chiefs, the Bears’ two games against the Packers, and Patriots vs. Bills. Divisional games will have the biggest impact on the final standings. These contests will likely decide who makes the postseason.