The NFL playoff landscape for the 2024-25 season is beginning to take shape following the Seattle Seahawks’ narrow victory against the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks’ 6-3 win did not dramatically alter the playoff standings, yet it added intrigue to the upcoming weekend’s games.
In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs sit at the top with a remarkable 15-1 record. Their strong performance has secured them a playoff spot, as well as home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Buffalo Bills follow closely with a 12-3 record, while the Baltimore Ravens have solidified a playoff berth with their 11-5 standing. The Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers round out the playoff field, holding 9-7 and 10-6 records respectively.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos are also in contention, each posting a 9-6 record. The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals, all with 7-8 records, still have faint playoff hopes. However, the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots have been eliminated from playoff contention.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings lead the way, each with impressive 13-2 records. The Philadelphia Eagles are in hot pursuit at 12-3. The Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and Green Bay Packers also hold playoff positions. The Washington Commanders have a potential chance, as do the Seattle Seahawks, but the latter team faces a challenging road to the postseason.
The key matchups on the horizon will heavily factor into the playoff scenarios. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC, while Baltimore’s recent win has positioned them atop the AFC North. As for the Seahawks, they remain in the mix for the NFC West title depending on the outcomes of their remaining games.
The Eagles need one more win or a loss by the Commanders to secure the NFC East title. The Cowboys, missing key personnel, face an uphill battle against the Eagles. Meanwhile, the matchup between the Vikings and Packers looms large, as it could determine playoff positioning and the NFC North title.
In terms of the Bengals, they cling to slim playoff hopes in the AFC, needing to win out and rely on other teams to lose. Their upcoming games against the Broncos and Steelers are critical to their survival.
With only a few games left in the regular season, the stakes are rising. Teams are jockeying for position as the playoff picture comes into focus, making this weekend’s matchups pivotal for franchises striving for a late-season push.
