The 2025 NFL season has officially reached its home stretch. As we march further into Week 13 after Thanksgiving’s tripleheader and a Black Friday upset, only five full weeks of regular-season action remain until the start of the playoffs. The postseason picture is far from finalized, but it’s really taking shape - including in the fight for top seeding - thanks to late-year contests.
The current field features a collection of unexpected heavyweights, including the Denver Broncos, who survived a thriller on “Sunday Night Football” for their ninth straight win; the Chicago Bears, who overpowered the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles a day after Thanksgiving; and the Seattle Seahawks, who’ve enjoyed top-level production from Sam Darnold under center.
Where do all the playoff contenders stand as Week 13 winds down? Which teams would be in the postseason if the schedule were paused today? Below is the latest rundown of the playoff picture, featuring remaining schedules for key contenders.
Complete playoff picture
This is the NFL playoff picture as it stands, with the following teams penciled in for postseason spots:
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (10-2)
- New England Patriots (10-2)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
- Buffalo Bills (8-4)
1. Denver Broncos (10-2)
Remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
Analysis: Denver is buoyed by Bo Nix’s late-game composure and a stellar defense led by Vance Joseph. Their upcoming rival matches with the Chiefs and Chargers will likely determine whether the Broncos can claim Kansas City’s 10th straight division title. However, they look like locks to play in January.
2. New England Patriots (10-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins
Drake Maye is on an MVP-caliber trajectory with Mike Vrabel’s lineup, and the remaining schedule favors the Patriots in their pursuit of the AFC East title after Tom Brady’s departure in 2019. Three of the Patriots’ last five opponents have losing records.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, at Colts, vs. Titans
The Jaguars are coming off three wins in their last four, with an easier schedule ahead.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4)
Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
In the Hunt
The Texans (7-5) are still in the South race, led by a top-notch defense. The Steelers and Chiefs remain viable contenders despite recent struggles, which will come down to the last matchups in December.
NFC Standings
- Chicago Bears (9-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
- Seattle Seahawks (9-3)
- Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
In the Hunt
The Lions (7-5) are prone to surprises, and their division rivalry will keep them contending until the end of the regular season.
