As every year, December is the “hottest month” in the NFL, and now is no exception, when a few weeks before the end of the regular season, the scenarios for the playoffs are varied and with many positions still to be defined.
In both conferences, every victory – and every stumble – weighs more than ever. While some franchises are looking to secure their ticket to Super Bowl LX, others are clinging to their last chances to stay alive in the postseason race
This is what the 2025-26 NFL Playoff Picture looks like, with the bracket, standings and key scenarios in the AFC and NFC heading into the end of the season.
What is the outlook for the AFC?
Divisional Leaders
1. Denver Broncos (14-3, AFC West)**
2. New England Patriots (14-3, AFC East)**
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4, AFC South)**
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, AFC North)**
Wild Cards
5. Houston Texans (12-5)*
6. Buffalo Bills (12-5)*
7. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)*
Eliminated
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
9. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
10. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
12. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
13. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
14. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
15. New York Jets (3-14)
16. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
*Secured postseason
**Secured divisional
What is the outlook in the NFC?
Divisional Leaders
1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3, NFC East)**
2. Chicago Bears (11-6, NFC North)**
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6, NFC East)**
4. Carolina Panthers (8-9, NFC South)**
Wild Cards
5. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)*
6. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)*
7. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)*
Eliminated
8. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
9. Detroit Lions (9-8)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
11. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
13. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
14. Washington Commanders (5-12)
15. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
16. New York Giants (3-14)
*Secured postseason
**Secured divisional title
NFL Playoffs Bracket 2025-26: This is what the road to Super Bowl LX looks like
AFC
- 1. Denver Broncos advance directly to Divisional Round
- 7. Los Angeles Chargers vs. 2. New England Patriots
- 6. Buffalo Bills vs 3. Jacksonville Jaguars
- 5. Houston Texans vs 4. Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC
- 1. Seattle Seahawks advance directly to Divisional Round
- 7. Green Bay Packers vs. 2. Chicago Bears
- 6. San Francisco 49ers vs 3. Philadelphia Eagles
- 5. Los Angeles Rams vs 4. Carolina Panthers
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