With just four weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season, the playoff race is officially in overdrive. Nine teams have already been mathematically eliminated - more than a quarter of the league - which means the rest are fighting for every inch of playoff ground.
But here’s the twist: not a single one of the remaining 23 teams has clinched a postseason spot yet. That’s right - zero clinched, all chaos.
What we’re seeing right now is one of the most tightly packed playoff pictures in recent memory. Five division races are separated by a single game, and both conferences are loaded with contenders still jockeying for position. The margins are razor-thin, and every snap from here on out could swing a team’s season.
AFC North and NFC North: Divisions on Fire
Let’s start with the AFC South, which has turned into a three-horse race. The Jaguars sit at 9-4, but the Texans and Colts are right on their heels at 8-5.
Not only is the division title up for grabs, but all three teams are squarely in the hunt for wild-card spots, too. Every divisional matchup down the stretch is going to feel like a playoff game.
The NFC North is just as wild. The Packers (9-3-1), Bears (9-4), and Lions (8-5) are all within striking distance of the division crown.
All three teams have shown flashes of being legitimate contenders, and with four weeks to go, nothing is settled. The margin for error?
Basically nonexistent.
Week 15: Three Teams Eye Clinching Scenarios
While no one’s punched their ticket yet, Week 15 could finally bring some clarity. Three teams - the Broncos, Patriots, and Rams - have a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs with the right results.
Denver Broncos (Week 15 opponent: vs. Packers)
The Broncos are in a strong position to clinch, and they have a few different paths to get there. The cleanest route? Win and they’re in.
But even if they don’t get the W, a tie combined with some help could do the trick. Specifically, they’d need one of the following combinations:
- A tie plus a Jaguars loss
- A tie plus a Chargers loss
- A tie plus a Colts loss or tie
- A tie plus a Texans loss or tie
- Or, a Colts loss or tie plus a Texans loss or tie - but both can’t tie
So, yes, it’s a bit of a math problem, but the bottom line is this: the Broncos control their destiny. A win at home over the Packers would seal the deal.
New England Patriots (Week 15 opponent: vs. Bills)
The Patriots are staring down a massive divisional matchup with the Bills, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Beat Buffalo, and New England wraps up the AFC East. Simple as that.
But if things end in a tie, they still have a shot to clinch a playoff berth - though it’ll require some help. Here’s what they’d need:
- A tie plus a Jaguars loss
- A tie plus a Chargers loss
- A tie plus a Colts loss or tie
- A tie plus a Texans loss or tie
- Or, a Colts loss or tie plus a Texans loss or tie - again, both can’t tie
So while the cleanest path is a win, there are plenty of scenarios that could have the Patriots popping champagne by Sunday night.
Los Angeles Rams (Week 15 opponent: vs. Lions)
For the Rams, it’s straightforward: beat the Lions, and they’re in.
No tiebreakers. No help needed. Just win.
And considering how tight the NFC has been, clinching early could be a huge advantage, giving them a little breathing room before the final stretch.
The Bottom Line
With four weeks to go, the playoff race is as tight as it gets - and that’s exactly what makes this time of year so electric. Every game matters.
Every play matters. And for teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Rams, Week 15 could be the week they officially punch their ticket to January football.
But nothing’s guaranteed. Not yet. And that’s what makes it so much fun.