NFC Playoff Picture After Week 13: Bears Take the Wheel, Chaos Lurks Behind
Well, here we are in December, and the NFC playoff race just took a sharp left turn. After the Rams were stunned by the Panthers in Week 13, the Chicago Bears-yes, those Bears-now sit atop the NFC as the No. 1 seed. It’s one of the more unexpected storylines of the 2025 season, and with just a few weeks left, the conference standings are tightening like a fourth-quarter two-minute drill.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into Week 14-and which games could shake up the playoff picture even more.
Current NFC Playoff Seeding (Entering Week 14)
- Chicago Bears (9-3, 6-2 conference)
Chicago holds the top seed thanks to a better conference record than the Rams. The Bears have been quietly building momentum all season, and now they’re in the driver’s seat.
A win at Lambeau this weekend would go a long way in solidifying their hold on that top spot.
- Los Angeles Rams (9-3, 4-3 conference)
The Rams may have the same record as Chicago, but their conference losses are starting to pile up. They do, however, own a crucial head-to-head win over Seattle, which keeps them atop the NFC West-for now.
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4, 7-3 conference)
Philly’s been steady, if not spectacular. Their strong conference record keeps them in the mix for a higher seed, but they’ll need help-and they’ll need to take care of business Monday night against the Chargers.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5, 5-3 conference)
The Bucs are clinging to the NFC South lead, but it’s far from secure. With the Panthers lurking just behind and two head-to-head matchups still on the schedule, the division is wide open.
- Seattle Seahawks (9-3, 5-3 conference)
Seattle’s having a strong season, but that loss to the Rams is looming large. They’re locked in a tight race in the West and can’t afford a misstep-especially not this week against a struggling Falcons team.
- Green Bay Packers (8-3-1, 6-2-1 conference)
That tie might end up being a blessing or a curse. Right now, it’s helping the Packers stay above the wild-card fray.
Sunday’s matchup with the Bears could have major playoff seeding implications-and it’s happening at Lambeau. Buckle up.
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4, 8-2 conference)
The Niners are on bye this week, but don’t let that distract you from how dangerous they are. Their conference record is elite, and they’ve been surging at the right time.
They’re very much in play for a higher seed if teams above them falter.
Still in the Hunt
- Detroit Lions (7-5) The Lions are hanging around and have a chance to make a statement Thursday night against Dallas. A win keeps them firmly in the wild-card hunt.
- Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) That tie complicates things, but the Cowboys aren’t out of it. A win over Detroit would be massive for their postseason hopes.
- Carolina Panthers (7-6) Don’t look now, but Carolina might be the most intriguing team on the bubble.
They just knocked off the Rams and are only half a game behind Tampa in the NFC South. With two games left against the Bucs, their path to the playoffs is right in front of them.
Week 14 Matchups to Watch
Here’s what’s on tap this week-and what could shake up the standings:
- Thursday Night: Cowboys at Lions - A must-win for both. The loser takes a hit in the wild-card race.
- Sunday: Seahawks at Falcons - Seattle can’t afford to stumble against a 4-8 Atlanta team. Buccaneers vs. Saints - Tampa needs to hold serve at home against the 2-10 Saints. Rams at Cardinals - LA gets a chance to bounce back against a 3-9 Arizona squad. Bears at Packers - This one’s huge.
First place in the NFC, division pride, and playoff seeding all on the line at Lambeau.
- Monday Night: Eagles at Chargers - A tough road test for Philly, but one they need to win to stay in the top-three mix.
- Bye Week: 49ers and Panthers - Both teams get a breather before the final stretch. For Carolina, it’s a chance to prep for that critical two-game set against the Bucs.
Final Word
The NFC playoff race is far from settled. The Bears are in pole position, but with teams like the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers lurking, there’s no room for error. Add in the wild-card chaos and a suddenly resurgent Panthers squad, and we’ve got ourselves a December to remember.
Week 14 has all the ingredients: rivalry games, playoff positioning, and teams trying to prove they belong. Get your popcorn ready-this is where the real fun begins.