NFL Playoff Picture Heading Into Week 14: Parity Reigns, Powerhouses Struggle, and the Stretch Run Is Set to Thrill
If there’s one thing the 2025 NFL season has made crystal clear, it’s this: forget what you thought you knew. Parity isn’t just a buzzword-it’s the defining theme of this year's campaign. With five weeks left in the regular season, not a single division race has been locked up, and the playoff picture is as wide open as we’ve seen in years.
Let’s start with the biggest shocker: the New England Patriots. A team many pegged for a rebuilding year is sitting atop the entire league at 11-2.
They’ve been efficient, opportunistic, and just plain tough-everything you want in a December football team. But they’re not cruising.
Right on their heels in the AFC are the Denver Broncos, who’ve quietly stacked a 10-2 record behind a balanced attack and stingy defense.
And then there’s the Kansas City Chiefs. Yes, those Chiefs.
The three-time defending AFC champs are sitting at .500 through 12 games. Patrick Mahomes and company have looked mortal, and with a 6-6 record, they’re officially in must-win territory the rest of the way.
Same goes for the Baltimore Ravens, who are also 6-6 but currently holding onto the AFC North lead by the slimmest of margins.
Across the league, it’s chaos-in the best way. No division leader holds more than a 2.5-game edge, and with no teams able to clinch a playoff berth in Week 14, every game down the stretch will have postseason implications. This is the kind of late-season drama fans live for.
Let’s break down where things stand as we head into Week 14, with a full look at the playoff picture and the matchups we’d see if the postseason started today.
AFC Playoff Picture
1. New England Patriots (11-2) - AFC East Leaders
The Patriots are back in a big way. Efficient quarterback play, a disciplined defense, and clutch wins have them leading not just the AFC East, but the entire NFL.
They currently hold the top seed and would earn a first-round bye if the playoffs began today.
2. Denver Broncos (10-2) - AFC West Leaders
Denver’s resurgence has been one of the league’s most impressive storylines. They’re right behind the Patriots and could still snag the No. 1 seed with a strong finish.
Their defense has been elite, and the offense is doing just enough to win tight games.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) - AFC South Leaders
The Jags are leading a competitive AFC South thanks to their explosive offense and improved play in the trenches. They’ve shown they can hang with anyone, but consistency will be key down the stretch.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6) - AFC North Leaders
Despite a rocky season, the Ravens are clinging to the top spot in the AFC North. With the division still wide open, every game from here on out is essentially a playoff game.
**5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) - Wild Card No.
1**
The Chargers have been quietly steady, and their 8-4 record puts them in a strong position.
They’ve got a high-powered offense and a defense that’s finding its groove.
**6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4) - Wild Card No.
2**
Indianapolis has been one of the season’s most pleasant surprises.
They’ve won with grit, and their physical style of play travels well-something that could pay off in January.
**7. Buffalo Bills (8-4) - Wild Card No.
3**
Buffalo's rollercoaster season has them in the final AFC playoff spot for now.
They’ve shown flashes of dominance, but they’ll need to tighten things up if they want to hold off a crowded field behind them.
In the Hunt:
- Houston Texans (7-5)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
- Miami Dolphins (5-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
- New York Jets (3-9)
- Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Eliminated:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
- Tennessee Titans (1-11)
NFC Playoff Picture
1. Chicago Bears (9-3) - NFC North Leaders
Yes, the Bears. They’ve been one of the league’s most balanced teams, with a defense that’s forcing turnovers and an offense that’s come alive in the second half of the season.
They hold the top seed in the NFC-for now.
2. Los Angeles Rams (9-3) - NFC West Leaders
The Rams are right there with Chicago, and their high-octane offense has helped them win some shootouts. Their Week 14 and beyond schedule will be crucial as they chase the No. 1 seed.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) - NFC East Leaders
The Eagles are tough, tested, and built for December football. They’ve weathered injuries and still sit atop the NFC East, though the division remains tight.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) - NFC South Leaders
Tampa has been scrappy, and their defense has kept them in games. The South is still up for grabs, but the Bucs are in control for now.
**5. Seattle Seahawks (9-3) - Wild Card No.
1**
Seattle has looked like a contender all year.
With a stout defense and a dynamic offense, they’re a team no one wants to face come playoff time.
**6. Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) - Wild Card No.
2**
The Packers have quietly built a strong record, and that tie could end up being a difference-maker in a tight wild-card race.
**7. San Francisco 49ers (9-4) - Wild Card No.
3**
The Niners have had their ups and downs, but they’re still right in the thick of things.
Their physical brand of football could be a problem for teams in the postseason.
In the Hunt:
- Detroit Lions (7-5)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)
- Carolina Panthers (7-6)
- Atlanta Falcons (4-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (4-8)
- Washington Commanders (3-8)
If the Playoffs Started Today: Projected Matchups
AFC Bracket:
- 1. New England Patriots (BYE)
- **2. Denver Broncos vs.
- Buffalo Bills**
- **3. Jacksonville Jaguars vs.
- Indianapolis Colts**
- **4. Baltimore Ravens vs.
- Los Angeles Chargers**
NFC Bracket:
- 1. Chicago Bears (BYE)
- **2. Los Angeles Rams vs.
- San Francisco 49ers**
- **3. Philadelphia Eagles vs.
- Green Bay Packers**
- **4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs.
- Seattle Seahawks**
The Bottom Line
With no playoff spots clinched and every division still up for grabs, the final five weeks of the 2025 NFL season are shaping up to be a wild ride. From surprise contenders to perennial powers trying to stay afloat, the storylines are rich, the stakes are high, and the margin for error is razor thin.
Buckle up-December football is here, and it’s going to be a sprint to the finish.