With just three weeks left in the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take real shape - and while a few teams have already punched their tickets, plenty of others are still fighting tooth and nail for a spot. Here’s how things stand as we head into the home stretch.
NFC Playoff Picture
Clinched
Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
The Rams became the first NFC team to clinch a playoff berth after handling business against the Lions in Week 15.
They’re sitting atop the NFC West and, thanks to an earlier win over the Seahawks, they’re in a strong position to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage. But there's still work to be done - Thursday night’s rematch with Seattle looms large.
Win that, and the road to the Super Bowl might just go through L.A.
Other Division Leaders
Chicago Bears (10-4)
The Bears bounced back after a tough Week 14 loss, reclaiming the NFC North lead with a timely win - and a little help from a Packers stumble.
But the job’s far from finished. With games still remaining against both Green Bay and Detroit, plus a showdown with the 49ers, Chicago’s path to the division crown is anything but smooth.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
The defending champs haven’t looked quite like last year’s juggernaut, but they’re sitting pretty atop the NFC East after the Cowboys dropped a crucial game Sunday night. A win over the Commanders this weekend would lock up the division and a playoff berth - not bad for a team that’s battled inconsistency all season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
It’s been a rough stretch for the Bucs, who’ve dropped five of their last six.
Still, they’re clinging to the NFC South lead - barely. The math is simple: win the division or go home.
With two games left against the Panthers, Tampa Bay controls its fate. Sweep Carolina, and they’re in.
Anything less, and things get dicey.
In the Hunt
Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
Seattle holds the top wild card spot for now, but a pair of divisional losses have made their margin for error razor-thin.
Thursday’s clash with the Rams isn’t just another game - it’s a potential division decider. Win, and they leapfrog into first place.
Lose, and the wild card path gets trickier.
San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
The Niners are right there - close enough to sniff the division title, but also just a half-game from slipping to the final wild card spot. Every snap matters from here on out, especially with a tough schedule ahead.
Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
Green Bay’s in a tight spot.
The NFC West logjam is making life difficult for every other contender, including the Packers. They’re still in the mix, but with no room for error, winning the division might be their cleanest path to the postseason.
Detroit Lions (8-6)
Detroit is the first team out right now, trailing by a game and a half.
But there’s still a shot - whether it’s sneaking in as a wild card or stealing the NFC North crown. They’ll need help, but they’re not out of it yet.
Carolina Panthers (7-7)
The Panthers’ playoff hopes hinge entirely on their two remaining games against the Buccaneers.
A loss to the Saints last week didn’t help, but if they can sweep Tampa, they’ll steal the division and a playoff spot. Otherwise, the door closes.
Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Dallas is hanging on by a thread.
They need to win out and hope the Eagles lose out. It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in December.
AFC Playoff Picture
Clinched
Denver Broncos (12-2)
Denver’s the first AFC team to clinch and the first in the league to hit 12 wins.
That win total puts them in pole position for the No. 1 seed, especially after the Patriots stumbled last week. And let’s be honest - no team wants to travel to Mile High in January.
Home-field advantage here is a real weapon.
Other Division Leaders
New England Patriots (11-3)
The Patriots’ 10-game win streak is over, but their playoff outlook is still strong.
They lead the AFC East and have a favorable schedule the rest of the way - no opponents currently above .500. If they take care of business, they’ll be right there in the seeding conversation.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
The Jags are holding on to the AFC South lead, but the Texans are breathing down their necks.
A win this weekend would give them some breathing room. A loss?
That opens the door wide open for a late-season shake-up.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
The AFC North has been a mess all year, but the Steelers have managed to stay just a step ahead.
After a clutch Monday night win, they’re in control. Beat the Ravens in Week 18, and they’re in.
Simple as that.
In the Hunt
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
The Chargers currently hold the top wild card spot, but they’re not safe yet.
A couple of bad breaks, and things could unravel quickly. They’ll need to finish strong to lock it in.
Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Buffalo is still fighting for a sixth straight AFC East title, and last week’s win over the Patriots kept that dream alive. They’re in a good spot, but they’ll need to keep the pressure on New England.
Houston Texans (9-5)
This team is red-hot - winners of six straight and 7-1 in their last eight.
They’ve surged into the playoff mix and could still steal the AFC South. But as fast as things have come together, they could fall apart just as quickly.
The margin for error is slim.
Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
After a 7-1 start, the Colts have hit a wall, dropping five of their last six.
Injuries have piled up, and with 44-year-old Philip Rivers back under center, they’re trying to keep their season alive. Right now, they’d be on the outside looking in.
They’ll need a late push to change that.
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Baltimore’s path is clear but tough.
They need to beat the Steelers and likely win at least one more game, unless Pittsburgh collapses. It’s not impossible, but the Ravens are walking a tightrope.
Bottom Line:
With three weeks to go, the playoff field is far from settled.
A few teams are in cruise control, but for most, it’s all about survival. Divisional battles, wild card races, and late-season drama - this is what December football is all about.
Buckle up.