Who Will Rise in the Playoff Race? NFL 2025 Playoff Picture Preview

By: Evren Khan 10/15/25

Quarterback Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts

The NFL is anything but constant when it comes to standings and playoffs. After the 2024 playoffs, teams are back for vengeance, trying to remain on top, and trying to sneak into the playoffs. Going by division, in the AFC East, the Bills (4-0), led by Josh Allen, who is heading for a back-to-back MVP, look like they will be making a bang in the postseason. In the NFC North, the Steelers (3-1) are on top, and as long as a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers keeps it together, things could be looking good for Pittsburgh. In the NFC South, the unexpected Colts (4-1) lead by a written off Daniel Jones with the 3rd most passing yards are dominating opponents. Also in the NFC South is the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1), who had a pitiful 4-13 record in 2024, but look like they might try and sneak into the playoffs at 3 and 1. Last in the AFC is the AFC West, which hosts the LA Chargers (3-1), who look very strong and may be ready for a deep playoff run led by Justin Herbert and a top- three defense, according to Fox Sports.

Moving on to the NFC East is the Philadelphia Eagles (4-1), and defending Super Bowl champions. Though their record is good, the Eagles' offense is the 3rd worst in the entire league, so if Jalen Hurts and the offense don’t get it together, they may not make it deep into the playoffs, if at all. Next, in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions (3-1) look like they are ready for the playoffs after putting up 52, 38, and 34 points against strong defenses. In the NFC South, the Buccaneers (3-1) are on top and look like they will be making the playoffs again. Finally, probably the strongest and most heated division is the NFC West with the Seahawks (3-1), 49ers (4-1), and Rams (3-2) all looking playoff-ready. Seattle’s defense is allowing only 16.8 points per game, while the offense needs to turn it up to be a real contender. Next, the 49ers have been absolutely devastated by injuries with George Kittle (TE), Brock Purdy (QB), Juan Jennings (WR), and Ricky Pearsall (WR) injured. Still, the 49ers have excelled under Mac Jones, and look playoff-bound bound especially once they regain some health. Lastly, the Rams, who almost brought down the 2024 Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, in a final-minute drive to win the game last year, also look like threats with the #1 receiver, Puka Nacua, cutting through defenses.

Lastly, which teams from last year’s playoffs are crumbling? Well, the Ravens (1-4) look like they are already out of playoff contention. If the defense continues to allow 35+ points and Lamar Jackson doesn’t get healthy, Baltimore’s season is as good as over. Lastly, though in slightly better shape is the Kansas City Chiefs (2-2). The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, got obliterated by the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX with a score of 40 to 22, and while they are still a strong team, a 2 and 2 start is worrying if they want to be back in the Super Bowl.

While anything can happen, divisions all have a strong team that looks like a contender, and several teams are practically eliminated from contention: Jets (0-5), Browns (1-4), Titans (0-5), Raiders (1-4), Giants (1-4), and the Saints (1-4). As the playoffs draw closer, expect to see some long-standing winners move and along with some teams seeking a glimmer of hope at breaking into the post-season.