The 2025 NFL playoff picture is taking shape after Thanksgiving and Black Friday games in Week 13, with only five weeks left in the regular season. In the AFC, the New England Patriots lead at 10-2, while the NFC is topped by the Los Angeles Rams at 9-2. Several surprise contenders are vying for postseason spots alongside established favorites.
As the NFL enters the final stretch of the 2025 regular season, the playoff race intensifies following Week 13's Thanksgiving tripleheader and Black Friday matchup. The postseason format includes division winners and wild cards, with teams battling for byes and seeding.
In the AFC, the New England Patriots hold the top spot at 10-2, powered by Drake Maye's MVP-caliber play under Mike Vrabel. Their remaining schedule includes divisional games against the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins, plus matchups with the Giants and Ravens. The Denver Broncos sit second at 9-2, relying on Bo Nix's composure and Vance Joseph's defense. They face the Commanders, Raiders, Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs, and Chargers ahead.
The Indianapolis Colts are 8-3, with Daniel Jones needing to maintain efficiency against tough defenses like the Texans, Jaguars, Seahawks, 49ers, and more. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) lead the North amid Baltimore's struggles, with Aaron Rodgers flashing vintage form despite a recent injury. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4), and Buffalo Bills (7-4) round out the wild cards. The Bills feature Josh Allen's Superman-like performances, though their defense has been volatile.
Teams in the hunt include the Houston Texans (6-5), Kansas City Chiefs (6-6), and Baltimore Ravens (6-6). The Texans boast the NFL's top defense despite C.J. Stroud's absence.
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) are confident with Matthew Stafford slinging passes, facing the Panthers, Cardinals, Lions, Seahawks, Falcons, and Cardinals. Chicago Bears (9-3) proved their contender status by beating the Eagles, with upcoming games against the Packers (twice), Browns, 49ers, and Lions. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) have slipped after losses to the Cowboys and Bears.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) aim for a fifth straight South title, while Seattle Seahawks (8-3), Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), and San Francisco 49ers (8-4) compete closely. The Packers showcased Jordan Love and Micah Parsons on Thanksgiving. Detroit Lions (7-5) and Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) remain in contention.
Fantasy implications from Week 13 previews highlight players like Khalil Shakir for the Bills against Pittsburgh, who rank second in points allowed to receivers.